As a real estate attorney and business template specialist with over twelve years of experience drafting and reviewing Florida real estate contracts, I have helped hundreds of buyers, sellers, and Realtors navigate the unique challenges of purchasing vacant land in the Sunshine State. One of the most frequent requests I receive is for a reliable, up-to-date Florida vacant land contract that complies with current Florida law and follows the standards set by the Florida Realtors/Florida Bar (FAR/BAR) forms.
In this comprehensive guide, I'll explain everything you need to know about the vacant land contract Florida Realtors use, provide key differences from residential contracts, and — most importantly — offer you a free downloadable Florida vacant land contract 2025 PDF template that I personally update annually based on legislative changes and Florida Realtors revisions.
A Florida vacant land contract, officially known as the “Vacant Land Contract” approved by the Florida Realtors and The Florida Bar, is the standard legal document used when buying or selling undeveloped or raw land in Florida. Unlike improved residential property contracts, the FAR/BAR vacant land contract addresses issues specific to unimproved parcels such as:
The latest joint Florida Realtors/Florida Bar version is commonly referred to as the FAR/BAR Vacant Land Contract (Revised 2024, effective for 2025 transactions).
Click here to download the FREE Florida Vacant Land Contract 2025 PDF (FAR/BAR Compatible)
This template is based on the official Florida Realtors/Florida Bar Vacant Land Contract standards (Rev. 10/24) with additional comprehensive addenda commonly used in 2025 transactions. The download includes:
| Feature | Vacant Land Contract | Standard / As-Is Residential |
|---|---|---|
| Property Condition Disclosure | None required (true “as-is”) | Seller’s Property Disclosure (Standard version) |
| Inspection Period | Default 15 days (negotiable) | Default 15 days (Standard) / negotiable (As-Is) |
| Survey Responsibility | Buyer typically obtains new survey | Seller provides prior survey if available |
| Title Insurance Commitment | Delivered within 5 days of Effective Date | Usually 30 days |
| Environmental Disclosures | Extensive wetland/flood zone language | Limited |
| Permitting & Zoning | Buyer must verify during due diligence | Not typically addressed |
Many people searching for “land contract Florida homes” or “Florida agreement for deed” are actually looking for seller financing. A traditional land contract in Florida (also called contract for deed or agreement for deed) is different from the FAR/BAR Vacant Land Contract.
Under Florida law (F.S. §689.01), a land contract/installment sale contract transfers equitable title while legal title remains with the seller until paid in full. These carry significant risks for both parties and are heavily regulated by Florida Statute Chapter 498.
If you need seller financing, I recommend using the Florida Realtors “Contract for Sale and Purchase with Seller Financing Addendum” attached to the standard Vacant Land Contract rather than an old-style land contract.
Always insert the date the last party signs — this starts all timelines.
Check the appropriate box: Cash, Financing Contingency, or Assumption. Most vacant land deals are cash or conventional financing with no contingency.
Default is 5 days — shorten for multiple-offer situations.
Buyer must receive title commitment within 5 days of Effective Date (critical for vacant land).
Buyer has the right (and usually the obligation) to obtain a new boundary survey.
Buyer acknowledges responsibility for wetlands, endangered species, and jurisdictional determinations.
Seller must disclose if access is via easement or private road.
Source: IRS.gov (for FIRPTA withholding) and Florida Statutes cited above.
No, but it is the overwhelmingly predominant form used by Realtors and attorneys because it is jointly approved and regularly updated.
Technically yes, but the 2024 revision includes important updates regarding electronic signatures, wire fraud, and flood disclosure.
The seller pays doc stamps on the deed ($0.70 per $100 in most counties except Miami-Dade).
Not required, but strongly recommended for parcels over $100,000 or with any complexity.
In my practice, the smoothest vacant land closings happen when both parties use the current Florida Realtors/Florida Bar vacant land contract, attach a complete legal description, order title and survey early, and allow adequate due diligence time.
Download the free template above, customize it to your transaction, and always have it reviewed by a licensed Florida attorney or Realtor before signing.
Disclaimer: This article and the downloadable Florida vacant land contract PDF are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Real estate laws change frequently. Always consult a licensed Florida real estate attorney or qualified professional before executing any contract.
Have questions about your specific vacant land purchase? Feel free to leave a comment below — I personally respond to as many as possible.