John Hawley
Mar 22, 2025
As St. Johns County grapples with rapid growth and increasing development pressure, Commission Chair Krista Joseph is leading a renewed push to strengthen tree protection regulations and preserve the county’s natural landscape.
The debate over tree preservation in St. Johns County is back — and this time, it’s gaining real traction.
On Tuesday March 18, the St. Johns County Commission voted 3-2 to advance a series of policy ideas aimed at strengthening the county’s tree regulations. Spearheaded by Commission Chair Krista Joseph, the proposals reflect a growing push to curb rapid development and preserve the natural character of Florida’s fastest-growing county.
While still in the early stages, these changes could mark a significant shift in how land is developed — and how much green space is left behind.
What’s Being Proposed?
At the heart of the discussion are 14 proposed changes to the county’s Land Development Code, many of which Joseph has been advocating for since 2023. Among the most notable ideas moving forward:
Preserving more green space: Developers would need to retain up to 20% of wooded and grassy areas, compared to the current requirement of just 5%.
Increased tree replacement fees: Developers who remove trees without replanting would face higher financial penalties, more aligned with the actual value of mature trees.
Limits on early land clearing: New rules could prohibit clearing land years in advance of actual construction, which Joseph argues devastates wildlife habitat and community aesthetics.
Enhanced natural buffers: Instead of clear-cutting and replanting immature trees, developers would be encouraged (or required) to leave natural buffers to maintain the county’s unique look and feel.
These proposals will now be drafted into formal policies by Inspire Placemaking, a consultant hired by the county, who will also evaluate their feasibility.
A Divided Commission
The vote to move the proposals forward was split 3-2, highlighting the sharp divide on the County Commission.
In favor: Krista Joseph, Anne Taylor, and Clay Murphy — all elected with platforms focused on slowing growth and preserving the environment.
Opposed: Sarah Arnold and Christian Whitehurst — who voiced concerns about government overreach and the impact on private property rights.
Whitehurst summed up his position bluntly:
“I think the trees on people’s private property belong to them. … We already have a 5-pound book of local regulations.”
Arnold criticized the process itself, calling the meeting “political theater, not policy,” and objected to the lack of a stakeholder workshop before the vote.
Public Reaction: A Community Divided
Residents showed up in force to weigh in — and opinions were just as split as the commission.
Supporters of the proposal, like Ponte Vedra resident Kerri Gustavson, argued that the county’s rapid growth is erasing its charm:
“We voted for change so that St. Johns County does not become strip mall after strip mall.”
Opponents, including representatives of the Northeast Florida Builders Association, warned that tougher tree rules could backfire — driving developers to fill in wetlands or stash trees in isolated corners of projects, hurting both homeowners and the environment.
Some even worried that broader tree protections would discourage property owners from keeping large oaks on their land, fearing future restrictions.
Krista Joseph: A Force for Change — or Too Heavy-Handed?
Joseph has built a reputation as a strong-willed and unapologetic advocate for changing the way St. Johns County grows. In January, she made headlines by proposing a vote of no confidence in the County Administrator, Joy Andrews — a move that ultimately failed, but signaled Joseph’s willingness to challenge the status quo.
She insists that her push for tree protections is grounded in common sense and community values, not politics:
“Let’s not lose what we have here in St. Johns County — quality of life. A tree canopy is better for the habitat, better for our electric bills, and better for our future.”
What Happens Next?
The consultant will now begin turning Joseph’s proposals into draft ordinances, which will go to the legal and growth management teams for review. The revised code will then come back to the Commission for further discussion — and possibly, a final vote.
Joseph says the issue will remain front and center throughout March, and she’s urging residents to stay engaged:
“Even if you can’t attend our meetings, you can watch them live on GovTV from the county website.”
With passions high and development pressure only increasing, one thing is clear: the future of trees — and growth — in St. Johns County is very much up for debate.
Want to Stay Informed?Sign up for county meeting alerts at sjcfl.us, or tune in live every first and third Tuesday at 9 a.m. on GovTV.
