"How much does it cost to clear an acre in Florida?"
We get this question every day. The honest answer: it depends. But that's not helpful when you're trying to budget for your project.
This guide breaks down real 2025 pricing for land clearing across Florida, what factors affect your cost, and how to get an accurate estimate for your specific property.
Quick Answer: Florida Land Clearing Costs
| Vegetation Type | Cost Per Acre | Typical Properties |
|---|---|---|
| Light brush/grass | $1,500 - $2,500 | Overgrown pastures, maintained lots |
| Medium brush (4" DBH) | $2,500 - $4,000 | Residential lots, light woods |
| Heavy brush (6" DBH) | $3,500 - $5,500 | Unmaintained land, dense palmetto |
| Dense forest (8"+ DBH) | $5,000 - $8,000+ | Mature Florida woods, hardwoods |
DBH = Diameter at Breast Height (tree trunk diameter measured 4.5 feet up)
These are forestry mulching prices - the most cost-effective method for most Florida land clearing projects.
What Affects Land Clearing Cost?
1. Vegetation Density (Biggest Factor)
The DBH of trees and density of undergrowth is the primary cost driver.
Light vegetation (4" DBH and under):
- •Young pines, small oaks
- •Palmetto understory
- •Brazilian pepper thickets
- •Cost: $1,500-$3,000/acre
Medium vegetation (6" DBH and under):
- •Established pine stands
- •Mixed hardwood/pine
- •Dense palmetto with scattered trees
- •Cost: $2,500-$4,500/acre
Heavy vegetation (8"+ DBH):
- •Mature oak hammocks
- •Dense pine plantations
- •Old-growth Florida woods
- •Cost: $4,500-$8,000+/acre
2. Access & Terrain
- •Easy access: Flat, dry ground with road frontage = lower cost
- •Difficult access: Wet areas, slopes, no road access = 20-40% higher
- •Equipment transport: Remote properties may have mobilization fees ($500-$2,000)
3. Debris Disposal Method
| Method | Cost Impact | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Forestry mulching | Included | Most projects - mulch stays on site |
| Chip & haul | +$500-$1,500/acre | When mulch removal required |
| Burn piles | +$300-$800/acre | Rural properties with burn permits |
| Full removal | +$1,000-$3,000/acre | Construction sites needing clean dirt |
4. Regional Pricing Differences
Land clearing costs vary across Florida based on local competition, cost of living, and typical vegetation types.
Regional Pricing: Central Florida
Orlando Metro (Orange/Seminole County)
- •Orlando: $2,500-$5,000/acre
- •Winter Park: $3,000-$5,500/acre (tree ordinances add complexity)
- •Sanford: $2,200-$4,500/acre
- •Oviedo: $2,500-$4,800/acre
Higher prices reflect urban access challenges and stricter tree ordinances.
Polk County (Lakeland Area)
- •Lakeland: $2,000-$4,500/acre
- •Winter Haven: $2,000-$4,200/acre
- •Plant City: $1,800-$4,000/acre
- •Bartow: $1,800-$3,800/acre
More competitive pricing due to rural character and easier access.
Osceola County
- •Kissimmee: $2,200-$4,500/acre
- •St. Cloud: $2,000-$4,200/acre
- •Celebration: $2,800-$5,000/acre
Regional Pricing: Tampa Bay
Hillsborough County
Pasco County
- •Wesley Chapel: $2,200-$4,500/acre
- •Land O' Lakes: $2,000-$4,200/acre
- •Zephyrhills: $1,800-$3,800/acre
- •Dade City: $1,500-$3,500/acre
Rural Pasco offers some of the most competitive pricing in the Tampa Bay region.
Pinellas County
- •Clearwater: $3,000-$6,000/acre
- •St. Petersburg: $3,200-$6,500/acre
Limited land and urban environment = premium pricing.
Regional Pricing: Nature Coast & Ocala
Marion County
- •Ocala: $1,800-$4,000/acre
- •Silver Springs: $1,800-$3,800/acre
- •Belleview: $1,600-$3,500/acre
- •Dunnellon: $1,500-$3,200/acre
Best value in Florida - rural character, good access, competitive market.
