Jacksonville Ethics Commission Expresses Worries About New State Law That May Affect Anti-Corruption Initiatives

The Jacksonville Ethics Commission has raised concerns about a new state statute that went into effect on Friday.

The Commission, which plays a crucial role in monitoring city administration and investigating accusations against officials, has expressed that the new statute's stricter reporting requirements will pose a significant challenge to local government anti-corruption initiatives.

Local ethics investigations are restricted by law, and individuals who choose to come forward must comply with additional requirements. While supporters claim the legislation will stop political persecution, Juanita Dixon, chair of the Jacksonville Ethics Commission, believes it will have the opposite effect.

Dixon has foreseen that the new statute will "undoubtedly impede our ability to handle complaints," highlighting the potential challenges the commission may face in the future.

Dixon is worried about a new state rule that mandates that complaints made to the Commission must be signed by the individual raising the alarm and must be based on firsthand information.

"The new statute puts individuals in a precarious position. They may feel that their livelihoods and jobs are at stake when they are required to sign their names and swear a complaint against potentially powerful figures in the community, such as their bosses or agency heads," Dixon expressed her concern.

Additionally, Dixon stated that despite the legislation prohibiting such actions, there have only been two instances of a municipal ethics commission opening an investigation on its own in Jacksonville during the last ten or so years.

There are ten members of the city's ethics commission. Local government representatives, such as the mayor, sheriff, and public defender, appoint seven. The Commission appoints three members.

The Commission led municipal officials through hours of ethics training at City Hall on Monday, covering topics like handling gift offers and the Florida Sunshine Law.
Speaker of the Florida House Paul Renner is among those who support the modifications to the ethics investigation, arguing that they will help stop complaints from being used as a club to intimidate political opponents.

Renner stated, "I simply think that a higher standard is now justified given the level of weaponization among parties that would seek to use this."
Dixon, however, stated that the investigation procedure follows due process and eliminates unfounded allegations.

"You must have faith in the process, you understand, and let those who carry out their duties do so. And finally, you know, the actual It always wins out, according to Dixon.

According to its annual report from the previous year, nine of the fifteen instances the Jacksonville Ethics Commission examined were dropped; just one was forwarded to the Office of the Inspector General for additional action. Investigations into the other cases continued until 2024.

The Jacksonville Ethics Commission was among the watchdog organizations that pushed Governor Ron DeSantis to veto the legislation.
Dixon, however, stated that the investigation procedure follows due process and eliminates unfounded allegations.

"You must have faith in the process, you understand, and let those who carry out their duties do so. And finally, you know, the actual It always wins out, according to Dixon.

According to its annual report from the previous year, nine of the fifteen instances the Jacksonville Ethics Commission examined were dropped; just one was forwarded to the Office of the Inspector General for additional action. Investigations into the other cases continued until 2024.

The Jacksonville Ethics Commission was among the watchdog organizations that pushed Governor Ron DeSantis to veto the legislation.