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One-third of Florida land will be developed by 2070, according to an analysis conducted by the University of Florida. Its projections show South Florida will double its developed land from 15% to 30% by that time. It’s prime time to build, but fortune favors the well-informed developer who takes the time to learn Florida’s unique set of conditions. Who better to learn from than Charley Toppino & Sons: the best developers in the Florida Keys?
This guide will walk you through:
Land development, at its most basic, is improving or changing a raw piece of land for a specific use. In the Florida Keys, housing is hot — especially as the state considers amending the Rate of Growth Ordinance, a law that denies most building permits in areas of critical concern due to overpopulation and emergency evacuation risks.
But residential development is not the only kind worth pursuing. If you’re still exploring what’s possible, Charley Toppino & Sons has put together a list of Florida-forward ideas to help you brainstorm:
Coastal condominium developments designed to withstand hurricanes, featuring sustainable materials and flood-resistant architecture.
Tourist-centric mixed-use developments that combine resorts, hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, catering to Florida’s booming tourism industry.
Solar panel manufacturing plants, capitalizing on our home state’s abundant sunshine to produce renewable energy solutions.
Organic citrus farms using advanced irrigation systems to conserve water and promote sustainable crop production.
Beachfront resorts with eco-friendly amenities, outdoor recreation centers, and water sports complexes.
New wastewater and water systems, drainage systems, and roadways to meet Florida’s urgent infrastructure needs.
Restoration projects focused on reviving wetlands and improving water flow to support local wildlife and combat water shortages.
In short, the goal is to unlock the potential of vacant or underutilized land.
The land development process generally involves several stages:
By now, ideas may be taking shape and you have a clearer vision of what the process looks like. Read on to find out what factors can affect the cost of turning your idea into a reality.
One of the first questions that comes to mind when considering property development is cost. Angi, the home service provider directory, estimates that development “will usually sit around $3 per square foot, but you could pay anywhere from $0.25 to $100 per square foot, depending on your plot and what you intend to build on it.”
Charley Toppino & Sons offers this tip regarding whether to lower or raise your cost expectations:
If your land is flat, free of impact fees, close to utility hookups, and requires minimal foundation work, you’ll likely see lower land development costs. However, if you’re dealing with a steep slope, tough soil, dense vegetation removal, and complex utility connections — especially for a basement foundation — your development expenses will rise significantly.
To fund these costs, many developers rely on land development loans. These loans are specifically designed to cover the expenses associated with preparing land for construction. You may feel tempted to DIY what you can to cut down costs, but this often results in paying more in the long run. To avoid this, be sure to consult with local experts like Charley Toppino & Sons for precise cost estimates and guidance on financing options.
Becoming a successful land developer requires a mix of education, experience, and business acumen. But building that foundation takes time — and a lot of it. Many are seeking out land development jobs with established developers offering long-lasting career opportunities. To bring the most value to these employers, here are some ways you can invest in yourself:
Become an industry expert by studying real estate, civil engineering, or urban planning.
Seek out apprenticeships on development projects, whether in construction, project management, or land surveying.
Improve your knowledge of local regulations. This is crucial in areas like the Florida Keys where environmental concerns result in delays and red tape.
Connect with developers on LinkedIn or build professional relationships through local networking events so you become a familiar candidate.
If you’re serious about a career in land development, consider joining a team like Charley Toppino & Sons. We have decades of experience in the industry and offer profit-sharing opportunities to reward loyal employees. See our open positions here.
With Florida’s growing water shortages and conservation efforts, your developments will face pressure to be “Florida friendly” — that is, considerate of the state’s growing water shortages, diminishing land availability, and risks to protected areas.
Inspire greater buy-in from local authorities and foster goodwill among residents by referencing Florida 2070 Project. It sets forth recommendations that developers should bear in mind:
Developers well-versed in Florida-friendly practices will reap higher-value land as the pressure for sustainable housing continues to grow — Charley Toppino & Sons are no strangers to this pressure, having witnessed Florida’s growth firsthand in the early 1990s.
Developing land is a challenging endeavor best tackled with a trusted partner. For more than 100 years, Charley Toppino & Sons has been at the forefront of land development in the Florida Keys. Our portfolio includes everything from residential subdivisions to large commercial developments, and our reputation for excellence is well-earned.
We can handle land development projects of any size, offering a full range of services from land clearing and surveying to site construction and project management. Our capabilities extend to:
Don’t leave your investment to chance — work with the best land developers in the Florida Keys.
Contact the team to start your project off on solid ground.
Angi. 2024 Land Development Costs: Average Site Development Cost.
Pensacola News Journal. Study: A Third of Florida Land Developed by 2070.
Tampa Bay Times. Building Boom Looming for Florida Keys? State Considers Easing Decades-Old Growth Limits.
The 2070 Project. Mapping Florida’s Future – Alternative Patterns of Development in 2070.
