NEFAR leadership, members of the Legislative Committee, and Municipal Key Contacts showed strong and united advocacy for property owners in Northeast Florida. As the Jacksonville City Council prepared to consider two pieces of legislation with potentially harmful consequences for homeowners, landlords, and the real estate market, NEFAR mobilized swiftly to oppose both measures.
After hearing from Councilmember Terrence Freeman during a committee meeting, NEFAR’s Legislative Committee launched a grassroots campaign. NEFAR’s opposition letters were sent, phone calls to council members began, and coalition partners were contacted. On Tuesday, May 13, NEFAR members attended the full City Council meeting in force.
During the public hearing on legislation proposing the adoption of residential PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy)—a program NEFAR views as predatory and harmful—President-elect Kim Knapp shared a poignant account of a first-time homeowner who faced increased mortgage payments due to a PACE lien. President Mario Gonzalez and Secretary Tiea Vincent underscored the program’s predatory nature, while Diana Galavis explained its negative impact on mortgage availability and the broader real estate market. Legislative Committee Vice Chair Angela Wakefield Manning reminded the council of its previous vote to initiate litigation against a PACE provider that had been operating illegally in Duval County and urged the council to continue protecting homeowners from such risky financing schemes.
Later in the meeting, the council opened a public hearing on a proposed resolution to establish a Landlord Registry. NEFAR members, again standing strong late into the evening, spoke out in defense of property owners. Representing NEFAR and Jacksonville NARPM, Mike Hodges questioned the efficacy of the proposed registry and highlighted that any associated fees would likely be passed on to tenants—undermining efforts to maintain affordable rental housing. Gonzalez and Vincent reinforced these points and proposed more effective alternatives to support tenants.
Councilmember public comments were limited as this was the first hearing on both issues. However, Councilmember Amaro expressed support for NEFAR’s position regarding the City’s ongoing litigation against PACE. Councilmember Raul Arias, the sponsor of the PACE bill, acknowledged NEFAR’s concerns and committed to working with all stakeholders moving forward. No comments were made regarding the Landlord Registry at that time.
Ahead of the Tuesday meeting, NEFAR Government Affairs Director Nancy Garcia tracked likely councilmember votes through direct outreach and coordination with allies. Momentum was building, and NEFAR’s strong turnout at the hearing helped solidify that progress. By Wednesday afternoon, NEFAR received confirmation from two councilmembers that the Landlord Registry bill would be withdrawn. While the issue is expected to return in a different form, the bill’s sponsor has pledged to consult with NEFAR and other stakeholders before introducing new legislation.
The advocacy effort continued Thursday, when NEFAR leadership met with Councilmember Arias to provide additional data and reiterate concerns raised during the public hearing. After gaining a deeper understanding of the issues and reviewing the evidence presented, Councilmember Arias announced his decision to withdraw the bill proposing the adoption of residential PACE.
NEFAR’s mission is to serve as the premier advocate and resource for real estate in Northeast Florida. Through the proactive work of the Legislative Committee, members remained informed and empowered to fulfill this mission—demonstrating the power of grassroots advocacy and the value of RPAC in opening doors and ensuring our voices are heard.
Congratulations to NEFAR’s leadership and Legislative Committee members who led this important effort. Special thanks to our dedicated speakers and attendees who stood firm through the lengthy City Council meeting: Diana Galavis, Mario Gonzalez, Mike Hodges, Kim Knapp, Angela Wakefield Manning, Wanda McReynolds, Ant Stroud, and Tiea Vincent.
