A DOGE Perspective on Property Rights, Power, and Quiet Land Grabs
Every homeowner and landowner in Nassau County/Fernandina Beach understands the basic deal:
You buy a piece of property, you follow the rules, and you expect your city or county government to play fair.
But what happens when the rules quietly change?
What happens when a city or county quietly blocks development, imposes new restrictions, or “downzones” land — only to come back later and buy that same land for a drastically reduced price?
Surely our hometown would ever do that to a taxpayer…
Would they?
The Old Game with a New Twist
Across the country, we’ve seen versions of the same story:
- A landowner has a plan that follows the zoning already in place.
- Suddenly, the city or county says:
• “We need more studies.”
• “We’re revising the land use map.”
• “Your project no longer fits the new vision for the area.” - Months or years go by.
- The property loses value — not because of the market, but because of government-induced uncertainty.
- Then, out of the blue, the local government says:
“We might need your land for a park, road, drainage, conservation, or ‘public purpose.’ Let’s talk acquisition — at fair market value.”
Except the “fair market value” is now far lower because the government itself crushed the value.
It’s a clever maneuver.
It’s also one that responsible cities and counties avoid like the plague — because it’s an abuse of power.
And surely our local governments are the responsible kind… right?
Right?
Florida Law: The Guardrails Are There — If Citizens Use Them
Florida actually has some of the strongest property-rights protections in the country, including the Bert Harris Jr. Act, which allows landowners to fight back when a government:
- Restricts use,
- Changes zoning after purchase,
- Or devalues property through regulation.
But here’s the catch:
The law only works if people know it exists — and if they’re willing to challenge government when something smells off.
And let’s be honest:
Most residents don’t have the time, money, or legal firepower to monitor City Hall or the County Building every week. That’s why watchdogs — and watchdog groups like DOGE — matter.
Because while most governments try to do the right thing…
There’s always the temptation.
Always the ability.
Always the possibility.
Would Our Hometown Ever Play the “Devalue and Take” Game?
Let’s ask the uncomfortable question:
Could a city or county deny reasonable development, stall a property into financial exhaustion, “re-envision” its use, and then swoop in later to acquire it at a bargain?
Here’s the honest answer:
- The power exists.
Local governments can deny permits, impose new conditions, or redesignate land as “public use,” “open space,” or “community enhancement.” - The incentives exist.
Waterfront land, infill parcels, and strategically located properties are like gold to planners — especially when budgets are tight or grant money is dangling. - The precedent exists.
Other cities and counties in Florida and around the country have done versions of this — some legally, some questionably.
So while we’d like to believe our local governments would never weaponize zoning authority to quietly reduce a property’s value before pursuing it…
We’ve also seen how political winds shift, leadership changes, and “visions” evolve.
If it could happen elsewhere…
If it has happened elsewhere…
Shouldn’t we stay alert so it doesn’t happen here?
The Warning Signs Citizens Should Watch For
Without naming any property, here are the red flags:
- Sudden zoning or comprehensive plan changes.
- Vague references to “future needs” or “future public purposes.”
- Development approvals delayed again… and again… and again.
- A shift from clear rules to subjective “compatibility” standards.
- City or County interest in nearby land for parks, traffic realignment, cultural projects, or conservation.
- Consultants appearing out of nowhere with expensive “vision plans.”
When several of these happen at once?
It’s time to ask questions — loudly.
And the Question Our Neighbors Should Ask:
Is the government protecting property owners…
or positioning itself to acquire property cheaply?
Most residents want to believe the best.
Most staff and elected officials try to do the right thing.
Most decisions are made in good faith.
But history teaches us a simple truth:
Whenever government has the power to reshape a property’s destiny, citizens must stay vigilant — or they may wake up one day wondering how their land lost value overnight.
Cities and counties shouldn’t play games with taxpayers’ property.
They don’t want to look like the governments that have abused eminent domain elsewhere.
But they are still made of human beings, politics, pressures, and competing interests.
So ask the question now:
Our city or county wouldn’t do that to us…
would they?
