Tampa has officially released an RFP to sell the Tampa Police Department Headquarters site on N Franklin Street, opening the door for a major new development in the center of downtown.
The city is asking a minimum of $36 million for the property, which spans just over an acre and occupies an entire block bordered by Madison Street, Franklin Street, Florida Avenue and Kennedy Boulevard. Proposals are due February 6, 2026.
Mayor Jane Castor said the site represents one of downtown’s rarest opportunities.
“Downtown Tampa is evolving fast, and this site offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reimagine a key parcel in the heart of downtown,” Mayor Castor said. “This is a valuable opportunity in the downtown core to create a community-minded development that will serve Tampa for generations to come.”
Others, including city council members, pushed back on the proposal.
What the city is looking for
Interested developers must submit a full redevelopment plan that includes:
- A purchase offer at or above $36 million
- Project financing
- Pre-closing conditions
- Requested agreements with the city
- A timeline for demolition, environmental review, architecture and construction
The buyer will be fully responsible for all development costs, including demolition of the existing headquarters, environmental reviews, engineering, surveying, rezoning and construction.
If the sale moves forward, it will be the first step toward relocating the Tampa Police Department to a new headquarters.
Why it matters
The block sits in the center of Tampa’s Central Business District, an area that has seen rising demand from national employers, hospitality groups and mixed-use developers.
The property is considered one of downtown’s highest-value redevelopment sites due to its walkability, transit access and visibility.
City officials describe the parcel as a potential catalyst site, positioned to attract uses that bring new jobs, residents or innovation-focused development.
The RFP is posted through the city’s OpenGov portal under reference number 26-P-00064.
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