WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE IN FLORIDA
CLICK ON THE FEATURED CITY BELOW TO PERUSE WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE:
HIGHLAND BEACH | JUNO BEACH | JUPITER | LAKE WORTH | LANTANA | LIGHTHOUSE POINT
NORTH PALM BEACH | PALM BEACH | PALM BEACH GARDENS | RIVIERA BEACH | ROYAL PALM
SOUTH PALM BEACH | TAMARAC | TEQUESTA | WELLINGTON | WEST PALM BEACH
INTELLIGENTLY NAVIGATE THE WORLD OF WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE IN FLORIDA
INTRACOASTAL, CANAL, LAKES, LAGOONS, RIVERS, AND THE ATLANTIC OCEAN
The Florida portion of the Atlantic Intracostal Waterway winds along the Atlantic, less than a mile from the shoreline. It is primarily brackish water, a mix between salt and fresh, the level of salinity varies with the distance from the canals to the ocean. It is filled with estuaries, spots where the sea runoff meets the inland freshwater runoffs. In South Florida, Palm Beach County is home to a 20-mile-long estuary, the Lake Worth Lagoon. The majority of the Florida section of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterways lean toward this intricate part of the ecosystem as a wide range of different sea creatures use estuaries as nurseries, and the inland location and mangrove coverage provide protection for the little ones to grow up. It is important to keep in mind, that the water levels of the Intracostal go up and down just like the tide- particularly vital regarding boating. The architecture, design, and styles of Intracoastal waterfront homes for sale in Florida will vary. From monumental s-tile roof Mediterranean-inspired luxury pool homes to contemporary 3-story beach houses. Living on the Intracoastal offers great east proximity, blocks to the beach, and close to commuter connectors like I-95 and the tri-rail station. Enjoy the gorgeous colors of the sunrise on the Atlantic, and the sunsets on the Intracoastal.
Heading inward in Florida, there are also freshwater canal waterfront homes for sale, some on primary offshoots of main rivers such as the designated wild and scenic 7 miles river, the Loxahatchee. Much of the fresh waterways in the center of the state are a part of the Florida Everglades, showcasing an enormous variety of plants and animals. The more inward Florida you go, you’ll see less tide variation and more alligators. Waterfront homes for sale in Florida that are situated more inland on freshwater canals, lakes, and rivers, tend to be more monetarily approachable than Intracoastal or Oceanfront homes, offering more privacy and land. Homes that are situated on a canal, lake, or lagoon are prone to flooding, especially if it is riverfront property. If you are planning on docking a boat, be sure the water level variations and depth can handle the size of your water vessel all year round.
CRITICAL ISSUES TO ADDRESS BEFORE GOING TO CONTRACT ON WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE IN FLORIDA
RIGOROUS INSPECTION WITH SEAWALL/BULKHEAD, DOCK, AND BOAT LIFT REPORTS
Designed to keep water from infiltrating a homeowner’s land, seawalls and bulkheads are usually not included in home insurance. In addition to a comprehensive inspection, find a marine engineer or certified seawall/bulkhead specialist to do an inspection. Be sure the inspector checks out the hydrostatic balance, underwater berm penetration, cracks, rust stains, soil loss, erosion, corroded tie rods, or deteriorating rebar that can affect the integrity of the seawall. The report should have photos both in and out of the water, cover footings, pilings, panels, bulkhead, and seawall cap, and identify the type of seawall – whether t-pile, coral rock, or aluminum, or wood. Also, it is important to examine the boat lift and dock. Find out if the dock and boatlift were permitted, a find a certified inspector to have a look at your dock and boat lift. and be sure the report shows an assessment of anchorage, walkway, handrails, deck, hardware, flotation, concrete or wood pile condition, piling caps, structural integrity, electrical (boxes, breakers, FGCI protection, conduit, ground jumpers), plumbing and all of the parts of boat lifts. Fixing portions of the seawall, bulkhead, dock, and boat lit can be extremely costly. Assessing the recurrent physical condition and getting a projection of the life expectancy and repairs that may be needed will help save you from massive expenses later on.
FLOOD INSURANCE ESTIMATES
Flood Insurance is not included in home insurance, so you will want to be sure to get a quote before going under contract on waterfront homes for sale in Florida. Recently, FEMA enacted Risk Rating 2.0, the first major restructuring of the National Flood Insurance Programs since 1968. Years in the making, Risk Rating 2.0 is a new methodology based on science, data, and the latest technology to determine a structure’s unique flood risk. Rate Risk 2.0 impact on FL homeowners has been alarming, as many of been overpaying or underpaying. Since waterfront homes for sale in Florida typically are in high-risk flood areas, home buyers will need to be prepared to be required to carry flood insurance, and at a greater cost than the current owner as that rate likely will not be passed along to the new owner.
