How Did St. Johns County Vote on Marijuana, Abortion, and Property Taxes?
St. Johns County residents went to the polls Tuesday to vote on big issues, including marijuana legalization, abortion rights, and a property tax increase.
As expected, Donald Trump won easily in the county, getting 128,514 votes compared to 66,669 for Kamala Harris. That’s a 65% to 34% difference. Trump later announced that his campaign manager, Susan Wiles, a longtime Ponte Vedra Beach resident, will be his next White House chief of staff.
Republican Senator Rick Scott also had a strong win over Democrat Debbie Mucarsel-Powell.
Property Tax Increase for Schools
Voters approved a new 1 mill property tax increase to raise teacher salaries and help with hiring and keeping teachers. A total of 127,518 people voted in favor, while 59,465 voted against it (68% to 32%).
The tax increase will start on July 1, 2025, and last for four years. It will add about $325 per year in taxes for a home worth $350,000 and $625 per year for a $650,000 home.
Voters also decided to keep a half-cent sales tax that raised $37 million last year to help build and improve schools.
Marijuana Legalization
The county was split on legalizing marijuana, with 95,296 people against it and 99,072 in favor (49% to 51%).
Statewide, the measure needed 60% approval to pass but failed with 55.9% in favor.
Abortion Rights
St. Johns County voters were also divided on Amendment 4, which would have allowed abortions up to fetal viability.
98,131 voters supported the amendment, while 95,826 voted against it.
However, like the marijuana measure, it needed 60% support statewide but fell short.
Because of this, Gov. Ron DeSantis’ law banning abortions after six weeks will stay in effect.
