Florida announces protection of more than 3,200 acres on three agricultural properties
Florida’s agriculture department says rural lands protection easements will prevent development on three working agricultural properties in Hardee, Okeechobee and Levy counties.
What the record says
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced October 30 that more than 3,200 acres across three working agricultural properties have been permanently protected through its Rural and Family Lands Protection Program.
The department identified the properties as D.T. Davis Ranch, an approximately 522-acre cattle operation in Hardee County; Micco Bluff Ranch, an approximately 180-acre cattle operation in Okeechobee County; and The Flatwoods, an approximately 2,572-acre timber and cattle operation in Levy County.
FDACS says the rural lands protection easements prevent future development while allowing agricultural operations to continue. The Flatwoods transaction involves two easements. The agency says all three properties are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and enrolled in its Best Management Practices program.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Read FDACS’s announcement for the property descriptions and its completed-project map.
Limits and what is not established
These are development-rights easements on working agricultural properties. The announcement does not establish public-park ownership or a new right of public access.
Sources checked October 31, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services: original information