Waterfront Property what to LOOK for in a home on the water in Florida.

Waterfront Property in Florida, What to LOOK for!

For luxury waterfront new construction in Southwest Florida, the features that matter most to affluent buyers are often not the finishes—they are the elements that protect value, reduce future costs, and enhance the boating lifestyle.

The Top 10 Things Buyers Should Look For

1. Direct Gulf Access and No Bridges

This is one of the most valuable waterfront features in Southwest Florida.

Look for:

• No fixed bridges
• Short boating time to open water
• Deep-water access
• Room for larger vessels

Properties with direct Gulf access typically command stronger resale value than homes requiring long canal runs or bridge clearance limitations.

2. High Elevation Above Flood Requirements

After recent hurricanes, elevation has become a major buying criterion.

Ask:

• What is the Base Flood Elevation (BFE)?
• How high above BFE was the home built?
• Is the first living floor elevated?

Many premium new construction homes are being built significantly above minimum code requirements to improve storm resilience and potentially reduce insurance costs.

3. Impact Glass and Hurricane Construction

Look beyond the marketing language.

Important items:

• Impact-rated windows and doors
• Reinforced roof-to-wall connections
• Concrete block construction where applicable
• Current Florida building code compliance

Modern Florida building standards are substantially stronger than those of older waterfront homes.

4. Dock, Lift, and Waterfront Infrastructure

Many buyers focus on the house and overlook the marine infrastructure.

Evaluate:

• Dock age and construction quality
• Boat lift capacity
• Electrical service
• Water service
• Fish-cleaning station
• Seawall condition

Replacing docks, lifts, and seawalls can cost tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

5. New Seawall or Seawall Certification

A seawall can be one of the most expensive hidden liabilities.

Ask:

• Age of seawall
• Inspection reports
• Repairs completed
• Remaining expected life

A new or recently upgraded seawall is a major value enhancer.

6. Outdoor Living Designed for Entertaining

Luxury buyers spend as much time outdoors as indoors.

Desirable features include:

• Resort-style pool and spa
• Summer kitchen
• Covered lanai
• Multiple seating areas
• Outdoor fireplace
• Sunset exposure

Today's buyers are purchasing a lifestyle, not simply square footage.

7. Oversized Garage and Storage

Boat owners need storage.

Look for:

• Three or more garage bays
• Climate-controlled storage
• Space for golf carts
• Fishing gear storage
• Water toy storage

This is often overlooked but highly valued by waterfront owners.

8. Whole-House Generator and Smart Home Systems

Increasingly expected in luxury construction.

Premium homes often include:

• Whole-house generators
• Smart lighting
• Security systems
• Automated shades
• Remote monitoring

These features enhance convenience and resilience during storm season.

9. Quality of Views

Not all waterfront is equal.

The most desirable properties typically offer:

• Long water views
• Wide canal frontage
• Intersecting waterways
• Sunset exposure
• Privacy from neighboring homes

A superior view often appreciates faster than additional interior upgrades.

10. Location Relative to Lifestyle Amenities

Buyers want more than a beautiful home.

Consider proximity to:

• Beaches
• Marinas
• Golf
• Waterfront dining
• Private clubs
• Shopping and healthcare

On Marco Island, proximity to beaches and boating amenities is a major driver of demand.

Call on a waterfront expert with over 35 years of experience. Glen Bigness is a recognized, award winning real estate agent that helps buyers locate the right waterfront home in Florida, Intracoastal, bay, salt water canal, beachfront, all with Gulf access and boat dock. Premiere Plus Realty 239-272-4663

Luxury Waterfront New Construction

New Luxury Waterfront Living on Marco Island

5 Covewood Court | Marco Island, Florida

Why wait years to build when you can move into a complete luxury waterfront residence today?

Built in late 2024 and professionally designed with a sophisticated coastal-chic aesthetic, this exceptional waterfront home offers everything discerning buyers seek: long water views, no bridges to open water, and direct Gulf access for effortless boating adventures.

Designed for both elegant entertaining and relaxed Florida living, the residence features beautiful wood flooring throughout, soaring ceilings, custom designer lighting, decorative wood beams, brick accent walls, and two contemporary fireplaces located in the great room and primary suite. Massive 12-foot sliding glass doors seamlessly connect the indoor and outdoor living spaces, creating the perfect waterfront lifestyle.

