At a glance
| Government | Separate city in Duval County; kept its own government at the 1968 consolidation |
|---|---|
| Population | 23,830 (2020 census) |
| Housing units | 12,789 (2020 census) |
| History | Incorporated as Pablo Beach in 1907; renamed Jacksonville Beach in 1925 |
| Electric | Beaches Energy Services, owned by the city |
| Main roads | Beach Boulevard (US 90), SR A1A and Butler Boulevard (SR 202) |
Is Jacksonville Beach part of Jacksonville?
No. When Jacksonville consolidated with Duval County in 1968, Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach and Baldwin voted to keep their own municipal governments. Jacksonville Beach has its own city manager, council and mayor, but it receives county-level services from Jacksonville and its residents vote for Jacksonville's mayor and city council.
That split shows up on the tax bill. In its September 2026 budget, Jacksonville's council kept its rate at 11.1919 mills inside the City of Jacksonville and at 7.9012 mills in the Beaches towns. The town's own city rate and the other taxing authorities are added on top, so ask for the parcel's full millage and last year's bill rather than comparing addresses by ZIP.
Homes and prices in Jacksonville Beach
The city covers about 7.3 square miles of land between the Intracoastal Waterway and the ocean, with 12,789 housing units counted in 2020. Of those, 11.2% were vacant on census day and the homeowner vacancy rate was 1.2%.
Our data set has no Zillow typical value for Jacksonville Beach, and its ZIP codes are not in the Jacksonville ZIP code table. Compare recent sales on the same street instead, and ask a local agent to pull oceanfront and inland sales separately so you compare like with like. If you are looking at a unit near the water, read our Jacksonville condo guide for the association documents to request.
Flood zones and the coastal construction line
Look up the exact parcel on the FEMA flood map. Zones A and AE are high risk, VE is coastal high risk with wave action, and flood insurance is required for federally backed mortgages in those zones. A new NFIP policy normally starts 30 days after purchase, so quote it before your inspection period ends.
Construction seaward of Florida's Coastal Construction Control Line needs a state permit from the Department of Environmental Protection. That matters if you plan to rebuild, add on or install a dune walkover on a beachfront lot. Florida sellers must also disclose known flood damage, flood insurance claims and federal flood aid at or before signing. Hurricane Matthew in 2016 forced a mandatory evacuation and caused major flooding. Check the address's evacuation zone too. See our Jacksonville flood zone guide for how to read the maps.
Utilities and getting around
Beaches Energy Services, the city-owned electric utility, serves Jacksonville Beach along with Neptune Beach, Ponte Vedra and Palm Valley. Ask the seller for 12 months of electric bills.
Beach Boulevard (US 90) runs west to the Southside and on to downtown Jacksonville over the Hart Bridge. Butler Boulevard (SR 202) links the south end of the city to Philips Highway, and SR A1A is the main commercial road along the beach.
Schools in Jacksonville Beach
Duval County Public Schools runs the public schools here and assigns a neighborhood school by home address. San Pablo, Jacksonville Beach and Seabreeze elementaries and Fletcher Middle are in the city, and all four were graded A by the state for 2025-26. Confirm the zoned school for the exact address, and see our Jacksonville schools guide for magnet and transfer options.
Common questions
Is Jacksonville Beach its own city?+
Yes. Jacksonville Beach kept its own municipal government when Jacksonville and Duval County consolidated in 1968. It has its own mayor, council and city manager, while Jacksonville provides county-level services. Residents also vote in Jacksonville's mayoral and council elections. The city had 23,830 residents at the 2020 census.
Do Jacksonville Beach homes pay Jacksonville city taxes?+
They pay a different rate. In September 2026 Jacksonville's council set 11.1919 mills inside the City of Jacksonville and 7.9012 mills in the Beaches towns. Jacksonville Beach adds its own city rate, and school and other authorities are added too. Ask for the parcel's total millage and last tax bill before you compare homes.
Do I need flood insurance in Jacksonville Beach?+
If the home is in a high-risk FEMA zone such as AE or VE and you use a federally backed mortgage, flood insurance is required. Homes outside those zones can still flood, and standard homeowners policies do not cover flood. A new NFIP policy usually takes effect 30 days after purchase, so get a quote early.
What schools serve Jacksonville Beach?+
Duval County Public Schools assigns schools by address. San Pablo, Jacksonville Beach and Seabreeze elementaries and Fletcher Middle are in the city, and each received an A in the state's 2025-26 grades. Use the district's school locator to confirm which school serves a specific home.
Sources
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville Beach, Florida
- Jacksonville Today: Council approves $2B budget (2026 millage rates)
- FloodSmart (FEMA): What is my flood zone?
- FloodSmart (FEMA): Buy a flood insurance policy (30-day wait)
- Florida DEP: Coastal Construction Control Line program
- Florida Statutes 689.302: Flood disclosure in the sale of residential property
- Florida Division of Emergency Management: Know Your Zone
- Beaches Energy Services
- Florida Department of Education: 2025-26 school grades (released September 2026)
- Duval County Public Schools: School choice options