Massive Eastern Collier Development Gets Green Light: DeSantis Signs Stewardship District into Law

What Just Happened

Gov. Ron DeSantis signed House Bill 4041, creating the Corkscrew Grove Stewardship District, which enables Alico Inc. to develop a 4,660-acre master-planned community along Corkscrew Road in eastern Collier County.

Project Overview

• Two 1,500-acre villages with space for ~4,500 homes each

• 280,000 sq ft of commercial space per village

• 6,000 acres reserved for permanent conservation

• Oversight by a five-member board coordinating infrastructure, utilities, and natural resource management

Why the District Matters

The district grants authority to finance and manage roads, water, sewers, and conservation efforts—reducing administrative friction and allowing tailored development oversight in previously dormant grove land.

Timeline & Approvals

Alico anticipates beginning the first village—likely the East Village—once county, water management, and U.S. Army Corps permits are secured, with construction potentially starting in 2028–2029.

Community & Planning Context

This fits into Collier’s Rural Land Stewardship Area strategy, balancing growth with conservation and guiding new communities away from sensitive environments