Manatee County, Florida
Sell your land in Palmetto for cash
Parcel Buyers buys vacant lots in Palmetto for cash, including lots where the city Building Department issues the permit and a new single-family house pays a $4,871 impact fee first. You get a written, no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours, and closings run through an independent title company, typically in about 10 days, with no fees or commissions.
By Parcel Buyers · · Lot figures from the 2026 Florida property tax roll · How we made this page
Quick answers
- Who buys land for cash in Palmetto?
- Parcel Buyers is a direct land buyer that makes written, no-obligation cash offers on vacant lots and acreage in Palmetto, Manatee County, usually within 24 hours. Sales close through an independent title company, typically in about 10 days, with no fees or commissions to the seller.
- What did vacant lots in Palmetto sell for in 2025?
- In 2025, vacant lots in Palmetto sold for a median of $202,500 across 10 arm's-length sales; the middle half sold for $56,600 to $385,000.
- How many vacant lots are in Palmetto?
- The 2026 Florida property tax roll lists 3,670 vacant residential lots in Palmetto; 28% are patio-home lots, and the median lot is 0.15 acre.
- How is a cash offer for land in Palmetto set?
- We start from recent sales of similar lots nearby, like the 2025 prices on this page, then adjust for water and sewer, road access, flood zone, lot size and any title issues, and for the time and cost of reselling. You get one written number, not a range.
- How do I know a land buyer in Palmetto is legitimate?
- A real buyer closes through an independent, licensed title company and never asks you to pay anything up front. We never charge sellers a fee, deposit or closing-cost advance, and the title company pays you by check or wire at closing.
- Who is buying lots in Palmetto?
- In 2025, companies bought 50% of the vacant lots that sold in Palmetto, including 10% bought by homebuilders. Individuals bought the rest.
- How much are estimated annual ad valorem taxes on a typical vacant lot in Palmetto?
- A typical vacant lot in Palmetto has estimated 2025 ad valorem taxes about $622 a year; most lots here also pay non-ad valorem charges (listed below).
- How many vacant lots in Palmetto got a home on the tax roll in 2025?
- 656 vacant lots in Palmetto changed from vacant-residential use to a home with new-construction evidence on the 2026 preliminary tax roll.
Local data
Palmetto land at a glance
Tax-roll figures cover parcels whose property address city is Palmetto in Manatee County. Local rules and services are sourced below.
| Vacant residential lots | 3,670 parcels classified vacant residential on the 2026 tax roll [1] |
|---|---|
| Most common lot size | Patio-home lot (5,000–7,000 sq ft): 28% of vacant lots; next, micro lot at 24%. Median lot: 0.15 acre (6,600 sq ft). [1] |
| Typical assessed value | $45,000 median just (market) value for a vacant lot; the middle half fall between $20,700 and $70,000 [1] |
| Recent lot sale prices | $202,500 median across 10 arm's-length sales of vacant lots in Palmetto (Jan 2025–Dec 2025); the middle half sold for $56,600–$385,000 [1] |
| Who bought lots in 2025 | Companies made 50% of those purchases, including 10% by homebuilders; individuals made the rest [1] |
| Owners who live elsewhere | 15% of vacant lots have an owner mailing address outside Florida (most often NY, TX, TN) [1] |
| Where this page applies | This page covers parcels whose property address city is Palmetto. The city was incorporated in 1897 and covers about 7 square miles. [2],[6] |
| Who issues the building permit | Inside the city, the Building Department issues building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits, and a fence needs a permit too. In unincorporated Manatee County, the county Building Division registers contractors. [3],[15] |
| Single-family impact fee | From July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, a new single-family home pays a $4,871 city impact fee before the permit. Roads are $1,493 of that, parks $2,320, police $521, and general government $537. [5] |
| City water, sewer, and empty lots | A house must connect, and stop using a well or septic tank, when a city main in the abutting street is within 200 feet. City code charges a readiness-to-serve fee when a premise is connected or service is available. [6] |
| Stormwater on bare land | City stormwater charges apply to developed property. The code says, "Undeveloped property that has not been altered from its natural state shall not be charged." [7] |
| Manatee River flood map | The city is on the north side of the tidal Manatee River. FEMA's map for the city, community 120159, took effect August 10, 2021. Class 8 in the rating system means a 10 percent flood-insurance discount in a mapped flood zone. [21],[11] |
| Septic permits and new wells | Where city sewer is not available, the health department in Manatee County still issues the septic permit. A new-system plan review is $100 and a site evaluation is $115. The county issues well permits through May 31, 2031. [12],[13],[14] |
| Downtown redevelopment district | The Community Redevelopment Agency began November 4, 1985 and is planned to end in 2042. It pays for public projects and commercial redevelopment inside its district. [19],[20] |
| SeaPort Manatee | SeaPort Manatee is in Palmetto at the entrance to Tampa Bay, within five miles of the I-75 and I-275 junction. U.S. 41 provides direct access to the port. [22] |
| Vacant lots that got a home on the tax roll in 2025 | 656 recorded with new-construction evidence. [1] |
