JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office is set to expand its operations into the Florida Blue Building on the Downtown Northbank, following unanimous approval from the City Council.
The new office space will allow JSO to consolidate its staff and enhance operational efficiency.
The initial lease term is for 210 months, with two five-year renewal options. The base rates for the lease are set at $20 per square foot for office space, $6 per square foot for garage and warehouse space, and $35 per square foot for retail space, with a 3% annual increase.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Inc., the landlord, is providing approximately $24 million for tenant improvements. This includes 15 months of rate abatement valued at $8.8 million, which JSO has opted to convert into improvements.
The move to the Florida Blue Building will enable JSO to vacate the Police Memorial Building, except for a fueling station. This transition is expected to save the department $6 million in maintenance and upgrades, including work on the rooftop helicopter landing pad, air handling units and flooring.
JSO plans to build out the new space in three phases, with the final employees expected to move to the tower by early 2027. The expansion is part of a broader effort to streamline operations and improve the department’s infrastructure.
