According to Saunders Land’s annual Lay of the Land Market Report, there were 79 Florida citrus land transactions in 2025 totaling 20,352 acres.
Pricing ranged from $3,936 to $56,003 per acre. The average price per acre was $13,788. Sales ranged in size from 9.81 acres to 4,633.47 acres.
Notable large transactions included a 4,633.47-acre sale in Charlotte County for $41.9 million and a 1,730-acre sale in DeSoto County for $15.9 million. Those properties sold for $9,049 and $9,208 per acre, respectively.
Citrus land transactions occurred in 13 counties in Central and South Florida. Polk County recorded the highest number of transactions with 25, followed closely by Highlands County with 24. Other counties with citrus land transactions were Hardee, Charlotte, DeSoto, Lee, Indian River, St. Lucie, Hendry, Martin, Lake, Glades and Osceola.
TRANSITIONAL PROPERTIES
Development potential played a role in several transactions, which ultimately drove higher per-acre pricing. Of the 79 recorded citrus sales, 12 were transitional properties. These transitional properties traded between $18,031 and $56,003 per acre for speculative tracts.
There are many factors that play into a citrus property having development potential. All 12 of the transitional properties were located in high-growth counties such as Lake, Polk and Martin. Parcels with strong road frontage and access, proximity to utilities and a high percentage of usable uplands commanded premium pricing due to their significant development potential.
Another area of transition observed in 2025 was the conversion of citrus groves to other agricultural uses. Many properties in more rural counties such as Hardee, Highlands and Hendry are being converted to other crops. This includes sod, strawberries, peppers, watermelons and other fruits and vegetables. Factors such as water quality and availability, along with productive flatwoods soils, make these tracts well-suited for conversion to other high-value crops.
A ‘MEASURE OF OPTIMISM’
The report stated that while the Florida citrus industry continues to face significant challenges, a measure of optimism has emerged in recent seasons. It noted that although HLB has significantly impacted citrus, new breakthroughs continue to emerge that allow growers to remain active and productive.
Many growers are utilizing individual protective covers in new plantings, and oxytetracycline injections seem to be improving tree health and fruit quality. There is faith in CRISPR gene-edited trees and improved genetics on the horizon. These factors, combined with assistance from the Citrus Research and Field Trial Foundation and the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program have helped make continued citrus planting both economically feasible and promising for the future.
See the full Lay of the Land Market Report here.
Source: Saunders Land
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