St. Johns County Approves Fiscal Year 2027 Budget
County has been preparing since May for potential fiscal effects of proposed Property Tax Amendment 3
Key Points
- The Fiscal Year 2027 budget is $1.9 billion.
- $100 million in capital improvement projects have been placed on hold, while approximately $8.6 million in positions and vacant-position funding has been identified for reassessment after the November election.
- County reserves are being strengthened with $31.2 million in emergency response reserves and an additional $30 million in General Fund reserves designated for financial resiliency in response to Amendment 3.
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners adopted the $1.9 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget, including a flat millage rate, during its Second Public Hearing on September 15, 2026. Details on the budget are available at www.sjcfl.us/departments/office-of-management-and-budget.
St. Johns County announced in May that it was preparing for the potential fiscal effects of proposed Property Tax Amendment 3, which will appear on the November 3, 2026, General Election ballot.
To inform the community, the County hosted a Town Hall on September 29, produced a four-part County Conversations podcast series available on its podcast feed and YouTube channel, and provided a budget overview and update on the proposed property tax reform during the September 1, 2026, Board of County Commissioners Regular Meeting.
The County has created a dedicated webpage at sjcfl.us/amendment-3 with an overview of the proposed amendment, estimated effects on County revenue, information about the current allocation of property tax dollars, and links to official sources.
According to the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research, if the amendment passes, St. Johns County could experience estimated property tax revenue reductions of:
- $68.3 million in FY 2028
- $136.1 million in FY 2029
- $191.6 million in FY 2032
The County does not advocate for or against the amendment. Its responsibility is to provide factual information to residents and prepare for either result.
The $1.9 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes:
- A flat millage rate from FY 2026.
- Emergency Response Reserve increased for General Fund.
- Emergency Response Reserve added for Transportation Trust and Fire District Fund.
- Funding for new facilities, including parks, libraries, and fire stations, as well as roadway improvements.
- More than $264 million in new funding for Capital Improvement Projects.
- Approximately $126.3 million in Utility Services borrowing for Capital Improvement Projects.
From FY 2012 through FY 2020, the County maintained flat millage rates to fund operations. In FY 2021, the Board reduced millage rates during the COVID-19 pandemic. In FY 2026, the County had a net reduction in millage rates.
Stay informed of more St. Johns County news by subscribing to our e-newsletters and learn how we’re shaping our community’s future by advancing the SJC Strategic Plan through the Office of Public Affairs.
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