Prison leaves, opening public space for an even more cosmopolitan Florianópolis.
The Florianópolis penitentiary, inaugurated on September 21, 1930, is a landmark in the history of the state of Santa Catarina. It represents part of the trajectory of public security and the evolution of the Santa Catarina prison system over almost a century. However, it is now part of the past. The public land will be vacated by the end of 2026 and will give way to the construction of a complex focused on care and collective living—a symbol of an even more cosmopolitan Florianópolis, connected to the contemporary needs of culture, leisure, and urban life.
In the 1930s, maintaining a penitentiary near the city center was a choice consistent with the population density of the time and the public safety demands of that period. However, the urban growth of the region has made this structure incompatible with the current reality—and its transition to more remote areas of the state reflects a modern decision, aligned with today's urban and social context.
Currently, the land, valued at R$250 million, will give way to a large public complex with a plaza, library, museum, restaurant, sports areas, and ample spaces for socializing. Initially, this decision reveals a profound change in how Florianópolis thinks about its spaces and prioritizes quality of life. In other words, it concretely materializes a vision of a city of the future: more humane, inclusive, and connected.
With the state government's decision to deactivate the prison structure and convert the space into a diversified public complex, Florianópolis continues its urban trajectory towards the future—just like major global destination cities. Auckland, Sydney, Miami, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, London, Tulum, Marseille, Sardinia, and the Amalfi Coast are examples of metropolises that invest in strategic choices that enhance quality of life and reinforce their cultural and tourist identity. Florianópolis is moving in the same direction.
Why does the site of the former penitentiary represent a historic opportunity for the city?
Firstly, the location is one of the most privileged on the island. The land is just a 10-minute walk from Beira-Mar Norte, where the future marina will be built, reinforcing a leisure, soft mobility and social interaction axis that will become a benchmark. Consequently, the area is positioned as one of the most valuable points in the expanded city center. And, above all, as a territory that can finally express the true urban potential of the capital.
Even more relevant is the government's clear decision to maintain the land as public property. In other words, no residential condominium or private commercial development will be permitted, ensuring that the population receives a space dedicated to collective well-being. Furthermore, this choice aligns with contemporary demands for inclusive, accessible, and culturally rich cities.
How does this transformation boost economic value and reinforce the region's identity?
After the government announced the decommissioning, the real estate market reacted immediately. Speculation of this type often impacts prices. However, in this case, the appreciation was concrete and immediate, reaching up to 70% in some surrounding properties and maintaining averages close to 50%. This means that residents, investors, and businesspeople already recognize the potential of the new complex and its implications.
Furthermore, the presence of over 2,300 entrepreneurs and 140 individual micro-entrepreneurs in the region strengthens the economic impact of the change. According to ACIF, this number is expected to grow significantly, as the revitalization of the surrounding area will attract new services, new businesses, and a more dynamic commercial environment. Just as in innovation districts around the world, the territory is transformed into a driver of economic, cultural, and social development.
How does the CIC benefit from this urban reconfiguration?
Just five minutes separate the prison grounds from the Integrated Cultural Center (CIC), the most important cultural hub in Santa Catarina. In other words, the redevelopment of the surrounding area strengthens the CIC as a landmark space, thus expanding its capacity to host international exhibitions, concerts, shows, and displays that solidify the artistic identity of the capital.
Furthermore, a network of walkable public spaces will integrate the CIC into the new complex. This will allow residents and visitors to move seamlessly between art, leisure, and sports activities. Similarly, this proximity reinforces the neighborhood's image as a creative hub, enhancing the CIC's prestige and stimulating new cultural programming.
What will it be like to live in the surrounding area after leaving the prison?
On the other hand, the removal of the Florianópolis Penitentiary from the city center is part of a larger plan to decentralize the prison system. The government of the State of Santa Catarina announced the construction of new modular prison units in different municipalities — as part of an effort to replace old structures.
Thus, allocating the central land for public use and relocating prisoners to a more remote area of Greater Florianópolis aims to ensure greater urban security and better territorial suitability. In this way, the change not only frees up valuable space for city activities, but also contributes to a more modern and planned reorganization of the prison system in the State.
Currently, the region already offers a strategic location between Trindade and Beira-Mar Norte. However, with the transformation, daily life in the area will gain new layers of convenience, mobility, and lifestyle. Soon after the public complex is implemented, it will be possible to walk to the waterfront, cycle on connected bike paths, jog on the boardwalk, skateboard or rollerblade, and join sports clubs that use the avenue daily.
Simultaneously, quick access to various locations such as Lagoa da Conceição, Jurerê, the city center, and the mainland makes the neighborhood one of the most accessible in the capital. In any case, the combination of culture, sports, mobility, and nature creates an urban experience that resonates with global trends in well-being and vitality.
The renovation of the elevated highway near the CIC further boosts the future of the public project.
The redevelopment of the elevated road next to the Integrated Culture Center (CIC) — near the site of the former penitentiary — is expected to significantly increase the value of the new public complex, impacting the entire region.
