2/11/26 @ 4:30 p.m. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Gary Davis
Communications Manager
(904) 530-6010
[email protected]  

NONPROFIT FUNDING REQUESTS FOR FY 26/27

The Board of County Commissioners has begun the budgeting process for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.
 
Nassau County greatly values the benefits and contributions made by nonprofit organizations to the community. As such, we would like to extend an invitation to nonprofit organizations serving residents of Nassau County to apply to be considered for funding. To be considered, you must complete a Nonprofit Funding Request Application. This form can be found on the County’s official website at www.nassaucountyfl.com, under the Office of Management and Budget, or at this direct link: https://nassaufl.co/26-27FundingApplication.
 
In addition, please refer to the Nonprofit Grant Funding Policy for information regarding eligibility criteria and a uniform procedure for the submission, review, approval, and accounting of funding requests to the County from nonprofit organizations. This policy can also be found on the County’s official website at www.nassaucountyfl.com under the Office of Management and Budget or at this direct link: https://nassaufl.co/26-27NFPFundingPolicy.
  
Your funding request must be provided to the Office of Management & Budget located at 96135 Nassau Place, Suite 2, Yulee, FL 32097, by the close of business on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
 
On Friday, May 22, 2026, a Public Forum will be held for agencies to make a brief presentation regarding your organization and its request. Agencies submitting funding requests will be contacted by the Office of Management & Budget to schedule a time for your presentation.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Sr. Budget Coordinator, Sharon Johns, at (904) 530-6010, Option 2, or via e-mail at [email protected]. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Gary Davis
Communications Manager
(904) 530-6010
[email protected]



Nassau County, Florida – January 19, 2026 - The Nassau County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) today issued the following statement in response to the Florida Attorney General’s opinion addressing the legal standard for “extraordinary circumstances” under Florida law as it relates to impact fee increases exceeding statutory phase-in limitations.
Attorney General Opinion: https://www.myfloridalegal.com/sites/default/files/final-opinion.pdf.

The Nassau County BOCC appreciates the Attorney General’s guidance and agrees that population growth alone cannot be the sole metric used to justify extraordinary circumstances. Nassau County has long recognized that extraordinary circumstances must be supported by a broader and more comprehensive analysis of real-world infrastructure demands, costs, and measurable impacts on public infrastructure. This recognition is why Nassau County prepared an Extraordinary Circumstances Demonstrated Needs Study that identified and evaluated several key factors that, when viewed collectively, created the extraordinary circumstances justifying impact fee recalibration consistent with Florida Statutes: overall population growth; population growth exceeding University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research (BEBR) projections; increased permitting activity; significant land value increases; ballooning construction/infrastructure costs ; and higher levels of service for citizens—all occurring during Nassau County’s transition from a rural county to a county with small urban designated areas.

Based on a review of the letter requesting the Attorney General to render an opinion on Nassau County’s impact fees, it appears the Attorney General was responding to a hypothetical question posed by a Representative, who represents portions of Volusia, Lake, and Marion counties. While the hypothetical situation does reference Nassau County, the question put forward to the Attorney General was not based on Nassau County’s Extraordinary Circumstances Demonstrated Needs Study.

Nassau County is aware that in prior sessions and again this session, the Florida Legislature is considering additional clarification of the term “extraordinary circumstances.” Proactively and in a good-faith effort to meet the intent of the Legislature, Nassau County’s Study not only demonstrated compliance with current Florida law but established a six-point test by reviewing pending legislation like Senate Bills 548 (filed in 2026 Legislative Session) and 482 (filed in 2025 Legislative Session) which seek to establish a test under which multiple criteria, including population growth exceeding BEBR high projections over a five-year period, must be met to qualify as extraordinary circumstances.

Nassau County officials conducted an open, transparent, and engaged process over the last year that resulted in the adoption of properly calibrated impact fees. This approach ensures that the costs associated with new growth are borne by new development rather than existing taxpayers. The adoption process included meaningful collaboration with local developers and homebuilders and incorporated a four-year phased implementation to mitigate short-term impacts on the development community and ensure new housing supply continues to be produced at affordable levels.