The chef-inspired kitchen showcases premium Bosch appliances, an oversized quartz island, custom cabinetry with under-cabinet and accent lighting, and today's most sought-after finishes and color palettes.

The luxurious primary suite serves as a private retreat with waterfront views, a spa-inspired bath, oversized walk-in closet, and its own modern fireplace. Upstairs, guests and family enjoy a private living area, open-air lanai, and spacious ensuite bedrooms ideal for children, teenagers, and visiting friends.

Outdoor living is equally impressive. Enjoy a resort-style pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, expansive patio areas, and a newly completed Imperial dock featuring water, electric service, fish-cleaning station, and a brand-new boat lift installed in 2026.

Additional highlights include:

• Direct boating access with no bridges
• Long water views
• New Imperial dock and boat lift
• Oversized 3-car garage with abundant storage
• Electric vehicle charging station
• Impact-resistant windows and doors
• High elevation and hurricane-ready construction
• Designer furnishings available separately
• Move-in ready luxury living

Perfectly located near Marco Island's shopping, dining, entertainment, and boating amenities. Enjoy convenient access to the exclusive residents' beach and private beachfront restaurant while experiencing one of Southwest Florida's most desirable waterfront lifestyles.

This is a rare opportunity to own a newly completed luxury waterfront home in one of Marco Island's premier boating locations.

Schedule your private showing today.

Glen Bigness, Certified Luxy Agent, Premiere Plus Realty
Since 1986 a trusted real estate resource for clients. 239-272-4663

Search all property for sale and get daily MLS updates www.glenbigness.com

6050 Stringfellow Rd, St. James City FL 33956 

PRICE REDUCED $898,000

LOOKING for a Florida HORSE facility? An equestrian property that is sanctuary for both horses and their riders alike on Pine Island FL. Located on a private gated entry off Stringfellow Road, this 8.85 acres of land is YOUR opportunity to own and grow your business, which could include boarding, lessons, training and breeding too. A completely HORSE fenced property that backs to miles of trails that lead directly to Gulf waters to swim HORSES. Eight expansive and adjoining paddocks, 6 of which are interconnected, plus a dedicated paddock designed for specialized care.

YOUTUBE VIDEO LINK

Riders wanting to ride and enjoy their horses or peaceful leisurely rides, the property is equipped with a Regulation Small-Size Dressage Arena that ensures the ideal setting for training or casual riding. At the heart of the farm is a professionally designed barn, laid out to meet equestrian standards. The barn houses 8 spacious stalls, each outfitted with automatic watering systems and cooling fans to ensure comfort for horses. Tack Room offers ample storage for all your riding gear, a private bathroom and a Feed Room. The barn also includes a comfortable updated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom Living Quarters, kitchen and a balcony with tremendous farm views! This BARNDOMINIUM is a perfect home for on-site care or staff. The HORSE property is equipped with additional structures, including a hay shed, a 30’ x 50’ workshop, and a carport large enough to accommodate RVs or horse trailers. There is a run-in shed and convenient wash stalls. You will see the property offers the potential to build your custom Florida dream home, tailored to your specific equestrian lifestyle and preferences. Moonshine Acres is more than just a farm; it is an established, successful business address. The idyllic setting of Pine Island also provides easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, offering water sports, fishing, and beach outings. This is a beautiful equestrian paradise for horses and riders, coupled with the laidback lifestyle of Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. This also has many other potential uses including rezoned commercial use, Public storage facility, RV and Boat storage, a must-see consideration for investment.

Buying a building lot or land in Collier County, Florida?

Buying land in Collier County, Florida requires navigating unique environmental regulations, zoning specifics, and significant impact fees. The process often hinges on whether a lot is classified as "uplands" or "wetlands," which dictates how much of the property you can develop. 

Critical Environmental & Zoning Factors

• Wetland vs. Upland: Many lots, especially in Golden Gate Estates

Golden Gate Estates

Golden Gate Estates contain wetlands that may appear dry but are protected based on soil and vegetation. Building on wetlands requires expensive state permits and potential "mitigation credits". Most buyers avoid the headaches and timeframe required on these parcels, preferring to look elsewhere to construct a residence.

