FCAA’s Johnmichael Fernandez Featured on News4JAX: St. Johns County Faces a Growing Apartment Shortage

St. Johns County is experiencing a significant shortage of apartment homes today — and the gap is projected to widen dramatically by 2030. On News4JAX, FCAA’s Johnmichael Fernandez, Director of Local Government Affairs, discussed the latest data and what it means for local residents, essential workers, and the broader Northeast Florida economy.

Watch the full News4JAX video here.

Key findings highlighted on air

• Current shortfall: Approximately 700+ apartment homes are needed across all income levels today in St. Johns County.

• By 2030: The gap is expected to grow to 3,400+ units if supply does not keep pace with population and job growth.

• Lower‑income neighbors are hit hardest: Households earning $35,000 or less face the steepest deficit in available apartment homes.

“It’s basic supply and demand. When demand is high and supply is low, prices go up.” — Johnmichael Fernandez, FCAA

Why this matters to our members

• Workforce retention: Employers — including public safety and service sectors — struggle to hire and retain talent when housing costs outpace wages.

• Commute burdens: Limited apartment availability pushes workers to live farther away, increasing traffic, time costs, and stress.

• Community vitality: A balanced housing mix supports local businesses, schools, healthcare, and hospitality — the services that make St. Johns County thrive.

What FCAA supports

To narrow the gap and stabilize rents, FCAA encourages a toolbox of solutions that empower cities, counties, and the private sector to produce more housing where it’s needed:

• Smart land‑use and zoning updates to allow more multifamily homes near jobs, schools, and transit.

• Incentives that lower operating and construction costs (e.g., targeted tax discounts or abatements tied to income‑restricted units, expedited permitting for qualified projects, and fee flexibility).

• Predictable, data‑driven planning using county‑level housing need indicators so public and private partners can right‑size pipeline goals.

How you can help

• Stay engaged. Join FCAA’s advocacy updates and share your community’s housing stories with our team.

• Invite a briefing. We can present the county‑level data and discuss local policy options with your leadership or civic group.

• Support pro‑housing solutions. When evidence‑based reforms are on the agenda, your voice matters.

Questions or media inquiries? Contact Johnmichael Fernandez, Director of Local Government Affairs: FCAA Contact Page

Editor’s note: Segment aired on News4JAX on August 21, 2025. County‑level housing gap estimates are derived from the Florida Apartment Association’s Florida Apartment Scarcity Dashboard (see the St. Johns County page) and related analyses.