Inman-Johnson v. City of Tallahassee

This case challenges Tallahassee’s fire services fee, a flat monthly charge per household that disproportionately impacts low-income households, and Black and Hispanic residents, students, and renters. Because each household pays the same, regardless of income, property value, or ability to pay, the fee is a regressive tax. The case argues the city lacks the authority under the Florida Constitution to levy this fee. The suit was filed with the Southern Poverty Law Center on behalf of Citizens for Government Accountability and three Tallahassee residents.

The Latest: We filed the case on November 17, 2025. On March 12, 2026, the court denied the City of Tallahassee’s motion to dismiss the case with respect to the three individual city residents who sued. The case is proceeding through discovery.