• Wetland Determination: Always request a formal wetland determination or environmental report before purchasing to confirm the usable "buildable" area.
• Zoning Standards: Common residential zoning (like Estates) typically requires a minimum living area of 1,000 square feet and a maximum height of 30 feet.
• Animal Regulations: For parcels under 20 acres, you can generally have up to 25 fowl and 2 livestock animals (like horses) per acre, but shelters must meet specific setback rules (e.g., 100 feet from a neighbor's home). 

Essential Infrastructure & Utilities

• Private Wells and Septic: Most rural lots, particularly in the Estates, do not have central water or sewer. You must verify if the soil can support a septic system, which is permitted through the Florida Department of Health.
• Legal Access: Confirm the lot has legal access via a paved or maintained road. Check for existing easements that could restrict where you build.
• Flood Zones: Most land in Collier County is in a FEMA-designated flood zone. While cash buyers may not be required to have flood insurance, lenders will mandate it for mortgaged properties. https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search

Permits and Impact Fees

• Impact Fees: New construction triggers "impact fees" to fund public services like schools, roads, and parks.
• Residential Rates: As of late 2025, fees for a single-family home under 4,000 sq. ft. can exceed $27,000 in total.
• Phase-in: Some fees, including school impact fees, are being phased in over four years to account for growth.
• Permitting Process: Permits are managed through the Collier County e-permitting system.
• Vegetation Removal: You are generally allowed to remove one acre of vegetation only after a single-family building permit is issued; clearing more requires a separate Vegetation Removal Permit. https://www.collier.gov/files/assets/county/v/1/building-plan-review/documents/forms/vegetation-removal-general-questions.pdf

Purchase Checklist

1. Professional Survey: Confirm exact boundaries, setbacks, and encroachments.
2. Soil Test: Ensure the ground can support your specific construction plans and is free of contamination.
3. Title Search: Verify clear ownership and check for any outstanding code enforcement liens or violations.
4. HOA Rules: If buying in a gated community, review the Homeowners Association rules for strict design, landscaping, and vehicle restrictions. 

Always use an experienced LOCAL real estate attorney that can inform and guide you through information and contracts for land purchases. Some properties on the FEMA flood map may show as “wet” or “In” flood zone but an Elevation Certificate can show building site to be above these elevations and possibly avoid or reduce flood insurance as required by a lender for mortgage.

When considering and selecting a building lot and land, drive around the neighborhood, see what homes there in the area are, size, age, quality, price range-value that may affect your new home build appreciation and value in the future. What is the surrounding topography like, swamps, canals, drainage, forest land and projected growth direction.

Glen Bigness, Realtor, New Construction Certified Agent, former General Contractor offering over 35 years experience in real estate and new build representation for clients. Build, Biuy, Sell, Invest in Florida.

Glen Bigness, Premiere Plus Realty 239-272-4663 

Since 1986 a trusted real estate resource for clients buying lots, land and new construction. 

Florida Equestrian Facility for Sale

3800 Staley Rd Fort Myers FL 33905 Buckingham Horse Property   $3,890,000

MLS link: https://matrix.swflamls.com/matrix/shared/0X1S3dKcVwf/3800StaleyRD

Equestrian Facility on almost 10 acres, ready for your horses, or set up a working horse business here in Lee County! Training, breeding, lessons, boarding, all disciplines will find this exquisite equestrian facility a true haven for the country life and horses in your backyard. Looking for a facility where your trainer can live, this is it. A full-time barn or winter show barn retreat in SW Florida. Convenient to Rt 80 to I-75, the SW FL International Airport and many areas show facilities and grounds for active equestrian life. A 10-stall barn with a 1/1 efficiency apartment, ½ bathroom for boarders use. A separate 4-stall barn and plenty of grass pasture and turnout here. Beautiful, attached home with upscale amenities and finishes, sit out on the patio and enjoy the views of grazing horses. Dressage and separate Western arena with correct footings, and quality fencing to protect your horses here at their new home. One of the main things that attracted sellers to this property is the location!! This is the absolute perfect location when you live on a ranch. You’re right by everything: shopping, restaurants, Airports, the interstate, and church. But then when you drive through those gates of Paradise Ranch, you experience complete privacy! Your own little piece of Heaven. You feel like the city is miles away! You have complete privacy from all your neighbors. The end of a dead-end road so no traffic whatsoever! Pure paradise! 

