Tampa, FL, July 23rd, 2025 –Written by Nick Cannella
In 2025, Florida continues to be one of the hottest land markets in the U.S., driven by population growth, infrastructure expansion, and favorable tax environments. But one of the most notable trends this year? The steady rise of institutional land buyers—from REITs and national homebuilders to investment funds and utility companies—targeting strategic markets across the state.
These groups are no longer just watching from the sidelines. They’re buying big, thinking long-term, and shaping how land is being valued and developed.
At Eshenbaugh Land Company, we’ve seen firsthand which counties are drawing the most interest—and closing the biggest deals. If you own land in one of these high-demand areas, now might be the ideal time to sell.
Here are the Top 5 Florida counties attracting institutional land buyers in 2025, and what’s fueling their momentum.
1. Pasco County – The Emerging Powerhouse
Why Pasco is hot:
Pasco County is rapidly transforming from a quiet suburban outpost to a key player in Florida’s development story. With continued residential and commercial expansion along the State Road 54/56 corridor, Pasco has become a magnet for large-scale master-planned communities and regional commercial projects.
What’s attracting institutional buyers:
- Availability of large tracts near existing infrastructure
- Business-friendly leadership and expedited approvals
- Proximity to Tampa with lower land costs than Hillsborough
- Strategic growth zones like Wesley Chapel, Land O’ Lakes, and San Antonio
Major homebuilders like Lennar, D.R. Horton, and Taylor Morrison are actively assembling land here for future residential communities.
2. Polk County – Central Florida’s Sweet Spot
Why Polk is hot:
Positioned between Tampa and Orlando, Polk County has become a logistics and residential development goldmine. Its affordability, central location, and access to major highways like I-4 and US-27 make it ideal for both housing and distribution centers.
Institutional interest drivers:
- Explosive growth in cities like Lakeland, Davenport, and Winter Haven
- Active industrial developers targeting I-4 corridor
- Utility-scale solar farms and ag-to-industrial conversions
- Strong population growth and workforce availability
In 2025, national funds and builders are actively locking up large-acre tracts before they’re fully entitled. This is a county where smart landowners are selling into the path of progress.
3. Manatee County – Where Coastal Meets Capital
Why Manatee is hot:
Bordering Sarasota to the south and Hillsborough to the north, Manatee County has emerged as a sweet spot for upscale residential, mixed-use, and even conservation-focused investment.
What’s driving institutional activity:
- Upscale master-planned communities like Lakewood Ranch
- High absorption rates for residential development
- Growing interest in eastern Manatee and ag-to-residential conversions
- I-75 access and proximity to both Tampa and Sarasota
Institutional buyers see Manatee as a stable, desirable market with long-term upside. Landowners near growth areas with future land use designations are seeing strong interest—especially for off-market parcels.
4. Marion County – Ocala’s Time to Shine
Why Marion is hot:
Known for its equestrian heritage, Marion County—home to Ocala—is experiencing a new wave of attention from institutional buyers. With the World Equestrian Center and ongoing investment in logistics, this once-rural area is now on the radar.
Key reasons for increased investment:
- Large tracts still available at favorable pricing
- Strategic location with I-75 access to Tampa, Orlando, and Jacksonville
- Institutional land banking and residential planning on the rise
- Potential for mixed-use and distribution hubs
Ocala is no longer just horse country. It’s quickly becoming a growth engine for North Central Florida, and smart landowners are cashing in while values are rising.
5. St. Lucie County – The Treasure Coast’s Rising Star
Why St. Lucie is hot:
St. Lucie County, particularly Port St. Lucie and Fort Pierce, is seeing rapid residential and infrastructure growth, drawing significant attention from institutional builders and developers.
What’s fueling the demand:
- Strong population growth along Florida’s east coast
- Affordable land compared to Palm Beach or Broward
- Future land use support for residential and commercial development
- Ongoing infrastructure and utility investments
National builders have already made their presence felt, but 2025 has brought in private equity and REIT interest as well, especially in land banking opportunities.
Bonus Mentions: Hillsborough, Lake & Hernando Counties
While not in the top 5 this year, Hillsborough, Lake, and Hernando counties continue to see interest from institutional buyers—especially for infill, mixed-use, or long-term plays.
Why Institutional Buyers Matter to Sellers
Selling to an institutional land buyer comes with distinct benefits:
- Streamlined process – They know what they’re buying and come with teams in place.
- Higher price potential – Especially for entitled or near-entitled land.
- Fewer contingencies – They often close with fewer financing or feasibility hurdles.
- Repeat interest – A satisfied institutional buyer may return for adjacent parcels.
But these buyers are also selective. Having a land-focused broker who understands zoning, entitlements, environmental constraints, and market positioning is key to unlocking top-dollar deals.
Final Thoughts: Is Your Property in a Hot Market?
If you own land in one of these counties—or even nearby—there’s a good chance you’re in the path of institutional investment. Whether it’s time to sell now or just time to understand your options, arming yourself with the right data and guidance is essential.
At Eshenbaugh Land Company, we help landowners position their property to appeal to serious institutional buyers. From valuation and mapping to marketing and deal negotiation, our team of land experts is here to guide you every step of the way.
📞 Curious What Your Land Is Worth? Let’s Talk.
Call us at (813) 287-8787 to speak with one of our experienced land brokers.
We’ll help you understand how institutional buyers view your land—and how to make the most of the opportunity.