South Florida Standard

Editorial Standards

South Florida Standard is committed to accurate, fair, and ethical journalism. These standards guide our reporting and editorial decisions.

Accuracy

Accuracy is our highest priority. Before publication, we verify information through multiple sources whenever possible. We clearly distinguish between facts and analysis or opinion. When information cannot be independently verified, we disclose that limitation to readers.

We use primary sources—official documents, firsthand witnesses, and authoritative data—as the foundation of our reporting. Secondary sources are used to provide context but are clearly attributed.

Fairness & Balance

We seek comment from all relevant parties before publication, especially those who may be criticized or affected by our reporting. When sources decline to comment or are unavailable, we disclose that to readers.

We present multiple perspectives on contested issues and avoid false equivalence—giving equal weight to claims regardless of their factual basis.

Independence

South Florida Standard maintains editorial independence from advertisers, sources, and outside interests. Advertising and sponsored content are clearly labeled and separated from editorial content. We do not accept paid placements or sponsored posts.

Our reporters do not accept gifts, favors, or compensation from sources or subjects of coverage. Any potential conflicts of interest are disclosed to editors and, when relevant, to readers.

Transparency

We are transparent about our methods, sources, and any limitations of our reporting. When we rely on anonymous sources, we explain why anonymity was granted and what steps we took to verify the information.

We disclose relevant affiliations, funding sources, or other information that readers may need to evaluate our work.

Corrections Policy

We correct errors promptly and transparently. When we make a factual error, we:

  • Correct the error in the original article
  • Add a correction notice at the bottom of the article explaining what was changed
  • Note the date of the correction
  • For significant errors, add a correction notice at the top of the article

Minor errors (typos, grammatical fixes) may be corrected without a formal notice. Substantive changes—to facts, quotes, or meaning—always receive a correction notice.

To report an error: Email tips@southfloridastandard.com with the article URL and details of the error.

Opinion & News Separation

We maintain a clear separation between news reporting and opinion content. Opinion pieces, editorials, and analysis are clearly labeled. News reporters do not write opinion pieces on subjects they cover.

Anonymous Sources

We prefer on-the-record sources. When we grant anonymity, it is because:

  • The source would face significant professional, legal, or personal risk
  • The information is important to the public interest
  • The information cannot be obtained on the record
  • We can independently verify the information or the source's credibility

Anonymity is approved by editors, not granted unilaterally by reporters.

Digital & Social Media

We apply the same standards to content published on social media as we do to our website. We do not delete social media posts without explanation, except in cases of factual error (which are corrected) or when content violates platform terms.

Updates to These Standards

These standards may be updated periodically. Significant changes will be noted with a revision date at the bottom of this page.

Last updated: January 2026