| Years of lot supply at the 2025 building pace | 5.6 years; simple ratio, not a forecast. [1] |
| Owner-type shares | Individuals 31.5%; companies 68.0%; trusts 0.2%; estates/heirs 0.1%; government/associations 0.3%. [1] |
| Typical annual ad valorem taxes | A typical vacant lot in Palmetto has estimated 2025 ad valorem taxes about $622 a year; most lots here also pay non-ad valorem charges (listed below). |
| 2026 so far (Jan-May) | County-level for Manatee County: 52 recorded vacant-lot sales; median $208,200. [1] |
Pricing
What is a lot in Palmetto worth?
In 2025, vacant lots in Palmetto sold for a median of $202,500 across 10 arm's-length sales; the middle half sold for $56,600 to $385,000. [1]
These are open-market sale prices. A direct cash offer is usually lower, because a cash buyer closes in days and takes on the time and cost of reselling the lot.
See what similar lots sold for
What moves the price in Palmetto
City fees come due before a house permit
A new single-family house inside the city pays $4,871 in impact fees before the Building Department will issue the permit. That rate runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. An impact fee is a one-time growth charge, not a yearly tax. Of the $4,871, roads are $1,493, parks are $2,320, police are $521, and general government is $537. The same packet needs the water and sewer form, the school impact-fee form, and a North River Fire District receipt. That district lists a $311 new-residential-dwelling impact fee. The packet also needs a signed and sealed survey, plus an elevation certificate for a flood-zone property. [5],[4],[16]
The river flood map changes what you can build
A mapped flood zone adds city permit documents to a new-home file. FEMA's map for Palmetto, community 120159, took effect August 10, 2021. The city is class 8 in the Community Rating System, with a 10% special-flood-hazard-area insurance discount effective April 1, 2023. The city's floodplain application asks for the flood zone, base flood elevation, proposed elevations, and proposed fill, with evidence that fill is the minimum needed. The new-home checklist also calls for a surveyor-sealed elevation certificate for a flood-zone property. [11],[21],[10],[4]
City water and sewer versus a well and septic
City utility rules and private-system permits create different published charges. A house must connect, and stop using a well or septic tank, when the connection point on the abutting street is within 200 feet. The city's form lists $313 for water impact and $1,389 for sewer impact on one home, plus a $300 water tap and a $400 sewer tap. October 1, 2025 rates start at a $10.80 water base and a $20.72 sewer base. City code also charges a readiness-to-serve fee when a premise is connected or service is available. Outside the city, utility service requires annexation or a binding annexation agreement where annexation is legally permissible. Manatee's health department permits septic systems; state fees are $100 for plan review and $115 for a site evaluation. Manatee County issues well permits under a delegation running through May 31, 2031. [6],[9],[8],[12],[13],[14]
Small lots and what empty land sold for
Recent sales are a starting point, and the spread is wide. The 2025 file has 10 one-parcel sales of lots that were empty at the sale and still empty afterward. The midpoint was $202,500, and half of those sales fell between $56,600–$385,000. Most vacant residential lots in this set are patio-home lots, 28% of 3,670 lots. The median lot is 0.15 acres, or 6,600 square feet. The tax roll's median just value is $45,000, and the middle half of those values runs $20,700–$70,000. Just value is the appraiser's number for taxes, not a cash price. 85% of owners have a Florida mailing address. [1]
Common situations
Selling land in Palmetto in these situations
You live outside Florida and want to sell
Yes. You can sell from another state without a trip here. 15% of vacant-lot owners in this set have a mailing address outside Florida. You can sign electronically, close by mail, and be paid by check or wire. We cover closing costs, and deed work goes through an independent title company. If a City lien appears, it can be paid from sale proceeds with your consent. The city charges $50 for a municipal lien letter, which covers City debt only; the city's FAQ says a title company or real-estate attorney should make a full search. [1],[2]
The lot has no water, sewer, or road work
Yes. A missing hookup does not block a sale. We buy vacant lots with no water, sewer, or road work. City code requires a connection when the point on the abutting street is within 200 feet. For private systems, Manatee County issues well permits and the county health department handles septic permits and inspections. We check utilities, access, and title before offering. The only contingency is our land inspection; if it fails, it costs you nothing. City code charges a readiness-to-serve fee when utility service is connected or available. Undeveloped land left in its natural state is not charged the city's stormwater fee. [6],[7],[12],[14]
Taxes or a city lien are behind
Yes. You can still sell if county taxes or a City lien are behind. Unpaid real estate taxes generally become delinquent on April 1. They then draw 18 percent annual interest until a tax certificate is sold, with a 3 percent minimum if paid before the sale. The city's $50 municipal lien letter reports City debt only, not the county tax search. Liens or back taxes can be paid from the sale proceeds at closing, with your consent. [17],[18],[2]
Step by step
How do I sell my land in Palmetto?
