The Citizens Property Insurance Board of Governors has unanimously decided to relocate its downtown Jacksonville office and its workforce—nearly a thousand employees—to the Jacksonville Southside suburbs. This move, set for 2026, will end the company's decade-long tenure at its current location in EverBank Tower.
Following a recommendation made public last Friday, the Board approved a 10-year lease for a five-story building at 8787 Baypine Road, previously occupied by Florida Coastal School of Law which has since shuttered. The relocation is in part motivated by employees' voiced safety concerns and the desire for a secure working environment. As an anonymous employee told First Coast News, some staff recounted experiences of feeling unsafe when commuting to the downtown office.
Citizens Property Insurance remarked that the new location aligns with the company's objectives including security, employee impact, collaboration facilities, professional development, and policyholder service. Spokesman Michael Peltier stated, "The property, located at 8787 Baypine Road, best fits the goals and objectives for Citizens' long-term operations in the City of Jacksonville," in a statement obtained by News4JAX.
The Mayor of Jacksonville, Donna Deegan, who had been advocating for Citizens to maintain its downtown office, expressed respect for the decision through a statement made after the Board's vote, acknowledging the economic vitality it would retain within the city. "We respect the decision and are glad these jobs will remain in Jacksonville," said Mayor Deegan, who, as per Jacksonville.com, remains committed to attracting more companies to foster downtown growth.
Local reactions to the decision have been mixed. While some employees are pleased about the prospect of reduced commute times and enhanced security, others, like the one who shared with First Coast News, are concerned about longer traveling distances and increased expenses. The larger impacts of the move on downtown revitalization efforts which city leaders remain invested in, continue to generate a significant response amongst Jacksonville’s public discourse.
