THE ST. GEORGE ISLAND WATER QUESTION ON YOUR NOVEMBER 3 BALLOT
If you are registered to vote on St. George Island (Franklin County Precinct 7), there is a water question on your November 3 ballot. The wording on the ballot does not say clearly what it does. This page is the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District's plain-language explanation so you can decide for yourself. The District is not telling you how to vote. We want you to know what you are voting on.
WHAT DOES THE BALLOT SAY?
It is the last item on your ballot, and it reads:
EXPANDING BOUNDARIES OF THE EASTPOINT WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT.
"Shall section 2 of Chapter 2026-218, Laws of Florida, amending the charter of the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District, Franklin County, to expand the boundaries of the district to contain the lands described therein, become effective?" YES / NO
The ballot does not explain that the "lands described therein" are all of St. George Island. The wording is set by state law.
This question appears only on St. George Island ballots. A separate question about the Eastpoint area appears on Eastpoint ballots; island voters do not vote on it.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
Water on St. George Island is supplied by Water Management Services, a private, local company. Its owner has said he is retiring and the system will be sold. Your vote determines whether the Eastpoint Water and Sewer District can be the buyer.
If a majority votes YES: St. George Island becomes part of the District. The District can then complete its agreement to acquire the island water system and operate it as a public utility, governed by a local board and managed from Eastpoint. The District currently serves about 1,550 customers.
If a majority votes NO: St. George Island remains outside the District, and the District cannot buy the system. The system would still be sold, but to another buyer, who may or may not be located in Florida.
DOES THIS BRING SEWER TO ST. GEORGE ISLAND?
No. This vote does not bring sewer service to St. George Island or require any island property to connect to sewer.
WHAT WOULD THIS MEAN FOR WHAT YOU PAY?
On the Nov. 3 water ballot for St. George Island:
If the measure passes, the water bill for every island customer drops by at least 50%.
Island property owners would also pay a new District property tax that is based on property value. The rate will be set by the District board in a public process.
Why your water bill will decrease: The District is a not-for-profit public utility, thus it does not have to pass along property, sales or income taxes, or a state utility fee. It also qualifies for grants, low-interest loans and disaster aid that private companies can't get.
WHY IS THIS HAPPENING NOW?
When the sale of the St. George Island water utility became imminent, Rep. Jason Shoaf and Sen. Corey Simon introduced legislation to put this question before voters. In 2025, Apalachicola's water system failed after years of deferred maintenance, resulting in boil-water notices, discolored water and a declared state of emergency; that failure was part of the backdrop. The Legislature passed the bill unanimously, and Gov. Ron DeSantis signed it into law in June 2026 as Chapter 2026-218.
HOW AND WHEN DO I VOTE?
By mail: Ballots are out. To request one, contact the Franklin County Supervisor of Elections at (850) 653-9520 or votefranklinfl.gov by October 22. Return it so it arrives by 7 p.m. on Election Day.
Early voting: October 24 through October 31,
Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The water question is the last item on the ballot.
YOUR QUESTIONS, ANSWERED
We will post answers to every question we receive here, with the answer.
Email info@ewsdfl.com or call (850) 670-8177.
I own property on the island but am registered to vote elsewhere. Do I vote on this?
No. Only voters registered on St. George Island (Precinct 7) vote on this question.
What happens if the vote is no?
The system would still be sold, to a different buyer. The District would have no role.
Who sets the water rates and the tax rate?
The District's Board of Commissioners, in public meetings