Florida Protects 1,500 Acres of Ranch Land from Development

Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson announced Friday the permanent protection of nearly 1,500 acres of working cattle ranches through the state's Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, preventing future development while keeping the operations active.

The two properties—Mossy Island Ranch in Manatee County and Florida Commission Company Ranch in Highlands County—have been secured through rural lands protection easements totaling $8.7 million. Manatee County contributed $500,000 toward the Mossy Island protection. Both ranches are located within the Florida Wildlife Corridor and enrolled in the state's Best Management Practices program.

Mossy Island, a 420-acre cattle operation, sits adjacent to Myakka River State Park and faces development pressure as surrounding lands are projected to develop by 2040. The larger Florida Commission Company Ranch spans 1,046 acres and operates cattle grazing and hay production. By purchasing development rights rather than acquiring land outright, the program avoids long-term state ownership costs while supporting agricultural operations.

Since its 1999 establishment, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program has permanently preserved more than 253,000 acres statewide. Under Simpson's administration alone, the program has protected nearly 188,000 acres, recognizing that Florida's working agricultural lands face increasing pressure from development and urban expansion.