SJC Adopts $1.8 Billion Fiscal Year 2026 Budget with Historic Investments, Property Tax Reduction, and Public Safety Expansion
Budget marks County’s first property tax reduction in five years
The St. Johns County Board of County Commissioners (BCC) unanimously approved a $1.8 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY2026), marking the County’s first property tax reduction since FY2021. Effective Oct. 1, 2025, the budget allocates $383 million from property tax revenue while making historic investments in public safety, infrastructure, parks, and libraries.
“This year’s budget delivers historic investments and a property tax reduction, with nearly $5 million in additional Fire Rescue funding to support public safety growth,” said Joy Andrews, St. Johns County Administrator. “This is one of the most thoughtful budgets we’ve produced—upholding the Board’s vision by striking the right balance between efficiency and forward-thinking growth. Our department leadership and budget office worked hand in hand with me to prioritize projects and services that matter most to our community. And for the first time in our history, we made a decision to establish a $20 million Emergency Response Fund to strengthen our independence, agility, and ability to protect our residents and ensure we are ready to help the community recover.”
Key Highlights of the FY2026 Budget:
- $9.1 million reduction in General Fund property taxes
- $4.9 million increase in Fire Rescue funding to strengthen first responder recruitment and retention
- $20 million Emergency Response Reserve to enhance hurricane and crisis readiness
- Continued construction on the following:
- Four new fire stations (with law enforcement presence)
- Four new regional parks
- One new library branch and two new library hubs
More than $159 million is dedicated to Capital Improvement Projects, including new and expanded roadways, water and wastewater facilities, and critical infrastructure enhancements.
The budget also reflects the County’s ongoing commitment to efficiency and sustainability. An example of this is the new workforce energy efficiency program launched by Facilities Management that has lowered recurring utility costs.
Looking ahead, the County Administrator’s Office will continue working closely with the Board to realign resources through ongoing prioritization. In FY2026, the office will launch a reorganization with an emphasis on lean management practices—starting with leadership and extending throughout the organization.
“By streamlining operations today and adopting a performance-driven budget platform in the future, we are positioning St. Johns County for long-term financial health and sustainability,” said Andrews.
St. Johns County continues to maintain one of the lowest millage rates in Northeast Florida while delivering high-quality public services—without the benefit of a local option sales tax or by maximizing the local option gas tax.
The FY2026 budget process included multiple Budget Workshop Sessions (May 8, May 9, May 12 [Part 1 and Part 2], and May 13) and BCC Public Hearings on Sept. 3 and Sept. 16. Each session was broadcast live on GovTV, and recordings were uploaded to the County website for viewing to ensure transparency and accessibility for the community. For more information on the FY2026 Budget, please visit the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget web page.
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