In 2025, financial disclosure forms filed under Florida’s ethics law reveal that at least 10 of the 19 Jacksonville City Council members are millionaires, all of whom are Republicans. The forms, required by July 1, highlight significant wealth among council members, with notable assets contributing to their net worth. For instance, Councilmember Mike Gay’s wealth, estimated at $5.3 million, primarily stems from stocks in M. Gay Constructors Inc., a company he founded. Others, like Joe Carlucci, report substantial retirement accounts, with Carlucci holding $183,000 from his 32-year tenure at the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD). These disclosures, while not fully available for all members due to pending filings or redactions for individuals like Rory Diamond, Raul Arias, Jimmy Peluso, and Ju’Coby Pittman, underscore a council predominantly composed of high-net-worth individuals, raising questions about potential conflicts of interest in their decision-making processes.

Income sources for Jacksonville City Council members vary widely, reflecting diverse professional backgrounds. Council members earn a modest salary of approximately $50,000 annually for their part-time legislative roles, but many supplement this with significant external income. For example, Ron Salem earns $28,000 from PharMerica and $30,000 from his consulting firm, Salem & Associates, while also holding a net worth bolstered by pharmaceutical industry ties. Similarly, other members like Michael Boylan, with a history of leadership in community organizations, may draw income from private ventures or pensions, though specific figures for all are not fully detailed in available records. These external income streams, often from business or professional activities, highlight the financial independence of many council members, potentially influencing their perspectives on city policies, particularly those affecting economic development or business incentives.

Funding for council members’ campaigns often comes from a mix of personal wealth, local business contributions, and political action committees, though exact 2025 election cycle details are sparse in current records. The wealth of council members like Matt Carlucci and Chris Miller, among the richest, suggests they may have the means to self-fund campaigns, reducing reliance on external donations but potentially aligning their priorities with affluent constituencies. The Jacksonville City Council’s budget decisions, such as the approval of a $1.88 billion general fund for 2024-25, reflect their influence over significant public funds, including $105 million for a University of Florida campus and $94 million for community benefits tied to the Jaguars’ stadium deal. These decisions, shaped by a council with substantial personal wealth, raise ongoing debates about equitable resource allocation, particularly for issues like affordable housing, which saw reduced funding in 2024-25 despite public demand.

10 of 19 City Council Members in Jacksonville are Millionaires

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