Shelly Edmonson is all set to dive right in as Flagler County’s new Tax Collector.

Edmonson is replacing Suzanne Johnston who served as Tax Collector since 2005.

“I tell everyone she didn’t hand over a sinking ship; it’s smooth sailing,” said Edmonson. “Residents should not expect to see a lot of changes. They will receive the same great customer service they have been accustomed to.”

As someone born and raised in Flagler County, Edmonson said her strong ties deepen her devotion to the community here. She comes from a long line of public servants: Both her grandfathers served in WWII. Her grandfather, Zip Edmonson, served as Flagler County Sheriff from 1965 to 1980. While her father, Flynn Edmonson, was the Chief Investigator for the State Attorney Office, 7th Judicial Circuit for 25 years. Her mother, Rabeth Nescio, has also dedicated over 40 years to the Flagler County local government.

Edmonson graduated from Flagler Palm Coast High School, Daytona Beach Community College, and the University of Central Florida.

After working for the County Clerk’s Office, she struck out on her own as a small business owner of a pool company for 18 years.  

“Something led me back to public service,” she said. “I want to make a difference. I want to be a part of the community and help our residents.”

Prior to becoming Tax Collector, Edmonson served as the Operations Manager in the Flagler County Tax Collector’s Office, where she managed the Specialty Tax Department, which includes audits, mobile homes and records management.

In her new role, she plans to continue Johnston’s legacy of excellent customer service.

“This place is the face of Flagler County,” she says. “When someone moves here, they have to interact with our office…when people meet their first Flagler County staffer, it’s usually us. Customer service is imperative for the image of the whole county.” 

In recent years, her team worked with Johnston to add more convenient options online for residents including paying property taxes, renewing registrations and even driver’s licenses. This effort led to a drop of 10,000 calls to the office.

In the future, she aims to embrace tech options like grocery store kiosks where residents can do simple tasks like renewing their registration without going into the Tax Collector’s Office.

“It’s just making it a more convenient, pleasant experience. Residents can expect exceptional customer service, operational efficiency, implementation of new technology and continuous improvement.” she said. 

One of the key interactions parents have with the Tax Collector's Office is helping their teen get a driver’s license. Here are the documents you’ll need to get your teen on the road:

  • Valid U.S. passport or passport card OR birth certificate

  • Social security card

  • 2 Proof of address (deed, utility bill, insurance policy, etc.)

Teens also can take the FREE 2-day Teen Driver Challenge once they receive their driver’s license, provided by the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.