Work - Downtown Jacksonville

Business in the Center of the City

The epicenter of business, Downtown is home to more than 30% of Jacksonville's commercial office space - 6.98 million square feet - all three Fortune 500 Companies in the city, more than 2,400 businesses, and a daytime population of 56,000 employees. Here, the region's skyscrapers mingle with a rich inventory of historic and mid-century architecture along beautiful St. Johns River. In addition, Downtown is a hub for “eds and meds” with five major medical facilities and three university campuses. A value for Florida, our average lease rate per square foot is significantly lower than Florida’s other major central business districts and our occupancy rate is 85.6%. Whether you're looking to relocate to or start your business Downtown, we've compiled useful resources below.

Support for Businesses

JAX Chamber

JAX Chamber helps attract and establish new businesses and contribute to responsible economic growth and a better quality of life for all people in Jacksonville.

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Downtown Investment Authority

The Downtown Investment Authority (DIA) was created to revitalize Jacksonville’s urban core by utilizing Community Redevelopment Area (CRA) resources to spur economic development.

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JAXUSA Partnership

JAXUSA Partnership--a private, nonprofit division of JAX Chamber--is Jacksonville’s regional economic development initiative overseeing the efforts of the seven counties of Northeast Florida. JAXUSA's mission is to be a catalyst for economic growth and maximize the region’s unique resources to aggressively recruit jobs and capital investment to our area.

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Small Business Administration (SBA)

SBA is an independent agency of the federal government that aids, counsels, assists and protects the interests of small business concerns. The SBA provides technical assistance that covers training and counseling, financial assistance, contracting assistance and disaster recovery assistance for small business owners.

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Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

SBDC programs provide up-to-date management advice, training and information to help business owners and to assist potential owners in getting started on the right foot. SBDC offers workshops that cover topics from starting basics, to marketing, accounting/record keeping, financing, and taxes.

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Jacksonville Public Library Small Business Resource Center

The Jacksonville Public Library (JPL) believes that each resident of Duval County has the right to live in an economically sound community. To that end, JPL’s Small Business Center provides free print materials, e-resources and programs to the residents of Jacksonville to help start and grow small businesses, to find jobs, and to manage their personal finances to achieve economic success.

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City Resources

Downtown Development Review Board
The DDRB reviews and make decisions with respect to all applications for development and redevelopment within the Downtown Overlay Zone. Learn more.

Building Inspection Division
The City’s Building Inspection Division ensures that existing and future developments and construction comply with the Florida Building Codes and Jacksonville’s building ordinances. Learn more.

Local Business Tax Information
Local Business Taxes vary depending on the nature of business. The number of employees, equipment and seating capacity are a few variables that factor into the amount of tax due. Learn more.

Property Maintenance Code
The property maintenance code enhances requirements for Downtown property maintenance to safeguard against blight, preserve property values and community standards and establish minimum standards to safeguard the public welfare. Learn More

Downtown Sign Ordinance

Sidewalk Cafe Permitting

Downtown Sidewalk Vending Permits