Nassau County’s Impact Fee Approach Has Been Based on Demonstrated Need and Multiple Data Sources
In support of its impact fee updates, Nassau County utilized a demonstrated-need methodology that included a range of documented conditions beyond mere population increase. Independent analysis and County documentation reflect that Nassau County evaluated and relied upon a multi-point test that demonstrate a “perfect storm” of interrelated and unusual conditions that, when viewed collectively, created an extraordinary circumstance justifying impact fee recalibration consistent with Florida Statute. The multi-point test can be found in the Extraordinary Circumstances Demonstrated Needs Study linked below.

Supporting Studies:
Nassau County, FL Impact Fee Extraordinary Circumstances Demonstrated Needs Study
ENCPA Mobility Fee Extraordinary Circumstances Demonstrated Needs Study
Mobility Fee Extraordinary Circumstances Demonstrated Needs Study

Nassau County’s Goal: Protect Existing Residents While Ensuring Growth Pays Its Proportionate Share
Nassau County remains committed to the principles underlying Florida impact fee law: ensuring that impact fees are proportionate, justified by a demonstrated need created by new growth, and directed toward capital improvements required to serve new growth. The need for growth to pay for their impacts are even more critical as the County has seen cost increase for all items. For example, the average fire station replacement cost in 2020 was estimated at $2 million. Today that same replacement cost is estimated $4.3 million or a 115% cost increase.

“The intent of our impact fee program is simple: keep Nassau County safe, functional, and fiscally responsible as we grow,” said County Manager Taco E. Pope, AICP, ICMA-CM. “That requires us to evaluate not just how many people are moving here, but what growth actually costs—in transportation, fire rescue, law enforcement, parks, and administrative facilities—and how rapidly those costs are rising.”

Transparency, Public Process, and Continued Commitment to Lawful Planning
The Nassau County BOCC also reaffirms its commitment to public transparency and accountability throughout the impact fee process. Nassau County held and scheduled multiple public workshops dedicated to the extraordinary circumstances analysis, consistent with Florida statutory requirements, and worked collaboratively with local developers and homebuilders, resulting in a four-year phased implementation to mitigate short-term impacts on the development community and ensure new housing supply continues to be produced at affordable levels.

The BOCC welcomes continued discussion with stakeholders, residents, and the business community regarding sustainable growth management and long-range infrastructure funding strategies.

“We will continue to follow Florida law, follow the data, and put Nassau County residents first,” Chair Alyson McCullough said.

12/21/25 @ 4:00 p.m.

​Nassau County’s impact fees have remained unchanged for many years, even as the cost of building essential infrastructure has continued to rise. Florida law requires local governments to periodically review and update impact fees to ensure they remain fair, lawful, and aligned with the actual cost of growth.

Unfortunately, following three public workshops where accurate information was presented publicly, misinformation is circulating about the purpose, collection, and necessity of impact fees. To ensure residents have accurate information, the County is clarifying the facts. Please click here to read our Press Release: Impact Fees - Fact vs. Fiction. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

9/12/25 @ 10:20 a.m. - At the Monday, September 8, 2025 meeting, the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held their first public hearing for adoption of the FY 25/26 budget which includes the 5th consecutive year of millage rate reductions. This action is consistent with the BOCC's directives from the Annual Winter Strategic Planning Session, and the adopted Interim Strategic Plan, Fiscal Stewardship & Economic Prosperity (FS&EP), Initiative 3 to "ensure long-term fiscal sustainability and resiliency through sound financial policies/analysis, revenue/expenditure projections, capital planning and maintenance and budgetary practices."

The Tentative Millage Rates were considered as follows: 

• Countywide: 6.7457 (prior year was 6.8822). This proposed millage is 5.25% greater than the rolled-back rate. 
• Municipal Service Taxing District Millage Rate: 2.2087 (same as prior year). This proposed millage is 7.37% greater than the rolled-back rate. 
• Amelia Island Beach Renourishment: 0.0960 (same as prior year)
• Total Millage: 9.0504 (Total Millage last year was 9.1869)

The meeting included a presentation by Assistant County Manager Marshall Eyerman which outlined the BOCC's budget objectives and examples of service level changes over the past five years including increased attention to public safety and a continued focus on operational efficiencies. Mr. Eyerman stated, "We're able to accomplish many things by getting more and more efficient each year, and by relying on technology to improve processes." The presentation also included information on how tax dollars are allocated across the County (including the other Constitutional Offices).  "For every dollar of Ad Valorem tax that we receive, 50% of that goes to our Constitutional Officers," Mr. Eyerman stated. 

