Picture morning rides under wide South Florida skies, your horses turned out on your own pasture, and space for everyone to breathe. If that sounds like your goal, Southwest Ranches belongs on your shortlist. Buying an equestrian or acreage home here is different from a typical suburban purchase, so you want a smart plan. This guide walks you through what to verify, how to inspect, and who to contact so you can buy with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Southwest Ranches works for riders
Southwest Ranches was created to protect a rural, horse-friendly lifestyle. You will find large lots, private barns, paddocks, arenas, and access to local riding routes. Inventory is usually limited and every property is unique, so patience and preparation pay off.
Unlike standard neighborhoods, you may encounter private roads, wells and septic systems, varied drainage, and a wider range of outbuilding ages and conditions. That is why due diligence is so important before you write an offer.
Verify these items before you offer
- Zoning and permitted uses. Confirm what the parcel allows for animals, barns, arenas, guest suites, and setbacks with the Town of Southwest Ranches Planning and Zoning.
- Recorded covenants. Some subdivisions have CC&Rs that are stricter than town rules. Ask for recorded documents early in escrow.
- Utilities and systems. Check for municipal connections versus private well and septic. Verify any permits or service records through county offices.
- Flood zone and elevation. Review the parcel on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and ask for an elevation certificate if needed.
- Legal access. Confirm road access and who maintains any private drive or road. Ask about road maintenance agreements or assessments.
- Easements and environmental limits. Look for wetlands, conservation easements, or drainage easements that affect usable land.
Zoning and land use basics
Southwest Ranches supports rural residential living, but exact rules vary by zoning district and by parcel. Confirm allowed animal counts, stable setbacks, manure handling, and whether boarding for pay is permitted with the Town’s Planning and Building staff. The Town can guide you to the current Land Development Code and permit steps.
Some health and environmental items are handled at the county or state level. Coordinate questions about septic, wells, and environmental health with the Broward County divisions and the Florida Department of Health, and check wetlands or drainage matters with regional and state agencies.
Helpful resources:
- Town of Southwest Ranches Planning and Zoning: Town homepage
- Broward County Building Division: Permits and inspections
- Broward County environmental resources: Natural resources portal
- South Florida Water Management District: Water and drainage permits
- Florida Department of Environmental Protection: State environmental rules
- FEMA Flood Map Service Center: Flood zones and maps
Your inspection game plan
Buying acreage means inspecting more than the house. Build a team that understands equestrian properties and South Florida soils.
Home and systems
- Full home inspection for structure, roof, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing.
- Well inspection and water testing for bacteria, nitrates, and salinity. Confirm irrigation well pumps and any permits.
- Septic inspection to confirm location, age, capacity, and compliance for bedroom count and any planned additions.
Barns and outbuildings
- Structural soundness, roofing, and ventilation suitable for horses and humid conditions.
- Electrical safety in wet areas and proper lighting and outlets in stalls, tack rooms, and wash racks.
- Hay and feed storage conditions that reduce moisture and fire risk.
Fencing, arenas, and land
- Fencing and gates for safety and durability. Check posts, lines, and hardware, and look for hazards.
- Arena base and footing for drainage, compaction, and siltation. Repairs can be a major expense.
- Soil and drainage. Identify seasonal ponding and high water table areas. Walk the property after rain if possible.
- Survey and boundaries. Order a recent survey to confirm acreage, setbacks, easements, and encroachments.
Environmental checks
- Wetland flags or conservation easements that limit building envelopes.
- Any past agricultural chemical use. Consider testing if prior operations suggest risk.
- Flood elevation certificate if the property is in or near a mapped flood zone.
Title, access, and records to review
- Easements and rights-of-way: access, utilities, drainage, and conservation.
- Deed restrictions and CC&Rs that govern animals, fencing, business uses, or architectural standards.
- Code violations or liens that could delay closing.
- Agricultural tax classification status and history via the Broward County Property Appraiser.
Practical equine fit
Beyond legal and technical checks, make sure the layout works for your horses and lifestyle.
- Stall count and size, shade and shelter, and options for quarantine or isolation.
- Turnout and paddock layout. Focus on usable pasture, not just total acreage.
- Manure management. Confirm storage location, setbacks from water, and runoff controls.
- Access to services. Consider distance to trainers, vets, farriers, and feed stores.
Financing, taxes, and insurance
Financing realities
Unique improvements like barns and arenas can complicate appraisals, and comparable sales may be limited. Expect conservative underwriting and possibly larger down payments.
Common options include conventional or jumbo loans for improved properties, construction loans for major upgrades, and land loans for vacant parcels. Some buyers use portfolio or local lenders who understand acreage. Explore eligibility for certain rural programs through USDA Rural Development, which depends on location and use.
Tip: Provide your lender and appraiser with documentation for barn construction, arena installation, and any income from boarding to support valuation.
Property taxes
Some parcels may have an agricultural or greenbelt classification that lowers taxes. These classifications have rules for qualifying use and can trigger rollback taxes if changed. Verify current status and history with the Broward County Property Appraiser.
Insurance to price in
- Homeowners and outbuilding coverage may be higher due to open structures and rural exposures.
- Equine liability and mortality insurance can help if you keep valuable horses or plan lessons or boarding.
- Flood insurance may be wise even outside mapped floodplains. Premiums depend on elevation and drainage.
- Windstorm and hurricane coverage is essential in South Florida. Some buyers use state-backed options if private carriers decline. Ask about mitigation credits for shutters, reinforced roofs, or straps.
Utilities and connectivity
Confirm electrical service with Florida Power and Light. Internet availability can vary by road and distance from main lines, so check providers early. For wells and irrigation, verify pump capacity and power requirements.
Red flags to pause on
- No recorded legal access or unclear road maintenance.
- Wetlands or mitigation areas that consume most usable land.
- Old or undersized septic for your planned bedroom count or barn plumbing.
- Unsafe barns with faulty wiring or structural rot.
- Active code violations or unresolved environmental liens.
Smart next steps
- Get pre-approved with a lender experienced in acreage and equestrian properties.
- Call the Town and County to confirm zoning, animal limits, and any open permits.
- Line up inspections for the house, barns, fencing, wells, septic, and arena footing.
- Order a current survey and request all recorded CC&Rs and easements early.
- Walk the property after rain to evaluate drainage and usable pasture.
When you are ready, our local team is here to guide you through a smooth, well-informed purchase. From showings to surveys to negotiations, we will help you protect your time and your investment. Reach out to Team Delgado Home Experts at tdhomeexperts.com to start a focused search in Southwest Ranches.
FAQs
Are horses allowed on every lot in Southwest Ranches?
- Many parcels are horse-friendly, but allowances vary by zoning and any private covenants, so confirm with the Town and review recorded CC&Rs for the specific property.
How do I check flood risk for a Southwest Ranches property?
- Look up the address on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and ask the seller for any elevation certificate or prior flood insurance information.
What inspections are essential for an equestrian property purchase?
- Along with a full home inspection, plan dedicated reviews for barns, fencing, arena base and footing, well and water quality, septic capacity, and a current boundary survey.
Can I run a boarding or training business on my acreage?
- Possibly, but you must verify town zoning, permits, waste and health rules, insurance requirements, and any CC&Rs that may restrict commercial uses on the property.
Is financing more difficult for homes with barns and acreage?
- It can be due to limited comparable sales and unique improvements, so work with lenders and appraisers familiar with equestrian properties and be ready to provide detailed documentation.
How do I confirm tax classification and history on a parcel?
- Search the parcel on the Broward County Property Appraiser for current classification, prior assessments, and recorded documents related to the property.
