The Florida Theatre
The Florida Theatre
4.5
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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283 within 3 miles
Attractions
89 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
376 reviews
Excellent
249
Very good
99
Average
18
Poor
7
Terrible
3
tatudtexan
Ocala, FL14 contributions
Dec 2019
Attended a show here in Dec. 2019 for the first time and was totally impressed. It is a beautiful historic building that is small enough that even balcony seats have a great view. We loved it and would for sure see another show here.
Written January 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PennyW5
The Villages, FL367 contributions
Jan 2020
We attended all weekend long, a Barbershop Winter Contest here. Totally delightful and beautiful but desperately needs updated seats for more legroom. I felt like a giraffe with lots of legroom needed!! My husband's group sang on their bus because there are no rooms backstage to practice in. Very quaint theatre. Staff is very helpful and is aware of the problems there.
Written January 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kurt S
St. Augustine, FL35 contributions
Nov 2021
Wonder venue in beautiful downtown Jacksonville. It is a cultural touchstone for NE Florida. I went to see Neil Degrasse Tyson. He provided a great talk comparing actual science and physics to a number of well know movies. I would go and see him again at this great theater!
Written November 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Quest260984
Bronx, NY1 contribution
Feb 2020
This Theatre Needs Some Serious Renovation. Seats Are Small & Short Length.There Is Holes In The Ceiling & Peeling Paints. The Middle Main Orchestra Section Needs An Open Isle. Easier Access To Seats. Need An Assigned Handicapped Section. Wider Isle.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
RLWOrangePark
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL3,667 contributions
Jun 2012 • Couples
This is a vice attractive historic old movie theatre in downtown Jacksonville that has been converted to a live performance venue. We have seen many concerts here and have enjoyed the quaint atmosphere of an era gone by. Parking is conveniently located about 100 yards away and normally only costs $5 for covered parking.
Written June 21, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JKJK39051
Scott City, KS63 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
Beautiful historic theater with great acoustics. Small ladies room leads to long lines at breaks, so get there before the actual intermissions if you can. It also wouldn't hurt to take your own toilet paper and paper towels since these items were not stocked in half of the stalls. Parking is close, even on the street, free if after 6 pm. We left immediately after the last song to avoid the traffic battles.
We experienced three issues in an otherwise perfect evening.
1. We chose seats down in front and didn't realize that we would be only feet from massive amps. I'm glad I brought earplugs and my husband removed his hearing aids. Having those speakers so dangerously close to the audience is a lawsuit just waiting to happen.
2. This theater is cold! Take a fur coat, parka or electric blanket.
3. Take your own toilet paper and towel for the ladies' restroom since less than half of the stalls and sinks offer those amenities.
We experienced three issues in an otherwise perfect evening.
1. We chose seats down in front and didn't realize that we would be only feet from massive amps. I'm glad I brought earplugs and my husband removed his hearing aids. Having those speakers so dangerously close to the audience is a lawsuit just waiting to happen.
2. This theater is cold! Take a fur coat, parka or electric blanket.
3. Take your own toilet paper and towel for the ladies' restroom since less than half of the stalls and sinks offer those amenities.
Written December 12, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alantravelreviewa
Las Vegas, NV148 contributions
Feb 2017 • Friends
I've been to the Florida Theatre several times and always enjoy it. Acoustically it's a great place to see a concert. The building is historic and is cool to explore and admire. The staff is top notch and focused on the guest experience.
Written February 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DEvelynW
Tallahassee, Florida, United States13 contributions
Nov 2015 • Friends
I'm an average-sized 20-something woman, but I could not get comfortable in this auditorium. There was no leg room or elbow space and the chairs had no back support.
Also, it was challenging to see the performance because the gradual incline and off-set of the seating wasnt enough to create a space to see the whole stage. I was constantly moving side to side to see around the person in front of me (sorry to the person behind me!). Try to get front row or aisle seats to avoid this dilemma.
The acoustics were excellent!
One strange thing was the ushers insisting on showing us our seats; we weren't allowed in without assistance. There were dozens of parties waiting to get seated.
Finally, parking... It's a downtown setting. Get there at least 30-45 minutes early to avoid the worst of the bumper to bumper waiting. Scout the location out online so you know which garages are open during your performance. There are one way streets; figure it out before the the day if you can so you don't go in circles trying to find the entrance. You'll have to pay for it too so be smart about how much ($5 is reasonable. $10 is a little much. $20 is outrageous)!
Also, it was challenging to see the performance because the gradual incline and off-set of the seating wasnt enough to create a space to see the whole stage. I was constantly moving side to side to see around the person in front of me (sorry to the person behind me!). Try to get front row or aisle seats to avoid this dilemma.
The acoustics were excellent!
One strange thing was the ushers insisting on showing us our seats; we weren't allowed in without assistance. There were dozens of parties waiting to get seated.
