St. Johns County commissioners hold the first public hearing on the FY2027 budget and tax rates Thursday, Sept. 3, at 5:01 p.m. Property owners across the county, including Ponte Vedra Beach and Nocatee, can weigh in on the spending plan at the County Auditorium, 500 San Sebastian View in St. Augustine.

The hearing is the first of two required under Florida law before commissioners can adopt the FY2027 budget, according to the county's budget hearing notice. The county's property tax rates directly determine the tax bills that Ponte Vedra-area homeowners receive each year. The budget also funds road projects, fire rescue, parks and other services in the fast-growing Nocatee corridor.

The FY2027 budget takes effect Oct. 1.

Proposed rates and budget

Commissioners set tentative millage rates on July 21 after County Administrator Joy Andrews presented her recommended budget. Under the county's process, those rates act as a ceiling. Commissioners can lower them at the September hearings but cannot raise them.

The current FY2026 budget totals $1.272 billion, with $383 million drawn from property tax revenue. Commissioners unanimously approved that budget in September 2025, including a $9.1 million reduction in General Fund property taxes. That marked the county's first property tax cut since FY2021, according to county budget records.

How the process got here

Budget development began with public workshops in May, where county departments and community partners presented their priorities and funding requests. Andrews presented her final recommendation to the board on July 21. The St. Johns County Property Appraiser mailed Notices of Proposed Property Taxes, known as TRIM notices, on Aug. 21, according to the county's FY2027 budget calendar.

When the workshops launched in May, Andrews encouraged public participation. "Feedback from the community following these sessions will help shape my July budget recommendation to the Board," she said at the time.

How to participate

Residents can attend the Thursday hearing in person at the County Auditorium. Those unable to attend can watch through the county's GovTV, Facebook and YouTube channels. Detailed budget documents are available on the county's FY2027 budget page.

The final vote on the FY2027 millage rates and budget is set for Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 5:01 p.m. at the same location.