Rapid development, coupled with population growth and economic power, meant that, on March 1, 1833, through the Resolution of the President of the Province, Feliciano Nunes Pires, São José passed from parish to village (municipality) and, in May 1856, through Provincial Law No.

Not being very touristy in nature, unlike Florianópolis, São José has attracted industries such as telecommunication equipment, textiles, and food processing.

The main district of São José are Kobrasol and the Historic Centre.

The major BR-101 highway passes through São José, making the city a gateway to Florianópolis.

This Santa Catarina, Brazil location article is a stub.