The Florida District Court of Appeal recently upheld a lower court's ruling in a case involving community development districts. This decision affects local governance and the authority of community development chairs. The case, filed under docket number 6D2025-2094, was decided on October 27, 2026.

Michael P. Colosi, the appellant, challenged the actions of Zack Stamp and Dean Britt, who serve as chairpersons for the Flow Way and Quarry Community Development Districts, respectively. The court's ruling is significant as it clarifies the legal standing and responsibilities of community development district officials in Florida.

Background

The parties in this case include Michael P. Colosi, who represented himself in this appeal, and Zack Stamp and Dean Britt, who are both chairpersons of their respective community development districts. The dispute arose from actions taken by these districts, which Colosi believed were improper or exceeded their authority.

Community development districts (CDDs) are special-purpose local governments in Florida that provide essential services such as water management, road maintenance, and community amenities. They are created to facilitate the development of residential and commercial areas. The case reached the District Court of Appeal after Colosi appealed a decision made by the Circuit Court for Collier County, which ruled in favor of Stamp and Britt.

The Ruling

The District Court of Appeal affirmed the lower court's decision without providing a detailed opinion. The ruling was issued per curiam, meaning it was made by the court collectively rather than by a specific judge. The judges on the panel included White, Mize, and Gannam, who all concurred with the decision.

The court's brief ruling stated, "AFFIRMED," indicating that they found no error in the lower court's judgment. This affirmation means that the actions taken by the Flow Way and Quarry Community Development Districts were upheld, reinforcing the authority of their chairpersons.

Impact

This ruling has implications for community development districts across Florida. It reinforces the legal authority of district officials and may deter future challenges to their actions. By affirming the lower court's decision, the appellate court has set a precedent that supports the governance structure of community development districts.

Residents and stakeholders in these districts may feel more secure in the decisions made by their elected officials. The ruling clarifies the extent of the powers held by community development chairs, which could influence how they operate in the future. It also highlights the importance of following proper legal channels when contesting the actions of local government entities.

What's Next

Details were not available in the court filing regarding any potential for appeal. However, given the nature of the ruling, it is possible that Colosi or other parties may seek further legal recourse. No related cases were mentioned in the court opinion.