Pembroke Park Mayor Files Lawsuit Against Town Over Residency Dispute

Mayor Geoffrey Jacobs faces potential ouster after commissioners question his permanent residence

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The mayor of Pembroke Park, Florida, Geoffrey Jacobs, has filed a lawsuit against the town after local officials raised questions about his permanent residence and attempted to remove him from office. Jacobs' attorney, Michael Pizzi, says the mayor "absolutely, 100% lives in Pembroke Park" and has filed an emergency injunction to block a town commission meeting where officials were planning to oust Jacobs.

Why it matters

This legal battle highlights the importance of elected officials meeting residency requirements to hold office, as well as the potential for political disputes over such issues. The outcome could have significant implications for the town's leadership and governance.

The details

The dispute began after questions were raised about Jacobs' permanent residence. Pembroke Park Clerk Commissioner Bill Hodgkins stated that Jacobs had moved out of town a year ago without informing anyone. However, Jacobs' attorney Pizzi defended his client, saying Jacobs has a driver's license, voter registration, and utility bills all showing a Pembroke Park address. Pizzi also noted that Jacobs owns another property in Fort Pierce that is homesteaded, suggesting he may have two residences.

  • On February 10, 2026, Jacobs' attorney filed a lawsuit against the town and an emergency injunction to block a town commission meeting.
  • A judge ordered that the town commission and city manager are prohibited from proceeding with a hearing to remove Mayor Jacobs.

The players

Geoffrey Jacobs

The mayor of Pembroke Park, Florida, who is facing potential ouster from office over questions about his permanent residence.

Michael Pizzi

The attorney representing Mayor Jacobs, who has filed a lawsuit against the town and an emergency injunction to block a meeting where officials planned to remove Jacobs from office.

Bill Hodgkins

The Pembroke Park Clerk Commissioner who raised questions about Jacobs' permanent residence, stating that Jacobs had moved out of town a year ago without informing anyone.

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What they’re saying

“A judge has ordered that the town commission of Pembroke Park and the city manager are prohibited from going forward with their hearing to try to remove Mayor Jacobs.”

— Michael Pizzi, Attorney for Mayor Jacobs (WSVN)

“The mayor absolutely, 100% lives in Pembroke Park, I have his driver's license, his voter's card, his utility bill.”

— Michael Pizzi, Attorney for Mayor Jacobs (WSVN)

“If you are not a resident of the town, you can no longer be a commissioner, period, so it's pretty cut and dry.”

— Bill Hodgkins, Pembroke Park Clerk Commissioner (WSVN)

What’s next

A hearing is scheduled within the next 10 days for a Broward Circuit judge to rule on the residency dispute and Jacobs' status as mayor.

The takeaway

This legal battle highlights the importance of elected officials meeting residency requirements, as well as the potential for political disputes over such issues. The outcome could have significant implications for Pembroke Park's leadership and governance.