Equestrian Property Sales in Florida-Expert

Looking to Sell or Buy Horse Property? 🐴🐴🐴🐴🐴🇺🇸

According to AI searches online:

Equestrian Property

Florida is a huge state with some fantastic equestrian communities. Here are some of the top horse property agent specialists across Florida who can help sell your home:

•  Glen Bigness (Premiere Plus Realty): Glen is a powerhouse in Florida equestrian real estate. He sells farms, ranches, and horse properties across the state, with decades of experience finding "horses homes". He's particularly active in Southwest Florida, including the Naples area.

For selling a horse property in Southwest Florida, you should call a specialized equestrian real estate agent who understands the specific marketing needs of farms and ranches, such as pasture quality, barn construction, and local zoning. 

Top-Rated Equestrian Specialists in SWFL

* Glen Bigness (Bigness Realty Group): Widely recognized as a top equestrian specialist in Naples and Southwest Florida. He has over 30 years of experience and operates HorseFlorida.com, a niche platform specifically for marketing horse properties.

Top-Volume Equestrian Specialists

These agents focus heavily on horse properties and large-acreage estates, maintaining higher transaction volumes in this specific niche than general residential agents.

* Glen Bigness (Bigness Realty Group - Premiere Plus Realty):

    * Market Area: Collier & Lee Counties (Naples, Fort Myers, Alva).

    * Performance: A consistent leader in equestrian transactions for over 35 years. He operates HorseFlorida.com, which generates high-intent buyer traffic specifically for horse farms. Recent reviews highlight his ability to sell 20-acre equestrian properties in just days.

To get your horse property sold for top dollar, you need a marketing plan that speaks "equestrian" rather than just "residential." Based on the strategies used by the top SWFL agents like Glen Bigness, here is a custom plan tailored for your property:

1. High-Value Visual Package

Equestrian buyers look for "infrastructure first." Your listing needs:

* Drone Photography/Videography: Vital for showing pasture layout, cross-fencing, bridle path access, and the proximity of the barn to the main house.

* Detailed Outbuilding Specs:Instead of just saying "Barn," the listing should detail:

    * Stall Dimensions: (e.g., 12'x12' with rubber mats).

    * Features: Wash racks, tack room climate control, and feed room storage.

    * Technical Specs: Hay loft capacity and hurricane-rating of structures.

2. Niche Digital Distribution

Don't just list on Zillow. Your property needs to appear where horse owners hang out:

* Specialty Platforms: Direct listing on HorseProperties.net, LandAndFarm.com, and HorseFlorida.com.

* Geofenced Social Ads: Run Facebook/Instagram ads targeting users within a 500-mile radius who follow "Equestrian Life," "AQHA," "USEF," or specific horse show circuits like WEC (Ocala) and PBIEC (Wellington).

3. Critical Property "Horse Stats"

Buyers will ask these three questions immediately; including them in the description prevents "looky-loos":

* Zoning & Density: Clearly state exactly how many horses are allowed per acre under your current local zoning (e.g., Collier County vs. Lee County code).

* Water & Irrigation: Detail the irrigation system for the pastures and the water source for the barn.

* Pasture Quality: Mention grass types (e.g., Bahia or Pensacola) and soil drainage—huge for Southwest Florida’s rainy season.

4. Local Equestrian Outreach

* The "Tack Shop" Strategy:Distribute high-end flyers at local hubs like The Tack Shelter or Lee County Horseman’s Association.

* Trainer Networking: Top agents will call local trainers in Naples and Alva; trainers often know when a client is looking for a farm before the client even calls a realtor.

5. Open House "Equine Edition"

Invite local trainers and serious horse owners for a "Pasture Tour" rather than just a walk-through of the kitchen. Highlighting the ease of trailer turnaround space is often more important to these buyers than the guest bathroom finishes.

