News Summary
Florida CFO Blaise Ingoglia has accused Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan of obstructing state auditors ahead of a financial review. The tension arises over conditions placed on auditors by the city that may limit investigation capabilities. Ingoglia insists on transparency and opposes any bureaucratic barriers, while Deegan argues that safety protocols are necessary for financial integrity. As the financial review approaches, both sides stand firm, highlighting the critical balance between security and accountability in city finances.
Jacksonville – Florida Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Blaise Ingoglia has accused Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan of obstructing state auditors just days before a scheduled financial review of the city. The accusations were outlined in a letter sent by Ingoglia to Deegan on August 4, 2025, and highlight concerns regarding the conditions placed on auditors from the Florida Department of Management Services (DOGE).
Ingoglia’s letter alleges that Jacksonville is attempting to impose restrictions that could limit the audit authority of the state’s auditors, including a requirement for the audit team to sign documents that could hamper their ability to conduct a thorough investigation. The DOGE’s visit is set for August 7 and 8, when they plan to review city spending practices and identify potential instances of waste, fraud, and abuse of taxpayer dollars.
Ingoglia expressed strong opposition to these bureaucratic measures, emphasizing that he would not tolerate any impediments to his office’s efforts to unearth financial discrepancies. He highlighted the power his office holds to subpoena necessary documents and files, which he believes is crucial for maintaining transparency and accountability in government financial operations.
In response to these allegations, Mayor Deegan contended that the state auditors were required to complete a one-page form prior to their visit, a request they allegedly opted not to fulfill. Deegan described the form as a necessary measure to protect the integrity and security of the city’s financial information systems. She urged that safety protocols related to financial data management should not be politicized and stated that Jacksonville conducts its own audits annually, in addition to those mandated by the state.
As per Florida law, specifically Section 124 of Chapter 2025(199), external auditors can indeed gain access to city data systems, provided they comply with certain security considerations. This aspect adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute. Ingoglia has instructed Florida DOGE not to engage in signing documents such as nondisclosure agreements or technology use agreements, labeling them as barriers to transparency.
Notably, members of the Jacksonville City government maintain that they have been working cooperatively with Florida DOGE since their initial request was made in March. City officials claim they have provided necessary information and access for the review, indicating a willingness to uphold transparency and accountability in city finances.
Support for the audit from state officials appears to be solid. Councilmember Rory Diamond expressed that the audit process is essential in identifying excessive spending at both city and county levels, reinforcing the need for thorough financial scrutiny.
Amidst this contention, Mayor Deegan reiterated her commitment to collaborating with the Florida DOGE, asserting that Jacksonville’s finances are well-managed and responsible. She aimed to convey that her administration values accountability but is also focused on safeguarding city resources and information.
The impending financial review by Florida DOGE could have significant implications for Jacksonville’s financial practices, especially as tensions between state and city officials continue to rise over the handling of the audit process. As the visit approaches, both sides remain steadfast in their positions, scrutinizing the balance between transparency, security, and financial accountability.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax
- First Coast News
- News 4 Jax
- Google Search: Jacksonville audit process
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Financial Audit
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
