Guest Column: It must be December

Guest Column: It must be December

Dennis W. Hollingsworth, CFC
St. Johns County Tax Collector

Dear Historic City News readers,

This time of year, while St Johns County residents and businesses bustle about in preparation for the holidays your St Johns County Tax Collector’s office is at its peak season.

Not only is December the second month for collection of real estate property taxes, and the third payment for those on the installment plan, December 31st also marks the registration renewal date for all mobile homes and trucks over 5,000 lbs.

Add to this workload the increased number of driver license road tests and learner permits with high schoolers on Christmas break, and you can understand why the holidays are a busy time at all of our branch locations.

If you can, this is the perfect time of year to visit our website, www.sjctax.us, to conduct your regular tax and tag business and avoid unusually full lobbies. Or, if you must come into the office, plan to come during the morning hours, between 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. for the speediest service. Although our offices will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, we will be open Saturday, December 28th from 8:30 a.m. till noon at our St Augustine main office, 4030 Lewis Speedway. No road tests are conducted on Saturdays, and no other St Johns County branch office location is open for Saturday hours.

Property owners opting to pay their real estate taxes in December enjoy a 3 percent discount from the gross tax amount, provided taxes are received or postmarked by December 31st. Delinquent property tax payments made in December must be received on or before December 31st and be paid with certified funds.

Mobile home owners must renew the registration for each unit of their mobile home by the end of the month. The registration stickers are mounted on an orange background for 2014, and a green background for 2015. Each registration must be affixed to the lower left corner of the window closest to the street or road providing access to the residence, per Florida Statute.

Individuals and businesses with trucks weighing more than 5,000 lbs. must renew their vehicles by December 31st. Usually, individuals’ registration expires midnight the morning of their birthday; however, that expiration date changes when vehicles weigh 5,000 lbs. or more. Owners of vehicles that weigh in excess of 55,000 lbs. must show proof that heavy vehicle use tax was collected.

Finally, beach passes are now on sale at all locations of the St Johns County Tax Collector. Residents can purchase 2014 beach passes at the pre-season rate of $30.00; non-residents can also purchase early at a rate of $40.00. Disabled persons who are residents or non-residents pay just $20.00, and 100% disabled military veterans can receive beach passes at no cost with proof of disability.

As always, if you have any questions or comments, please contact me at taxcollector@sjctax.us.

Merry Christmas!