St. Johns County, Florida Business Climate

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With easy access by interstate, waterways and by air, St. Johns County provides a thriving business climate.

Over the last decade, the county has been one of the fastest growing counties in the US. While the state growth rate was just 14.7%, St Johns County grew 47.4% from 2000 to 2008, with a current total population of 181,540. And thanks in part to that growth, the 2010 Census could ensure up to $50 million in federal tax funds. These funds are used to build healthcare facilities, libraries, roads, parks and a host of other facilities and programs throughout St. Johns County.

In addition to the population growth, St. Johns County offers some of the lowest utilities costs in Florida, below average property taxes, no personal income tax, a friendly corporate tax structure and a county incentive package for relocating and hiring. The Northeast Florida Regional Airport at St. Augustine  offers short flights throughout northeast Florida and direct flights to large cities in the southeastern United States. Offering direct access to waterways, rail, freight and convenient air travel. Relocating or starting a business in St. Johns County, Florida is an easy financial and logistical decision.

Development Review & Permitting
St. Johns County offers convenience and cost-savings in the development review and permitting process.

Services include:

  • Expedited Permitting (to qualifying economic development and affordable housing projects)
  • One-Stop Permitting (for quick and efficient approval of construction plans)
  • On-Line Development Permit Tracking

You will find staff easily accessible and eager to help guide your project through the process. For more information, contact the St. Johns County Growth Management Department at (904) 209-0575 or devrev@co.st-johns.fl.us.

Community Redevelopment Areas
St. Johns County has designated three important Community Redevelopment Areas (CRA's) for economic growth.

They include portions of:

  • Flagler Estates
  • Vilano Beach
  • West Augustine

Special assistance for projects in these areas is available. For more information, contact Tom Crawford, Director of Housing and Community Services, (904) 827-6890 or tcrawford@co.st-johns.fl.us.