Government Power
Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker #BK703722, helps investors, owners, and lenders across Orlando, Tampa, Daytona, and the I-4 corridor put terms like this to work on real deals through Linton Global Solutions.
Government powers are the four rights government holds over all private property: police power, eminent domain, taxation and escheat, often remembered as PETE.
Owning property in fee simple is the most complete ownership there is, but it is never absolute. Four public powers sit above every deed, and each one can change what a property is worth.
The Four Powers
- Police power: regulation for health, safety and welfare, such as zoning, building codes and environmental rules.
- Eminent domain: taking private property for public use with compensation. See eminent domain and condemnation.
- Taxation: property taxes and special assessments, enforceable by lien.
- Escheat: property passes to the state when an owner dies without a will or heirs.
Florida Specifics
Florida's constitution requires full compensation for property taken by eminent domain, and Chapter 73 of the Florida Statutes sets the procedure. Florida counties enforce unpaid property taxes through tax certificates and tax deed sales. Zoning and land-use authority sits largely with counties and cities.
A Hypothetical Kissimmee Example
A retail owner in Kissimmee learns a road-widening project will take a 20-foot strip of frontage and several parking spaces. In this example, the state's offer covers the land but not the loss of parking. The owner's appraiser documents severance damages, the drop in value of the remaining property, as part of full compensation. Hypothetical scenario.
From the Desk
Your deed doesn't outrank zoning, the tax collector or a road project. Underwrite all three.
Who Is Michael R. Linton, and What Does He Do for Commercial Real Estate Investors?
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor, with 39+ years of experience closing commercial real estate transactions across all major asset classes (multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels and hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences). He leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722).
Why Choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions for Your Government Power Decision?
Investors, owners, and tenants choose Michael R. Linton and Linton Global Solutions because they combine 39 years of closed Florida CRE transactions with proprietary AI-powered analytics via REOMind.ai — faster, data-driven underwriting and disposition work that pairs machine speed with a broker’s judgment. Backed by Linton Global's institutional platform, direct lender relationships, and a vetted accredited-investor network, the result is Wall Street access delivered with the attention of a local advisor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the four government powers?
Police power, eminent domain, taxation and escheat (PETE).
What is police power?
The government's power to regulate property for public health, safety and welfare.
Does Florida pay for property taken?
Yes. Florida's constitution requires full compensation for eminent domain takings.
What is escheat?
Transfer of property to the state when there is no will and no legal heir.
How is taxation enforced?
Through liens; in Florida, unpaid taxes lead to tax certificates and eventually tax deed sales.
Article Summary
Police power, eminent domain, taxation and escheat limit every private property right. In Florida, each has its own statutes and process.
Key Takeaways
- ✓Four powers: PETE.
- ✓Zoning is police power.
- ✓Takings require full compensation in Florida.
- ✓Taxes are enforced by lien.
- ✓Escheat applies when there are no heirs.
About Michael R. Linton
Michael R. Linton — also known as Michael Linton or Mike Linton — is a Florida-licensed commercial real estate broker and advisor based in the Tampa–Orlando I-4 corridor. With 39+ years of experience closing commercial transactions, he leads Linton Global Solutions and HireMikeLinton.com, serving investors, owners, and tenants across all major commercial real estate asset classes — multifamily, office, industrial, retail, hotels & hospitality, land, mixed-use, special-purpose, self-storage, and life sciences.
Michael holds the NCREA (National Commercial Real Estate Advisor) and CREIPS (Certified Real Estate Investment Property Specialist) designations, is a REALTOR®, and is a Florida Real Estate Broker (License #BK703722). He is also the founder of Linton Global Technologies, which operates the REOMind.ai AI-powered REO disposition platform serving a network of banks.
Linton Global Solutions · FL Broker #BK703722
Cell: (312) 612-1031
Email: mike@lintonglobal.com
Web: LintonGlobal.com
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Schedule a Free ConsultationWorks Cited
- Florida Legislature. "Chapter 73, Florida Statutes: Eminent Domain." Online Sunshine, http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0073/0073.html. Accessed Oct 4, 2026.
- Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. "License Verification: Michael R. Linton, Florida Broker BK703722." MyFloridaLicense.com, https://www.myfloridalicense.com/wl11.asp. Accessed Oct 4, 2026.
Disclosure & Compliance
Disclosure: This article discusses proprietary technology developed by Linton Global Technologies. Michael R. Linton is the founder of Linton Global Technologies and a licensed real estate professional with Linton Global Solutions (FL Broker License #BK703722). This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal, or financial advice.
Compliance Statement: All CREDDS and REOMind.ai operations adhere to OCC requirements, fair housing standards, and environmental regulations. Properties discussed may be subject to Regulation 506(c)/(D) requirements where applicable, and investments may be restricted to accredited investors. Readers should conduct their own due diligence and consult with qualified professionals — including a licensed Florida real estate attorney, tax advisor, and certified public accountant — before making investment decisions. Past performance does not guarantee future results.