The University of Florida pushes forward with new Jacksonville campus, aiming to spark economic growth

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Downtown Jacksonville is gearing up for a major transformation as the University of Florida moves forward with plans for its new campus in partnership with the Downtown Investment Authority. On Monday, the university invited more than 50 developers to tour the site and meet with university stakeholders.

The UF Jacksonville campus is expected to become a hub for research, education, and innovation, covering more than 200,000 square feet with state-of-the-art classrooms, research labs, and administrative offices.

UF Vice President of Strategic Initiatives Kurt Dudas tells First Coast News this is exciting day forward for the city of Jacksonville.

“In terms of the community I think it will be that there are multiple projects that are taking place in Jacksonville right now and the fact that they will build on each other,” said Dudas. “I think it’s part of what makes it so promising.”

Dudas added, “In terms of what it means for the University of Florida, it means expansion it means building for the future.”

UF plans to select a developer by spring 2026, with graduate programs slated to start in fall 2026 at the existing building on Bay Street, just west of Jefferson Street.

City leaders say the campus will not only provide educational opportunities but also help stimulate the local economy by creating jobs and revitalizing the LaVilla neighborhood.

Downtown Investment Authority CEO Colin Tarbert described the project to be a major hub for attracting students, and economic growth. 

“And this is gonna be a major anchor institution just gonna bring so much innovation and vibrant and just a lot of people who have an experience downtown Jacksonville here to be part of the community for a very long time,” said Tarbert. 

UF officials hope to have the first new facility on the campus completed by 2029, marking a significant milestone for education and innovation in Jacksonville.


Key Details

Location: LaVilla, near Bay Street and Jefferson Street

Features: Classrooms, research labs, administrative offices

Graduate Programs Begin: Fall 2026