To view the budget presentation by Mr. Eyerman, please visit the Clerk's website. 

A second and final public hearing is scheduled for Monday, September 22, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

8/29/25 @ 2:00 p.m. - On Monday, July 28, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners held a workshop to review the tentative budget and maximum millage rate for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. Based on the budget presented, the BOCC is proposing a structurally balanced budget which includes the fifth consecutive year of millage rate [property tax rate] reductions, while continuing to fund the critical Capital Improvement Plan, Pavement Management Plan, Chip Seal Program, and improving public safety through investments into the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the Nassau County Fire Department. 

The BOCC's first public hearing to consider adoption of the FY 25/26 budget is scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL. The public is welcome to attend and address the Board. During the hearing, the BOCC will schedule the second/final budget hearing, as required by Florida Statute. 

To view the tentative budget as presented on July 28, 2025, please click here to watch the budget workshop. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Contact:
Sabrina Robertson
Public Information Officer
(904) 530-6010
[email protected]                        
 
THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS PROPOSES FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF REDUCED MILLAGE RATES
 
Nassau County, Florida, July 29, 2025  – On Monday, July 28, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners held a workshop to review the tentative budget and maximum millage rate for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. Based on the budget presented, the BOCC is proposing a structurally balanced budget which includes the fifth consecutive year of millage rate [property tax rate] reductions, while continuing to fund the critical Capital Improvement Plan, Pavement Management Plan, Chip Seal Program, and improving public safety through investments into the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the Nassau County Fire Department. 
 
Understanding the demands of the County residents and the future economic pressures, the tentative budget continues to focus on improving the quality of life while working within the restricted revenues of the County.  While still providing a reduced millage rate, the budget is also structured to continue funding for investment into land conservation and management programs, in line with the request from the community and pursuant to the voter-approved referendum in November 2022.
 
As Nassau continues to be one of the fastest growing counties in both the State and the Country, this population growth requires additional service capacity to meet these demands. Additionally, the community continues to seek a greater quality of life and improved services to support roads, parks, drainage, and public safety.  The BOCC understands these growing demands and has continued to focus on supporting public safety operations through the Sheriff, Fire Rescue, Emergency Operations, and Animal Control, while also supporting the Pavement Management Program, Chip Seal Program, Drainage Ditch Maintenance Program, and new and improved parks and sports fields. 
 
The BOCC’s engagement and efforts in the budget process through the annual Winter Strategic Planning Sessions, the development of the Strategic Plan and Capital Improvement Plan, along with the annual review and updating of the guiding county policies, continue to result in smart financial planning. These actions also provide for a transparent and results-driven budget process that focuses on the reduction of the millage rates and improving services to county residents. 
 
The July 28, 2025 budget workshop can be viewed online at www.nassauclerk.com/watch-meetings.
 
If you have any questions regarding the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 2025/2026, please contact Chris Lacambra, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, at (904) 530-6010, Option 2, or via e-mail at [email protected].

7/28/25 @ 9:15 a.m.

Below are public meetings taking place this week. Agendas can be found on our website. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

7/15/25 @ 9:00 a.m. - The Board of County Commissioners has scheduled a Budget Workshop for Monday, July 28, 2025, from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m. for a presentation and discussion of the tentative budget for Fiscal Year 25/26, which begins October 1, 2025. The Board will also set the tentative millage rate and authorize electronic submission of the Truth in Millage (TRIM) forms to the State. 

The meeting will take place in the County’s Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097.
 
The public is welcome to attend the meeting. Can’t attend in person? No problem! You can follow along from home at https://www.nassauclerk.com/watch-meetings/. Videos are also available following the conclusion of the meeting so you can watch anytime at your convenience.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer
 

4/11/25 @ 9:00 a.m. 

At the Monday, March 24, 2025 Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) meeting, Ron Whitesides, Auditor for Purvis Gray, presented the audit for Fiscal Year 23/24 which ended on September 30, 2024. 

