Ever wonder if life on one to five acres in Davie is pure freedom or a full-time project? If you’re picturing sunrise rides, quiet evenings, and room to spread out, you’re on the right track. But acreage also brings chores, rules, and planning you won’t face on a typical suburban lot. In this guide, you’ll get a clear picture of daily life on land in Davie, the upkeep and utilities to expect, the rules that shape what you can build, and a smart buyer checklist. Let’s dive in.
What “acreage” means in Davie
Davie is the most rural-appearing municipality in Broward County, with a strong equestrian identity and larger-lot neighborhoods, especially in central and western areas. Parcels commonly marketed as “acreage” range from roughly 1 acre to 5–10 plus acres, with true ranchettes and horse properties in limited supply.
The rural feel shifts block by block. Properties close to major roads or commercial corridors can feel more suburban, while western parcels often read as quieter and more private. Zoning, HOA covenants, and proximity to activity all shape your day-to-day experience. You can explore permitted uses and equestrian references through the Town of Davie’s Planning and Zoning resources to understand what’s allowed for a given address.
A day in the life: horses on site
If you keep horses, your routine anchors your day. Morning chores typically include feeding, turnout, water checks, and a quick fence walk. Evenings often mean arena time or a hack, followed by stall pickup and night checks. Expect regular visits from your farrier and vet, plus feed deliveries.
You’ll manage pastures, rotate turnout, mow, and mind footing in arenas and paddocks. Many owners ride on-property in sand rings and occasionally trailer out for trails or shows. Weekends often go to fence repairs, arena grooming, and longer rides.
A day in the life: acreage without horses
Not every acreage owner is equestrian. Many use the land for privacy and lifestyle amenities:
- Gardens and hobby farming with raised beds, small orchards, or apiaries, subject to local rules.
- Outdoor living with pools, outdoor kitchens, guest houses or ADUs, and private sports courts.
- Space for boats, RVs, and trailers, plus room for pets and play.
The upside is breathing room and flexibility. The tradeoff is more landscape care, irrigation oversight, and storm prep than a standard yard.
Maintenance and time
Acreage living brings steady, predictable upkeep. Plan for:
- Mowing and landscape work. More lawn and pasture means more hours or larger equipment. Many owners hire regular mowing or tractor services.
- Infrastructure care. Fences, gates, barn roofs, arenas, and driveways need periodic repair. Expect a punch list after big rain or heavy use.
- Vendor coordination. Feed and mulch drops, farrier visits, and deliveries are part of the rhythm. Ensure your driveway supports larger trucks and turnarounds.
Hurricane season adds a seasonal layer: tree trimming, securing structures, topping off fuel, and readying generators.
Utilities and connectivity
Water, sewer, and septic
Many Davie parcels tie into municipal water, but some acreage properties use private wells and septic systems depending on location. Before you fall in love, verify the setup, system age, and maintenance history through Broward County’s permitting resources and the seller’s disclosures. Septic drainfield locations matter for future plans and add-on structures.
Power and internet
Electric service is provided by Florida Power and Light. Above-ground lines are common on rural streets, and storm outages can be part of life. Review FPL’s storm readiness guidance to plan for backup power and timely restoration.
Internet varies more on larger parcels. Some addresses have fiber or cable, while others rely on fixed wireless, DSL, or satellite. Run provider checks and speed tests at the property if reliable connectivity is critical for work.
Trash and mail
Davie’s municipal trash and postal routes serve most neighborhoods, but collection details can vary by area or HOA. Ask about pickup schedules and any restrictions on bulk items.
Rules and permits you should know
Zoning and animals
Davie is equestrian-friendly, but the number and types of animals allowed depend on zoning, lot size, and any HOA or deed restrictions. Start with the Town of Davie’s Planning and Zoning resources for permitted uses and setbacks, then review any neighborhood covenants that may be stricter.
Building and site work
Barns, arenas, large accessory structures, septic systems, and grading typically require permits through the Town and County. Activities affecting drainage, surface water, or nearby canals can trigger review by the South Florida Water Management District. Before you sketch an arena or add fill, check permit requirements and timelines.
