JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Armada’s proposed $80 million soccer stadium has not been built, and the developer may now have to repay the city the fair-market value of the land.
The city gave Robert Palmer’s company, Jax Downtown Pro Real Estate LLC, the property for $1 under an agreement dated Feb. 25, 2020. The agreement set a Sept. 10, 2026, deadline for the stadium project.
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After the deadline passed, the city sent a letter stating that the company must pay “the fair market value for the Property plus accrued interest as set forth therein.”
The property consists of two parcels. According to the Duval County Property Appraiser’s Office, one parcel is assessed at $629,470, while the second is assessed at $132,018.
Together, the parcels have an assessed value of $761,488. The amount Palmer’s company may ultimately owe could be higher once accrued interest and the city’s calculation of fair-market value are included.
The company has 30 days to respond to the city’s letter.
Stadium plans delayed
The proposed stadium would be built on Jacksonville’s Eastside, near the city’s sports complex. Renderings showed a soccer-specific stadium as part of an estimated $80 million development.
The project has faced continuous delays, and the stadium was not completed by the expected deadline. The Jacksonville Armada has also played at various venues during its history, including university and other local facilities.
For now, the property remains without the promised stadium.
