How to bid on leased office space for the Department of Juvenile Justice

What the agency is buying and why a vendor would care

The Florida Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) is looking to lease office space in Seminole County. They need between 5,828 and 7,124 usable square feet for office facilities and related infrastructure. The agency expects to occupy the space around November 1, 2027.

This is an opportunity for property owners or developers with suitable space in Seminole County to secure a lease with a state agency. The required location is within specific boundaries: North – W Seminole Boulevard/Fort Lauderdale Road/Osteen Maytown Road; East – Underhill Branch Road; South – McCulloch Road/FL-436/E Altamonte Drive; West – N Wekiwa Springs Road/Piemont Wekiwa Road.

Key dates and what happens at the deadline

The Invitation to Negotiate (ITN) was published on July 27, 2026. Sealed replies must be received by 3:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on September 22, 2026. Replies should be sent to 2020 Capital Circle SE, Alexander Building, 1st Floor, Suite 1400, Tallahassee, FL 32399-0100, to the attention of Leann Gay or Katherine Kelly.

It is crucial to submit your sealed reply before the deadline. Late submissions will not be considered. Unauthorized contact with Department staff regarding this ITN, outside of the specified contact person, will lead to disqualification.

Who this opportunity suits

This opportunity is suitable for property owners, landlords, or real estate developers who have existing office space or can develop space meeting the specified square footage requirements within the defined Seminole County boundaries. Firms specializing in commercial real estate leasing to government entities would find this relevant.

The solicitation is for facilities, specifically office space, so vendors in the real estate and property management sectors are the primary target.

How to respond

To access the ITN, you can log into the Vendor Bid System website or email your request to the DJJ's Tenant Broker. Reference ITN Number 800:0519 (also referenced as ITN-8000519).

Once you have the ITN documents, prepare your sealed reply according to the instructions provided within the solicitation. Ensure your submission is delivered to the specified address in Tallahassee by the September 22, 2026, 3:00 PM EST deadline. The point of contact for questions is Brittany Ward.

Practical tips for preparing a competitive response

Carefully review all requirements in the ITN, paying close attention to the exact square footage range and the precise geographical boundaries in Seminole County. Ensure your proposed property strictly adheres to these specifications.

Provide clear and comprehensive documentation of your property, including floor plans, amenities, and any proposed build-out plans. Highlight how your space will be ready for occupancy by November 1, 2027. Detail any experience you have leasing to government agencies or providing similar facilities.

Since this is an Invitation to Negotiate, be prepared to discuss and potentially adjust terms based on the agency's needs. Ensure your proposal is well-organized, professional, and addresses all evaluation criteria outlined in the ITN.