Some of the links on this site are affiliate links.
Florida is home to some of the most extensive landowners in the United States, including individuals, companies, and government entities.
These landowners play a significant role in the economy and development of the state. Here are the top 10 landowners in Florida:
Top Landowners In Florida
| Landowners | Total Acres |
|---|---|
| 1. State of Florida | 12,000,000 |
| 2. Ted Turner | 2,000,000 |
| 3. Plum Creek Timber Company | 590,000 |
| 4. St. Joe Company | 567,000 |
| 5. Rayonier Company | 400,000 |
| 6. Lykes Bros. Co | 340,000 |
| 7. Deseret Ranches | 295,000 |
| 8. U.S. Government | 291,000 |
| 9. Foley Timber and Land Company | 154,000 |
| 10. Mosaic | 81,000 |
1. State of Florida
The State of Florida is the largest landowner in the state, with over 12 million acres of land.
Various state agencies, including parks, forests, and wildlife reserves, manage this land for public use.
2. Ted Turner
Ted Turner, the founder of CNN and a media mogul, owns approximately 2 million acres of land in the United States, with a significant portion of it located in Florida.
He is involved in conservation efforts and has donated much of his land for public use.
3. Plum Creek Timber Company
Plum Creek Timber Company is a timber and land management company with over 590,000 acres of land in Florida.
They are involved in timber production, mineral extraction, and real estate development.
Start Buying Farmland Today!
| Platform | Minimum | Link | Accredited Only | Investments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | $8,000+ | View Investments | Yes | US Farmland, Timberland, Vineyards |
 | $15,000+ | View Investments | Yes | US Farmland |
4. St. Joe Company
The St. Joe Company is a real estate development company with over 567,000 acres of land in Florida.
They are involved in the development of residential and commercial properties, as well as the management of timber and other natural resources.
5. Rayonier Company
Rayonier Company manufactures micro-cellulose fibers and owns 400,000 acres in its headquarters in Jacksonville.
They also grow trees, especially pines, for pulp and lumber. Rayonier's manufactured performance fibers are in high demand and used worldwide in various products.
6. Lykes Bros. Co
With holdings of 340,000 acres and headquartered in Tampa, Lykes Bros. Co is primarily an agricultural firm with a ranch spanning Glades and Highlands counties and operations in cattle, citrus, sugarcane, and pine.
For most of the 20th century, Lykes Bros. Co was one of the leading business players in Florida, with banks, utilities, a steel company, an orange juice factory, and the world's most extensive steamship line.
7. Deseret Ranches
Deseret Ranches is owned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and has over 295,000 acres of land in Florida. They are primarily involved in cattle ranching and farming.
8. U.S. Government
The U.S. Government owns over 291,000 acres of land in Florida. This land is primarily used for military installations and national parks, including Everglades National Park and the Ocala National Forest.
9. Foley Timber and Land Company
Foley Timber and Land Company is a family-owned company with over 154,000 acres of land in Florida. They are involved in timber production, mineral extraction, and real estate development.
10. Mosaic
Mosaic is a phosphate mining company with over 81,000 acres of land in Florida. They are involved in the production of phosphate-based fertilizers and other chemicals.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, these are the top 10 landowners in Florida. Each has a unique role in managing and developing Florida's natural resources, from state-owned lands to private companies and individual landowners.
As the population of Florida continues to grow, it will be crucial for these landowners to balance their economic interests with the need to protect and preserve the state's natural beauty for future generations.