What You Need to Know About Buying Land in Florida

[IMAGE: Rural vacant land parcel in Florida | Alt: Vacant rural land for sale in Florida]

We buy a lot of land in Florida, and you shouldn't let flood zones or other water issues scare you off. Every state has natural concerns. Florida just has its own specific ones.

15 Questions to Ask Before You Buy Land in Florida

At Compass Land USA, we do extensive due diligence on every property before we purchase it. Start here: chain of title, back taxes and liens, HOA or POA, zoning, permitted land uses, utilities, annual property taxes, common facilities, road access, wetlands, property size, conservation easements, mineral rights, water features, and neighboring properties.

What to Watch for with Florida Land Specifically

Florida Wetlands

Wetlands are a marsh or swamp-like ecosystem where the soil is always covered by water. Avoid buying land designated as wetlands unless the property has a compelling other use.

Florida Flood Zones

Zone X has the lowest risk. Zones A and AE are high risk. Check FEMA's Flood Map before you buy. Being in a flood zone isn't a complete turn-off — just know which zone you're in and what that means for insurance.

Florida Floodways

Floodways are the watercourse and adjacent lands preserved to mitigate flood water. Getting approval to build in a regulatory floodway is extremely difficult. If you can avoid floodway land, do it.