The following is a bit of information that hopefully will be helpful to the citizens of Fort White and the surrounding area.
1. Fort White does not have a city or ad valorem tax, which essentially is a tax, based on the assessed value of Real Estate or personal property.
2. As of 1995, the minimum lot size that an individual can build a residential dwelling on is one-half acre (NO sewer system- septic tanks only).
3. An occupational license ($25.00) is required to operate a business in Fort White.
4. A building permit and compliance are required ($50.00).
5. Residential garbage and water Fort White has a central water system. The minimum monthly charge is $18.75 for 9000 gallons used and $3.00 for each additional 1000 gallons. $6.25 is added for garbage pick up for a total of $25.00 per month. (deposit of $70.00 required).
6. Commercial water has a charge of $25.00 per month. (Deposit of $170.00 required).
7. Commercial garbage is subcontracted out to Waste Pro. The fees vary depending on the size of your container.
8. Limb removal is provided at $20 per pickup.
9. The South Columbia Fire Department services all of Fort White including approximately 75-80 square miles outside the town limits.
10. The fire department is entirely a volunteer organization.
11. Fire station located at 495 SW Dorch Street; Phone: (386) 497-3333.
12. Fort White has a 25-acre Sports Complex located on SR 47 next to the High School. This complex houses six baseball fields, two tennis courts, two basketball courts and a recently added Community Center. The Center is available for rent through our office. Meals for Senior Citizens are available at the Center Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Phone: (386) 497-1504.
13. Fort White Elementary School; Phone: (386) 497-2301, Fort White High School; Phone: (386) 497-5952.
14. There is a satellite Columbia County Health Clinic in Fort White. It is open on Thursday only. The Health Clinic is located on SW Dorch Street next to the fire station. Phone: (386) 497-4899.
15. A Columbia County Branch Library is located next to Town Hall. Phone: (386) 497-1108. Hours: Monday & Thursday: 12 to 7, Tuesday & Wednesday: 12 to 6, and Friday & Saturday: 9 to 3.
16. The Town's elected officials include a Mayor and four council persons. The regular Town Council meeting is held the second Monday of each month at 7:30 pm at the Town Hall.
17. An occupational License is required to operate a business in Fort White. The cost of the license is $25.00, renewable each October 1.
18. The following utilities are provided within the Town of Fort White:
Electric- Progress Energy 1-800-700-8744 Clay Electric Cooperative (386) 752-7447
Telephone- Windstream 1-800-347-1991 Cable TV- Watson Cable Company (386) 497-4898
19. Police service is provided by the Columbia County Sheriff's Department; Phone: (386) 752-3222. Substation phone: (386) 497-3797.
20. Columbia County Satellite Tax Agency is open from 8:30am to 5:00pm every Wednesday of the month at the Sheriff's Substation located on SW Bryant Street; Phone: (386) 758-1077.
21. The Property Appraiser's office is located next to the Fort White Health Department. Their office is open in January and February only for Homestead Exemption on Wednesdays from 8:30 to 4:30 p.m; Phone: (386) 497-1626.