Citizens Property Insurance Corp. (Citizens) will relocate its Jacksonville office, impacting downtown revitalization efforts, according to an announcement made Friday. The insurance provider, which currently occupies space in the EverBank Center, plans to move approximately 1,000 employees to a five-story building at 8787 Baypine Road in 2026.
Citizens’ decision marks an end to a six-month evaluation of its office location. The company’s move to the suburbs comes after city efforts to retain the company downtown. The new location was previously used by the Florida Coastal School of Law before its closure.
In 2015, local officials celebrated the arrival of Citizens in the EverBank Center as a significant win for downtown Jacksonville. The prospect of its departure prompted appeals from Mayor Donna Deegan and other community leaders. Deegan stated that she would continue to advocate for reconsideration of the move when the Board of Governors votes on the lease agreement.
Deegan commented, “There is a window still open for Citizens Insurance to remain downtown.” She also mentioned the city’s commitment to retain Citizens, highlighting discussions with the Sheriff’s Office about establishing a stop station in EverBank Center to enhance security.
Jacksonville faces a competitive office space market, with high vacancy rates throughout the city. The loss of a prominent employer like Citizens presents a setback to downtown revitalization efforts, which depend on increased foot traffic to support local businesses.
Initially, Citizens had focused its search for new office space on the Southside area, excluding downtown. However, the company later expanded its search to include downtown proposals, aiming for a location that would provide better access during severe weather, strengthen its emergency response capabilities, and offer a central location for employees.
Citizens has indicated its intent to award the contract to Boyd Watterson Asset Management, the owner of the Baypine Road office. The final lease agreement requires approval from the Citizens Property Insurance Board of Governors and the state Department of Management Services. If the lease agreement for the Baypine Road building is not finalized, Citizens may consider a lease with the second-ranked proposal for office space at 14000 Citicards Way, according to a notice of decision.
Jamie Shelton, a member of the Citizens Property Insurance Corporation Board of Governors, has expressed that the safety and security of employees is a top priority. He stated last month that the safety and security of Citizens’ employees should be the top priority and the current environment does not provide such.
The state established Citizens Property Insurance Corp. in 2004, functioning as a non-profit, government-run insurer of last resort for property owners unable to secure private insurance. Jacksonville is home to the largest number of Citizens employees.
