Broward County has abandoned its effort to bid on part of Spirit Airlines’ former Dania Beach headquarters, which is headed to auction next month.
County Commissioner Michael Udine withdrew a motion in a Tuesday meeting to allow the county administrator to make a bid for part of the 8.5-acre campus at 1731 Radiant Drive. The complex is part of the larger mixed-use development Dania Pointe, owned and operated by Kimco Realty. Broward County was eyeing the campus for a new government building.
The former headquarters has 615,600 square feet of office space, parking, training facilities and temporary housing. It was completed in 2024 and is move-in ready.
County officials previously said they would be willing to pay up to $100 million for the property, excluding the housing, The Real Deal previously reported.
Broward County Mayor Mark Bogen said buying part of the campus could save $350 million in taxpayer money compared to the cost of new construction, citing a county analysis.
But several commissioners were opposed to placing a bid, and the motion was eventually withdrawn due to zoning concerns.
The Spirit Airlines headquarters is zoned for office use, according to County Commissioner Lamar Fisher. To use the property as a government center, the county would need prior written approval from Kimco Realty, which Fisher said officials said they do not have and might not receive.
Without approval, there would be no guarantee Broward County could use the building if purchased, rendering the motion “null and void,” Fisher said.
The proposal had already garnered opposition.
Dania Beach Mayor Joyce Davis said in the meeting that Dania Beach stands to lose $1.2 million in annual tax revenue indefinitely if Broward County buys the campus. She asked the county to prioritize the property’s long-term economic development potential over immediate cost savings.
Bob Swindell, president and CEO of Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance, said in the meeting that at least three major companies are also interested in bidding on the headquarters, which is Spirit Airlines’ most valuable asset. He couldn’t reveal those companies due to non-disclosure agreements.
Commissioner Nan Rich said placing a bid for the headquarters “is a horrible message to send to people” and argued cuts would have to be made if the purchase went through.
County Administrator Monica Cepero did not respond to requests for comment.
Spirit Airlines announced the headquarters would be auctioned off in New York next month with non-binding indications of interest, including proposed stalking horse bids, due June 24. The stalking horse bidder is expected to be selected by July 8, and the final bid deadline is July 20.
The carrier is selling the property as part of its broader liquidation effort after ceasing operations last month. Spirit Airlines had been struggling financially for several years, filing for bankruptcy twice since 2024. A blocked merger with JetBlue Airways, a failed $500 million bailout from the White House and rising fuel costs due to the ongoing Iran war further strained the airlines’ finances.
The shutdown eliminated nearly 3,300 jobs across South Florida.
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Spirit Airlines ghosted Dania Beach HQ, but potential buyers are waiting in the wings
