ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. – St. Johns County officials are considering a new measure that would require developers to pay for land conservation, marking the latest development in the county’s ongoing efforts to modify impact fees.
The proposed conservation fee, set for final approval Tuesday, would apply to residential and hotel-motel developments. The funds would be used to purchase land for conservation and open space throughout the county.
“It’s about time that the developers start footing their bill for their impact to our community,” said County Commissioner Krista Joseph.
The initiative comes as the county grapples with significant environmental changes. According to Global Forest Watch, St. Johns County lost 40% of its tree canopy over a 20-year period starting in 2001.
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St. Johns County Growth Management Director Mike Roberson explained the scope of the new fee: “This would be applied to any residential as well as hotel-motel development. Whether it be a single family or a large development or a hotel or motel, you would be charged a conservation fee.”
The county plans to implement the fee gradually over four years, starting at 50% of the full amount and increasing by 12.5% annually over the following four years.
Currently, more than 30% of St. Johns County is protected from development. The county manages these areas through its Land Acquisition Management Program, which allows the county to bid on properties for sale.
However, Commissioner Joseph noted challenges with the existing program, stating: “The land acquisition plan has not had a good acquisition since 2018. The Genovar piece is probably the last big conservation open space that we did. We just don’t have enough money in there from the taxpayer to pay for that.”
Local resident Jack Michie, who supports the initiative, said, “If the county and the state have devised ways to acquire land and have that land be permanently conservation land, I think that is a very good idea.”
According to Roberson, any land purchased through this program could include parking lots for public access. The conservation fund is part of a larger impact fee schedule modification that will be voted on Tuesday and, if approved, will take effect in 2026.
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