You love the idea of stepping out your back door to the soft sound of hooves and a sunrise ride. In Southwest Broward, two places rise to the top for that lifestyle: Davie and Southwest Ranches. Both offer room to breathe, horse-friendly pockets, and a practical distance to major job centers. In this guide, you’ll learn how these towns differ on zoning, land and drainage, services, and day-to-day logistics so you can choose the best fit for you and your horses. Let’s dive in.
Quick snapshot: Davie vs Southwest Ranches
Southwest Ranches at a glance
Southwest Ranches was established to preserve a rural, equestrian identity. You will see larger lots, agricultural uses, and neighbors who expect barns, fencing, and the daily rhythm of horse care. Municipal policies are broadly supportive of equestrian life. Privacy and space are common benefits.
Davie at a glance
Davie is larger and more mixed. Western Davie includes equestrian-zoned areas and large parcels, while other neighborhoods are more suburban. The upside is variety and convenience. Depending on where you buy, you may be closer to parks, shops, and municipal services. The key is to verify the zoning and any neighborhood rules for the specific parcel.
Zoning and rules that shape barn life
Zoning determines what you can build, how many animals you can keep, and where you can place barns, arenas, and manure storage. Do not assume an address in either town automatically allows equestrian use. Always verify.
- Review the Town of Southwest Ranches Code of Ordinances for permitted uses, setbacks, fencing, and equestrian structures. Start with the town’s code library and planning contacts to confirm current rules. You can review the municipal code in the Town of Southwest Ranches code library.
- In Davie, equestrian allowances vary by district. Confirm the exact zoning of the parcel with the Town of Davie Planning and Zoning and cross-check permitted uses in the Davie Code of Ordinances.
Useful places to start:
- Browse the Town of Southwest Ranches Code of Ordinances for land development and permitted uses.
- Confirm specific parcel zoning and permitted equestrian uses with the Town of Davie Planning and Zoning and Davie’s Code of Ordinances.
What to verify before you write an offer
- Number of horses allowed per acre and whether size or use matters.
- Setbacks and height limits for barns, sheds, feed rooms, and manure storage.
- Whether arenas or round pens require permits and stormwater controls.
- Rules for commercial activity, such as boarding or lessons, and any required business licenses.
- Fencing standards and driveway access for trailers and emergency vehicles.
- Whether the property is on well and septic or connected to municipal utilities.
- Any HOA or deed restrictions that override or tighten municipal rules. Always request the full CC&Rs and current HOA minutes.
Land, drainage, and flood risk
In Broward County, usable acreage is not the same as total acreage. Soil, drainage, and floodplain status drive what you can safely use for turnout, arenas, and structures.
- Check FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center for flood zone designations. A higher-risk zone can affect insurance costs and may limit certain improvements.
- If the site includes wetlands or sits in a regulated basin, the South Florida Water Management District may have permitting requirements for stormwater or earthwork.
- Ask for recent surveys and any environmental or wetlands reports. Look for easements that could limit pasture or building locations.
- Walk the land after rain if possible. Note standing water, ruts, and flow patterns. Confirm how roof runoff and arena drainage are managed.
Key resources:
- Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for flood zone checks.
- Review SFWMD guidance for stormwater and wetland protections.
- Contact Broward County Permitting and Environmental Protection for county overlays that may affect drainage or construction.
Utilities and daily logistics
Day-to-day horse care depends on reliable water, power, and access. Small differences can have a big impact on your routine and costs.
- Septic and wells. Many rural parcels rely on septic systems and private wells. Confirm septic capacity, setbacks, and maintenance history. If there is a well, test water quality and flow, and confirm plumbing to barns.
- Power capacity. Barns with lighting, fans, and hot water need proper electrical service and surge protection. Consider a generator plan for hurricane season.
- Driveway and trailer access. Verify that driveways hold up in wet weather and allow safe trailer turnarounds. Confirm emergency vehicle access requirements.
- Waste management. Ask how manure is stored and removed, and whether current practices align with municipal and county rules. Proper siting and drainage are essential for odor and vector control.
Services, trails, and community
Southwest Broward has a robust equestrian ecosystem, but availability varies by neighborhood and season.
- Veterinary and farrier support. Confirm response times and service areas with local equine vets and farriers. Many providers book out weeks in advance, so set expectations early.
- Feed, hay, and bedding. Identify feed stores, hay suppliers, and delivery options. Delivery fees and schedule reliability matter during peak season.
- Riding options. Davie is known for parks and equestrian trail networks in certain areas. Southwest Ranches emphasizes a rural rhythm, community events, and private or semi-private trail access in some neighborhoods. Always verify public access and rules for any park or trail you plan to use.
- Backup care and boarding. Keep a short list of boarding barns and trainers for overflow care, training blocks, or hurricane evacuations.
Cost picture: buy and own with eyes open
Prices for true horse-ready properties usually carry a premium. Expect to budget for due diligence and ongoing care.
Up-front considerations:
- Survey updates, soil and percolation tests for planned arenas, septic inspections, and structural inspections for barns and outbuildings.
