In July 1993, former Naval Air Station Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida was recommended for closure by the Defense Base Closure and Realignment Commission.  In response to the decision to close NAS Cecil Field, the Mayor of Jacksonville established the Cecil Field Development Commission, succeeded by the Jacksonville Economic Development Commission.  One of the major responsibilities of the commission was to develop a proposed base reuse plan that would guide the transition of NAS Cecil Field from a fully-operational Navy base to civilian use. 

In 1996, the NAS Cecil Field Final Base Reuse Plan was approved and in March 1999, the Jacksonville City Council approved the Cecil Commerce Center Operations and Business Plan. Between July 1999 and April 2002, property was conveyed to the JEDC, JAA, the City of Jacksonville Parks Department and Clay County.

Since the time of the conveyance of approximately 8,300 acres, the JEDC has worked to promote the site as a prime location for companies in the manufacturing, aviation-related and distribution industries, as well as other uses including support retail and office space along the main roads.