Ocean Side, River Side
Along the ocean, A1A is lined with condo buildings and some single-family homes, with beach access at parks such as Lori Wilson Park and Alan Shepard Park. On the west side, many streets back onto canals that open into the Banana River, and the mangrove islands of the Thousand Islands Conservation Area are a short paddle away. In between are older streets near the shops and restaurants around Minutemen Causeway.
Flood Zones and Insurance Come First
On a barrier island, flood zones can change from one street to the next, and lenders require flood insurance in high-risk zones. Before an offer we check the flood zone, any elevation certificate, the roof age, and a wind mitigation report, because insurance can move the monthly payment more than a small price difference. Most construction seaward of the state's Coastal Construction Control Line also needs a state permit.
Condos: Read the Building's Paperwork
After the Surfside collapse, Florida tightened its condo laws. Older buildings of three stories or more need milestone structural inspections and structural integrity reserve studies, and reserves for structural components are much harder to waive. In some coastal buildings that has meant higher dues or special assessments, so we request the inspection reports, reserve study, budget, and recent minutes before you commit.