Land & Development
Entitled and raw land for commercial, industrial, and mixed-use development. Florida's growth creates opportunity.
Quick Answer
Commercial land in Florida includes entitled, raw, and development-ready parcels for retail, industrial, multifamily, and mixed-use projects. According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, Florida consistently ranks among the top states for commercial development permits, driven by sustained population growth and business-friendly policies.
Florida Land Market Overview
Florida's sustained population and job growth drive continuous demand for new commercial development. Developers, builders, and investors are actively acquiring land for retail pads, industrial parks, multifamily communities, medical facilities, and mixed-use projects across the state.
Land transactions are complex. Zoning, entitlements, environmental assessments, utility availability, flood zones, and future land use designations all factor into value and feasibility. A broker who understands these variables can save you months of wasted time and hundreds of thousands in avoidable costs.
As a Broker Associate at REMAX Collective with 23+ years of Florida commercial real estate experience, I bring development expertise and land brokerage resources to every engagement. I work with buyers to identify sites that match their development vision and with sellers to position land for maximum value. Whether you are looking for a shovel-ready outparcel or a 50-acre assemblage, I bring the local knowledge and network to get the deal done. Active development markets include Hillsborough County, Pasco County, Polk County, Manatee County, and growing corridors across Hernando and Brevard.
Key Considerations for Land
Zoning & Entitlements
Current zoning determines what you can build today. Entitlement status determines how close you are to breaking ground. I verify zoning and research the entitlement path before you make an offer.
Environmental
Phase I and Phase II environmental assessments identify contamination risk. Wetlands, flood zones, and protected habitats can limit buildable area. I flag environmental concerns early.
Utilities & Access
Water, sewer, electric, and road access must be confirmed. Impact fees in Florida can be substantial — I help you estimate total site development costs.
Future Land Use
The county comprehensive plan dictates long-term land use. I review future land use maps to confirm your intended development is consistent with the plan.
Have a Development Project in Mind?
Tell me what you are building and where. I will identify available parcels and evaluate feasibility.
How Do Commercial Land Types Compare?
| Land Type | Timeline to Build | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| Shovel-Ready (fully entitled) | 6-12 months | Low — permits in hand |
| Partially Entitled | 12-18 months | Moderate — some approvals remain |
| Raw Land (consistent FLU) | 18-24 months | Moderate-High — full entitlement needed |
| Raw Land (comp plan amendment) | 24-36 months | High — regulatory uncertainty |
Land & Development — Frequently Asked Questions
What is entitled land vs. raw land?
Entitled land has received government approvals for a specific use (zoning, site plan, permits). Raw land has no entitlements and requires the buyer to navigate the approval process. Entitled land commands a premium because it reduces development risk and timeline.
How long does the entitlement process take in Florida?
According to the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity, entitlement timelines vary from 6 months for minor zoning changes to 18-24 months for comprehensive plan amendments. Barrett helps buyers evaluate entitlement status and timeline risk before making offers.
What are impact fees in Florida?
Impact fees are one-time charges levied by local governments to fund infrastructure improvements. Florida impact fees vary by county and can range from $5,000 to $25,000+ per unit for residential and $2-$15 per square foot for commercial. Barrett factors impact fees into total development cost estimates.
How do I evaluate commercial land for development?
Key factors include zoning and future land use designation, environmental conditions (wetlands, flood zones), utility availability, traffic access, impact fees, and market demand for the intended use. Barrett provides a comprehensive feasibility analysis for every land opportunity.
What types of land deals does Barrett handle?
Barrett handles all commercial land types — entitled pad sites, raw acreage for development, land assemblages, industrial parcels, and mixed-use development sites — across all 67 Florida counties.
Sources
- Florida Department of Economic Opportunity — Development and Permitting Data
- Florida Statutes Chapter 163 — Growth Management and Comprehensive Planning
- CoStar Group — Florida Land Market Analytics
- Urban Land Institute — Florida Chapter Reports
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Last updated: July 2026