How to Buy a Farm in Florida

Citrus farming in Florida is one of the state's biggest industries.

Florida is one of the prettiest states in the U.S., well known for its warm weather and citrus fruits. The warm climate makes it easy for citrus farms to prosper, but the Sunshine State is also home to horse farms, Christmas tree farms and even flower farms.

Farm Types

Decide what type of farm you'd like to buy. Different parts of the state host different crops, and your decision also depends on whether you're buying the farm for business or pleasure, in which case you might focus on what industries are the biggest, such as citrus farming. In 2009 the U.S. Department of Agriculture reported that Florida produced almost 67 percent of the country's oranges and 55 percent of its grapefruit.

Real Estate

Find out about farms that are for sale. Several good websites to visit include: Ranchesandfarms.net, Landandfarm.com, Unitedcountry.com, Agriseek.com and Floridafarmforsale.com. Once you've decided which farms you might like to buy, talk to a local real estate agent to learn more about the farms.

Buying

Visit the properties that interest you, but before you buy, find out about any taxes or licensing fees you might need to pay. The Florida Department of Agriculture website has details about licenses for horse breeders, citrus growers, fertilizer and more. You can also contact the Florida Farm Bureau about taxes or about any programs to help local farmers.

References

• USDA: State Fact Sheets: Florida
• Florida Department of Agriculture: Licensing, Permits, and Registration
• Florida Farm Bureau: Agriculture Tax Center

Resources

• Absolutely Florida: Florida Orange Growers
• Florida Horse: Florida's Horse Industry