Jay is a town in Santa Rosa County, Florida, United States.

[1] The Jernigan family were among some of the earliest pioneers in the "Pine Level" area of Santa Rosa County.

His homestead near the headbank at the southern bend of Cobb Creek was located on the eastern side of Milton-Pollard Road.

James "Jay" Thomas Nowling submitted the name "Pine Level" but it was declined due to another Florida post office already using that same name.

[2][3] The approximate coordinates for the Town of Jay is located in northwest Santa Rosa County at 30°57′4″N 87°9′7″W / 30.95111°N 87.15194°W / 30.95111; -87.15194.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.6 square miles (4.1 km2), all land.

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters.

[11] As of the 2020 United States census, there were 524 people, 217 households, and 142 families residing in the town.

[14] As of the 2010 United States census, there were 533 people, 289 households, and 203 families residing in the town.

Jay is a farming community, with cotton, soybeans, peanuts and hay being major crops.

Royalties from the oil have exceeded $400 million that funded a new city hall, fire department and recreation complex.

In January 2009, Quantum announced that they were ceasing production at the facility due to poor economics, and has terminated roughly half of the plant employees.

[citation needed] Jay Hospital is a 55-bed general hospital located in northern Santa Rosa County serving the residents of Jay and the surrounding areas of Century, Flomaton, and other communities in the northwest Florida-south Alabama region.

[citation needed] The Santa Rosa County Library System operates a branch in Jay.