Alachua County
- •Gainesville: $2,000-$4,200/acre
- •Newberry: $1,800-$3,800/acre
- •High Springs: $1,600-$3,500/acre
Citrus/Hernando County
- •Crystal River: $1,800-$3,800/acre
- •Inverness: $1,600-$3,500/acre
- •Brooksville: $1,800-$4,000/acre
- •Spring Hill: $2,000-$4,200/acre
Lake/Sumter County
- •The Villages: $2,200-$4,500/acre
- •Leesburg: $1,800-$3,800/acre
- •Clermont: $2,200-$4,500/acre
- •Mount Dora: $2,000-$4,200/acre
Regional Pricing: Space Coast & I-95
Volusia County
- •Daytona Beach: $2,000-$4,200/acre
- •DeLand: $1,800-$3,800/acre
- •New Smyrna Beach: $2,200-$4,500/acre
- •Deltona: $2,000-$4,000/acre
- •Port Orange: $2,200-$4,500/acre
Brevard County
- •Melbourne: $2,200-$4,800/acre
- •Palm Bay: $2,000-$4,200/acre
- •Titusville: $2,000-$4,000/acre
- •Cocoa: $2,000-$4,200/acre
Indian River/St. Lucie County
- •Vero Beach: $2,200-$4,500/acre
- •Sebastian: $2,000-$4,200/acre
- •Fort Pierce: $2,000-$4,000/acre
- •Port St. Lucie: $2,200-$4,500/acre
Cost Comparison: Clearing Methods
| Method | Cost/Acre | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forestry Mulching | $2,000-$5,000 | Single pass, no hauling, eco-friendly | May not work for construction sites |
| Bulldozing | $3,000-$8,000 | Fast for large areas | Destroys topsoil, requires hauling |
| Hand Clearing | $4,000-$12,000 | Precise, low impact | Very slow, labor intensive |
| Excavator/Grubbing | $3,500-$7,000 | Good for stumps | Soil disturbance, hauling needed |
Learn more about forestry mulching vs. bulldozing
How We Price Projects: The DBH System
At TreeShop, we use a DBH-based package system that makes pricing transparent:
Small Package (4" DBH & Under)
- •Brush, saplings, small trees
- •Best for: Overgrown lots, pasture reclamation
- •Price range: $1,500-$2,500/acre
Medium Package (6" DBH & Under)
- •Established vegetation, moderate trees
- •Best for: Residential clearing, light woods
- •Price range: $2,500-$4,000/acre
Large Package (8" DBH & Under)
- •Dense vegetation, mature trees
- •Best for: Forest clearing, heavy brush
- •Price range: $4,000-$6,000/acre
Custom/Heavy (10"+ DBH)
- •Old growth, large hardwoods
- •Best for: Major clearing projects
- •Price range: $5,500-$8,000+/acre
Learn more about our DBH package system
Hidden Costs to Budget For
Don't forget these potential additional expenses:
| Item | Typical Cost | When Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Gopher tortoise survey | $300-$2,500 | Sandy, upland properties |
| Tree survey/permit | $200-$1,000 | Urban areas with tree ordinances |
| Wetland delineation | $500-$3,000 | Properties near water |
| Stump grinding | $3-$8 per inch | If mulching doesn't eliminate stumps |
| Mobilization fee | $500-$2,000 | Remote properties |
How to Get an Accurate Estimate
The best way to get accurate pricing for your property:
- •Know your acreage - Have a survey or use county GIS
- •Describe the vegetation - Photos help enormously
- •Share your end goal - Building? Pasture? Trail system?
- •Mention access - How will equipment get there?
- •Note any restrictions - Wetlands, easements, protected species
Get Your Free Estimate
We provide detailed proposals within 24 hours for properties across Central Florida:
Get Your Free Estimate or call (386) 843-5266
Prices reflect 2025 market conditions and are estimates only. Actual pricing requires property evaluation. Contact us for a detailed proposal for your specific project.