With its subtropical climate, a vast range of recreational options, and prime location next to the roaring waves of the Atlantic, buying Florida luxury real estate is a great choice for those seeking an amenity-filled way of life. However, remember that it’s always important to make an informed decision when making a significant investment, so here are five things to know about buying a luxury home in one of these stunning Florida communities.

A unique aspect of the Florida real estate scene is its stunning seaside communities. Homes here have picturesque waterfront vistas, with the sandy coastline just a few steps away out the door. Residents here can enjoy daily sightings of pelicans, manatees, and more. Locals live an active, beach-focused lifestyle centered around the great outdoors. The surrounding landscape is stunning from sunrise to sunset.

The beautiful Vero Beach is home to several upscale, private country club communities, including:

Windsor is a private beachfront village with stunningly spacious estates, excellent dining options, and a charming landscape of towering oak trees. Residents here spend time under the sun at the sandy shores, take swings at the golf course and eight tennis courts, and explore the equestrian trails.

This gated golfing community is 600 acres of gorgeous resort-style real estate with alluring vistas, poolside cabanas, wildlife sightings, private beaches, and access to the amazing Orchid Island Golf & Beach Club.

The Sea Oaks community is centered around tennis and the great outdoors, with beautiful oceanfront and riverfront homes, a secluded coastline, 16 har-tru tennis courts, docks, and swimming pools. Real estate here consists of upscale townhomes, modern condos, and impressively designed single-family residences.

John’s Island Club features three 18-hole championship golf courses, tennis and squash courts, a stunning fitness center, croquet lawns, dining facilities for all occasions, and a wide array of social events throughout all months of the year. John’s Island Club is located just 4.8 miles north of town. Stretching across 1,650 acres, this master-planned community has limited homes to one per acre, with just 1,382 homes within the community. These desirable homes are located on ocean and intercoastal properties.

This upscale golf and boating community is found on the oasis of the Indian River Lagoon. The Moorings Yacht and Country Club features an array of amenities, from its excellent yacht club and two golf courses to its racquet sports facility, fantastic restaurants, private spa, private beach access and fitness center with scenic vistas.

There are multiple tax benefits to living in Florida, which may be another draw to purchasing luxury real estate here. There is no state income tax, and you also won’t have to deal with taxes on pensions, Social Security benefits, 401(k)s, or IRAs. The state also does not assess inheritance or estate taxes.

Also, Florida property owners may be eligible for specific tax benefits, such as the homestead exemption. Under this exemption, a property owner who makes the property their permanent residence may be able to receive a homestead exemption, which decreases the taxable value of the home by up to $50,000. There is also an additional “Save Our Homes” cap, which limits the amount that the home’s assessed value may increase per year. Under this cap, the assessed value may increase only up to 3% or to the change in Consumer Price Index.

While living in Florida has several advantages, it can’t all be palm trees and sunny weather. During the Atlantic hurricane season, from June 1 through the end of November, there is a risk that a storm could arise. The hurricane season may be a threat to homeowners in and near Florida’s coastal cities. More often than not, predicted hurricanes have veered off missing Vero Beach. 😊

Because of this risk, it’s important to note that insuring your Florida home may be more expensive than in other states. Windstorm coverage will be included in your home insurance premium. If your home sustains wind damage from a hurricane, tornado, or tropical storm, you will have to pay your hurricane deductible, which is between 2 to 10% of the amount of insurance covering the dwelling at the time of the damage. Thankfully, you will only be required to pay this deductible once per calendar year, in case of multiple events. In areas designated within a flood zone, your mortgage company may also require you to purchase separate flood insurance.

In addition to insurance coverage, there are some steps many Florida homeowners take to attempt to “hurricane-proof” their homes. While these steps will not completely protect the home against a severe storm, they may mitigate some of the potential damage. Therefore, when purchasing a luxury property in Florida, look for these features:

Storm shutters, such as reinforced aluminum roll-down and accordian-style shutters, may be strong enough to protect a window from flying debris during a tropical storm. Many homeowners also make a point to reinforce their windows with high-impact glass, or they might add a shatter-resistant film over the existing glass.

In addition few other items one might consider when contemplating a Vero Beach high end home purchase are roof condition and age, garage door stability, and property elevation.

While touring Vero Beach open houses, keep your eyes open for the above features.

If you plan to utilize your luxury Vero Beach waterfront property as a vacation rental or a second home, it’s essential that you have a plan for upkeep, maintenance, and repairs. If your primary residence is far away, it will likely be necessary to hire a maintenance service professional to oversee the care of the home. There are many property managers in the area who can provide a multitude of services. Their services may include professional cleaning and housekeeping, inspections and general repairs, supervision of improvement projects, and more. Make sure to consider the cost of hiring these professionals in the overall financial plan for the property.

Another note on maintenance: the nature of Florida’s climate makes homes susceptible to specific types of wear and tear. Because of the high humidity it is important to monitor the interior temperature.  With that in mind, it may be a good idea to look for humidistats that work within the home’s HVAC system to control the amount of moisture in the air. Ceiling fans and well-placed windows can also help keep air flowing throughout the house. Having the home maintained regularly by an HVAC professional is important, as well. Keep these features in mind when touring properties here. Please visit our monthly newsletter, theSwimm for other home maintenance tips. Every spring we post an article detailing steps to take before leaving your Vero Beach residence.

Whether you enjoy great views of nature, want somewhere warmer and sunnier to live, or feel drawn to its many recreational attractions, Florida is a great place to buy luxury real estate. If you’re looking for a team you can count on, contact the Anne & Dan Team to guide you through the process. They will help you find your piece of paradise! 🏝️