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Selling Land to a Neighbor in Florida: What You Need to Know

Written by Team | Jun 29, 2025 5:54:19 PM

If you’ve ever searched “can I sell part of my land to my neighbor in Florida?”—you’re not alone. Maybe they asked about expanding their yard. Maybe you have extra land you’re not using. Either way, selling just a portion of your property can be a smart move.

At UNITY, we’ve helped many Florida landowners navigate this exact situation. And yes—you can sell part of your land. In fact, UNITY buys partial parcels directly, not just whole lots. The key is knowing how the process works—and what to watch out for—so you feel confident every step of the way.

Step 1: Can You Legally Split the Property?

Start by checking two things:

  • Zoning Laws & Minimum Lot Size
    Florida counties set rules on how small a lot can be after it’s split. This is often called a minor subdivision or lot split. If the new parcel is too small, the sale won’t be approved.

  • Mortgage Status
    If you still have a mortgage, your lender may need to approve the sale or issue a partial release. Skipping this step can create major legal and financial issues later.

If you're unsure where to begin, UNITY can help you check zoning, survey requirements, and sale feasibility—at no cost to you.

Step 2: Hire a Licensed Surveyor

Before you can sell part of your land, a surveyor needs to define and map the exact portion being sold. This includes:

  • A legal description for the deed

  • A boundary plat showing where the land splits

  • Accurate acreage or square footage for tax and title purposes

Without this, you can’t draft a valid deed or close the sale.

Step 3: Agree on Terms With Your Neighbor

Even if you're selling to a friend, treat this like a business transaction. You’ll need to agree on:

  • Purchase price for the split portion

  • Who pays for the survey, legal fees, or closing costs

  • Whether they’ll pay in full or with a payment plan

UNITY Tip: Document everything in writing. Clarity up front avoids confusion down the road.

Step 4: Draft a Purchase Agreement & New Deed

With your survey complete and terms agreed, the next step is preparing:

  • A purchase agreement: outlines price, parcel details, timeline, and conditions

  • A new deed: transferring just the portion of land you’re selling

These are typically prepared by a title company or real estate attorney. They’ll make sure your deed reflects the correct legal description and complies with Florida property law.

Step 5: Close Through a Title Company

For a safe and official transfer:

  • Work with a licensed Florida title company

  • Conduct a title search to ensure no liens or boundary issues

  • Fund the sale via secure methods (wire or certified check)

  • Record the deed with your county clerk to complete the transaction

At UNITY, we always use professional title partners for these steps—whether you're selling to a neighbor or to us.

Bonus: What If Your Neighbor Isn’t Interested?

If your neighbor passes on the offer, UNITY may still be able to help.

We’re one of the few buyers in Florida that will purchase just a portion of land—even if the rest stays in your name. Whether it’s a corner you no longer use, a side yard you don’t need, or a large rural parcel you want to divide, we’ll walk you through your options.

Request a free, no-pressure offer here.

FAQ: Selling Part of a Property in Florida

Q: Can I sell part of my property in Florida without subdividing?
A: You’ll likely need to go through a formal subdivision process, even for a small split. Check with your county’s planning department or let UNITY help guide you.

Q: Do I need a survey?
A: Yes. Florida law requires an updated survey showing the exact portion being sold.

Q: What if my land is mortgaged?
A: Your lender may need to approve the sale or issue a partial release. Skipping this step can void the transaction.

Q: Is selling to a neighbor easier than a normal sale?
A: It can be—but only if you follow the correct legal steps. It’s still a real estate transfer.

Q: Will UNITY buy just part of my land?
A: Yes! UNITY purchases partial parcels throughout Florida and can help you close fast and securely.

Selling part of your land to a neighbor—or to UNITY—can be a smooth, smart decision. You just need the right steps and a little support to do it right.

At UNITY, we make land sales easy to understand, no matter how big or small the parcel. If you’re exploring your options, we’ll guide you from survey to closing—and even help you price the portion you're selling.

Ready to sell a portion of your Florida property? Get your free offer here or contact our team for help evaluating your land.