The IGG Secondary Unit in Florence is located within the Department of Earth Sciences (DST) of the University of Florence. Sixteen researchers, a laboratory technician, and an administrative staff work there.

At the Secondary Branch in Florence, research is carried out in the following fields: (i) Geosciences: Geodynamics and Volcanism, Stratigraphy and Biostratigraphy, Geochemistry and Isotopic Geochemistry, Petrology, Geothermal Energy, Geochronology, Deposit Studies; (ii) and the Conservation of Cultural Heritage, in collaboration with both the university staff associated with the facility and other research institutions.

Eight laboratories are also active, some of which are shared with the DST: Tectonic Modeling, Experimental Mineralogy and Petrology, Radiolaria, Fluid Inclusion Analysis, Fission Tracks, Electron Microprobe, Materials Treatment for Cultural Heritage and Rock Analysis, and Radiogenic Isotope Geochemistry. Fieldwork and numerical modeling of complex systems and 3D geology are also conducted.

The interaction between IGG and the host DST also takes place through teaching assignments and tutoring activities for degree and doctoral theses.