St. Johns County Named Florida's First Autism Destination
More than 20 local tourism and hospitality businesses completed staff training to earn Certified Autism Center status.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Autism
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St. Johns County was officially recognized as Florida's first Certified Autism Destination after more than 20 local businesses completed comprehensive staff training. Castillo de San Marcos earned its certification on January 15, 2025, becoming the first national park in the United States to do so.
Why it matters
The designation is meant to help families with individuals who have autism or sensory sensitivities plan outings and vacations. Training costs for many businesses were covered by a matching grant from the county.
The designation rests on IBCCES certification of more than 20 local businesses, with the Castillo de San Marcos certification dated January 15, 2025. The source does not quantify visitor or revenue impacts, which remain unmeasured.
The players
International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES)
IBCCES is a locally based organization that certifies businesses and destinations as autism-friendly through staff training standards.
St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce
The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce is the local business advocacy group that became involved in the autism certification effort three years before the designation.
The details
Customer-facing staff at participating businesses completed training to serve guests with autism or sensory needs. The St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce became involved three years before the designation, and IBCCES, a locally based organization, certifies each site.
Timeline
January 15, 2025: Castillo de San Marcos earns autism certification.
Three years before the designation: the St. Johns County Chamber of Commerce becomes involved in the effort.
November 10, 2026: Civic, government and business leaders mark the designation at the Visitor Information Center in St. Augustine.
Health Landscape
The designation extends the IBCCES Certified Autism Center program from individual businesses to an entire destination. It reflects a growing effort to make tourism accessible to people with autism and sensory sensitivities.
Families planning trips to St. Johns County can look for IBCCES-certified businesses when booking lodging, dining and attractions. Staff at participating sites have been trained to accommodate guests with autism or sensory needs.
The takeaway
Families with autism or sensory sensitivities can look for certified businesses when planning outings. The designation shows how local training can make a destination more accessible to all visitors.
Further reading
Explore more on Autism coverage across Florida.
More information
Find Autism travel resources for families to help plan an accessible trip.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Ponte Vedra Recorder.
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