Florida Land Glossary & Definitions

Selling land in Florida often involves terminology that isn’t commonly used in traditional home sales.

This Florida land glossary explains common land-related terms referenced throughout our site to help you better understand land ownership, restrictions, and the selling process.

Land Ownership & Legal Terms

Heirs’ Property

Land passed down through generations without a formal probate process or updated title, often resulting in multiple owners with fractional interests.

Clear Title

A title free of liens, ownership disputes, or unresolved claims that could prevent a property from being sold or transferred.

Clouded Title

A title with unresolved issues such as missing heirs, unpaid liens, recording errors, or conflicting ownership claims.

Deed Restrictions

Private limitations placed on land use, often created by developers or previous owners, that may restrict building type, size, or usage.

HOA (Homeowners Association)

An organization governing a community that may impose rules, fees, or approval requirements affecting land use.

Access, Use & Buildability Terms

Legal Access

Documented right to reach a property via a public road or recorded easement.

Landlocked Property

Land with no legal or physical access to a public roadway.

Easement

A legal right allowing another party to use a portion of the land for a specific purpose, such as access, utilities, or drainage.

Setback Requirements

Rules that determine how far a structure must be placed from property lines, roads, or waterways.

Density Restrictions

Zoning limits that control how many units or structures may be built on a parcel of land.

Environmental & Conservation Terms

Wetlands

Areas regulated by state or federal agencies due to the presence of water, soil type, and vegetation, often limiting development.

Uplands

Portions of land that are not classified as wetlands and may be more suitable for development.

Conservation Land

Property protected by conservation easements or government programs to preserve natural habitat and restrict development.

Preservation Land

Land designated for long-term environmental protection, often prohibiting residential or commercial construction.

Protected Wildlife Habitat

Land that serves as habitat for species protected under state or federal law, such as gopher tortoises, scrub jays, or burrowing owls.

Infrastructure & Utility Terms

Perc Test (Percolation Test)

A soil test used to determine whether land can support a septic system.

Failed Perc Test

A condition where soil does not properly absorb water, limiting or preventing septic system approval.

Utilities

Services such as electricity, water, sewer, and gas that may or may not be available to a property.

Off-Grid Property

Land without access to public utilities, often requiring private systems such as wells, septic tanks, or solar power.

Financial & Transaction Terms

Back Taxes

Unpaid property taxes owed to a county or municipality.

Tax Deed Property

Land sold by a county due to unpaid property taxes.

Due Diligence

The review process buyers use to verify property details, restrictions, title status, and feasibility before closing.

Cash Offer

A purchase offer not dependent on financing contingencies.

Why These Definitions Matter

Understanding these terms can help landowners better evaluate their property, set realistic expectations, and navigate the selling process more confidently — especially when land has restrictions or complications.

Related Resources

• Land Selling Guide
• Selling Land With Issues in Florida
• Real Case Studies
• How the Land Selling Process Works