Cattle lease information

Cattle operations have historically been a common agricultural land use in Florida for more than a century and remain an important management tool on many District-owned properties. Many conservation lands acquired by the District have supported cattle operations for years. The District encourages the continuation of this historic use where it is compatible with land management goals and water resource protection.

Through its grazing lease program, the District aims to:

  • Provide on-site management and security for District-owned lands at minimal cost.
  • Activities conducted in accordance with Water Quality Best Management Practices established by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
  • Prescribed burns and control of exotic species on the property
  • Payment of ad valorem and local assessments
  • Revenue generation, which is spent to manage other lands under the District’s stewardship
  • Help minimize impacts to the local agricultural economy by keeping viable agricultural lands in active production.

Competitive bid process

New properties suitable for cattle grazing leases are offered through a competitive bid process in accordance with Section 373.093, Florida Statutes. An Invitation to Submit Offer (ITO) is advertised on the District’s website and published in a newspaper in the county where the property is located.

Leases are awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder with the highest offer per animal unit who can fully perform the lease requirements. Properties already under lease will be reviewed at the end of the lease term to determine whether they should be opened for new bids, unless conditions such as lack of access restrict potential leasing.

Each ITO includes a property map identifying the location and other relevant details. Persons or firms who obtain solicitation documents from the website are responsible for checking the page for any changes, delays or addenda related to the ITO.

Stay informed

Individuals or firms interested in receiving email notifications when new grazing lease opportunities are advertised can complete a Contact Form and email it to RealEstateServices@sjrwmd.com.

BMPs for cattle grazing
Contact form

Broadcast DateIdentifier LRS #Date Offer DueProperty Name/Description
of Potential Lease		Documents
April 4, 2025LRS 2619May 29, 2025Fort Drum Conservation Area – North Tract 1,310 acres and South Tract 1,928 acres. Lease awarded
May 14, 2021LRS 2179June 8, 2021532 acres in Three Forks Conservation Area in Brevard County. Lease awarded
Sept. 21, 2020LRS 2068Oct. 13, 2020The area to be leased is approximately 134 + acres of the Lake George
Conservation Area in Volusia County, Florida with an authorization for a maximum of 19 animal units.
Lease awarded
June 2, 2020LRS 1962July 15, 2020The area to be leased is approximately 690 + acres of the Heart Island
Conservation Area District Parcel ID Number LA 1994-049-P1 in Flagler County, Florida. Lease awarded
May 15, 2020LRS 1958June 10, 2020The area to be leased is approximately 193 + acres of the District Parcel
ID Number Jack Eckerd LA 1992-003-PA, on the Canaveral Marshes Conservation Area – Great Outdoors in
Brevard County, Florida. Lease awarded
Feb. 20, 2020LRS 1815March 11, 2020Approximately 1310 acres +/- located in the Fort Drum Conservation Area ,
known as the Latt Maxy Parcel in Indian River County, Florida. District will authorize a maximum of
118 animal units for a 10-year term. Lease
awarded