The lobbying firm representing St. Johns County has submitted its resignation, citing concerns about a potential conflict of interest related to recent state legislation. The Florida Group notified county officials on Sept. 1 that it will cease representation effective Oct. 31.
The departure follows the enactment of SB 686, a state measure designed to streamline approval processes for developers seeking to build on agricultural land surrounded by existing developments. Commissioner Ann Taylor expressed frustration that local officials were not alerted to the legislation before it became law.
Taylor stated she asked her lobbyists how they failed to notify the county about the bill. She argued that the new law effectively removes local government from the decision-making process regarding land use.
County Chair Commissioner Clay Murphy accepted responsibility for the oversight, stating that every potential bill affecting the county must be scrutinized more closely in the future. He emphasized that the failure was a collective miss rather than a specific negligence by one party.
Questions about conflicts of interest arose as development applications under SB 686 increased. Taylor noted concerns regarding The Florida Group’s relationship with The Parc Group, which is seeking approval for a large project near Nocatee. She compared the situation to coaching opposing teams, suggesting it would be difficult to remain impartial.
