Each year, the Lay of the Land Conference brings together landowners, investors, and industry leaders for informative discussions on where our land markets stand today and where they may be headed next. From economic signals to infrastructure expansion and verified land sales data, this year’s program centered on clarity in a market adjusting to new capital conditions in Florida.
Jerry D. Parrish, Ph.D., shared his perspective on Florida's economic outlook at the Lay of the Land Conference.
A highlight of the event was the public release of the Lay of the Land Market Report, providing attendees with early access to verified statewide sales data across timberland, farms and cropland, ranches and pastureland, residential development, transitional land, and conservation transactions. The Florida report reflects a year defined by moderated transaction volume across multiple sectors, while pricing in many categories remained historically strong. For landowners and investors, the data offers a measured look at how uncertainty, interest rates, and shifting capital strategies influenced 2025 market activity.
ACCESS OUR LAY OF THE LAND MARKET REPORT
The Lay of the Land Conference is made possible through the collaboration of our strategic partners, whose support strengthens the depth and quality of each year’s program. Their involvement helps deliver credible market data, policy insight, and meaningful dialogue across Florida’s land sectors. This year’s agenda brought together industry leaders to discuss conservation funding, agricultural trends, infrastructure planning, energy development, data centers, and long-term market conditions, all with the goal of equipping landowners and investors with practical, decision-oriented information. Select conference materials and recorded sessions are now available for download or streaming, extending access to the insights shared throughout the event.
Conversations Shaping Florida’s Land Market
This year’s panels moved beyond headlines and into the practical forces shaping Florida land values. Jerry D. Parrish, Ph.D., Chief Economist for the Metro Atlanta Chamber, opened the conference with an economic outlook that addressed interest rate pressure, investor timing decisions, and broader election-cycle uncertainty impacting transaction activity. While Florida’s long-term growth fundamentals remain strong, 2025 reflected a more measured pace of land transactions statewide.
Breakout sessions throughout the conference addressed commercial property investment fundamentals, utility-scale solar development and energy transmission constraints, mining feasibility and aggregate demand, and how federal tax reform continues to shape estate planning, property sales, and business investments.
At the Lay of the Land Conference, Saunders Real Estate President Tyler Davis led a discussion on policy and tax updates impacting Florida landowners, featuring expert panelists Michael Minton of Dean Mead and Dennis Gallant and Stephen Hamic of Thomas Howell Ferguson P.A. CPAs.
A focused data center discussion examined the rapid growth of digital infrastructure across the state and the land requirements driving site selection, including power generation capacity, water usage considerations, and regulatory frameworks influencing where and how these large-scale projects advance. Transportation infrastructure also featured prominently, as James M. Driggers, P.E., District One Secretary for the Florida Department of Transportation, outlined the state’s Advanced Air Mobility strategy, including phased deployment along the I-4 corridor and continued buildout at SunTrax. A legislative update from Florida Senate President Ben Albritton provided insight into property tax reform discussions, conservation funding allocations, and policy considerations surrounding infrastructure and emerging industries.
The event concluded with a panel discussion of the 2026 Lay of the Land Market Report, which reflects a recalibration rather than a contraction. Timberland values remained stable despite softer timber markets. Residential finished lot pricing stayed elevated in high-growth counties, though activity moderated. Farms and cropland values softened from recent peaks as input costs and cap rate dynamics adjusted. Transitional land sales reflected selective demand across industrial, retail, and multifamily sectors. Conservation activity continued, with funding support remaining strong but demand exceeding available allocations.
Across asset classes, the pattern was consistent: fewer transactions, disciplined underwriting, and sustained long-term interest in Florida land.
The Value of Gathering
While the presentations delivered meaningful market data and perspective, the Lay of the Land Conference continues to highlight the value of fellowship and connection. Conversations among landowners, investors, advisors, and public leaders often evolve into partnerships, transactions, and long-term collaboration that shape Florida’s land market well beyond the event itself.
The Lay of the Land Conference is designed as a forum where landowners, investors, and industry professionals can come together to connect, exchange ideas, and discuss the forces shaping today’s land markets.
The Next Chapter
As Saunders Real Estate expands its footprint, the Lay of the Land Conference will evolve as well. Upcoming events include the April 23, 2026, gathering in Columbus, Georgia, with discussions designed to support Alabama and Georgia landowners and investors, along with the November 4, 2026, event in Little Rock, Arkansas, examining the factors shaping land value across Arkansas’s diverse land landscape.
The Lay of the Land Conference continues to evolve with upcoming events across regional markets.
Beginning in 2027, the conference will introduce a singular national summit format held every other year, replacing the individual region-specific events during those years. This larger conference will offer market-specific breakout sessions and focused networking opportunities tailored to individual land investment regions within the United States.
The Lay of the Land Conference continues to serve as a trusted forum for land market intelligence, policy dialogue, and industry connection. As we prepare for future gatherings, our focus remains on delivering verified data, informed perspective, and an environment where meaningful conversations can take place.
Thank you to everyone who joined us this year in Lakeland, Florida. We appreciate your continued engagement and look forward to welcoming you at an upcoming Lay of the Land Conference.
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To learn more about the Lay of the Land® Conference or to download the Lay of the Land® Market Report, please visit our website. Recorded breakout sessions are available through the In Our Expert Opinion Real Estate Podcast, and select presentation materials and conference resources are now available for download.