Overview of
Life Sciences in Jacksonville
The Jacksonville region is home to one of only three Mayo Clinics in the world, more proton therapy centers than any other U.S. city and a life sciences workforce of 123,000. Northeast Florida’s life sciences growth rate leads every major Florida market — projected at 11% annually through 2028. That’s not a promise. That’s a track record.
1 in 7
jobs in the region are in health care
123K+
skilled life sciences workers
11%
projected annual growth rate (2025–2030) — faster than the state and nation
3
proton therapy centers — more than any other city in the U.S.
Explore This Industry
1
Areas of Excellence
This Region Leads in Health
The life sciences sector spans medical device manufacturing, clinical trials, translational research and biomedical sciences — anchored by more than 20 high-profile health care facilities and a rapidly growing biomedical community.
Medical Device Manufacturing
Zimmer Biomet, KLS Martin and Johnson & Johnson Vision maintain operations here. The region’s manufacturing infrastructure and skilled technician workforce support complex device production at scale.
Clinical Trials
A 1.9-million-resident patient population — and growing — alongside major academic medical centers makes the Jacksonville region a credible site for clinical research at multiple phases.
Biomedical Research
Translational research is active across Mayo Clinic, UF Health, Baptist MD Anderson and the UF Proton Therapy Institute. Proximity to UF’s flagship campus deepens institutional research capacity.
Oncology
The region hosts one of seven Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center partnerships in the country and three proton therapy centers — more than any other U.S. city. This concentration of oncology infrastructure is unmatched in the Southeast.
Health Tech
Availity — one of the nation’s largest health information networks — is headquartered here. Mosai (formerly Forcura), One Call and Optimum Healthcare IT are among the health technology companies operating in the region.
2
Talent & Workforce
The Jacksonville region's talent pool spans all seven counties, drawing urban professionals, skilled trades and military-trained talent into a single, accessible workforce. Regional colleges, universities and workforce training programs align directly with employer needs, creating pipelines that serve companies across every industry sector.
What's Already Here
Proximity to the University of Florida, Florida State University and the University of Central Florida — and their combined health sciences pipelines — extends regional talent reach well beyond the seven-county footprint.
123K+
professionals employed in life sciences regionally, with employment growth outpacing the national average
8
colleges, universities and state colleges in the region, with total enrollment exceeding 56,000
4
major military installations producing veterans with systems thinking, technical discipline and mission-oriented work ethic —readily transferable to clinical and operations roles
40
Median workforce age — three years younger than the Florida state average
Pipeline Partners
University of Florida
The new downtown Jacksonville graduate campus will expand education and research in health sciences, artificial intelligence and engineering, strengthening the region's life sciences talent pipeline.
University of North Florida
Produces graduates in nursing, nutrition and dietetics, public health, health administration and biomedical sciences through nationally recognized health care programs.
Jacksonville University
Educates future health care professionals through programs in nursing, physician assistant studies, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, kinesiology and other health sciences.
Florida State College at Jacksonville
Provides industry-aligned education and technical training in nursing, surgical technology, respiratory care, dental hygiene, biotechnology and other allied health fields.
Keiser University
Prepares students for careers in nursing, radiologic technology, diagnostic medical sonography, medical assisting and other allied health professions through career-focused degree programs.
Edward Waters University
Prepares students for careers in health care and biomedical sciences through programs in biology, chemistry, public health and related STEM disciplines.
Earn Up + Find Your JAX
JAXUSA’s workforce development and talent attraction programs designed to grow and retain the regional pipeline.
CareerSource Northeast Florida
Partners with life sciences employers to recruit, train and upskill talent through customized workforce solutions, hiring assistance and training grants.
3
Costs & Incentives
When you run the numbers on a life sciences operation in Northeast Florida, the inputs are favorable across the board.
What the Market Offers
Cost of Living
89.9 index (U.S. average = 100) — lower than Atlanta, Nashville, Tampa, Charlotte and significantly below Miami and New York
Construction Cost Advantage
11% below the U.S. average —relevant for companies planning purpose-built lab or clinical space
Office Rate
$25.90 per square foot total with a 10% vacancy rate — well below most major metro markets
Scale
4 Fortune 500 companies and 150+ national, regional and divisional headquarters operating in the region
Florida’s Tax Structure
No
corporate franchise tax
No
personal state income tax
No
inventory tax
No
manufacturing equipment tax
6.0%
state sales and use rate
5.5%
corporate income tax rate
5th
Florida ranked 5th best business tax climate in the U.S.
(Tax Foundation, 2025)
4
Success Stories
Medtronic ENT
Duval
Life Sciences
Medtronic has operated in the Jacksonville region for decades — and continues to expand. With a legacy spanning more than 70 years and products addressing more than 70 complex health conditions, the company grew its Northeast Florida footprint because the region delivers what precision manufacturing and clinical logistics require: deep talent, reliable infrastructure and a business environment built for scale. The Jacksonville region is now a recognized hub in Medtronic’s global network.
"The Jacksonville region is an optimal location for cultivating and advancing a life sciences organization like ours. It’s an amazing location that attracts top talent and provides access to a rich, diverse talent pool, further enhancing its appeal. The region has also provided our operations with a strategic advantage through its established transportation and logistics networks, which have played a pivotal role in supporting our division's manufacturing facilities and capabilities. We are excited about the future of our ENT operations in the Jacksonville region and are committed to enhancing the life sciences ecosystem in the area."
Katie Carpenter
Senior Director of Strategy & Analytics – ENT Division, Medtronic
More Companies Headquartered or Operating Here
5
Announcement in Life Sciences
Mayo Clinic
In 2024, Mayo Clinic announced its plans to provide new cancer treatment at its Jacksonville campus, with the new facility now under construction. This new treatment will be the first of its kind in the United States and will use carbon ion radiation therapy, which specifically targets the location of cancer cells while avoiding major damage to the surrounding area.
The first treatment is expected to be available in 2028.
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