Public Closures and Abandonments
A closure, abandonment, or disclaimer of a public right-of-way, street, alley, or easement is the formal action of ending legally recognized public access to a designated corridor of land that may have previously allowed for public travel, crossing, or utility access. Before closure legislation is initiated, favorable responses from all public and quasi-public agencies and utility companies must be received. Approval ultimately comes from the City Council in the form of an enacted ordinance.
Requests for closure must be submitted using this Closure Application. The application document includes additional information, such as fees, document requirements, and a process synopsis. Some of this information is also summarized below in the FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Closure Information
What is the purpose of this application?
This form requests the Department of Public Works to investigate closing, abandoning, or disclaiming a public street, alley, easement, or right-of-way.
What is considered an encroachment?
An encroachment is any vertical or horizontal improvement—such as fences, buildings, or pools—located over the closure area.
How should the application be submitted?
Deliver or mail the completed packet to the following address
Department of Public Works | Real Estate Division
Attn: Real Estate Manager – Closures
10th Floor, Ed Ball Building
214 Hogan Street N
Jacksonville, Florida 32202
Who grants the final approval for the closure?
Final approval requires an enacted ordinance passed by the Jacksonville City Council. The Real Estate Division cannot approve requests independently.
Fees and Costs
What are the application fees?
Fees depend on the closure type and presence of enhancements:
- Right-of-Way (No Encroachment): $2,091.00
- Right-of-Way with Encroachment: $2,607.00
- Easement (No Encroachment): $1,066.00
- Easement with Encroachment: $1,582.00
Are the application fees refundable?
No. All application fees are strictly non-refundable, regardless of approval outcome.
Requirements
Can I apply if my taxes are behind?
No. All outstanding property taxes and liens must be paid and cleared before the closure request can proceed.
Do I need my neighbors' permission?
Yes. You must submit a signed Adjacent Property Owner Acknowledgement form from each abutting property owner, using the Real Estate Division form included with the closure application.
Can a closure leave a property landlocked?
No. Applications require a signed Surveyor's Affidavit certifying no properties will lose their sole access.
What happens to the land after it is closed?
The Property Appraiser determines how title to the closed area is applied under Florida law. Title typically reverts to the abutting property owners. Applicants should consult their own attorney regarding title regarding land ownership before and after closure and should not rely on City staff for legal advice.