St. Augustine-St. Johns County Airport Authority, St. Johns County
Summary
HB 4009 amends the local law governing the St. Johns County Airport Authority to rename the airport it operates. The bill changes the authorized operating name from the "St. Augustine Northeast Florida Regional Airport" to the "St. Augustine Airport." It does not create a new authority, change governance structure, or alter airport powers; it is a naming and branding update to an existing special district.
The bill also updates the underlying special act, chapter 2002-347, Laws of Florida, as amended, which declares the St. Johns County Airport Authority to be an independent special district under chapter 189, Florida Statutes. By revising the airport’s official name in the special act, the bill ensures the local law matches the airport’s preferred public identity and any related signage, marketing, and official references. The act takes effect upon becoming law.
Impact
HB 4009 has a narrow legal impact: it amends a local special act applicable only to the St. Johns County Airport Authority and St. Johns County by changing the name under which the authority may conduct airport operations. It does not affect statewide airport regulation, taxation, or general special-district law, but it does modify the text of chapter 2002-347, Laws of Florida, as amended, to reflect the new airport name.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been noncontroversial and broadly supported. It passed every recorded stage unanimously, including subcommittee, full committee, House third reading, and Senate third reading votes with no dissenting votes. The vote history suggests the measure was viewed as a routine local bill with limited policy implications.
Contention
There is little evidence of substantive contention in the available record. Because the bill is a local naming change rather than a policy overhaul, no committee transcripts or recorded debate highlight objections. Any potential concern would likely have been limited to administrative consistency or local branding, but the unanimous votes indicate no meaningful opposition from legislators.