Florida’s largest cities compete for residents, businesses, investment and economic growth—but they don’t necessarily govern, spend or deliver services the same way.

Florida Cities Head-to-Head compares Jacksonville with Tampa, Orlando, Miami and Fort Lauderdale using measurable government data rather than simply comparing headline budget totals. Because Jacksonville operates as a consolidated city-county government, each installment works to identify comparable functions and provide the context necessary to understand what the numbers actually mean.

The series examines budgets and spending, staffing, development incentives, infrastructure, parks and public services, government transparency and measurable results. Where possible, we compare spending per resident, employees per 1,000 residents, the share of comparable government spending devoted to specific functions, and changes over time.

Each article below focuses on a different question. Together, they are intended to build a broader picture of how Jacksonville operates compared with other major Florida cities—and what taxpayers receive in return.

Explore the series below. Select any story to see the data, methodology and city-by-city comparison.

Florida Cities Head-to-Head: Part II

Florida Cities Head-to-Head: Part I

Jacksonville's Development Divide: Part 5