LAKELAND, FL, June 30, 2025 - Saunders Land, a division of Saunders Real Estate, has successfully closed two major land transactions totaling more than 6,400 acres and over $38 million in sales across Florida.
Headquartered in Central Florida, Saunders Real Estate is a real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in land and commercial assets throughout the Southeast United States. The firm handles a wide range of property types, including agricultural land, forests and timberland, transitional development land, and conservation acreage.
The first transaction involved Star Lake Cattle and Timber, a 4,833-acre working ranch and timber property located in Putnam County. The land includes a blend of improved pasture, merchantable and pre-merchantable timber, natural pine and hardwood forest, and approximately 170 acres of natural lakes. With two miles of Orange Creek frontage and over 77% uplands, the property offers multiple land use opportunities ranging from cattle and timber operations to recreation and conservation. The sale closed at $20,298,600, and the seller was represented by Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM, Dusty Calderon, Tony Wallace, CF, and Greg Driskell. Todd Dantzler, CCIM represented the buyer.
Located in North Florida, the 4,833-acre working ranch and timber operation, Star Lake Cattle and Timber, sold in July for over $20 million.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent each of our clients in these significant land transactions,” said Dean Saunders, Founder and Managing Director of Saunders Real Estate. “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.”
“These sales reflect not only the strength of Florida’s real estate market but the collaborative work of our team,” added Todd Dantzler, Partner and Managing Director of Saunders Real Estate. “It’s always rewarding to help guide a deal to the finish line when everyone’s pulling in the same direction.”
The second transaction involved the sale of Hills of West Marion, a 1,625-acre transitional property located along US-27 in western Marion County. The tract offers extensive frontage on both US-27 and NW 160th Avenue and is located less than 20 minutes from Ocala. The property sold for $17,927,902, and was brokered by Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM, Dusty Calderon, Tony Wallace, CF, and Greg Driskell.
“The coordination behind these sales is a testament to the strength of our team,” said Tyler Davis, ALC, President of Saunders Real Estate. “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.”
Both the Putnam County sale and the Marion County sale were brokered on behalf of a long-term client of Saunders Land.
About Saunders Real Estate
Saunders Real Estate is a leading land and commercial real estate brokerage serving buyers,
sellers, investors, and landowners across the Southeastern United States for nearly 30 years. With over 125 advisors and offices in major U.S. markets, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina, the firm specializes in large-acreage land transactions, commercial property sales and leasing, and property management.
To reflect its legacy and continued growth, Saunders Real Estate operates through two divisions—Saunders Land and Saunders Commercial. The firm's expertise spans agriculture, conservation, recreation, residential development, and commercial real estate, supported by specialized services such as forestry, land management, and investment acquisitions.
Today, Saunders Real Estate is recognized as a trusted authority in the region, delivering
exceptional results through experienced leadership, innovative strategies, and a client-focused
approach.