ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. – The St. Augustine City Commission has voted to block homeowners’ associations and community development districts from receiving city neighborhood grant funding, directing those dollars instead toward organizations with the greatest community need.
The commission approved the amendment to the Neighborhood Grant Program at its July 27 meeting.
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Why HOAs, CDDs were cut
The change targets organizations established under two Florida statutes — Chapter 720, which governs homeowners’ associations, and Chapter 190, which governs community development districts.
According to city staff, those organizations already have the legal authority to assess fees and collect revenues from their members to pay for neighborhood improvements, amenities, maintenance, and community activities — including entrance features, landscaping, recreational facilities, fencing, and special events.
“The Neighborhood Grant Program is intended to support projects that provide a broader public benefit,” Community Services Director Jaime D. Perkins wrote in a staff memo ahead of the vote. “This amendment will help ensure that limited grant funds continue to be directed toward organizations and initiatives that have the greatest need and the greatest potential to advance community-wide objectives.”
Who still qualifies
The Neighborhood Grant Program — re-established in 2024 — provides grants of up to $3,000 to formally and informally organized nonprofit neighborhood groups for projects that beautify, enrich, and improve communities across St. Augustine.
To qualify, an organization must have at least three active members and must have been active for at least 365 calendar days before applying. Solely family-based organizations are not eligible, and grants are not awarded to individuals.
Applications are accepted four times a year — between the 1st and 15th of January, April, July, and October. For more information or to apply, contact Neighborhood Services at NGP@CityStAug.com or 904.209.4254.