Rendering of the Criminal Justice Institute. Image: College of Central Florida.
Education
2026-10-095 min readCollege of Central Florida Breaks Ground on $19.4 Million Criminal Justice Institute in Ocala
This is a education news article published on 2026-10-09 covering local Marion County, Florida news. The College of Central Florida broke ground Oct. 1, 2026, on a $19.4 million, 31,201-square-foot Criminal Justice Institute at its Ocala campus, 3001 SW College Road. First classes are expected in January 2028.
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By Only In Ocala Staff
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The College of Central Florida held a groundbreaking on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, for its new Criminal Justice Institute at the CF Ocala Campus, 3001 SW College Road. The Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership joined college officials for the ceremony, according to the college's announcement.
CF also runs the Appleton Museum of Art, whose Ira Holmes International Film Series is on our events calendar. For more on local education, see our schools directory and Appleton Museum guide.
Rendering of the Criminal Justice Institute. Image: College of Central Florida.
The Building
- Cost and size: $19.4 million for a 31,201-square-foot complex.
- Funding: the state Legislature and local sources.
- Layout: an academic and training building on one side and a simulation and defensive tactics building on the other, connected by a covered "Main Street."
- Purpose: CF says the design is meant to close the gap between classroom theory and street reality, with real-world training in a safe setting.
- Opening: the first classes are expected in January 2028.
CF also runs the Appleton Museum of Art, whose Ira Holmes International Film Series is on our events calendar. For more on local education, see our schools directory and Appleton Museum guide.
Source: College of Central Florida event page, "Criminal Justice Institute Groundbreaking," Oct. 1, 2026. Checked Oct. 9, 2026.
College of Central Florida
CF
Criminal Justice Institute
Law Enforcement Training
Education
Ocala
Marion County
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