Citrus County commissioners move to cancel Betts Farm sale after developer misses deadlines

The Citrus County Board of County Commissioners voted 4–1 to send a letter canceling the county’s contract to sell Betts Farm to a private developer, after residents and experts raised environmental concerns and commissioners cited missed deadlines in the agreement.

Commissioner Barrack moved to transmit a cancellation letter, saying the buyer had failed to meet contract milestones. “There were deadlines missed by your client,” Barrack said, “so therefore you did breach the contract with the county.” The motion was seconded and carried after extended public comment and legal briefing.

Supporters of cancellation argued the property includes wetlands and important aquifer recharge areas that protect springs and local water supplies. Jeremy Clayson, who said he lives nearby, told the board the county’s own green‑printing study ranks Betts Farm as a high conservation priority and warned that permitting more than 1,300 homes there would strain schools and infrastructure.

Opponents, including a representative for Bravo Land Group, told commissioners the buyer has obtained costly permits such as an Environmental Resource Permit from the water‑management district and has relied on the county’s contract. “A motion to cancel would be a breach of contract,” attorney Rob Batzel said, adding that his client had expended significant time and money in permitting.

County Attorney provided legal context at the meeting, explaining the contract includes a default provision tied to missed deadlines and warning that litigation is a possible outcome. The county’s insurance would cover defense costs beyond the deductible; counsel said the deductible in the county’s policy is the likely maximum direct exposure for certain attorney fees.

Chair and other commissioners said the decision reflects the board’s duty to follow the contract terms and to respond when the other party has not proceeded in a timely manner. After the vote, commissioners and speakers noted the county still retains permitting authority: any future development would need separate approvals.

The board’s action directs staff to send formal notice to the buyer; the county attorney’s office advised that the cancellation letter likely will start a legal process that could include claims by the buyer. The board did not adopt a final disposition for the property if litigation or court decisions follow; commissioners said subsequent steps would be considered later.