Duval County

Mr. Smith and his wife sued the city of Jacksonville, seeking compensation under a state law that protects property owners whose property is affected by governmental actions. The Smiths alleged their riverfront property lost significant value because the city built a marine fire station on neighboring property. The trial court found that the state law applied to the Smiths because the city action inordinately burdened their property. The First District Court of Appeal overturned that decision, ruling the state law did not apply in this case because the city did nothing directly to the Smiths’ property. The 1st DCA also certified the issue as one of great public importance for this Court’s review.