TALLAHASSEE, FL \u2014 The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and Southern Poverty Law Center filed a lawsuit against the City of Tallahassee over its fire services fee, which they claim is an unconstitutional form of taxation that disproportionately impacts low-income and minority residents.<\/p>\n
The lawsuit, filed in the Second Judicial Circuit in Leon County, Florida, challenges the fee collected as a hidden charge on monthly utility bills, according to an ACLU press release<\/a>. The organizations argue the fee unfairly burdens Black and Hispanic residents, students, and renters who face severe penalties, including utility shutoffs, collections procedures, liens, and potential foreclosure for non-payment.<\/p>\n The fee structure creates two zones with different rates, according to the press release. An “inner” zone that is more racially diverse and lower-income pays higher fees, while an “outer” zone that is predominantly white and higher-income pays lower rates.<\/p>\n Nicholas Warren, ACLU of Florida staff attorney, said in part,<\/p>\n “This regressive tax is as illegal as it is unjust. As living costs keep rising, the mayor and city commissioners chose to increase a charge that exacerbates inequality and falls hardest on our neighbors who are most under strain.”<\/p>\n The organizations claim the city lacks authority under the Florida Constitution to levy such a fee. Article VII, Section 1 of the Florida Constitution prohibits local governments from creating new forms of taxation, reserving that power for the state, according to the press release.<\/p>\n The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Tallahassee residents Dorothy Inman-Johnson, Deborah Cozart-Hawkins, and Jamila Robinson, as well as Citizens for Government Accountability.<\/p>\n The lawsuit seeks to end the city’s fire services fee collection, cease enforcement actions, and halt all debt collection and utility shutoff procedures related to unpaid fees.<\/p>\n To read the full complaint, click here. <\/a><\/p>\n This story has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.<\/p>\n Want to see more local news? Visit the WTXL ABC 27 Website. <\/a><\/p>\n Stay in touch with us anywhere, anytime.<\/p>\n Like us on Facebook<\/a><\/p>\n Follow us on Instagram <\/a>and X.<\/a><\/p>\n