# Dean Saunders Named to Florida Trend's Florida 500 for Eighth Time for Real Estate and Land Conservation Leadership - Published: 2026-11-10 - Author: [Realty News](https://realtynews.io/author/realtynews-io.md) - Topics: [News](https://realtynews.io/news.md) - Source: https://realtynews.io/news/dean-saunders-named-to-florida-trends-florida-500-for-eighth-time-for-real-estate-and-land/ - Publication: Realty News - Publisher: Connectively (Terkel, Inc.) - Editorial policy: https://realtynews.io/editorial-policy/ [![Dean Saunders](https://d2c0db5b8fb27c1c9887-9b32efc83a6b298bb22e7a1df0837426.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/11988723-dean-saunders-198x300.png "Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM, founder, managing director and senior advisor of Saunders Real Estate, has been named to Florida Trend's 2026 Florida 500, marking his eighth selection to the annual list recognizing influential executives and business leaders shaping Florida's economy")](https://d2c0db5b8fb27c1c9887-9b32efc83a6b298bb22e7a1df0837426.ssl.cf2.rackcdn.com/11988723-dean-saunders-659x998.png#659x998) Dean Saunders, Founder of Saunders Real Estate *Saunders Real Estate founder recognized among Florida's influential business leaders for his work in real estate, private property rights and conservation.* **I'm honored to be included in the Florida 500 alongside some of the state's most influential business leaders”** — Dean Saunders, Founder of Saunders Real Estate LAKELAND, FL, UNITED STATES, November 10, 2026 /[EINPresswire.com](https://www.einpresswire.com/)/ -- Dean Saunders, ALC, CCIM, founder, managing director and senior advisor of [Saunders Real Estate](https://www.saundersrealestate.com/), has been named to Florida Trend's 2026 Florida 500, marking his eighth selection to the annual list recognizing influential executives and business leaders shaping Florida's economy. An eighth-generation Floridian, Saunders has spent more than four decades working at the intersection of real estate, agriculture, land conservation and private property rights. His career has combined leadership in Florida's land and commercial real estate industry with public service and advocacy for policies that balance economic growth, responsible land use and the preservation of natural resources. In 1996, Saunders founded Saunders Real Estate in Lakeland, Florida, building what began as a land brokerage into a firm with more than 125 advisors serving landowners, investors, developers and institutions across the Southeast and Midwest. In 2025, the firm generated more than $1 billion in real estate transaction volume, reflecting its continued growth and expertise across agricultural land, timberland, ranches, development properties and commercial real estate. “I'm honored to be included in the Florida 500 alongside some of the state's most influential business leaders,” said Dean Saunders, Founder of Saunders Real Estate. “Having spent much of my career serving Florida, both in the Legislature and through the real estate industry, I've always valued the opportunity to make a difference in the state I've called home for generations. I'm proud of what we've built at Saunders Real Estate and grateful to the people who have been part of that journey.”. Throughout his career, Saunders has advocated for conservation strategies that recognize both the economic value of land and the importance of protecting Florida's natural landscapes. That philosophy continues to inform his work with landowners, investors and institutions navigating the opportunities and complexities of land ownership, development and conservation. The recognition comes as Saunders Real Estate celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026, marking three decades of growth from a Florida-based land brokerage into a land and commercial real estate firm serving clients across multiple states. Today, the firm provides specialized expertise in land sales and acquisitions, commercial real estate brokerage, auctions, land management and property valuations. Florida Trend's Florida 500 recognizes 500 influential executives and business leaders across more than 60 industries. Honorees are selected through an extensive editorial research process examining their leadership, professional accomplishments and contributions to Florida's business community. About Saunders Real Estate Founded in 1996 by land broker and former Florida state legislator Dean Saunders, Saunders Real Estate is an award-winning land and commercial real estate firm with more than 125 advisors serving the Southeast and Midwest. Operating through Saunders Land, Saunders Commercial, Saunders Auctions, and Saunders Valuations, the firm provides large-acreage land sales and acquisitions; agricultural, ranch, timberland, recreational, conservation, and development land brokerage; commercial real estate sales and leasing; property and land management; real estate investment acquisitions; and commercial and land valuation services. Combining local expertise with proprietary market research, Saunders helps landowners, buyers, sellers, and investors make informed real estate decisions across the Southeast. Saunders Land has been recognized by The Land Report as one of “America’s Best Brokerages” for 16 consecutive years. Visit SaundersRealEstate.com. 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