University of Florida secures land and capital support for campus in Jacksonville
The University of Florida today announced a major step forward for its planned campus in downtown Jacksonville, following a unanimous vote by the Jacksonville City Council to approve both the transfer of more than 20 acres of land in LaVilla to UF and an additional $50 million in funding to support campus construction.
The council’s decision marks a historic public investment in higher education, research and economic growth in Northeast Florida and reaffirms Jacksonville’s commitment to becoming a national hub for talent and innovation.
“The City Council’s vote today is a testament to a shared vision for the future for both UF and for Jacksonville,” said Mori Hosseini, UF Board of Trustees chair. “This investment will create a world-class campus that serves Jacksonville’s workforce, fuels innovation and expands opportunity for generations to come.”
The approved land transfer includes an approximately 20-acre site in the LaVilla neighborhood. With the council’s approval, UF will move forward with closing on the property later this summer. The additional $50 million in city support brings the city’s total investment in the project to $100 million. State funding and local private philanthropy push the total investment in UF Jacksonville to $300 million to date with additional funding secured for the Florida Semiconductor Institute.
“The council recognizes the importance of UF Jacksonville to the city’s future,” council President Randy White said. “This is an investment of tax dollars that will pay dividends for decades.”
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan voiced her support as well.
“Jacksonville is committed to being on the forefront of talent development,” Deegan said. “As our economy grows and embraces new technology, the need for a skilled workforce is more important than ever. Our partnership with UF sends a clear signal that Jacksonville is at the forefront of innovation.”
The UF Jacksonville campus will offer graduate-level academic programs aligned with the city’s workforce needs in fields such as business, health science, engineering, law and architecture. The project also includes an applied research enterprise built around the Florida Semiconductor Institute.
Site preparation is already underway, including property due diligence and the selection of a development partner. The university anticipates launching degree programs in an existing building in 2026 and will commence design, planning and construction of new buildings later that year.