Finally, parking... It's a downtown setting. Get there at least 30-45 minutes early to avoid the worst of the bumper to bumper waiting. Scout the location out online so you know which garages are open during your performance. There are one way streets; figure it out before the the day if you can so you don't go in circles trying to find the entrance. You'll have to pay for it too so be smart about how much ($5 is reasonable. $10 is a little much. $20 is outrageous)!
Written December 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
barb1747
29 contributions
My sister and I celebrated her birthday by attending the Melissa Ethridge concert at The Florida Theater. The theater is old but has charm and personality. Had first row mezzanine seats that were amazing, and unlike many venues the seats were comfortable and roomy.
Melissa Ethridge put on an unbelievable show...two hours of shear brilliance. She is a consummate musician playing five guitars, the drums and the harmonica. Her voice is strong and passionate and her songs reveal her life experiences. The audience welcomed her warmly and expressed their appreciation of her loudly and often.
If you have the opportunity to take in a show or concert at this venue, you will not be disappointed. Garage parking across the street for $5.00 on show nights.
Melissa Ethridge put on an unbelievable show...two hours of shear brilliance. She is a consummate musician playing five guitars, the drums and the harmonica. Her voice is strong and passionate and her songs reveal her life experiences. The audience welcomed her warmly and expressed their appreciation of her loudly and often.
If you have the opportunity to take in a show or concert at this venue, you will not be disappointed. Garage parking across the street for $5.00 on show nights.
Written November 25, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TheHufflepuffBadger
Jacksonville, FL18 contributions
Aug 2017 • Family
Me, my mom and my sister went to see a Sabrina Carpenter show at the Florida Theater. The venue was beautiful and the seats were amazing! We were seated on the second row of the balcony. The staff was nice and helpful and the show was great. This is a really awesome venue.
Written August 5, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wander07952125623
1 contribution
Does anyone have an idea of how many stairs there actually are up to the lodge section? My dad is handicap but will not be bringing his wheelchair so I'm just wondering how difficult the stairs will be for him. A few is alright but if it's a lot, he may have trouble. Thanks!
GoThere88
Fort Lauderdale, FL763 contributions
Where are the best seats located at Florida Theatre Jacksonville? Orchestra? Loge? Balcony? Center, left, right? What seat locations to avoid? Any seats obstructed? Where is parking - and how far from the theater entrance? Thanks of inside info, as I've never been there.
Going to see a comedy show. I keep hearing that there isn't a bad seat in the house, but does anyone have any advice on where to sit? I was looking at the first row of the Loge (First 4 rows in the balcony) or Row L of the Orchestra (eleventh row). Any thoughts?
jaxdancers
Jacksonville, FL282 contributions
you can't go wrong. majority of seat are clear and balcony is even better than higher level low rows
Ashley C
Johns Island, SC46 contributions
Hi there. Never been to this venue before. From what I gather, it may be best to grab a taxi or uber so we don't have to worry about the one way streets and parking. Wondering what time we should get there if the show starts at 8? How early would you recommend arriving?
Foskie10
22 contributions
This is an easy one to get in and out with out a lot of trouble. No need to be extremely early as they won't let you in that early before show time. 45 to 30 should be plenty of time. They have a bar area if you wanted to come a little early to grab something beforehand.
Jim M
Wake Forest46 contributions
Is the neighborhood around the Florida theater a safe place to walk in at night. My Wife and I are seniors, we plan to walk from the Florida Theater to the nearby Hyatt after a concert-probably around 11p.m.. Is that a safe well-lit area to walk in at night?
Michele K
Jacksonville, FL24 contributions
I agree with the other answers, you will enjoy the show from those seats. The theatre is really beautiful!
Jim M
Wake Forest46 contributions
My Wife and I are seior citizen. We want tp wa;k back tp the Hyatt, from the Florida Theater-probably at about 11p.m. Generally speaking, is that a relatively safe area to walk in at night after a concert?
wayne1961
Jasper, FL177 contributions
Yes it is. We've stayed at the Hyatt 3 times now, while going to. Concert at the Beautiful Florida Theater. It's been a short safe walk every time.
The Florida Theatre (Jacksonville) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Florida Theatre
- The Florida Theatre is open:
- Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking The Florida Theatre tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 The Florida Theatre tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near The Florida Theatre:
- (0.16 mi) Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront
- (0.37 mi) Marriott Jacksonville Downtown
- (0.67 mi) Hampton Inn Jacksonville-Downtown-I-95
- (0.63 mi) Southbank Hotel Jacksonville Riverwalk
- (1.67 mi) Riverdale Inn
- Restaurants near The Florida Theatre:
- (0.01 mi) Dos Gatos
- (0.07 mi) Cowford Chophouse
- (0.04 mi) Casa Dora Italian Cafe
- (0.11 mi) Olio
- (0.05 mi) Spliff's Gastropub