Saunders Land Completes Over $38 Million in Premium Florida Land Sales
Saunders Land, a prominent division of Saunders Real Estate, has recently closed two significant land transactions in Florida, totaling more than 6,400 acres with combined sales exceeding $38 million. These major deals underscore the strength and dynamism of Florida’s land market, reflecting both the expertise of Saunders Real Estate and vibrant regional demand.
About Saunders Real Estate: Southeast Land and Commercial Experts
Headquartered in Central Florida, Saunders Real Estate is a leading real estate brokerage and advisory firm with nearly 30 years of dedicated service across the Southeastern United States. Specializing in large-acreage land and commercial assets, Saunders handles diverse property types, including:
- Agricultural lands
- Forests and timberland
- Transitional development parcels
- Conservation acreage
With over 100 expert advisors located in key markets such as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, Saunders Real Estate combines deep regional knowledge with comprehensive service offerings like forestry management, land investment advisory, and property leasing.
Major Transaction One: Star Lake Cattle and Timber Ranch in Putnam County
One of the headline transactions features the sale of Star Lake Cattle and Timber, a sprawling 4,833-acre working ranch in Putnam County. Key highlights of this property include:
- A mixture of improved pastures supporting livestock operations
- Diverse timber resources, including both merchantable and pre-merchantable timber stands
- Approximately 170 acres of natural lakes adding significant recreational and ecological value
- Over two miles of frontage along the scenic Orange Creek
- Uplands comprising over 77% of the acreage, enhancing its agricultural and developmental potential
This ranch offers a multifaceted range of land use options spanning cattle farming, timber production, recreational activities, and conservation initiatives. The sale finalized at a value of $20,298,600.
Representing the Seller:
Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM; Dusty Calderon; Tony Wallace, CF; Greg Driskell
Representing the Buyer:
Todd Dantzler, CCIM
Major Transaction Two: Hills of West Marion Transitional Property
The second high-profile sale involved Hills of West Marion, a 1,625-acre transitional landholding situated along US-27 in western Marion County, Florida. This property boasts:
- Extensive frontage on both US-27 and NW 160th Avenue
- A strategic location less than 20 minutes from Ocala, offering excellent connectivity
- High potential for residential development given its transitional zoning and proximity to urban amenities
The property was sold for $17,927,902, reflecting strong market confidence in the Ocala-Marion area’s growth trajectory.
Broker Team:
Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM; Dusty Calderon; Tony Wallace, CF; Greg Driskell
Strategic Insights from Leadership
Dean Saunders, Founder and Managing Director of Saunders Real Estate, emphasized the importance of cultivated relationships in achieving such successful closures:
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent each of our clients in these significant land transactions. Deals like this don’t just come together overnight—they’re grown out of real relationships built over time with people who trust us to help them make the right decisions about their land.”
Echoing this sentiment, Todd Dantzler, Managing Director of Saunders Real Estate, highlighted the teamwork behind the deals:
“These sales reflect not only the strength of Florida’s real estate market but the collaborative work of our team. It’s always rewarding to help guide a deal to the finish line when everyone’s pulling in the same direction.”
Tyler Davis, ALC, President of Saunders Real Estate, also celebrated his team’s commitment:
“The coordination behind these sales is a testament to the strength of our team. It reflects the genuine passion shared by every member of our team for serving our clients’ best interests—something we’re proud to carry into every relationship across the Southeast.”
Why Florida Land Sales Are Thriving in 2025
Florida remains a hotspot for land investors and developers due to factors like:
- Robust demand for agricultural and recreational properties
- Expanding suburban and urban development corridors
- Favorable climate for timber and cattle operations
- Strong conservation initiatives preserving natural landscapes
The successful sale of both the Putnam County and Marion County assets — brokered on behalf of a longstanding client — reinforces Florida’s status as a premier market for high-value land transactions.
Saunders Real Estate: A Trusted Partner for Landowners and Investors
With decades of proven experience, Saunders Real Estate remains a foremost authority on Southeastern land and commercial property transactions. Through its two focused divisions, Saunders Land and Saunders Commercial, the firm delivers tailored strategies across sectors such as:
- Agriculture and forestry management
- Conservation land sales and acquisition
- Recreational property marketing
- Residential and commercial development projects
Their commitment to exceptional client service, backed by a deep understanding of regional markets, makes Saunders a valued partner for buyers, sellers, and investors alike.
For comprehensive expertise in land and commercial real estate throughout the Southeast, visit Saunders Real Estate’s website and explore their latest offerings and market insights.