Jacksonville: A Growing Hub for Fintech and IT Innovation

Jacksonville’s reputation as a national center for financial services and technology continues to grow. With the headquarters of major companies and a robust ecosystem of support for both established institutions and startups, the city is shaping its future as a hub of fintech advancement and IT innovation. For meeting planners and trade professionals, Jacksonville offers a unique backdrop where industry conversations and conventions can take place alongside active, real-world growth in the sector.

Financial Services

In the financial services arena, Jacksonville is home to the global headquarters of FIS, located on the riverfront in the city’s Brooklyn neighborhood. Jacksonville also supports the operations of:

  • Black Knight
  • Deutsche Bank
  • SS&C Technologies
  • SoFi
  • Dun & Bradstreet

Together, these institutions span banking, insurance, mortgage, investments and cybersecurity, positioning Jacksonville as one of the most diverse financial services markets in the country. Industry observers such as Crowdfund Insider have labeled Jacksonville a “fintech city to watch closely,” and its lower cost of living, strong broadband infrastructure and growing base of young professional talent add to the appeal for organizations looking to connect here.

At the same time, Jacksonville is building momentum in IT and broader innovation industries. More than 8,400 IT graduates join the regional workforce annually, with an additional 7,500 graduates from the nearby University of Florida. These graduates help power local expertise in software development, healthcare IT, logistics and e-commerce. Investments are also shaping the city into one of the nation’s first “smart regions,” with infrastructure underway to support sensory data networks, autonomous vehicles, and a designated downtown innovation corridor. The presence of JAX NAP / SBA Edge, a critical digital network access point between Atlanta and Miami, further strengthens Jacksonville’s role as a reliable and cost-efficient location for technology operations.

Florida Semiconductor Institute Coming Soon

Adding to this momentum, the University of Florida recently announced its upcoming Jacksonville campus, which will expand access to advanced degree programs and research opportunities in areas such as health, engineering and data science. The new campus will also house the Florida Semiconductor Institute, a statewide hub designed to strengthen the semiconductor workforce and support innovation in chip design, manufacturing and supply chain resilience. Together, these initiatives position Jacksonville as a critical nexus for talent development and high-tech research, reinforcing the city’s role at the forefront of both fintech and IT advancement.

For meetings and conventions, this means Jacksonville offers more than just venues — it provides intellectual capital, business connections and industry leadership across two sectors that are driving the global economy. Fintech and IT are not just topics of discussion here; they are areas of ongoing, tangible progress that planners can spotlight in their programs, creating opportunities for deeper engagement and impact.