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Boca Raton Wants to Annex St. Andrews Country Club: What It Means for Homeowners
A comprehensive analysis of the annexation study, county pushback, legal process, and what it means for property values in one of South Florida's most exclusive communities
St. Andrews Country Club
November 2025
12 min read
Many of you have approached me about a recent article in the Palm Beach Post about the possible changing tax situation here at St. Andrews Country Club. As a direct response, I did further research and wrote this comprehensive analysis. I hope you find it valuable.
The City of Boca Raton has officially set its sights on one of South Florida's most prestigious addresses. In a move that has ignited political fireworks between municipal and county leadership, city officials have approached St. Andrews Country Club about annexation—a proposal that would transfer over $1.3 billion in taxable property value from Palm Beach County's jurisdiction to the city's.
As a St. Andrews member and luxury real estate specialist serving this community, I've been fielding questions from concerned homeowners since news broke. Here's my comprehensive breakdown of what this means for property values, taxes, and the future of our community—drawing from city council records, Florida statutes, and recent annexation precedent across Palm Beach County.
The Numbers at Stake
St. Andrews Country Club represents one of the most valuable unincorporated communities in Palm Beach County. Currently situated west of Jog Road and north of Clint Moore Road, the community falls under county jurisdiction—meaning residents pay property taxes to the county rather than to any municipality. The community features 732 custom-built estate homes ranging from 3,200 to over 15,000 square feet, with prices starting at $2 million and estates exceeding $10 million.
The club itself carries significant prestige: ranked 15th nationally by Platinum Clubs of America, designated an Elite Distinguished Club of the World, and recognized as one of the Top Ten Healthiest Clubs in America. The 125,000-square-foot clubhouse anchors two 18-hole championship golf courses.
How This Started: The May 2025 Council Directive
According to city records, Boca Raton's interest in St. Andrews annexation was formalized during a May 8, 2025 strategic planning workshop. Council members directed city staff to study potential annexations of two specific communities: St. Andrews Country Club and Le Lac, an exclusive enclave of estate lots that Forbes Magazine has called one of "America's Millionaire Capitals."
What the City Council Requested
- Update prior annexation financial models for both communities
- Assemble service-call data (police, fire, permitting) for the areas
- Draft a public engagement plan for affected residents
- Analyze estimated net revenues and service delivery impacts
- Prepare a recommended schedule for potential community referenda
Boca Raton's Pitch to Residents
City officials have presented what they're calling a compelling case for annexation. In formal communications to the club, Mayor Scott Singer's administration outlined several potential benefits:
Key Points from Boca Raton's Proposal
- Tax Savings: Approximately 2% reduction in property taxes at city rates versus current county rates
- Emergency Response: Improved response times through Boca Raton Fire Rescue Services, which holds an ISO Class 1 rating—the highest available in the USA
- Police Coverage: Higher officer-to-resident ratios compared to Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
- Local Government Access: City meetings held minutes away in Boca Raton versus 45-minute drives to West Palm Beach for county meetings
- Municipal Services: Access to city amenities and services exclusive to Boca Raton residents
The County Pushes Back
Palm Beach County Commissioner Maria Sachs—whose District 5 includes the St. Andrews area—publicly criticized the city's approach at a November 2025 commission meeting. Her frustration centered on what she characterized as a lack of intergovernmental coordination.
"I take great umbrage over the way this was done. We are all supposed to be on the same team. I found out about this from St. Andrews. That is not how it should work."
— Commissioner Maria Sachs, Palm Beach County District 5, as reported by the Palm Beach Post
What Would Actually Change?
Potential Benefits
- Potential lower property tax rate
- Faster emergency response times
- Dedicated municipal police presence
- Access to Boca Raton city services
- Closer government meetings
- Enhanced property values from "Boca Raton" address
Potential Concerns
- Unknown long-term service costs
- Change in governance structure
- Different zoning and building codes
- Loss of county-level advocacy
- Transition period uncertainties
- Conflicting tax rate claims need verification
The Legal Process: How Florida Annexation Actually Works
Under Florida Statute Chapter 171 (the Municipal Annexation or Contraction Act), municipal annexation follows a specific, voter-driven legal framework. Here's exactly what the law requires:
Florida Statute 171.0413 — Key Requirements
- Contiguity: The area must be contiguous to existing city boundaries
- Public Hearings: The city must hold at least two advertised public hearings before adopting an annexation ordinance
- Referendum Required: A referendum must be held where registered voters in the annexation area vote
- Majority Rule: A majority vote in favor is required for annexation to proceed
- 2-Year Cooling Period: If voters reject annexation, the area cannot be proposed again for 2 years
- No Forced Annexation: The city cannot impose annexation unilaterally—resident voters decide
Historical Precedent: Palm Beach Gardens' Crushing Defeat
Case Study: March 2024 Palm Beach Gardens Annexation
Recent history in Palm Beach County provides critical context for understanding how these referendums typically play out. In March 2024, Palm Beach Gardens attempted to annex five unincorporated areas encompassing more than 8,300 residents across 3,500 properties.
All five annexation referendums were overwhelmingly rejected by voters. In every zone, more than 9 in 10 voters turned their backs on the city's proposal—despite the city arguing annexation would lower taxes for 70% of properties.
90%+
Voted Against (All 5 Zones)
2,304
No Votes in Zone 1 Alone
5 of 5
Referendums Failed
Impact on Property Values
As a real estate professional specializing in St. Andrews and luxury South Florida properties, I'm frequently asked whether annexation would help or hurt property values. The honest answer: it depends on execution and perception.
Property Value Considerations
- Address Prestige: A "City of Boca Raton" municipal address may carry different weight than an unincorporated Palm Beach County address with some buyers
- Tax Implications: Lower taxes generally support values, but buyers evaluate total cost of ownership—verify the actual tax impact
- Service Quality: Enhanced services could be a selling point—if they materialize and are measurably better
- Uncertainty Period: Any major change can create short-term market uncertainty until the outcome is clear
- Comparable Sales: St. Andrews already commands premium prices based on the community itself, not its municipal status
My Recommendation for St. Andrews Homeowners
Stay informed but don't panic. This process will unfold over months, if not longer. The community has significant leverage—the city wants St. Andrews far more than St. Andrews needs the city. Any annexation will require demonstrating clear, quantifiable benefits.
Action Items for Residents
- Verify Tax Claims: Request specific, property-level tax calculations comparing current county rates to projected city rates
- Attend Public Hearings: When scheduled, make your voice heard—Palm Beach Gardens' experience shows organized opposition can be decisive
- Engage Both Sides: Hear from Boca Raton city staff AND Palm Beach County officials
- Review Service Data: Ask for concrete evidence of improved response times and service levels
- Consider Code Implications: Understand what city zoning and building codes would mean for your property
- Watch for Developments: Monitor the Boynton Beach situation—it may influence county strategy
I'll continue monitoring this situation and providing updates as the process evolves. For homeowners considering selling, buying, or simply understanding how this affects their investment, I'm available to discuss specific implications for your property.
Questions About St. Andrews Real Estate?
Whether you're evaluating how annexation might affect your property, considering a purchase, or planning to sell, I specialize in St. Andrews Country Club and luxury Boca Raton properties.
Contact Edmund Bogen
About the Author
Edmund Bogen leads The Edmund Bogen Team at Douglas Elliman Real Estate, specializing in luxury residential properties throughout South Florida from Miami Beach to Palm Beach. A St. Andrews Country Club member and holder of the record for the highest-priced resale in Boca West Country Club history, Edmund brings firsthand expertise to South Florida's most prestigious communities.
