It is no secret that St. Johns County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Florida. Development approvals and interstate expansion are only two indicators of our county becoming a consequential battleground for land use policy. Many questions stem from St. Johns County’s freshly adopted 2050 Comprehensive Plan. The state rejected the first draft, deeming it “restrictive or burdensome” toward development. In response, the newest iteration may be considered more state-compliant and economically oriented.
The question many locals are now asking: What will this growth look like?
Case Study: Madi Rum
Local restaurant owners, Shane and Travis Sheltra plan to develop a distillery, Madi Rum, in Deer Park along SR-207. Working alongside attorney Jeremiah Mulligan of Mowrey Law Firm, the team positioned the distillery as part of a broader tourism-oriented destination—one aligned with the Comprehensive Plan and, crucially, one intended to benefit both future visitors and local residents.
The larger project extends beyond the distillery. Plans include a six-acre space featuring a restaurant and public-access outdoor areas. An emphasis was also placed on educational initiatives, with plans to utilize an on-site greenhouse and conservatory for such efforts.
Just this month, the St. Johns County Planning and Zoning Agency signed off on the proposal. This approval highlights the growing significance of corridors like SR-207 as hubs for destination-oriented development. Its proximity to St. Augustine, access to I-95, and available land make it an attractive location for future development.
Madi Rum’s victory also demonstrates a shift in how St. Johns County addresses land use. It reveals an openness towards mixed-use, tourism-oriented development projects, especially if they are community-centered and environmentally mindful.
Local Concerns About Conservation
One of the recurring debates surrounding the Comprehensive Plan is the tension between economic growth and environmental preservation. While many St. Johns County residents favor responsible development, they also value conservation and the unique charm of the county.
This conflict already has—and will continue to have—implications for land use decisions throughout the county. Successful projects will likely become more negotiated, more mixed-use, and more closely scrutinized by officials and residents. As local attorneys, we understand this nuance. St. Johns County is the place we call home, too, and these cases are just as important to us as they are to our clients.
How will St. Johns County preserve its environmental integrity (and in turn, its character) while undergoing exponential growth? The answer will shape property rights, development patterns, economic opportunity, and many other facets of our community.
At Mowrey Law, we’re committed to helping our neighbors navigate the future of land use in Northeast Florida. Call 904-824-7799 to speak with a trusted St. Johns County land use attorney.
At Mowrey Law, we serve people when and where it matters most.