The Influence Network- Part VI: Who Shapes Jacksonville and How?

Jacksonville’s Advisory Boards, Commissions and Committees

A Seat at the Table | Part I: Jacksonville’s advisory boards, appointments and public influence

Florida Cities Head-to-Head: Part II- Public Records

Florida HB 657 Explained: Kaufman Language, HOA and Condo Changes That Did Not Become Law

Pet Paradise Lawsuit Update: Jacksonville Investors, Crane Group and the Fight Over the Company's Future

Jacksonville Removed Ethics Records for ADA Compliance- Part III

A Test of Jacksonville City Government Efficiency

ADA Compliance Is Gutting Government Online Records Archives

How a neighborhood-security startup built a nationwide vehicle-tracking network—and brought it to Northeast Florida

A Public-Safety Question Without a Clear Number

CBRE has simultaneously served as a real estate consultant for the City of Jacksonville and an advisor to the private development team that bought JEA’s downtown headquarters for $1 million — a site assessed at roughly $30 million. This dual role raises serious conflict-of-interest and transparency concerns as the city moves forward with major downtown redevelopment projects.

With Governor DeSantis signing HB 913 into law, Florida is taking a crucial step toward stabilizing its condominium market—offering much-needed financial flexibility to associations and relief to owners grappling with rising costs, as skyrocketing HOA fees and strict safety mandates continue to strain aging buildings and their residents.

Florida’s expanding short-term rental market is intensifying conflicts over neighborhood livability and housing access, as cities like Jacksonville Beach confront rising public safety concerns and dwindling long-term housing—all while lacking the regulatory power to respond effectively.

As Florida faces a wave of aging condo infrastructure, mounting special assessments, and evacuations, the fate of House Bill 913 now sits with Governor DeSantis—raising questions about whether the proposed reforms can truly protect residents without pricing them out of their homes.

In a growing trend among Florida developers, Freehold Communities is invoking the Florida Land Use and Environmental Dispute Resolution Act to push back against zoning denials that threaten its agrihood projects.

In the final days of Florida’s 2025 legislative session, lawmakers unanimously passed a compromise condo reform bill aimed at easing financial burdens on unit owners while preserving key safety mandates enacted after the Surfside collapse.

While state lawmakers debate how best to enforce condo safety, Jacksonville quietly exemplifies how local inaction can render any reform meaningless.

With SB 1742, Sen. Jennifer Bradley is trying to bring clarity and flexibility to Florida’s building safety laws—but the chaos in Jacksonville shows that reform without enforcement is just paperwork.

The slow decay of 324 N. Broad Street, a city-owned historic building in LaVilla, offers a stark example of how Jacksonville fails to practice the preservation values it preaches.

With millions in unpaid fines tied to neglected historic buildings, Jacksonville is moving toward a more enforceable preservation policy.

Flames, fumes, and food: Jacksonville City Councilman Joe Carlucci heads effort to outlaw this risky combo of food trucks at area gas stations.

It started as a side mission—but Corcos’s investigation into the IRS has revealed one of the most expensive tech failures in government history.

Florida’s 2025 legislative session is set to address critical condominium regulations, balancing safety mandates with financial feasibility in response to widespread non-compliance and concerns over homeowner displacement.

The City of Jacksonville can do more to protect the community from negligent property owners who ignore municipal code violation fines, with some owing six figures while additional complaints aren't being heard.

Florida Property taxes soar, but Amendment 5 offers relief to homeowners by increasing exemptions and limiting annual assessment increases, providing some financial stability amidst rising costs.

By reforming zoning regulations to incentivize density, streamline approvals, and mandate workforce housing, Jacksonville can increase the availability of affordable housing for essential workers and build a more resilient middle class.

HOAs offer potential benefits like community amenities and property value appreciation, but they also come with costs, restrictions, and potential conflicts, so potential homebuyers should carefully evaluate them.

The rapid growth of ESG investing has led to a proliferation of unregulated rating agencies, raising concerns about the reliability and comparability of ESG ratings. While the European Union has taken steps to regulate ESG ratings, the U.S. has yet to implement similar measures, leaving a regulatory gap in the world's largest ESG market.

Companies face growing pressure to demonstrate sustainability, but the risk of greenwashing – misleading sustainability claims – is increasing. To mitigate this, companies must prioritize data accuracy, transparency, and independent verification, while investors must exercise due diligence.

Biodiversity loss poses significant financial risks to businesses and economies worldwide. By investing in nature-based solutions and adopting sustainable practices, we can mitigate these risks and ensure a more resilient future for our planet and its people.

The ESG paradox highlights the divergence between stated goals and actual practices in some ESG funds. To restore faith in ESG investing, reforms are needed to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with core principles.

Florida's new law, HB 1365, restricts public camping and sleeping while requiring counties to offer services to the homeless. This legislation aims to balance public safety concerns with addressing the root causes of homelessness and ensuring Florida's cherished outdoor living spaces remain accessible to all.

Big changes are coming to Florida HOAs! New laws have been enacted that significantly impact your community and your rights as a homeowner. Let's break down what you need to know.

During a press conference in Miami on July 25th, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis spoke to the need to address the unintended consequences of legislation passed to prevent tragedies such as the collapse of the Champlain Towers South condominium building in Surfside, Florida in 2021.

ESG investing has gained significant traction, but its implementation varies across states. This article explores the challenges, benefits, and strategies for businesses to adopt ESG practices effectively.

Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices offer numerous benefits for small businesses. By adopting sustainable practices, businesses can attract customers, reduce costs, and stay ahead of regulations.

A recent court decision has blocked a condo redevelopment project in Miami, requiring unanimous consent for termination. This ruling has significant implications for developers, lenders, and condo owners, impacting the future of older condo redevelopment in Florida.

Kaufman language, a legal term, determines how new state laws apply to HOAs. HOAs with Kaufman language must follow new laws, while those without may not. Understanding this concept is crucial for homeowners to know their rights.

New laws are impacting Florida HOAs. Key changes include increased transparency, fairer enforcement, and new rights for homeowners. Stay informed about these updates and how they affect your community.

The Kaufman Clause, derived from a landmark court case, determines how new laws apply to HOAs. Understanding this legal term is crucial for HOA members and management to ensure compliance and effective governance.

Environmental, social, and governance investing, or ESG, aligns financial returns with societal and environmental goals. While it offers opportunities for positive impact, it's important to understand its challenges, such as defining ethics, greenwashing, and performance concerns.