Florida Protects 5,610 Acres of Hendrie Ranch Land
State officials approved a $12.9 million conservation easement on December 17, 2024, to block future development.
Updated on Oct. 25, 2026 in Agriculture
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On December 17, 2024, the Florida Governor and Cabinet approved a conservation easement for 5,610.26 acres of Hendrie Ranch in Highlands County. The state paid $12.9 million for the agreement, which prevents future residential development while allowing ongoing agricultural use.
Why it matters
The easement aims to preserve agricultural land from conversion to residential property and bolsters the Florida Wildlife Corridor. By restricting development, the state ensures that the site remains an active ranch and natural habitat.
The state secured the land at a cost of approximately $2,300 per acre to protect 5,610.26 acres. The property currently supports 600 beef cattle, with wetlands comprising 48 percent of the protected easement area.
The players
Florida Governor and Cabinet
This executive body oversees state land management policies and approves significant conservation easements within the state.
Rural and Family Lands Protection Program
Managed by the state, this program acquires conservation easements to limit development while keeping land available for agricultural use.
The details
Managed by the same family for over 65 years, the ranch will continue to support cattle, hay, and timber production under the new state agreement. This follows an earlier conservation easement placed on a 663-acre portion of the ranch in 2022.
Timeline
2001: The Rural and Family Lands Protection Program was established.
2022: An earlier 663-acre portion of the ranch received a conservation easement.
December 17, 2024: State officials approved the 5,610-acre easement for Hendrie Ranch.
Market Landscape
The deal follows a pattern set by the Florida Wildlife Corridor by linking private ranching lands to larger ecological networks. This positions the state to maintain rural industry footprints while preventing the encroachment of suburban residential sprawl.
Local residents and businesses will see the ranch remain an active agricultural site rather than a residential development. This agreement secures the continuation of cattle and hay operations that have defined the family-owned property for over six decades.
The takeaway
Conservation easements offer a strategic path for families to keep land in agricultural production across generations. Landowners can utilize these programs to secure financial support while ensuring their property remains protected from future urban expansion.
Further reading
For more on state-led land preservation, explore Florida Agriculture.
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