What’s your preference between Florida Waterfront Property on the Gulf vs Waterfront Property on the Intracoastal Waterways? Does the beach life on the Gulf of Mexico always beat bayfront property? It is definitely subjective, but here are some of the pros and cons of each to help make your decision.

Bertha Palmer, a rich socialite from Chicago, made her home in Sarasota in 1910. She was drawn here by the climate and beautiful landscape. Bertha built her home on Sarasota Bay in what now is Osprey at Spanish Pointe. Maybe she built there because it was 1910 and the bridges to Siesta Key, Casey Key, & Lido Key were a long time from being built. It could also have been her preference, as the peacefulness and serenity of Sarasota Bay may have won her heart and soul.

Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each to give you some insight on your own personal preference.

Waterfront Property on the Gulf of Mexico

Pros

• Beach life!
• Water is more blue and picturesque than the Intracoastal Waterways
• Easy boating access to Gulf (if a dock is allowed)
• No access for kayaks and stand up paddle boards
• Live with a pool and the beach in your back yard
• The soothing sounds of the waves crashing
• Parking for family & friends to enjoy the beach
• Fish in the Gulf of Mexico for hundreds of species including sharks
• Sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico in your back yard
• Dolphins are more likely to be in the Gulf than the Intracoastal Waterways
• The smell of pure saltwater

Cons

• Price
• Insurance Rate Increases
• Beach Laws, Regulations & Restrictions
• Dock may not be allowed
• Pirates (Anything is possible)
• Higher Taxes
• Red Tide Possibility
• No protection from storms & hurricanes

Intracoastal Waterfront Property

Pros

• Less pricey than Gulf Front Property
• The beauty, calm & serenity of the Bay or jetties
• Boating access to Intracoastal Waters (if a dock is allowed)
• No transportation for kayaks and stand up paddle boards
• Great backdrop to entertain family & friends
• Live with a pool and the water in your back yard
• Manatees are more likely to be in the Intracoastal Waterways than the Gulf Beaches
• Fish for many species including Tarpon, Redfish & Snook
• Less expensive insurance rates than Gulf Property
• Good viewing of jumping mullet in the Intracoastal Waterways
• Lower taxes than Gulf Property

Cons

• Mangrove Regulations
• Dock may not be allowed
• No beach access
• More boat traffic (typically)
• Takes longer for boats to get to Gulf of Mexico
• Water is darker & less picturesque
• No direct view of sunset over the Gulf

What’s your preference?

Here are some helpful links from David Levin, a shareholder with the law firm of Icard, Merrill, Cullis, Timm, Furen & Ginsburg, P.A. of Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Punta Gorda, Florida. David limits his practice to environmental and waterfront property law, including waterfront property closings.

What All Waterfront Property Buyers Should Know BEFORE Buying

Law Requires Disclosure Statement Regarding Coastal Properties