St. Johns County reviews 25 proposals for new state lobbyist after longtime firm resigns

St. Johns County is reviewing 25 proposals from lobbying firms after its longtime state government representative ended its contract Oct. 31, leaving the county without a contracted state lobbyist as it prepares for the 2027 Florida legislative session.

The Florida Group, led by principal Marty Fiorentino, notified the county Sept. 1 that it would end its representation effective Oct. 31, according to the Jacksonville Daily Record. The firm had represented St. Johns County for more than 15 years.

The departure followed months of debate among county commissioners over the firm's performance, its private-sector clients and whether it had adequately informed county leaders about state legislation affecting local development decisions.

Commissioners question lobbying firm's performance

Commissioner Krista Joseph raised concerns about the Florida Group's performance and potential conflicts of interest. Commissioner Ann Taylor also supported scrutiny of the firm's work, according to the Daily Record.

A central issue was Senate Bill 686, legislation addressing agricultural enclaves that took effect July 1, 2026.

Joseph argued that the firm's representatives should have done more to alert commissioners to the legislation and its potential consequences for county land-use decisions.

The law establishes a state certification process for qualifying agricultural enclaves, potentially allowing certain development proposals to proceed without the traditional local comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning process. It also restricts local governments' ability to impose requirements beyond those permitted under the law.

Joseph also questioned whether the firm's representation of private developers could conflict with the county's growth management priorities.

Developer connections draw scrutiny

Fiorentino's Jacksonville lobbying registration lists clients including 6S Development, Eastland, Stellar, Superior Construction and the Northeast Florida Builders Association, according to the Daily Record.

The Florida Group's website also identifies The PARC Group as a client.

The PARC Group is pursuing an agricultural enclave designation for approximately 4,462 acres in North Palm Valley.

The St. Johns County Commission voted 3-2 on Sept. 15 to deny the application. The developer subsequently filed a petition Oct. 19 seeking judicial review of the decision, according to the Jacksonville Daily Record.

The firm's representation of development interests prompted questions about potential conflicts, although the existence of overlapping clients does not by itself establish a legal or ethical violation.

Florida Group cites differences with commissioners

In its Sept. 1 resignation letter, the Florida Group acknowledged that some commissioners wanted a change in the county's state government representation.

The firm wrote that commissioners had "expressed the desire to go in a different direction as it relates to state government relations consulting."

Although the firm disagreed with that assessment, it said, "we have decided it would be best to discontinue our representation."

The Florida Group also defended its record, saying it had helped secure more than $110 million in state funding for St. Johns County projects during its tenure.

Not all commissioners shared Joseph's criticisms.

At a May meeting, Commissioner Christian Whitehurst challenged Joseph to identify a specific contract provision the firm had violated.

In August, Commission Chairman Clay Murphy accepted responsibility for commissioners not being better informed about SB 686, saying the oversight ultimately rested with him.

County reviews 25 proposals before legislative session

County Administrator Joy Andrews said the county's Office of Economic Development is reviewing 25 responses to its request for proposals, which closed Oct. 19.

The county hopes to select a new state lobbying firm before the 2027 Florida legislative session begins March 2.

The legislative calendar adds urgency to the selection. Florida lawmakers are scheduled to meet for an organizational session Nov. 17, followed by interim committee meetings ahead of the regular session.

The 2027 legislative session is scheduled to run from March 2 through April 30, according to the Florida Senate's legislative calendar.

A replacement lobbyist would be responsible for representing the county's interests in Tallahassee, monitoring legislation, advocating for state funding and advising county leaders about proposals affecting local government authority.