- Flood elevation certificates if the parcel is in a higher-risk zone.
Ongoing costs to plan for:
- Horse care. Feed and hay, farrier cycles, veterinary care, vaccines, dentistry, and training.
- Property maintenance. Fencing repair, pasture management, mowing, weed control, arena grooming and top-off, septic pumping, and tree care.
- Insurance. Home policies on acreage can be higher. If you plan to board or host lessons, ask about equine liability and commercial coverage.
- Taxes. Large parcels may qualify for certain agricultural exemptions in specific cases. Verify eligibility with the Broward County Property Appraiser and understand application requirements.
Resource for parcel research:
- Use the Broward County Property Appraiser to review parcel data, valuations, and tax history.
Which fits your lifestyle?
Both towns can deliver a great at-home horse life. Your best fit comes down to how you balance privacy, convenience, and specific property needs.
Southwest Ranches may appeal if you want:
- A rural setting that leans equestrian by design.
- Larger lots and neighbors who expect agricultural uses.
- A quieter pace with strong support for barns and farm infrastructure.
Davie may appeal if you want:
- More variety in parcel sizes and price points across different neighborhoods.
- Potentially closer access to parks, shopping, and municipal services.
- Equestrian pockets within a broader suburban framework.
Either way, parcel-specific due diligence is the deciding factor. Zoning, CC&Rs, flood and soil conditions, and usable acreage matter more than the town name on the mailbox.
10 questions to ask before you tour
Bring this checklist to your first showings:
- What is the exact zoning district and what equestrian uses are permitted?
- Are there CC&Rs or HOA rules that limit animals, structures, fencing, or parking?
- How many horses are allowed on this parcel, and what setbacks apply to barns and manure storage?
- What portion of the acreage is truly usable and not in wetlands, easements, or floodplain?
- What is the FEMA flood zone, and do you have an elevation certificate?
- Is the property on well and septic or connected to utilities? What is the septic system’s capacity and service history?
- How is stormwater managed for roofs, barns, and arenas? Any permits on file?
- What is the condition of barns, fencing, and arenas, including drainage and electrical?
- Are there nearby equine vets, farriers, and feed delivery options you can rely on?
- What is the hurricane plan for animals, hay storage, generators, and trailer access?
How to verify with authority
When you are serious about a property, go straight to the source documents.
- Zoning and codes. Consult the Town of Southwest Ranches Code of Ordinances and the Town of Davie Planning and Zoning and Code of Ordinances for parcel-specific allowances.
- Flood and stormwater. Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and contact the South Florida Water Management District for permits or wetland questions.
- County overlays. Check with Broward County Permitting and Environmental Protection on county-level requirements.
- Land and tax records. Review official parcel details with the Broward County Property Appraiser.
- Pasture and manure best practices. The University of Florida IFAS Extension offers research-backed guidance on equine and pasture management.
A day in the life: Southwest Ranches vs Davie
Picture a weekday with a 9 a.m. Zoom and a 5 p.m. farrier appointment.
- In Southwest Ranches, you may enjoy a quieter morning ride at home, wave to neighbors tending paddocks, then handle errands on Griffin Road or Sheridan before your farrier arrives. The feel is rural with good proximity to core services, but expect fewer municipal utilities in certain pockets.
- In western Davie, you might trailer to a nearby park for a change of scenery, grab feed from a local supplier, and be back in time for afternoon lessons at home. Convenience is close, but parcel rules vary more from block to block, so confirm every detail.
Both settings work beautifully when you pick the right parcel and build a reliable service team.
Work with a team that knows both markets
Buying an equestrian property is not a standard suburban purchase. You benefit from local zoning fluency, valuation precision, construction insight, and a network of equine pros who can reality-check a property’s potential. That is where the Tommy Crivello Real Estate Group comes in. Our South Broward focus, appraisal background, and equestrian track record help you move from shortlist to closing with confidence.
Ready to compare specific parcels in Southwest Ranches and western Davie, and to pressure-test the details that matter? Connect with the Tommy Crivello Real Estate Group to Request a Private Valuation and a tailored buyer plan.
FAQs
How do I confirm if a Davie or Southwest Ranches parcel allows horses?
- Start with the parcel’s zoning district in the municipal code, then check any CC&Rs or HOA rules that can be stricter than town code.
What flood checks should I do on a horse property in Broward?
- Use the FEMA Flood Map Service Center for zone status, review any elevation certificate, and confirm drainage plans and permits for arenas and barns.
Can I board horses or teach lessons on my property?
- Commercial uses are often regulated; verify with municipal code and business licensing, and expect requirements for parking, septic, and traffic impacts.
What are typical ongoing costs for at-home horse keeping?
- Plan for feed and hay, farrier and veterinary care, fencing and pasture maintenance, arena upkeep, insurance, and property taxes.
Where can I find authoritative guidance on pasture and manure management?
- The University of Florida IFAS Extension publishes practical, research-based resources on equine and pasture management for Florida conditions.
