TELEPHONE SERVICE

     St. Johns County has a computerized emergency 911 system. Whether it's fire, police, or rescue service you need, just dial 911 for immediate help. Even if you cannot describe your exact location, the 911 data bank will tell the operator where your exact location is coming from.

     Southern Bell Telephone services the St. John County area and newcomers may arrange connections by calling the following number. Call for Residential & Business phone service - (904)780-2355.

     You may also consult the "Call Guide" section in the front of the current telephone directory for the other service numbers. Southern Bell telephone books are available from the Chamber of Commerce office at 1 Riberia Street.

     A deposit may be required for new service. Telephone equipment and long distance services are available from various vendors doing businesses in St. Johns County.

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ELECTRICITY

     Power is provided by Florida Power and Light Company at rates that are competitive here in Florida. A deposit is required prior to beginning service and is usually equal to twice your projected monthly bill.

     You should allow a waiting period of two days after application is made for connection to a location already serviced by the power company, and up to six weeks if no facilities are available. Call (800) 226-3545.

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CABLE TELEVISION

     Time Warner, 2200 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd., St. Augustine, Fl 32084. Call (904) 824-2813.

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WATER & SEWER

     If you are locating within the limits of the City of St. Augustine, call the city's water and sewer department at 825-1040 or stop by Finance Office in City Hall on King Street. The phone number is 825-1065.

     While many areas of the county are serviced by private water companies that must be contacted directly, a large area is service by the Anastasia Sanitation District (ASD). Application for services from St. Augustine Beach southward along the coast and in mainland and areas south of the city limits may be made in person at the ASD office, 2175 Mizell Road on Anastasia Island. The phone number is 471-2161.

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GARBAGE AND TRASH COLLECTION

     Residents of St. Augustine can expect pick up by a division of the city's Public work Department. Call 825-1040 to find out what days your address is serviced. Trash must be bagged and placed near the street. For removal of large items and amounts of debris, call 825-1049.

     County residents should call BFI, 829-2401.

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MARRIAGE LICENSES

     A marriage license may be obtained at the office of the Clerk of Court in the St. Johns County Courthouse on Lewis Speedway. Florida law no longer requires a blood test prior to receiving a license. If either of the parties had been previously married, proof of the dissolution of the marriage must be presented. Both parties must show their driver's license (photo ID). Parental consent is required for persons under the age of 18. The fee for a marriage license is $63.50.

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DRIVER LICENSES

     New residents must obtain a Florida driver license within 30 days of becoming resident. You must obtain a Florida driver license if you accept employment in Florida, enroll children in a Florida public school, apply for the Florida Homestead Exemption provision or register to vote.

     Persons with valid out-of-state licenses are required to take a vision test and will be required to show proof of Florida registration for every vehicle which is owned by the applicant or complete a Non-Owners affidavit. New residents must present two pieces of valid identification, one of which may be an out-of-state license.

     The driver examination station is located at the St. Johns County Courthouse on Lewis Speedway. Hours are 7 am to 6 PM. Call 825-5066 or 825-5068 for information to make an appointment.

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HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION

     Florida homeowners are entitled to an ad valorem tax exemption of the first $25,000 of assessed valuation if they owned and occupied the home as of December 31 of the prior year. To apply for this exemption, the owner must present a copy of his/her warranty deed, a Florida driver license, Florida voter registration, vehicle registration with Florida tags and the social security number of each name listed on the deed at the Property Appraiser's office in the St. Johns County Courthouse. Qualifying dates are January 1 to March 1 of the first year for which the exemption is sought. The exemption may be renewed by mail for subsequent years if the owner still qualifies for it. An additional exemption is available to widows and the totally, permanently disabled persons. For details call the Property Appraiser's office at 823-2200.

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VEHICLE REGISTRATION

     New residents must register all motor vehicles which they own immediately upon making residence in St. Johns County.

     Minimum cost of registration is based on the weight of the vehicle ($26.60, $34.60 or $44.60). Application for a title is $29.25, and for out-of-state financing arrangements, proof of Florida personal injury protection insurance (minimum of $10,000 each) and property damage liability, and the vehicle itself. Each person listed on the title must be present with picture identification (a Power of Attorney to sign for persons unable to be present is required). Other charges include Tag Initiation Fee ($100.00) & $10 plate fee.

     Florida registration may be obtained through the office of St. Johns County Tax Collector's Office located in the St. Johns County Courthouse. Hours are 8:30 am to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Call 823-2270 for more information.

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TAXES

     Florida residents must be at least 18 years of age in order to register to vote in local, state and national elections in St. Johns County. Absence of a felony record also applies.

     New residents may register to vote immediately upon moving to the county. You must register to vote at least 03 days prior to an election in order to vote on that election. To receive a voter registration card or to change your address, complete an application available at the Supervisor of Elections office in St. Johns Count Courthouse, public library or any bank or grocery store.

     Voters should report change of address either by mail (PO Box 3086, St. Augustine Fl. 32085) or in person at the elections office. Call 823-2238 for more information.

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HEALTH CLINICS

     Publicly funded medical assistance is available through the St. Johns County Health Department, 180 Marine Street. The clinic provides free immunization to all children and dental work for indigents. Venereal disease treatment is offered free to everyone and family planning services are available for a fee. School physicals are available by appointment.

     A parental clinic in cooperation with the Florida health and Rehabilitative Services is operated by the health department.

     Primary care is given by an internist and a family practitioner. Medicaid payments are accepted and others are on a sliding pay scale (AC). service rendered by these physicians must be services at the clinic location only. Call the health department at 825-5055.

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RESCUE SERVICES

     The St. johns County Rescue Service with it's team of paramedics is rated among the best in Florida. Specially equipped vehicles allow communication of lifesaving information while a patient is being transported to a hospital, while fully trained medical technicians, many with advance life support training and experience, staff each unit dispatched. Emergency medical helicopter flight service is available to transport critically ill or inured patients to an area medical facility The number to call for an emergency is 911.

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ANIMAL RULES AND REGULATIONS

     Rabies is a real threat in Florida, which is why all dogs and cats more than four months old must be inoculated by a licensed veterinarian who will issue a certificate and tag for your pet. The tag should be worn at all times and the certificate must be presented with application for city licensing of your pet. License fees are $3 for males and spayed females; $5 for unspayed females. City residents may obtain this license through the City Finance Office, City Hall.

     St. Johns County and all municipalities through out the county enforces a leash law. The St. Johns Count Humane Society, 829-2737, is the agency to call for reports of unleashed, stray, or possibly rabid animals. If outside their jurisdiction, they will help you contact the proper authorities.

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FISHING & HUNTING LICENSES

     Licenses are required for saltwater and freshwater fishing in St. Johns County. Resident licenses are available for the county Tax Collector's office in the St. Johns County Courthouse. Proper identification is required.

     Hunting and fishing licenses are valid for one year. Costs are:

No license required for surf-fishing by residents. The hunting license allows hunting of designated animals and birds in specified seasons in permitted areas.

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EDUCATION

     If you have children entering the public school system, you should contact the school board's student service office as soon as you have established your residence. Call 826-2000.

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