Agricultural tax classification
Florida offers agricultural classifications that may reduce property tax assessments for bona fide agricultural use. Eligibility is specific and documentation heavy. Discuss your intended use with the Broward County Property Appraiser and confirm what qualifies.
Animal health and compliance
If you plan to keep livestock, review Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services guidance on animal health and compliance requirements. Planning ahead avoids costly missteps.
Flood, storms, and insurance
Davie sits inland with a subtropical climate and a rainy season roughly May through October. Hurricane season runs June through November. Portions of Broward County fall within FEMA flood zones, and local low spots or canal-adjacent areas can experience flooding in heavy rain.
- Check your specific parcel’s FEMA flood zone and elevation, not just the neighborhood reputation.
- Lenders often require flood insurance if the property is in a regulated zone.
- Expect to evaluate windstorm coverage, deductibles, and liability needs, especially if you keep horses or host guests in accessory structures.
- Use the National Hurricane Center for storm tracking and seasonal preparation guidance.
Commute and access
Davie’s location in western Broward eases access to major corridors. Commute times to downtown Fort Lauderdale often run about 20 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and your exact address. Miami commutes tend to be longer and more traffic-sensitive. Public transit is limited around rural parcels, so plan around your personal drive patterns.
Buyer checklist to bring on a tour
Walk acreage with a plan. Use this checklist to focus your time:
- Confirm lot size, surveyed boundaries, and any recorded easements.
- Identify the zoning designation and check for HOA or deed restrictions.
- Verify water source and sewer setup. If septic, ask for age, service records, and drainfield location.
- Review flood zone status and ask about any historical flooding on the parcel.
- Note utility locations, driveway width, and turnaround space for trailers or delivery trucks.
- Ask for permits on existing barns, arenas, guest houses, and additions.
- Test cellular coverage and verify internet options with an on-site speed test.
- Walk the land after rain if possible to evaluate drainage and soil behavior.
- Confirm availability of equestrian services such as nearby boarding, farriers, vets, and feed suppliers if relevant.
- Obtain preliminary insurance quotes and ask your lender about any special underwriting for agricultural uses.
For school zoning questions, use Broward County Public Schools tools to review attendance boundaries for a specific address.
Will Davie stay rural?
Davie’s rural character is supported by zoning and long-standing equestrian culture, but development pressure exists across Broward County. The best predictor for a given address is local land-use policy and nearby applications. Review Town of Davie planning materials and recent rezoning activity to understand what could change around your target property.
How we help you buy or sell acreage
Acreage and equestrian properties demand more than standard marketing. You need clear guidance on zoning, structures, drainage, flood and wind exposure, and valuation when comps are scarce. Our team pairs local dominance in South Broward’s estate and equestrian niche with appraisal-driven pricing and a coordinated marketing engine. We help you verify permits, model improvement paths, and position your asset to reach qualified buyers.
If you’re weighing life on land in Davie, let’s talk through your goals, timeline, and the specific tradeoffs for the properties you like. Connect with the Tommy Crivello Real Estate Group to map your next steps.
FAQs
What counts as “acreage” in Davie?
- In Davie, acreage listings often run from about 1 acre up to 5–10 plus acre ranch properties, with true horse-ready ranchettes in limited supply.
How do I check if a Davie address allows horses?
- Review the Town of Davie’s Planning and Zoning resources for your zoning district, then confirm any HOA or deed restrictions that may set stricter rules.
Where do I confirm flood risk for a specific property?
- Use FEMA’s Flood Map Service Center to look up flood zones and pair that with local elevation and any seller disclosures about past flooding.
What permits do I need for a barn or arena in Davie?
- Most barns, arenas, grading, and septic work require permits through the Town and County, and drainage work may involve the South Florida Water Management District.
Who provides power and storm updates for Davie acreage homes?
- Florida Power and Light serves Davie. Review FPL’s storm readiness pages and use the National Hurricane Center for official hurricane forecasts.
How do I pursue agricultural tax classification in Broward?
- Contact the Broward County Property Appraiser to review eligibility for bona fide agricultural use and the documentation you must provide.
Where can I verify school zones for a Davie acreage address?
- Use the Broward County Public Schools boundary resources to confirm the assigned schools for a given property address.