Each year, a team of outside auditors spent nearly 2,000 hours studying the County's controls and processes to ensure they are appropriate and functioning properly. Using an outside auditor ensures financial transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of public resources. 

Mr. Whitesides stated, "We have issued an unmodified opinion. That's what you want from your auditors. It's the highest form of assurance an audit firm can give. It means that the financial statements are fairly presented and with the appropriate policies for local governments. In this report are various letters that we issue in accordance with government auditing standards, as well as what is called the single audit. The single audit is a deep-dive. We looked at six of your larger grant agreements with the Federal and State Government. It's a lot of compliance analysis. In addition to that, we do a lot of internal control analysis. You can be assured the financial information you are getting from your management teams is accurate and complete. Citizens can be assured of that information being complete and accurate. The audit went very well. I commend your group. They are doing a fantastic job. We have worked for you a number of years on this audit and I can confidently say they have gotten better every year. You have a very effective management team and there has been an enormous amount of progress made over the years. The citizens should be proud of the work that's done." 

To view the presentation, please visit www.nassauclerk.com/watch-meetings.

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

3/16/25 @ 9:00 a.m.

The Florida Government Finance Officers Association is a professional association founded in 1937 and serves more than 3,300 professionals from state, county and city governments, school districts, colleges and universities, special districts and private firms. The FGFOA established Government Finance Professionals Week to recognize government finance professionals and the vital services that they provide to our state, local and federal government, as well as to our communities. 

​The County’s professionals serving in the Office of Management & Budget and the Clerk of Courts Finance Division work hard everyday to ensure that financial policies are being followed and that the processes in place are sufficient. The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) recognized both at the Monday, March 10, 2025 meeting and approved a Proclamation declaring the week of March 17 - March 21, 2025, as Government Finance Officers Week in Nassau County, Florida. 

The BOCC hereby expresses their appreciation and commends the finance professionals from the Office of Management & Budget and the Clerk of Courts Finance Division for all their hard work and dedication. 

-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer
​

2/12/25 @ 2:30 p.m. 

The Board of County Commissioners has begun the budgeting process for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.
 
Nassau County greatly values the benefits and contributions made by non-profit organizations to the community. As such, we would like to extend an invitation to non-profit organizations serving residents of Nassau County to apply to be considered for funding. To be considered, you must complete a Nonprofit Funding Request Application. This form can be found on the County’s official website at www.nassaucountyfl.com, under the Office of Management and Budget, or at this direct link: https://nassaufl.co/25-26FundingApplication.
 
Your funding request must be provided to the Office of Management & Budget located at 96135 Nassau Place, Suite 2, Yulee, FL 32097, by the close of business on Wednesday, March 5, 2025.
 
On Friday, May 23, 2025, a Public Forum will be held for agencies to make a brief presentation regarding your organization and its request. Agencies submitting funding requests will be contacted by the Office of Management & Budget to schedule a time for your presentation.
 
If you have any questions, please contact Sr. Budget Coordinator, Sharon Johns, at (904) 530-6010, Option 2, or via e-mail at [email protected].
 
-Sabrina Robertson
​ Communications Officer 

1/23/25 at 9:00 a.m. 
 
The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) strives to provide a transparent budget process. In the coming weeks, the BOCC will begin working on the budget for Fiscal Year 25/26. This includes a variety of presentations and workshops in which County Officials will explain the budget process in detail and share information on departmental requests, State mandates, not-for-profit funding, and other budgetary items prior to presenting an tentative balanced budget in July 2025.

The first meeting is a Budget Kickoff scheduled for Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers located at 96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL. Please note this is NOT a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners. During the Budget Kickoff Meeting, Office of Management & Budget staff will discuss the initial budget expectations and timelines with County staff. The discussion will continue to echo the directives under the current BOCC budget policies to strive to reduce the millage (tax) rate and focus on more efficient operations.


-Sabrina Robertson
 Communications Officer

9/24/24 @ 10:45 a.m. - 

On Monday, September 23, 2024, the Board of County Commissioners held its second public hearing for adoption of the Fiscal Year 24/25 Budget. This was the end of an 8-month budget process which included a public budget workshop and a first public hearing held on September 9, 2024.
 
