The Florida Department of Financial Services has revealed significant concerns over Jacksonville’s fiscal management. Chief Financial Officer Blaise Ingoglia announced that his office has identified $275 million in what he described as excessive, wasteful spending in the City of Jacksonville’s 2026-2026 budget.
This revelation comes as part of Ingoglia’s ongoing efforts to provide transparency to local taxpayers and allow residents to hold city officials accountable for their spending decisions. The findings highlight a troubling trend of increased expenditures without corresponding improvements in city services.
Jacksonville’s budget surge and its implications
According to Ingoglia, Jacksonville’s General Fund budget has increased by 61% since 2019. This substantial rise in spending has raised eyebrows, especially considering the city’s population growth. Over the past six years, Jacksonville’s population has increased by 10.49%or 99,588 people.
The Florida Agency of Fiscal Oversight (FAFO) reported that Jacksonville has spent $623.4 million above its benchmark over the past six years. The agency’s review found that the city’s General Fund budget increased by more than $840.1 million between fiscal years 2019-2026 and 2026-2026. This means that for every family of four that moved to the city, the budget increased by $33,743.36.
Criticism from fiscal watchdogs
Greg Ungru of Americans for Prosperity praised the review, stating that FAFO’s methodology helps put local government spending under closer scrutiny. “The FAFO methodology has highlighted fiscal responsibility by making sure the local government works for the constituents they serve, not the other way around,” Ungru said.
Ingoglia’s office also noted that Jacksonville could reduce its millage rate by 1.49 mills without affecting essential city services. According to the CFO, this reduction could save homeowners hundreds of dollars a year. For instance, a homeowner with a taxable home value of $300,000 would save $447 annually. A taxable home value of $400,000 would save $595while a taxable home value of $500,000 would save $744 per year.
The broader picture of fiscal oversight
Ingoglia’s office has now identified more than $2.7 billion in excessive and wasteful spending across Florida. He plans to continue reviewing local government budgets throughout the state as part of his role as chief financial officer. This ongoing scrutiny aims to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used responsibly and efficiently.
As the November elections approach, Ingoglia emphasized the need for property tax reformstating that Floridians will have the opportunity to keep more of their hard-earned money out of the hands of government. This push for reform comes amid growing concerns over the city’s fiscal management and the impact on taxpayers.
