Land for Sale in Marion County, FL

Marion County is Ocala horse country, with 375,908 residents (2020 census) and a land market that ranges from thoroughbred farms to thousands of platted residential lots in Marion Oaks and Silver Springs Shores. Springs protection rules affect septic and building here, and this guide explains what to check.

Marion County at a glance

  • County seat: Ocala, known as the horse capital of the world.
  • 2020 population 375,908; about 1,663 square miles.
  • More than 1,200 horse farms, about 900 of them thoroughbred, covering roughly 77,000 acres.
  • I-75 runs north-south through the central part of the county; US 27, US 41, US 301 and US 441 also cross it.
  • Part of the Ocala National Forest lies in the county; Marion has the largest share of the Silver Springs and Rainbow Springs springsheds.

The Marion County land market

Marion County has two very different land markets. West and north of Ocala are horse farms and large rural tracts, where buyers look for 5, 10 and 20-plus acre parcels with fencing and pasture. South of Ocala (Marion Oaks) and east of it (Silver Springs Shores) are huge platted subdivisions of small residential lots, many still vacant. Rolling terrain, a high point of about 200 feet and plenty of lakes make for scenic but low-lying land; flood zones matter.

Springs protection and septic rules

Marion County has the largest land area in the Silver Springs (about 60%) and Rainbow Springs (about 65%) springsheds, and septic systems are the largest single nitrogen source in the state's Silver Springs plan. Florida's 2023 law (HB 1379) requires new septic systems on lots of one acre or less in impacted areas to be nitrogen-reducing (enhanced) systems, which cost more than a conventional septic tank. The county also runs septic-to-sewer projects, including in Silver Springs Shores.

Before buying a small lot, check with the Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Marion County Utilities whether sewer is available or planned and whether the lot is in an impacted area.

Zoning, farmland and flood

Marion County planning sets zoning and land use outside city limits; Ocala, Belleview and Dunnellon set their own inside. Agricultural parcels may qualify for the Florida agricultural classification, which lowers the assessed value for property tax if the land is in bona fide agricultural use. Flood zones and wetlands also matter on low ground near lakes and rivers.

Before you buy land in Marion County

  • Septic: is the lot in an impacted area requiring a nitrogen-reducing system, or is sewer available?
  • Flood zone and wetlands on the parcel.
  • Zoning and whether the intended use (horses, a home, an RV) is allowed.
  • Legal access and whether the road is county-maintained.
  • For farmland, whether agricultural classification applies and what the tax will be after a sale.

Perc tests and septic for raw landLand due diligence checklist

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a special septic system in Marion County?

Often. Under Florida's 2023 law, new septic systems on lots of one acre or less in impacted areas must be nitrogen-reducing systems. Check the lot with the state DEP mapping tool and Marion County Utilities.

What are Marion Oaks and Silver Springs Shores?

They are large platted subdivisions south and east of Ocala with many small residential lots, some still vacant.

Is Marion County good for horse property?

Yes. Ocala is called the horse capital of the world, with more than 1,200 horse farms in the county.

Sources