Glen Bigness, Equestrian Realtor

Premiere Plus Realty

239-272-HOME

www.horseflorida.com

Realty Times News Feed-Up to Date Information on the Market Today, Events, Banking-Lending etc.

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Florida Top Equestrian Real Estate Agent Glen Bigness gets results for clients.

6050 Stringfellow Rd St. James City FL 33956

LOOKING for a Florida HORSE facility? An equestrian property that has sanctuary for both horses and their riders alike on Pine Island FL. Located on a private gated entry off Stringfellow Road, this 8.85 acres of land is YOUR opportunity to own and grow your business which could include boarding, lessons, training and breeding too. A completely HORSE fenced property that backs to miles of trails that lead directly to Gulf waters to swim HORSES. Eight expansive and adjoining paddocks, 6 of which are interconnected, plus a dedicated paddock designed for specialized care.

Riders wanting to ride and enjoy their horses or peaceful leisurely rides, the property is equipped with a Regulation Small-Size Dressage Arena that ensures the ideal setting for training or casual riding. At the heart of the farm is a professionally designed barn, laid out to meet equestrian standards. The barn houses 8 spacious stalls, each outfitted with automatic watering systems and cooling fans to ensure comfort for horses. Tack Room offers ample storage for all your riding gear, a private bathroom and a Feed Room. The barn also includes a comfortable updated 2-bedroom, 1-bathroom Living Quarters, kitchen and a balcony with tremendous farm views! This BARNDOMINIUM is a perfect home for on-site care or staff. The HORSE property is equipped with additional structures, including a hay shed, a 30’ x 50’ workshop, and a carport large enough to accommodate RVs or horse trailers. There is a run-in shed and convenient wash stalls. You will see the property offers the potential to build your custom Florida dream home, tailored to your specific equestrian lifestyle and preferences. Moonshine Acres is more than just a farm; it is an established, successful business address. The idyllic setting of Pine Island also provides easy access to the Gulf of Mexico, offering water sports, fishing, and beach outings. This is a beautiful equestrian paradise for horses and riders, coupled with the laidback lifestyle of Southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. This also has many other potential uses including rezoned commercial use, Public storage facility, RV and Boat storage, a must-see consideration for investment.

Online Property Tour: https://view.spiro.media/order/49b00ff4-1330-4af7-27e4-08de6edb5d03

3D Tour: https://www.zillow.com/view-imx/90df4501-c53e-4331-bb17-c0dd8cc0e825?setAttribution=mls&wl=true&initialViewType=pano&utm_source=dashboard 

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SOLD-SOLD-SOLD

Horse Property in Florida

We can do the same for you here in SW Florida 239-272-4663, buy, sell, build, invest!

23261 Tuckahoe Rd, Alva, FL 33920   Equestrian Property for SALE in Lee County

10-level acres of horse property situated in Alva, Lee County, on beautiful Bedman’s Creek. A mix of open pasture, lush oak hammock, fruit trees, and beautiful tropical foliage in SW Florida. Refuge for many indigenous plant and animal species! Alva is recognized as a premier location for horses here in Florida, with the Caloosahatchee River for boating, fishing, and jet skiing, with nearby LEE County parklands to hike and enjoy.

Center aisle horse barn, seven box stalls, tack-feed room, power, water, and hay storage area.

Extra storage garage, shed, and covered area for equipment storage, run-in shed, in the back paddocks.

Plenty of pasture and turn out on ten acres of land, mature old oak trees for shade, and a beautiful, clear-running creek runs through the property—a dead-end road from Joel Blvd., minutes to shopping and dining. Tractor Supply and other horse services are nearby with plenty of horsey neighbors in this equestrian-friendly community of Alva. Trail ride right off the property and down the road through woods and open areas to explore by horseback.

Property is offered As Is with the right to inspect, Fixer-Upper, Investment, Weekend Get-Away, CASH sale only considered, proof of funds required—twenty-four-hour notice to show, horses and pets on premises. Do NOT drive onto the property without an appointment.

House needs some work and remodeling, call for details, lots of potential, and can be lived in and make a great camp, retreat, or build NEW on the land here while enjoying your horses, storing equipment, work vehicles, RV, boats, and four-wheelers, etc.