Daily Brief: The Search for Land Continues

March 11, 2025

The search for surplus land in Florida, including former state-owned schools, jails, and military sites, remains active. Efforts continue to identify available properties that could be repurposed for community development, business initiatives, and housing projects.

Key Updates:

• State-Owned Land: The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Department of Management Services (DMS) maintain the FL-SOLARIS database, listing all state properties, including those declared surplus. Recent transactions have involved closed prisons and reform schools, with some lands transferred to local governments for redevelopment.
• Former Correctional Facilities: Several decommissioned state prisons have been sold in recent years, with properties in Hendry and Broward counties repurposed for private-sector use. Some sites remain available for potential buyers.
• Military Land Conversions: The Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program continues to shape land reuse. Former sites like NAS Cecil Field in Jacksonville and the Naval Training Center in Orlando have transitioned to public and private ownership. The General Services Administration (GSA) lists federal surplus properties, including decommissioned military bases, for public or private sale.
• Potential Opportunities: Florida’s surplus lands program allows for public bids on state-owned properties. Developers, municipalities, and organizations interested in acquiring land for projects should monitor DEP’s Surplus Lands Portal and GSA’s real estate sales site for upcoming listings.

The search for viable land remains a priority, with government agencies, local authorities, and private interests working to repurpose underutilized properties for new ventures. Stay tuned for further developments as efforts to secure land move forward.

End of Brief.