What's The Minimum Acreage Required For Horses In Volusia County?

What is the minimum acreage required for horses in Volusia County?

 The "One-Acre" Question: Minimum Land Requirements for Horses in Volusia County

One of the most frequent questions I get from animal lovers and aspiring homesteaders is: "How much land do I actually need to keep a horse in Volusia County?"

 
It’s a critical question. Buy the wrong parcel, and you might end up with a beautiful pasture you can’t legally use. Buy the right one, and you’re living the equestrian dream. Deland, Pierson, Seville, Osteen, Orange City, and other areas in Volusia County have great land for horses.

 
The short answer? You generally need a minimum of one acre. Check with the Volusia County Courthouse to ensure that it is the right fit BEFORE purchasing any land. This will also help ensure that the zoning codes match YOUR needs as codes change and Realtors® don’t always know the latest codes.

 
But, as with all things real estate and government, the "long answer" is where you save money and avoid headaches. Here is the breakdown of what you need to know before you start browsing listings.

 
It’s Not Just About Size—It’s About Zoning

You could own a massive 10-acre lot, but if it is zoned for dense residential use or sits within a strict HOA, your horse dreams might be stalled at the gate.

 
In Volusia County, your property must fall into specific zoning classifications to legally keep horses (and other livestock) for personal use.

 
The "Horse-Friendly" Zones: If you are looking for property, you want to see one of these codes on the listing:

 
A-3 (Transitional Agriculture): 1-acre minimum. This is often the "sweet spot" for buyers wanting a manageable horse property.

 
RR (Rural Residential): 1-acre minimum.

 
RA (Rural Agriculture Estate): 2.5-acre minimum.

 
A-2 (Rural Agriculture): 5-acre minimum.

 
A-1 (Prime Agriculture): 10-acre minimum.

 
The Bottom Line: The absolute minimum barrier to entry for a horse property in unincorporated Volusia County may be one acre located in an A-3 or RR zone. However, even Chuck Shaver, one of the top Realtors® in Deland and throughout Volusia, Lake and Seminole Counties, will always tell you to check with the local municipalities before purchasing land anywhere as regulations often change.

 
The "Ag Exemption" confusion is a very common misconception I see. The zoning allows you to have the horse, while the Agricultural Classification (Ag Exemption) may give you a tax break.

 
They are NOT the same thing. You may be able to legally keep a horse on your 1-acre A-3 lot, but you likely may not qualify for the Agricultural tax exemption. The County Property Appraiser generally looks for larger tracts of land (often 5+ acres) and a commercial breeding or boarding operation to grant that specific tax status.

 
Don't buy a 2-acre lot expecting a tax break just because you put a pony on it! Again, speak with the folks at the local municipality. In Deland, there are many “layers” to consider as Deland is in both Volusia and Lake County.

 
Even if the lot is one acre and zoned A-3, you need to look closer.

 
Setbacks: You can't just build a stable anywhere. Volusia County has strict setback requirements for barns and stables (often required to be further from the property line than your house). If your one-acre lot is long and narrow, or oddly shaped, you might not have room to legally place a barn.

 
Wetlands: A "one-acre" lot might actually be 0.4 acres of high-and-dry land and 0.6 acres of protected wetlands. You may not be able to stable horses in protected wetlands, potentially leaving you with no usable pasture.

 
HOAs: NEVER assume. Even in rural areas, deed restrictions and Homeowners Associations can supersede county rules. Always read the bylaws.

 
Need Help Finding the Perfect Paddock?

Navigating zoning codes, flood zones, and future land use maps can be overwhelming. If you are looking for a property that is safe for your animals and smart for your wallet, let’s chat. The Shaver Group can help you filter the search to find homes where your horses are truly welcome anywhere in Central Florida.