This is the fourth consecutive year that the BOCC was able to reduce the millage rate (property tax rate) while continuing to fund the critical public safety needs through investments into the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the Nassau County Fire Rescue Department, along with critical investments through the Capital Improvement Plan, Pavement Management Plan, and Chip Seal Program.  Additionally, the budget provides funding for the staffing and operations of the new Fire Station No. 10 (Tributary) currently under construction.
 
Understanding the demands of the County residents and the future economic pressures, the adopted budget continues to focus on improving the quality of life for residents, while working within the limited and restricted revenues of the County. The budget is also structured to continue funding for investment into land conservation and management, in line with the request from the community and pursuant to the voter approved referendum in November 2022.
 
As the Nassau County continues to be one of the fastest growing counties in both the State and the Country, this population growth requires additional service capacity to meet these demands. The BOCC understands these growing demands along with the growing demands of the current residents and has continued to focus on supporting public safety operations through the Sheriff, Fire Rescue, Emergency Operations, Roads and Animal Services.
 
Following the public hearing, Chairman John Martin stated, ”This is the fourth year we’ve lowered the millage rate to a modified millage rate. I think that’s something we can all be proud of.”
 
The adopted budget can be found on the County’s website at: https://www.nassaucountyfl.com/165/Office-of-Management-Budget.
 
If you have any questions regarding the adopted budget, please contact Chris Lacambra, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, at (904) 530-6010, Option 2, or via e-mail at [email protected].
 
-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer 
 

9-10-24 @ 1:30 p.m. 

Nassau County recently received notification from Fitch Ratings, Inc. (Fitch) that its rating has been increased to “AAA”, up from its previous rating of “AA.” Fitch is one of the world’s top credit rating agencies who provides independent assessments of the creditworthiness of the County, akin to a consumer FICO or credit score.
​
The announcement from Fitch directly attributed the upgrade to the County’s financial resilience, and economic and demographic indicators that compare favorably relative to other agencies. Fitch analysts also cited several key reasons for the increase including:

• Population growth and maturation of the County
• Maintaining healthy reserve levels that help mitigate risks associated with potential tax base volatility
• Low levels of carrying costs to government expenditures, liabilities to personal income, and liabilities to governmental revenues

Board of County Commissioners Chairman John Martin stated, “I am pleased to see another positive rating from Fitch. County Officials have worked hard to lower debt and maintain a heavy level of emergency reserves. This new rating proves we are moving in the right direction here in Nassau County, Florida.”

As the County’s Clerk of Courts and Comptroller, Mr. John A. Crawford is governed by statutory authority as the County’s auditor, recorder, and custodian of all funds. The Clerk works directly with the Board to ensure the County has adequate financial controls and actively manages the investment of County funds. Following Fitch’s credit rating increase, Mr. Crawford stated, “What an incredible accomplishment! The AAA rating is the highest rating available and is a testament to our county's strong fiscal management and commitment to fiscal sustainability. This upgrade reflects the confidence that investors and analysts have in our ability to maintain sound financial practices that help ensure a secure future for our community.”

If you have any questions, please contact the County Manager’s Office at (904) 530-6010.

-Sabrina Robertson
​ Public Information Officer

8/30/24 @ 9:30 a.m. - The First Public Hearing for consideration of the Fiscal Year 2024/2025 budget will take place during the BOCC's regular meeting scheduled for Monday, September 9, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. The second hearing will take place during the regular meeting scheduled for Monday, September 23, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. 

Please note that the budget being considered for FY 24/25 budget includes a millage (tax) rate reduction for the 4th consecutive year. This was achieved while continuing to fund the critical capital improvement plan, pavement management plan, chip seal program, and improving public safety through investments into the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and the Nassau County Fire Department. Additionally, the budget provides funding for the staffing and operations of the new Fire Station No. 10, currently under construction. 

Understanding the demands of the County residents and the future economic pressures, the tentative budget continues to focus on improving the quality of life while working within the restricted revenues of the County. The budget is structured to continue funding for investment into land conservation and management programs, in line with the request from the community and pursuant to the voter approved referendum in November 2022.  

Agendas can be located on our website on the Thursday prior to the meetings. Should you have any questions, please contact the County Manager's Office at (904) 530-6010.

-Sabrina Robertson 
​ Public Information Officer