University of Florida to Build $300 Million Graduate Campus in Jacksonville’s LaVilla Neighborhood

Jacksonville Gives Green Light to UF Campus

The University of Florida is moving forward with plans for a new graduate campus in downtown Jacksonville after the City Council voted unanimously to approve the transfer of over 20 acres in LaVilla and an additional $50 million in funding.

This marks a major step in creating a world-class center for education, research, and innovation in Northeast Florida.

City and State Invest Big in the Project

The City of Jacksonville has now invested $100 million into the UF Jacksonville campus. Combined with support from the state and private donors, total funding for the project has reached $300 million.

Part of that investment will go toward launching the Florida Semiconductor Institute, a key feature of the new campus.

City Leaders Support the Expansion

City officials say the UF project is a smart investment that will benefit Jacksonville for years to come.

“This is an investment of tax dollars that will pay dividends for decades,” said City Council President Randy White.

Mayor Donna Deegan agreed, saying the campus will help build a strong workforce for the city’s growing tech and business industries.

Graduate Programs Focused on In-Demand Careers

The new campus will offer graduate-level programs designed to meet Jacksonville’s workforce needs. Areas of study will include:

• Business
• Engineering
• Health Sciences
• Law
• Architecture

The campus will also support hands-on research through the Florida Semiconductor Institute, boosting Jacksonville’s role in high-tech innovation.

First Classes Expected in 2026

Site work is already underway, including property studies and planning. UF plans to launch initial classes in an existing building by 2026, with construction on new facilities beginning later that year.

New Life for LaVilla

The new campus will be built in LaVilla, a historic downtown neighborhood. The project is expected to bring new energy and development to the area, while respecting its cultural history.

With strong support from local leaders, the University of Florida’s new Jacksonville campus is set to become a major center for learning, research, and economic growth in the region.