How to Sell Inherited Land in Florida Without the Hassle
If you've recently inherited land in Florida, you might be wondering what to do next. The Sunshine State is known for its sprawling rural acreage, coastal parcels, and seasonal migration patterns that often lead families to inherit unused or unwanted land.
Whether you're dealing with a small vacant lot or hundreds of acres, selling inherited land can be complicated—especially if the property is still in probate. But don’t worry. This guide breaks down your options and shows how you can sell inherited land quickly, legally, and without the stress.
Understanding Florida's Probate Process
Before you can sell inherited land in Florida, you typically need to go through probate. Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person's estate. In Florida, this process can take 6–12 months or longer, depending on the complexity of the estate and whether a will exists.
There are three main types of probate in Florida:
Formal Administration (for estates over $75,000)
Summary Administration (for estates under $75,000 or if the decedent has been dead for more than two years)
Disposition Without Administration (used for very small estates)
If you're not sure which type of probate applies, it's wise to consult a Florida probate attorney. You can also check the Florida Courts Probate Guide for official details.
Can You Sell Inherited Land Before Probate Is Complete?
Typically, no. Unless the property is held in a trust or designated with a Transfer on Death Deed (which Florida does not recognize), it must go through probate before you can legally transfer ownership.
That said, you can start preparing to sell:
Gather property documents
Pay off outstanding taxes or liens
Use a land value estimator to get an idea of worth (Land Ally offers one for free)
The Costs of Holding Onto Inherited Land
Owning land may seem low-maintenance, but in Florida, costs can add up fast:
Annual property taxes (especially in counties like Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, or Orange)
HOA or community fees
Maintenance or code enforcement fines
If you're not using the land, it could quietly drain your finances. Inheritors from out of state often find themselves stuck with a parcel they don’t want, can’t visit, and aren’t sure how to sell.
Your Options for Selling
Once the probate process is complete or nearly complete, you have a few ways to sell your inherited land:
1. List with a Real Estate Agent
Pros:
Can get full market value
Access to MLS and wider buyer pool
Cons:
Land takes much longer to sell than houses (often 6–24 months)
Agent fees and commissions (5–6%)
May require surveying, clearing, or updating paperwork
2. Sell It Yourself (FSBO)
Pros:
No commission
Cons:
Requires time and legal know-how
Fewer buyer leads, slower timeline
3. Sell to a Direct Land Buyer
Pros:
Fast closing (as little as 3 weeks)
No agent fees or commissions
Cash offers for all types of land (rural, urban, remote)
Buyer handles closing costs and legal documents
Cons:
Offer may be below "retail" market price, but time and expense savings often offset this
Real Story: One seller in Polk County, Florida inherited 5 acres from her aunt. With no use for it and mounting tax bills, she sold to a direct buyer in just 17 days—without ever traveling to the property.
Why Consider Land Ally?
At Land Ally, we specialize in buying inherited land directly from owners. We're not agents. That means:
No commissions
No listings or showings
No hidden fees
Our team knows Florida land. From timber tracts in North Florida to coastal parcels near Sarasota, we've helped dozens of families liquidate inherited land quickly and fairly.
Want to know what your land is worth? Try our free Land Value Estimator. Or, if you're just starting out, download our Free Guide to Selling a Large Parcel of Land.
Final Thoughts
Inheriting land in Florida doesn’t have to be a burden. With the right knowledge and tools, you can turn that property into cash and peace of mind. If probate has you feeling stuck, or you're unsure of your next step, don’t hesitate to explore all your options.
Land Ally is here to help—whether you're ready to sell now or just want to understand your land's value.
Need help selling inherited land in Florida?
Visit inherited.landally.com to start the process today.
