What it really costs to clear a lot in Palm Beach County — the honest ranges, the factors that move the price, the local permit rules people forget, and how to keep the bill down. Written by the crew that runs the Bobcat.
Across Florida, clearing an acre of raw land generally runs anywhere from about $1,500 to $15,000 per acre. That is an enormous spread, and it is a fair one — a mostly-grass lot with a few scattered pines is a completely different job from a dense acre choked with mature oaks and deep saw palmetto. In practice, a light residential lot in the western communities often lands toward the lower end, while heavily wooded or wet ground with big stumps and haul-off climbs toward the top.
These are general industry ranges, not a quote. The only way to know your number is to have someone walk the lot. At Bell Land Services our Bobcat T740 with a 60" grapple runs $385 per day with an operator, and quotes are always free — for smaller lots, a day or two of machine time is often all it takes. Call (561) 779-3213 and we'll give you a straight answer.
Two lots the same size can quote thousands apart. Here's what a good estimator is really looking at when they walk your property:
This is the part most homeowners underestimate. In Palm Beach County, clearing vegetation — especially removing trees or working near water — often requires review or a permit before a machine ever touches the ground. Rules differ between unincorporated county land and each municipality (Loxahatchee, The Acreage, Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Jupiter, and West Palm Beach can each treat this differently).
A few things worth knowing before you start:
This is general guidance, not legal or permitting advice — always confirm the current requirements with Palm Beach County or your city before clearing. We're happy to point you in the right direction as part of your quote.
As a general range, clearing an acre in Florida runs roughly $1,500 to $15,000, depending mostly on vegetation density and stump removal. Light grass and brush sit near the low end; dense trees with stumps and haul-off sit near the top. The only accurate number comes from a free on-site quote — call (561) 779-3213.
Our Bobcat T740 with a 60" grapple is $385 per day, and that rate includes an experienced operator. Many residential lots take just a day or two. Every quote is free, so you'll know the cost before we start.
Vegetation type is usually the reason. Mature oaks, dense saw palmetto with deep roots, big stumps, wet ground, and tight access all add machine hours and disposal cost. A grassy lot next door with easy access is simply a smaller job.
Not always — it depends on the job. Cutting trees to ground level is one scope; pulling stumps and roots so the ground is build-ready (grubbing) is more involved and can add roughly $500 to $3,000 per acre. Tell us your end goal and we'll quote the right scope.
Often, yes — especially for tree removal or work near wetlands. Requirements vary between unincorporated county land and each city. Permits are usually modest, but clearing protected trees or wetlands without approval can bring heavy fines. Always confirm with the county or your municipality first; we can help point you in the right direction.
Clear only the area you actually need, mulch brush on site when the lot and rules allow (avoiding haul-off fees), bundle clearing with any grading you'll need anyway, and schedule during the drier winter and spring months when the ground is firmer.
Clearing removes the vegetation you can see — brush, saplings, and trees. Grubbing goes further, pulling out stumps, roots, and buried material so the ground is level and ready to build. Grubbing costs more but is often necessary before construction.
A light residential lot can often be cleared in a day or two with a Bobcat T740 and grapple. Heavily wooded acreage, large stumps, or extensive haul-off take longer. We'll give you a realistic timeline with your free quote.
All of Palm Beach County — Loxahatchee, The Acreage, Wellington, Royal Palm Beach, Jupiter, and greater West Palm Beach, plus surrounding communities.