STOP! the Annexation of Unincorporated Destin
Say NO! to higher property taxes
Say NO! to more bureaucracy
Say NO! to code compliance
As residents of unincorporated Destin, we love this community -- both the incorporated city and the areas beyond its boundaries. The proposed annexation is just a TAX GRAB. It does not offer any meaningful benefits to citizens in the unincorporated sections (Kelly Plantation, Regatta Bay, ...).
Estimated Property Tax Increases
Currently, unincorporated areas pay a low MSTU millage of 0.288 mills. Annexation would replace this with the City of Destin's 1.615 mills, a net increase of 1.327 mills.
These figures represent the net additional tax from the city portion only (after offsetting the lower MSTU). They do not include potential minor changes in other levies. Actual amounts could vary based on assessed values. For precise personal estimates, check with the Okaloosa County Property Appraiser.
City Council Comments
Council discussions reveal that annexation is driven by a need to bolster the tax base amid financial pressures, including warnings of potential tax losses and unaddressed infrastructure needs.
"Dollar to dollar, we don't offer enough."
Jim Bagby
Council Member
Underscoring that the city provides minimal added value to annexed areas relative to the tax revenue extracted.
Source: The Destin Log"If we want to keep the community together, we've got to grab it."
Mayor Bobby Wagner
Mayor
Framing expansion as a seize-the-opportunity move rather than a genuine service enhancement.
Source: The Destin Log"Destinās a little town with big town problems,...We are stuck in the old ages on so much stuff around here. Our parks are falling apart, our medians are falling apart, our buildings are falling apart. We have to fix it."
Councilman Kevin Schmidt
This is about finding new revenue to fix old problems.
Source: Get The Coast"Weāre still outrunning our infrastructure and approving projects, high density projects that have 50 to 100 units investment without really understanding how weāre going to manage that growth..."
Councilman Dewey Destin
The city should manage its growth and raise revenue from short-term rentals, tourism, and new developmentānot by expanding its boundaries to capture property taxes from local residential neighborhoods.
Source: Get The Coast"We struggle every year to try and get our budget in line. We have projects that we canāt get finished. We have infrastructure areas that need working"
Councilwoman Teresa Hebert
Specific examples are: the community center needing repairs, and the Morgan Sports Center requiring new lights at a cost of $1 million...
Source: Get the Coast"Government never takes in less money. Once the government gets a revenue stream, it sucks on it like a new born calf"
Councilman Jim Bagby
Bagby speaks truth about government spending during a discussion about condo fees.
Source: August 04, 2025 - Regular City Council Meeting"...We need money, we need money, we need money!"
Councilman Rodney Braden
Mr. Braden supporting higher fees for condo rentals... sucking that revenue stream
Source: August 04, 2025 - Regular City Council Meeting"Destin has long been subsidizing development at the cost of its infrastructure. With some of the lowest impact fees in the state, the city hasnāt had enough funds to address traffic, infrastructure, and poor development issues."
Mayor Bobby Wagner
This statement (October 2024, WKRG) frames chronic underfunding of infrastructure as a direct result of city council decisions ā a classic description of how deferred maintenance accumulates.
Source: WKRGCouncil members have warned of a potential $2 million annual property tax loss due to state proposals, highlighting fiscal strain that makes annexation look like a desperate revenue boost rather than genuine service enhancement. These admissions suggest infrastructure funding has been deferred, and the push for annexation is primarily about expanding the tax base to cover existing shortfalls.
Why Unincorporated Destin Doesn't Need City Services
Our unincorporated neighborhoods are self-sufficient and well-managed. Here's why the current system works.
Self-Sufficient Communities
Our HOAs handle grounds maintenance and security. Okaloosa County oversees code enforcement, permits, and inspections. We don't face issues like harbor management, downtown parking, or policing short-term rentals.
Private Amenities
We have our own private pools, recreational courts, and community amenities. When we enjoy city amenities like parks or events, we pay user fees -- just as non-residents do.
No Added Value
Annexation wouldn't add value for us; it would impose unnecessary oversight and costs on a system that's already working. Simply put, we don't require the full suite of services the city provides.
City of Destin Permitting and Code Enforcement
If annexed, our properties would fall under the City of Destin's building and permitting regulations, inspections, and code enforcement. Introducing more permits, fees, and regulations compared to county processes.
Higher Costs for Homeowners
This means higher administrative costs for homeowners undertaking home improvements or new builds. In addition to your HOA Destin code enforcement will be able to issue fines and tax liens for non-compliance.
Recent Code Enforcement
This residential property accumulated nearly $100,000 in code fines due to a long history of "trash and debris" and being deemed a public nuisance.Source: Get The Coast
This residential property accumulated $17,700 ā comprised of approximately 334 days of $50-per-day continuing fines plus about $1,000 in administrative fines tied to two magistrate hearings.Source: Citizen Portal
The "Plainly Audible" Noise Rule (Ordinance 25-11-CC) The Change: Passed in June 2025, this ordinance replaced the requirement for decibel-meter readings with a subjective "plainly audible" standard. Annoyance Factor: If a neighbor or officer can hear sound (including "rhythmic bass") beyond your property line or specific setbacks, you can be cited. Fines: Penalties for a third offense were increased to $500, with each hour of the violation constituting a separate offense.Source: Get The Coast
View Official Fee ScheduleKey Questions for Voters
Will annexation truly make things better for existing city residents or unincorporated residents? Expanding the city's footprint sounds appealing on paper, but consider the downsides.