Mr. Biggs is an agricultural real estate broker specializing in farms, ranches, and agricultural land across Central Florida. From cattle operations in Okeechobee to citrus groves in Polk County and row-crop farms in Hillsborough, Mr. Biggs brings the expertise needed to navigate Florida’s unique agricultural real estate market — including soil assessments, water rights, environmental compliance, and the tax strategies that make farmland one of the most tax-advantaged asset classes in real estate, including opportunities through 1031 exchange strategies and integration with broader specialty real estate investments.
Many agricultural landowners explore real estate tax planning strategies to help preserve wealth, reduce capital gains exposure, and improve long-term land investment performance.
Large Acreage Parcels for Agricultural Land Owners
Last updated: April 2026
Florida’s Agricultural Market Overview
Agriculture is a $137 billion industry in Florida, the state’s second-largest economic sector. The state’s warm climate, abundant water resources, and diverse soil types support an extraordinarily wide range of agricultural operations. For investors, agricultural land offers a compelling combination: steady income potential, significant tax advantages through Florida’s Greenbelt exemption, long-term appreciation driven by development pressure, and portfolio diversification away from traditional commercial and residential real estate.
Farmland prices in Florida have appreciated steadily over the past decade, driven by population growth (which reduces available acreage), increasing demand for domestic food production, and growing interest in agritourism and specialty farming.
Certain farm and agricultural property transactions may also benefit from Opportunity Zone investment strategies designed to reduce or defer capital gains taxes.
Farm & Ranch Markets We Specialize In
Okeechobee — Cattle & Citrus Country
Okeechobee County is the heart of Florida’s cattle industry and one of the last remaining regions where large agricultural parcels are available at reasonable prices. Properties range from 50-acre starter ranches to multi-thousand-acre cattle operations. Lake Okeechobee provides water access, and the region’s flat terrain and improved pastures are ideal for livestock. Okeechobee also offers citrus operations and emerging opportunities in agritourism and organic farming.
Lakeland — Polk County Agriculture
Polk County has been an agricultural powerhouse for more than a century, with citrus, cattle, and row crops forming the economic foundation. Lakeland’s strategic location between Tampa and Orlando makes it increasingly attractive for investors who see both agricultural income and long-term development potential. Mr. Biggs brokers farms, groves, and agricultural parcels throughout Polk County.
Hillsborough & Pasco County Agricultural Land
Eastern Hillsborough and rural Pasco counties still contain significant agricultural acreage, including strawberry operations, cattle ranches, and mixed-use farms. These properties carry a unique dual opportunity: current agricultural income with Greenbelt tax savings, and future development value as Tampa Bay’s growth pushes eastward.
Types of Agricultural Properties
- Cattle ranches — Improved pasture, water access, working corrals, and livestock infrastructure.
- Citrus groves — Established groves with irrigation, packinghouse access, and grove management agreements.
- Row crop operations — Strawberries, vegetables, and specialty crops with irrigation and labor infrastructure.
- Timber land — Managed pine and hardwood plantations with long-term harvest cycles.
- Agritourism properties — U-pick operations, farm-to-table venues, event spaces, and experiential agriculture.
- Specialty farms — Nurseries, aquaculture, hemp, and emerging agricultural sectors.
Agricultural Tax Exemptions & Financial Benefits
One of the most significant advantages of owning agricultural land in Florida is the Greenbelt exemption under Florida Statute 193.461. This law allows agricultural land to be assessed for property tax purposes based on its agricultural use value rather than its fair market value. For large parcels, this can reduce annual property taxes by tens of thousands of dollars.
To qualify, the property must demonstrate bona fide agricultural use. Applications are filed with the county property appraiser by March 1 of each year. Qualifying uses include cattle, crops, timber, equestrian operations, aquaculture, and more.
Beyond the Greenbelt exemption, agricultural property owners may benefit from 1031 exchanges (deferring capital gains when selling and reinvesting), cost segregation studies (accelerating depreciation on farm improvements), and federal conservation easement programs.
Due Diligence for Farm Purchases
Agricultural land transactions require specialized due diligence beyond what standard residential or commercial purchases demand:
- Soil testing — Evaluate soil type, drainage characteristics, nutrient content, and suitability for intended use.
- Water rights and access — Verify well permits, water management district allocations, and irrigation infrastructure.
- Environmental assessment — Review wetlands delineation, endangered species habitat, and any environmental liens or restrictions.
- Ag exemption verification — Confirm current Greenbelt status and assess the risk of losing the exemption with any change in use.
- Access and infrastructure — Evaluate road access, fencing condition, barn and outbuilding quality, and utility availability.
- Lease and contract review — If the property has existing agricultural leases, grazing agreements, or crop-share arrangements, review all terms before closing.
List Your Property with a Specialized Broker
If you own farmland, ranch property, or agricultural acreage in Florida, we help you position, price, and market your property to qualified buyers. From income-producing farms to long-term land investments, our strategy focuses on maximizing value while identifying tax advantages, including 1031 exchanges where applicable.