From your first message to money in hand, with nothing left out. Requesting an offer costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
See every detail of the process-
Tell us about your land
Fill out the short form (about 60 seconds) or email us. A land specialist reaches out to confirm the details, usually the same business day.
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Get your cash offer within 24 hours
We review the property and send a written, no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. It is a real number, not a range. Take it or leave it, with no pressure either way.
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Sign electronically
If you accept, everyone signs the purchase agreement electronically. There is nothing to print or mail at this stage.
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We inspect, the title company verifies
Our team inspects the land and an independent title company runs a title search for liens or taxes owed. If the land does not pass inspection, you are never charged anything.
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Close and get paid
The title company prepares the closing documents for notarization and issues your funds by standard check, overnight check, or wire transfer. A typical sale closes in 10 days.
Questions
Selling land in Palmetto: common questions
How much does an empty lot cost to hold each year?
The repeating cost includes county property tax and any applicable city utility charge. City code charges a readiness-to-serve fee when a premise is connected to utility service or service is available. Stormwater is not charged on undeveloped land left in its natural state. The median just value here is $45,000, which is a tax value, not the bill itself. Unpaid real-estate taxes generally become delinquent on April 1.
Can I sell a lot that has no water or sewer?
Yes. A lot with no water or sewer can be sold. Inside the city, a future house must connect when a city main in the abutting street is within 200 feet. The published form lists $313 for water impact and $1,389 for sewer impact on one home, plus tap charges. Manatee County issues well permits, and its health department handles septic permitting and inspections. Utility status is checked before an offer.
When does the city require a survey for a new house?
For a new residential building permit, the city's checklist requires a signed and sealed legal survey. A flood-zone property also needs a surveyor-sealed elevation certificate before construction. The checklist treats both as construction documents in the permit file.
What if the property taxes on the lot are unpaid?
You can still sell. Unpaid real estate taxes generally become delinquent on April 1. Interest then runs at 18 percent a year until a tax certificate is sold, and the minimum if you pay before that sale is 3 percent. Liens or back taxes can be paid from sale proceeds at closing, with your consent.
Can I sell if I live in another state?
Yes. You can sell if you live in another state. 15% of vacant-lot owners in this address set have a mailing address outside Florida. Documents can be signed from home, and the payment can be a check or a wire. If a city lien letter is ordered, that city fee is $50.
Owner resources
Guides for your situation
- How to Sell Land During a Divorce
Florida land can be sold during a divorce when the people with authority to convey title sign and the sale follows every applicable agreement and court order. Divorce law may treat land as marital even when only one spouse appears on the deed.[1][2] If ownership, signing authority, or the division of proceeds is unsettled, have a Florida attorney and the closing title company resolve those issues before closing.
- How to Sell Land in a Flood Zone
Flood-zone land can be sellable and sometimes buildable. A FEMA flood zone describes mapped risk; it is not a building permit. The buyer must verify the current effective Flood Insurance Rate Map and any map changes, then ask the local floodplain administrator what elevation, floodway, coastal, permit, and design rules apply.[1][2][4] Vacant land itself is not covered by an NFIP policy; flood insurance covers qualifying buildings and contents, not land value.[5][6]
- Can You Sell Land With a Lien?
