If you've searched for St. Johns, Florida, you may have discovered something confusing: St. Johns and St. Johns County are not the same place. St. Johns is a community within the much larger St. Johns County in Northeast Florida.
St. Johns vs. St. Johns County: What's the Difference?
St. Johns, Florida
St. Johns is an unincorporated community in northwest St. Johns County. It is commonly associated with ZIP code 32259 and includes rapidly growing residential areas south of Jacksonville.
St. Johns does not have its own incorporated city government, mayor or city commission. Local government services are generally provided through St. Johns County.
St. Johns County
St. Johns County is the much larger county in Northeast Florida. It extends from the Jacksonville area south through St. Augustine and along approximately 42 miles of Atlantic coastline.
The county contains many separate communities, neighborhoods and municipalities. St. Augustine is the county seat.
Where Is St. Johns, Florida on the Map?
St. Johns is located south of Jacksonville in the northwestern portion of St. Johns County. It sits inland from Ponte Vedra and the Atlantic coast and north of the historic St. Augustine area.
St. Johns, FL 32259
This map shows the St. Johns community in the northern part of the county.
St. Johns County, Florida
Zoom out and you'll see how much larger St. Johns County actually is.
So Is St. Johns, Florida a City?
No. St. Johns is not an incorporated city. It is an unincorporated community within St. Johns County.
That distinction matters because Florida addresses do not always correspond to an incorporated city. A mailing address may say Saint Johns, FL 32259, but the property is still governed primarily by St. Johns County rather than a separate City of St. Johns.
What Cities Are Inside St. Johns County?
Most places that people think of as St. Johns County "towns" are actually unincorporated communities rather than independent cities.
The best-known incorporated municipalities are the City of St. Augustine and the City of St. Augustine Beach. St. Augustine also serves as the county seat.
| Place | What Is It? | Part of St. Johns County? | Helpful Distinction |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Johns | Unincorporated community / postal area | Yes | Often associated with ZIP code 32259 |
| St. Johns County | County | It is the county | Covers a large portion of Northeast Florida |
| St. Augustine | Incorporated city | Yes | County seat and historic city |
| St. Augustine Beach | Incorporated city | Yes | Separate municipality on Anastasia Island |
| Ponte Vedra / Ponte Vedra Beach | Unincorporated area | Yes | Northeastern coastal portion of the county |
| Fruit Cove | Unincorporated community / Census-designated area | Yes | Near St. Johns and Julington Creek |
| Nocatee | Master-planned community | Mostly | Large planned community near Ponte Vedra |
| World Golf Village | Unincorporated community / Census-designated area | Yes | Between northern St. Johns County and St. Augustine |
Where Is St. Johns County in Florida?
St. Johns County is located in Northeast Florida. Jacksonville and Duval County are immediately to the north, while the Atlantic Ocean forms the county's eastern edge and the St. Johns River helps define its western side.
The county stretches well beyond the community of St. Johns. Drive south through the county and you'll encounter growing communities, historic St. Augustine, Anastasia Island and miles of Atlantic beaches.
Popular Areas of St. Johns County
Why Do So Many Addresses Say “Saint Johns, FL”?
Postal addresses are one of the biggest reasons for the confusion. The U.S. Postal Service uses Saint Johns, FL as the preferred mailing name for ZIP code 32259.
That does not create a separate incorporated city. It simply means Saint Johns is the postal place name used for addresses in that ZIP code.
You may also hear residents use community or neighborhood names instead, including Fruit Cove, Julington Creek, Durbin, Switzerland or St. Johns.
Is St. Johns the Same as St. Augustine?
No. They are two different places within the same county.
St. Johns refers to the largely suburban community in the northern part of St. Johns County, while St. Augustine is the historic incorporated city farther south and serves as the county seat.
Both are in St. Johns County, but they have very different settings and identities.
Thinking About Moving to St. Johns County?
Explore neighborhoods, schools, beaches, utilities and local resources before deciding which part of St. Johns County is right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is St. Johns, Florida?
St. Johns is in northern St. Johns County in Northeast Florida, immediately south of the Jacksonville area.
Is St. Johns, Florida a city?
No. St. Johns is an unincorporated community and postal area rather than an incorporated city.
What county is St. Johns, Florida in?
St. Johns is located within St. Johns County, Florida.
Is St. Augustine in St. Johns County?
Yes. St. Augustine is an incorporated city within St. Johns County and serves as the county seat.
Is Ponte Vedra in St. Johns County?
Yes. Ponte Vedra and Ponte Vedra Beach are in the northeastern portion of St. Johns County.
Is St. Johns the same as St. Johns County?
No. St. Johns is one community within St. Johns County. The county includes many other communities, including St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Fruit Cove and numerous beach communities.
Moving to St. Johns?
Whether you need a full-service moving company or just a professional crew to load, unload or move furniture, these moving resources can help you plan your move to St. Johns County.