Introduction to Alico’s New Development Plans

Alico, Inc., one of Florida’s largest citrus growers, has announced plans to develop a 3,000-acre community in southwest Florida. This move comes just months after the company decided to abandon its citrus-growing operations at the end of the current season.
The company has filed a development application for the first of two villages near the intersection of Collier, Lee, and Hendry counties. Each village will feature approximately 4,500 homes and will be integrated with 6,000 acres of protected conservation land.

Background on Alico and the Citrus Industry

Alico, Inc. owns 53,371 acres across eight counties in Florida and 48,700 acres of oil, gas, and mineral rights in the state. The company’s decision to end citrus operations was announced last January, citing a decline in production of almost three-quarters over the past decade. This decline is part of a larger struggle faced by Florida’s citrus industry, which has been impacted by hurricanes and a devastating citrus greening disease.

Impact of Citrus Greening Disease and Hurricanes

The citrus greening disease, along with a series of damaging hurricanes, has contributed to a 90% decline in Florida’s orange production over the past two decades. As a result, the state’s citrus industry has seen a significant reduction in the number of acres dedicated to citrus groves. At the turn of the century, citrus groves covered more than 832,000 acres in Florida, but last year, that number had dwindled to scarcely 275,000 acres.

Shift in Citrus Production Leadership

This decline has also led to California eclipsing Florida as the nation’s leading citrus producer. The shift in leadership is a significant change for an industry that was once dominated by Florida. With the decline of the citrus industry, developers are increasingly looking to build homes on land that was previously used for citrus groves, further reducing the amount of land available for citrus production.

Alico’s Future Plans

Alico’s plans for the 3,000-acre community are a significant step towards repurposing land that was previously used for citrus production. The development will feature a mix of homes and protected conservation land, providing a unique blend of residential and natural areas. The company’s decision to develop this land is a response to the changing landscape of the citrus industry and the need to adapt to new economic realities.

Conclusion

Alico’s decision to develop a 3,000-acre community in southwest Florida marks a significant shift for the company and the state’s citrus industry. As the industry continues to decline, it is likely that more developers will look to build on land that was previously used for citrus production. The integration of protected conservation land into the development is a positive step towards preserving natural areas, even as the state’s landscape continues to change.

FAQs

• Q: What is Alico, Inc. planning to develop in southwest Florida?
  • A: Alico, Inc. is planning to develop a 3,000-acre community featuring approximately 4,500 homes and 6,000 acres of protected conservation land.
• Q: Why is Alico ending its citrus operations?
  • A: Alico is ending its citrus operations due to a decline in production of almost three-quarters over the past decade, largely attributed to hurricanes and citrus greening disease.
• Q: How has the citrus industry in Florida been impacted by disease and natural disasters?
  • A: The industry has seen a 90% decline in orange production over the past two decades due to citrus greening disease and hurricanes.
• Q: What is the current state of citrus production in Florida compared to the past?
  • A: Citrus groves, which once covered over 832,000 acres, now cover scarcely 275,000 acres, with California having eclipsed Florida as the nation’s leading citrus producer.
• Q: When was Alico’s decision to end citrus operations announced?
  • A: The decision was announced last January.
• Q: What is the timeline for the development project?
  • A: The article does not specify a timeline for the completion of the development project, but it mentions that the company has filed a development application for the first of two villages.
    Originally Published: April 16, 2025 at 11:00 AM EDT