The Acre in Florida Real Estate
An acre equals 43,560 square feet and is the standard unit of land measurement in Florida real estate. Whether buying a homesite, evaluating agricultural land, or reviewing a development proposal, understanding acreage is fundamental to every Florida property transaction.
Acreage in Florida Legal Descriptions
Florida uses three systems for describing land. Government survey descriptions reference sections (640 acres), quarter sections (160 acres), and smaller subdivisions. Metes and bounds descriptions define parcels by compass bearings and distances, with acreage stated for reference. Platted subdivisions assign lot numbers with acreage indicated on the recorded plat. In all cases, the legal description, not the acreage figure, controls the boundaries.
Agricultural Acreage and the Greenbelt Law
Florida's Greenbelt Law (Section 193.461) provides significant tax benefits to agricultural landowners. Qualifying parcels are assessed on their agricultural use value rather than their development potential, often reducing the tax burden by 80 to 95 percent. The number of acres and the intensity of the agricultural use are central factors in the property appraiser's classification decision.
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Barnes Walker Real Estate
Barnes Walker handles land acquisitions, agricultural classifications, and property development matters across Manatee, Sarasota, and Hillsborough counties. Contact our real estate team for assistance.
Reviewed by the attorneys at Barnes Walker, Goethe, Shea & Robinson, PLLC