#United States #Property Tax #St. Augustine #St. Johns County #Amendment 3

St. Johns County Prepares for Property Tax Amendment 3

As the November 3, 2026, General Election approaches, St. Johns County has been taking significant preparatory steps regarding the proposed Property Tax Amendment 3. Since May, county officials have been assessing the potential ramifications of this amendment, which could lead to considerable reductions in property tax revenue.

The county's proactive efforts include the creation of a dedicated webpage at sjcfl.us/amendment-3, where residents can find an overview of the proposed amendment, its estimated effects on county revenue, and information about the existing allocation of property-tax dollars, alongside links to authoritative sources.

Overview of Preparations

Led by the County Administrator's Office, the county staff has been conducting a comprehensive review of services, staffing, contracts, capital projects, and funding sources since the amendment was proposed. This careful assessment serves as the foundation for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Recommended Budget and equips the county with vital data to plan effectively for either outcome of the election.

The county does not take a stance for or against the amendment but aims to keep residents informed and ready for any eventuality. According to the Florida Office of Economic and Demographic Research, if Amendment 3 is approved, St. Johns County could see a staggering decline in property tax revenue:

• - FY 2028: An estimated reduction of $68.3 million
• - FY 2029: An estimated reduction of $136.1 million
• - FY 2032: An estimated reduction of $191.6 million

County Administrator Joy Andrews emphasized, "Preparing now allows us to make thoughtful decisions, protect essential services, avoid committing resources that may not be available in the future, and stay aware of any project that could add a recurring cost burden."

Actionable Steps Taken

Since May, the county has completed various analyses, including:

• - A legislative review of Florida’s 2026 property-tax reform package.
• - An analysis identifying which county services could be sustained with property-tax revenue if the amendment passes.
• - A comprehensive inventory of 380 services distributed across 18 departments.
• - A detailed examination of 1,137 pre-existing fees and new fees under consideration.
• - A financial resiliency strategy that reviews ten key areas including personnel, service costs, and alternative funding.

The ongoing assessment indicates potential funding cuts post-election, such as:

• - $4 million related to current vacant positions.
• - $2 million in FY 2027 positions not recommended for funding.
• - $2.6 million in recommended, yet paused, FY 2027 positions.
• - Approximately $100 million in capital improvement projects temporarily halted.

Fortifying Financial Reserves

In the Recommended Budget for FY 2027, St. Johns County includes $31.2 million in emergency response reserves, which will enhance the county's ability to manage unexpected crises, like hurricanes and other emergencies while ensuring essential services remain uninterrupted. Additionally, the budget allocates $30 million in General Fund reserves aimed at fostering financial stability in response to Amendment 3’s possible implications.

Review of Capital Improvement Projects

In collaboration with the Capital Improvement Project Oversight Committee, the county is establishing designation criteria for capital projects, determining whether they will continue, pause, or defer depending on the election results. The analysis will balance factors such as life-safety requirements, financial impact of pausing projects, and community needs.

Engaging with the Public

St. Johns County remains committed to transparency and community engagement. Several opportunities for public participation are scheduled, including:

• - September 15: Final budget adoption hearing at 5:01 p.m. in the County Auditorium.
• - September 29: A Town Hall at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Amendment 3 and its implications for the county budget.

For those who wish to stay informed, the FY 2027 budget process and relevant information is available at sjcfl.us/2027-budget. By ensuring that residents are kept in the loop, St. Johns County aims to advance stability and preparedness moving into the future. Further details on Amendment 3 can be accessed via the dedicated webpage where residents can find comprehensive answers to frequently asked questions and important updates.