CONSTRUCTION
Waterfront homes for sale in Florida are exposed to dramatic weather such as heavy humid air, direct hot sunlight, and saltwater corrosion, plus, hurricanes causing winds, torrential rain, nonstop lightning, and water sprouts. It is crucial you find out as much about the home as possible. Concrete block construction is often considered the most safeguarded construction material, however, some mixed treated wood frames will fair well if done correctly. Go over the foundation, roof, siding, windows, glass doors, decking, insulation, garage doors, exterior paint, and landscaping to be sure they are all sound and capable of handling the high potential for extreme weather. Does the home have hurricane shutters? Impact windows? fiberglass doors? Find out the history of the home, has it gone through a hurricane or major storm? If so, did the home flood or take on great damage? Many of these particulars will make a difference in home insurance prices and offer a point of reference for negotiating repairs after inspection.
RIPARIAN RIGHTS AND LITTORAL RIGHTS ON WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE IN FLORIDA
While searching for waterfront homes for sale in Florida, be sure to order a survey, and have a legal professional review the property description in the deed to confirm the land is indeed a true waterfront property. In order to utilize Riparian rights or Littoral Rights, the land must be waterfront true and through, not adjacent to or near a body of water. Riparian Rights are granted to landowners with homes situated on a river or stream, where the property line extends to the high water mark. Riparian Rights allow owners to use the water as they wish, so long as activities do not disturb the neighbors upstream and downstream. Littoral rights pertain to land sitting on navigable lake and ocean waters, giving landowners unrestricted access to the waters. The property line of privately owned waterfront land is set at the median high water mark, and any land beyond this point belongs to the government. Riparian right is commonly used to describe property rights in both categories.
As defined on the Florida Senate website, “Riparian rights are those incident to land bordering upon navigable waters. They are rights of ingress, egress, boating, bathing, and fishing and such others as may be or have been defined by law. Such rights are not of a proprietary nature. They are rights inuring to the owner of the riparian land but are not owned by him or her. They are appurtenant to and are inseparable from the riparian land. The land to which the owner holds title must extend to the ordinary high watermark of the navigable water in order that riparian rights may attach. Conveyance of title to or lease of the riparian land entitles the grantee to the riparian rights running therewith whether or not mentioned in the deed or lease of the upland.” Although these rights are granted to the general public along with owners, there are special specifics intended for waterfront property owners. Head on over to our Florida Riparian Rights section to find out more.
BOATING, ROUTES, LOCATION, AND VIEWS FROM WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE IN FLORIDA
Location and direction matter when looking for your perfect waterfront home for sale in Florida. If glorious colorful sunset or sunrise water views are a priority, figure out which direction the front and back of the property face. Check that views are unobstructed by tropical foliage, as it is illegal to remove certain protected species, such as the native Florida Mangrove varieties.
Waterfront homes for sale in Florida are perfect for boating enthusiasts. There are adorable pockets of fisherman communities where everybody knows your name nestled within the runoffs, shoots, canals, and mini lakes branching from the Ocean and Intracoastal. For
boating, it is crucial to confirm location details prior to signing a contract, so you are able to achieve your waterfront preferences. There are important topics to take into consideration to ensure a smooth, effortless boat transition. Find out the depth and width of the canal, plus tidal variations of water levels so you know your boat will remain buoyant at all times. Check out the regional rules and zoning requirements on the type and size of boats allowed. Explore a map to determine if the location will allow you to do what you want and go where you want to go by water. Make sure there are no unpassable fixed bridges. For boating, it is also crucial to confirm location details prior to signing a contract, so you are able to achieve your waterfront preferences. Many waterfront homes for sale in Florida are governed by an HOA, condo, or co-op association. These require certain rules and regulations regarding amenities. Review the community association docs, rules, and regulations, so you know exactly what you are getting into. Sometimes dock space is rented, or first come, first serve.
EXPLORE WATERFRONT HOMES FOR SALE IN FLORIDA BY CITY WITH BOATING SERVICES:
RIVIERA BEACH | SOUTH PALM | TEQUESTA | WELLINGTON | WEST PALM BEACH
While perusing waterfront homes for sale in Florida, under the neighborhood of interest, be sure to scroll down to find out if the community will meet your needs. There are boxes for “DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION,” “ASSOCIATION INFORMATION,” “NEIGHBORHOOD AMENITIES,” and “EXPLORE NEARBY.” At Real-ativity, we’ve put all the intricate details for specific communities in one place. Would you like some assistance while on the lookout for your dream waterfront home in Florida? We’ll connect you with one of our professional licensed realtors who specializes in waterfront homes for sale in Florida. Contact us today!
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