Why Davie Is Unlike Anything Else in South Florida
In a region known for high-rises and gated subdivisions, Davie exists as a remarkable anomaly — a town of roughly 110,000 people where horses graze on half-acre lots minutes from major highways. The town's unique equestrian zoning ordinances have been protected for decades, creating a lifestyle corridor that simply doesn't exist anywhere else in Broward or Miami-Dade County. If you're considering an equestrian property here, this guide covers everything you need to know.
I've walked dozens of equestrian parcels in Davie over the years. The ones that look stunning in listing photos — lush green paddocks, beautiful mature trees — on a dry January morning can look completely different after a heavy August storm. I always tell buyers: visit twice. Once in dry season, once after rain. A flooded paddock tells you more about a property than any disclosure form.
Equestrian Zoning: What It Means and Where It Applies
Not all of Davie is horse-friendly — the equestrian and agricultural zoning is concentrated in the more rural western and southwestern parts of town. Before falling in love with a property, verify its exact zoning designation with the Town, because that designation governs whether you can keep horses, how many, and what structures you're allowed to build.
- ✓Davie permits horses only in specific districts — Rural Ranches (RR), Agricultural (A-1), and Estate Dwelling (R-1) — not in standard residential zoning
- ✓Density and permitted structures are set by the Town's Land Development Code; confirm the exact number of horses your parcel allows with Planning & Zoning rather than assuming
- ✓HOA communities in Davie generally do NOT allow horses — verify before buying
- ✓Davie's Planning & Zoning Division can confirm zoning and equestrian-use permits for any parcel
What to Look for in an Equestrian Property
- ✓Lot size: minimum 3/4 acre is practical for 1–2 horses with a paddock and barn
- ✓Existing barn/stable structure: factor in inspection costs; wood structures deteriorate quickly in South Florida humidity
- ✓Fencing condition: board fencing, pipe rail, or wire — each has different maintenance needs and costs
- ✓Drainage: flat South Florida land floods; ask specifically about historical flooding on the parcel
- ✓Hay/feed storage: a feed room or dry storage area is essential — verify it exists or budget to build
- ✓Well water access: many equestrian properties have private wells for irrigation and horse water; verify pump condition
Price Ranges by Property Type
Equestrian pricing swings widely with acreage, the condition of any barn or stable, and exactly where a parcel sits — so treat these as the typical ranges I tend to see, not fixed prices. Always get a live set of comparable sales before you anchor on a number.
$680K–$780K
entry level
3/2 on 3/4 acre, no barn
$820K–$980K
mid range
4/3 on 1 acre, basic barn
$1.1M–$1.4M
premium
4/3+ on 2 acres, full stable
$1.4M+
top tier
Estate on 3+ acres
Due Diligence Specific to Equestrian Properties
- ✓Order a 4-point inspection AND a wind mitigation inspection — insurance on rural properties is significantly affected
- ✓Verify septic system capacity and last pump-out date (many equestrian parcels are not on county sewer)
- ✓Confirm well water quality with a water test — equestrian use puts high demand on well systems
- ✓Check for any Agricultural Exemptions on property taxes — these can disappear when use changes
- ✓Review permit history: unpermitted barn additions or stables are common and create title issues
- ✓Verify flood zone designation — many Davie equestrian parcels include flood zone areas
Equestrian properties in Davie are among the most complex transactions in South Florida — not because the process is difficult, but because the due diligence list is longer than a standard residential purchase. Working with an agent who knows which questions to ask and which inspectors to use can save you from expensive surprises. This is a niche I know well.
Juan Sanabria
Licensed Florida Broker