Can Jacksonville enter into shared services agreements with other governments?

Yes. The City may enter interlocal or cooperative agreements as allowed by law; check the City Code and the specific agreement authority for details.

Who approves these agreements?

Approval generally requires the department head, the Office of General Counsel, and City Council or an authorized official depending on the scope and value.

What happens if a party breaches the agreement?

Remedies typically include cure periods, withholding payments, termination, and legal remedies; specific penalties depend on the agreement and are not specified on the cited municipal code page.

Jacksonville Shared Services Agreement Guide

General Governance and Administration Florida 3 Minutes Read · published February 06, 2026

In Jacksonville, Florida, shared services agreements (interlocal or cooperative agreements) let the city contract with other local governments, authorities, or special districts to deliver services more efficiently. These agreements allocate responsibilities, costs, insurance, and liability and must conform to the City’s procurement and legal requirements as reflected in the municipal code and council procedures.^[1]

What is a shared services agreement

A shared services agreement is a written contract between the City of Jacksonville and one or more public entities to provide or share municipal services such as public works, emergency response, fleet maintenance, information technology, or administrative functions. Agreements typically specify scope, term, cost allocation, insurance, indemnification, termination, and reporting.

Interlocal agreements require clear cost allocation and a documented authority to act on behalf of the public entities.

Key provisions to include

Scope of services and specific deliverables, including start and end dates.
Payment, cost-sharing method, billing frequency, and audit rights.
Insurance, indemnity, liability limits, and who bears risk for delays or damages.
Performance standards, service levels, and remedies for nonperformance.
Termination, renewal, amendment procedures, and advance notice requirements.
Governance, decision-making, dispute resolution, and applicable law.

Penalties & Enforcement

Jacksonville enforces contractual obligations through the agreement’s remedies and through city enforcement mechanisms where applicable. Specific monetary fines tied directly to shared services agreements are not typically listed in the municipal code; enforcement normally relies on contract remedies, council action, or legal proceedings. For authoritative text on municipal ordinances and any applicable penalties, consult the City of Jacksonville Code of Ordinances.^[1]

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page for shared services agreements; see the cited municipal code for ordinance-specific fines.
Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing breaches are handled via the contract’s cure and termination clauses or by referral to the City Council or legal department — ranges not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: termination of the agreement, withholding payments, injunctive relief, or contract-specific corrective orders may be imposed.
Enforcer and complaint pathway: the Office of General Counsel and the appropriate department administering the service lead enforcement and dispute resolution; contact details are provided on official city pages.
Appeals and review: contractual appeals typically follow dispute-resolution clauses (mediation/arbitration) or judicial review; specific time limits for appeals are not specified on the cited municipal code page.
Defences and discretion: reasonable excuse, force majeure, cure periods, and prior written approvals or variances are common defenses when provided in the agreement.

If a breach affects public safety services, prioritize notice and temporary measures before termination.

Applications & Forms

For shared services or interlocal agreements, there is no single universal form published on the municipal code; agreements are usually drafted by the Office of General Counsel and approved by City Council or an authorized official. Specific templates or form numbers are not specified on the cited municipal code page.^[1]

Action steps for officials and managers

Identify the legal authority and procure required approvals before executing an agreement.
Draft clear scope, milestones, and payment terms with legal review.
Establish reporting, audits, and performance metrics in the agreement.
Set reserve accounts or bonds where financial risk is significant.

Document performance metrics before service start to avoid disputes later.

FAQ

Can Jacksonville enter into shared services agreements with other governments?: Yes. The City may enter interlocal or cooperative agreements as allowed by law; check the City Code and the specific agreement authority for details.^[1]
Who approves these agreements?: Approval generally requires the department head, the Office of General Counsel, and City Council or an authorized official depending on the scope and value.
What happens if a party breaches the agreement?: Remedies typically include cure periods, withholding payments, termination, and legal remedies; specific penalties depend on the agreement and are not specified on the cited municipal code page.^[1]

How-To

Identify need and scope: document services to share and objectives.
Consult legal counsel: contact the Office of General Counsel for authority and template provisions.
Draft agreement: include scope, cost allocation, insurance, performance metrics, and dispute resolution.
Obtain approvals: seek departmental sign-offs, procurement clearance, and City Council approval where required.
Manage performance: monitor deliverables, invoice processing, and audits; follow contract remedies if breach occurs.

Key Takeaways

Shared services agreements must clearly allocate responsibilities, costs, and risk.
Legal review and documented performance metrics reduce disputes.
Enforcement relies mainly on contract remedies and city legal procedures.

Help and Support / Resources

[1] City of Jacksonville Code of Ordinances - Municode entry for Jacksonville