diff --git a/src/sfCommand.ts b/src/sfCommand.ts
index 4b4285cbe..5763be28e 100644
--- a/src/sfCommand.ts
+++ b/src/sfCommand.ts
@@ -210,9 +210,14 @@ export abstract class SfCommand<T> extends Command {
   }
 
   public jsonEnabled(): boolean {
-    // can come from either oclif's detection of the flag's presence and truthiness OR from the env
     // https://developer.salesforce.com/docs/atlas.en-us.sfdx_setup.meta/sfdx_setup/sfdx_dev_cli_json_support.htm
-    return super.jsonEnabled() || envVars.getString(EnvironmentVariable.SF_CONTENT_TYPE) === 'JSON';
+    // can come from either oclif's detection of the flag's presence and truthiness OR from the env
+    // unless it's been explicitly disabled on the command's statics
+    return (
+      super.jsonEnabled() ||
+      (SfCommand.enableJsonFlag !== false &&
+        envVars.getString(EnvironmentVariable.SF_CONTENT_TYPE)?.toUpperCase() === 'JSON')
+    );
   }
   /**
    * Log a success message that has the standard success message color applied.