Waterfront homes
Around here, "waterfront" can mean Sarasota Bay, the Manatee River, the Braden River or a lake inside a neighborhood. Each comes with its own checks, starting with flood risk.
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Bay, river or lake
- Sarasota sits on Sarasota Bay.
- Bradenton is on the south bank of the Manatee River and Palmetto is on the north bank.
- The Braden River runs through Lakewood Ranch, according to the developer's community map.
- Waterside: Kingfisher Estates sits on Kingfisher Lake, and Emerald Landing has a kayak launch and a water-taxi dock to Waterside Place, per the developer.
Sources: Lakewood Ranch community map (PDF) · Kingfisher Estates · Emerald Landing
What sellers must tell you
- Sellers of homes in Florida must give buyers a flood disclosure at or before the contract.
- It says that homeowners policies do not cover flood damage and encourages buyers to talk to an insurance agent about flood insurance.
- It asks whether the seller knows of flooding that damaged the home, has filed a flood insurance claim, or has received flood-damage assistance, including from FEMA.
Source: Fla. Stat. 689.302
What to check first
- Look up the flood zone on the FEMA flood map and ask the seller for an elevation certificate if there is one.
- Get flood and wind insurance quotes before you write an offer, not after.
- Have docks, seawalls and lifts inspected, and ask for their permits.
- Read the flood disclosure (Fla. Stat. 689.302) and ask follow-up questions.
- Check bridge heights and water depth if you plan to keep a boat.
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Luis Odon, REALTOR® · Keller Williams Coastal Living II · 5391 Lakewood Ranch Blvd N, Suite 100, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240 · (941) 993-8311 · Equal Housing Opportunity. Facts come from the sources linked on this page and can change; confirm them before you buy. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.
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