Yes. Land with a lien can often be sold, but signing a deed does not by itself erase a valid claim. The lien may need to be paid, released, discharged, or otherwise resolved under the law that applies. With the seller's consent, an approved payoff can come from sale proceeds at closing. If the balance or lien is wrong, dispute it before closing and require proof of the cure.
More places in Manatee County
Your written offer
Get your cash offer
Four short steps, about 60 seconds. We review your property and send a written, no-obligation cash offer within 24 hours. You can take it or leave it.
What happens after you send this
- A land specialist reaches out, usually the same business day, to confirm the details.
- You get a written cash offer within 24 hours: a real number, not a range.
- You decide. Requesting an offer costs nothing and commits you to nothing.
You will never be asked to pay us anything. No deposit, no processing fee, no closing-cost advance.
Nearby areas we buy
- Manatee County
21,854 vacant lots countywide
- Bradenton
4,693 vacant lots · 2025 median lot sale $218,800
- Parrish
9,818 vacant lots · 2025 median lot sale $235,000
- Ruskin
1,363 vacant lots · 2025 median lot sale $240,000
How we made this page
Parcel Buyers is a land-buying company based in Florida. We buy vacant land directly from owners and publish these local pages so owners can see what land in their area is doing before they sell, to us or anyone else. We count the tax-roll figures ourselves from state data, take local rules and fees from the official sources listed below, and use AI tools to help research and draft the text. Every number links to its source, and we update the page when the data changes.
Method and sources
Tax-roll figures cover parcels whose property address city is Palmetto. Source [1] is our own count of the Florida Department of Revenue's 2026 preliminary property tax roll: "vacant residential" means land-use code 000; lot sizes use the land square footage on the roll; values are the county property appraiser's just (market) value as of January 1, 2026; sale prices count only arm's-length sales of a single lot that was vacant when it sold and was still vacant on January 1, 2026 (bulk and multi-parcel deeds removed). Page updated October 2, 2026. Exact cross-roll matching found that 38.1% of current vacant lots lacked a unique prior-roll match; parcel splits, combinations, renumbering, and missing IDs are not guessed. Holding-cost estimates use 2025 taxable values and 2025 millage for FDOR vacant-residential code 000 parcels. They cover ad valorem taxes only, not a parcel-specific bill or non-ad valorem assessments. The reviewed 2026 recorded-sale window runs from January through May 2026; unreviewed recent sales are excluded. County-level figures are used on this place page.
- [1] Florida Department of Revenue (data); Parcel Buyers (analysis), Parcel Buyers analysis of the 2026 preliminary Name-Address-Legal (NAL) property tax roll (accessed 2026-10-03)
- [2] City of Palmetto, City of Palmetto frequently asked questions (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [3] City of Palmetto, Building Department (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [4] City of Palmetto Building Department, New construction residential permit checklist (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [5] City of Palmetto, General impact fee calculation sheet, July 2026 to June 2027 (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [6] City of Palmetto Code of Ordinances, Chapter 29, Article I, master utility system regulations (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [7] City of Palmetto Code of Ordinances, Chapter 29, Article VII, stormwater management (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [8] City of Palmetto, Utility rates and fees, effective October 1, 2025 (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [9] City of Palmetto Public Works, Water and sewer connection and impact fee form (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [10] City of Palmetto Building Department, Floodplain permit application checklist (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [11] Federal Emergency Management Agency, NFIP community status book record for Palmetto, city of, CID 120159 (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [12] Florida Department of Health in Manatee County, Onsite sewage disposal (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [13] Florida Department of State, Rule 62-6.030 fee amounts for onsite sewage permits (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [14] Southwest Florida Water Management District, Well construction permits (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [15] Manatee County Development Services, Building Division (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [16] North River Fire District, Impact fees (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [17] Florida Senate, Florida Statutes 197.333, tax delinquency (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [18] Florida Senate, Florida Statutes 197.172, interest on delinquent taxes (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [19] City of Palmetto, About the Community Redevelopment Agency (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [20] City of Palmetto, Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Palmetto (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [21] Wikipedia, Palmetto, Florida (accessed 2026-10-02)
- [22] Manatee County Port Authority, Port Manatee project location and transportation access (accessed 2026-10-02)