Consequently, improved traffic flow and modernized road infrastructure will make access easier and safer for those traveling through the area. Whether heading north via SC 401 to Itacorubi and Lagoa da Conceição, or staying in the region, this will encourage the daily use of squares, museums, libraries, and other facilities that will be created.
As a result, the region is consolidating itself as a hub for culture, leisure, and social interaction for residents, tourists, and visitors—reinforcing the cosmopolitan character desired for the area. In this way, the synergy between the existing CIC (Cultural and Cultural Center) and the new public development creates a cultural and urban axis with great potential for use and enhancement of the area.
The Agronômica neighborhood, in Florianópolis
Currently, the neighborhood symbolizes a meeting point between centrality, high-level infrastructure, and quality of life. In other words, it is an urban territory where everything converges: culture, mobility, essential services, landscape, and convenience.
Furthermore, Agronômica enjoys a rare location, situated between Beira-Mar Norte and Trindade, which allows easy access to the city's main roads. This strategic position makes the neighborhood an urban haven, while simultaneously connecting it to the most vibrant aspects of Florianópolis. For example, the state administrative center, just a few meters away, shares the same urban fabric as sophisticated residential buildings, signature cafes, and shopping centers.
Nevertheless, what distinguishes Agronômica is its discreet and elegant atmosphere. The well-maintained streets, the tree-lined surroundings, and the proximity to the sea shape a serene, yet never isolated, daily life. Similarly, the presence of leading hospitals, specialized clinics, gyms, markets, boutiques, and cultural spaces—with the CIC being a prime example—transforms the neighborhood into a high-standard, multifunctional hub.
A vibrant neighborhood, constantly evolving, expanding its connections and reinforcing its role as one of the most prestigious and dynamic addresses in the capital.
What is it like to live in the Agronômica neighborhood?
A healthy lifestyle is one of the most evident hallmarks of daily life in Agronômica. Currently, those who live there find an urban ecosystem designed for well-being: proximity to the sea, leisure areas, high-end commerce, and easy mobility. Furthermore, Avenida Beira-Mar Norte functions as a natural linear park, where residents practice running, cycling, walking, skating, and collective activities throughout the day.
In other words, it is one of Florianópolis' most iconic settings, capable of simultaneously bringing together professional athletes, families, visitors, and outdoor enthusiasts. For example, the tennis and swimming clubs, as well as the running and cycling clubs that use the avenue daily, have transformed the waterfront into a symbol of the island's sporting life. Similarly, the bike path connects Agronômica to different neighborhoods, encouraging sustainable commutes and improving quality of life.
Furthermore, the region offers a robust set of essential services: well-regarded schools and colleges, such as the renowned Colégio Geração; medical and dental clinics; specialty centers; pharmacies and supermarkets. Alongside this, sophisticated cafes, renowned restaurants, and architecture and design shops complete an urban environment that values everyday life with elegance and practicality.
Moreover, mobility is one of the neighborhood's strong points. In just a few minutes, it's possible to access Lagoa da Conceição, Jurerê, the city center, the mainland, and the main exits from the island. Therefore, Agronômica combines residential tranquility with the agility of modern urban life—an increasingly rare attribute in large cities.
Living in Agronômica means enjoying a lifestyle where health, culture, gastronomy, mobility, and nature coexist in harmony. It is one of the most desirable addresses in Florianópolis, especially for those who value well-being, convenience, and an active outdoor routine.
In conclusion,
Finally, the decommissioning of the penitentiary and the transformation of its land define the Florianópolis of the future. In this way, the city demonstrates maturity by choosing projects that prioritize culture, community life, and quality of life. Therefore, the new public complex not only replaces an outdated penitentiary structure but also redesigns how residents, visitors, and investors perceive the capital, boosting positive energy and elevating Florianópolis to the level of the most inspiring and intelligent cities in the world.
*SEJURI Images – Santa Catarina
We are Luxury Home Floripa, a real estate agency specializing in the sale of luxury properties in Florianópolis. For living and investing.
Count on our brokers and our specialized real estate advisors to find the perfect property and guarantee your peaceful living in [location]. Florianópolis. Our team operates with the concept of a Boutique of Service, offering a highly personalized and bilingual experience.
We are executives who are knowledgeable not only about the characteristics of the properties, but also about the different lifestyles and particularities of each region of Florianópolis Island. For those arriving in the city and wishing to visualize what it would be like to live here, our selection goes beyond location and square footage.
We select properties that perfectly fit your current life stage, considering aspects such as your routine with children, suggestions for schools, sports, businesses, special activities, and the dynamics of each neighborhood — always with a sensitive eye to your needs and preferences. In other words, from the search to the negotiation, we are by your side every step of the way.
With our experience and extensive knowledge of the region, we will find the ideal place for you to live and invest. We are located in Jurerê Internacional, at Professor Heinz Braunsperger Street, 88 – Store 3. Schedule your visit.
♠ +55 48 99660 6799
♠ dayrocco@luxuryhomefloripa.com.br
♠ Follow on Instagram
♠ Check out our Real Estate Portfolio