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ApS · 03-03-2016, 09:26 AM

Wherever you locate in Florida, there are a few things to keep in mind.

No-see-ums:

These ankle-biters proliferate near salt water. Also called "Sand Fleas" their famous bite has been credited with delaying shoreline development of Southwest Florida for several decades! Check the home for special window screens that keep the bigger buggers out.

If you've chosen a location far from "protected" seaside vegetation, or one directly facing into the prevailing wind, their appearance will be minimalized. If you're an "outdoor person", have insect protection handy. Some of these sprays recommend washing-off when no longer outdoors.

Windstorm damage insurance.

These rates have soared in recent years and will likely be required coverage when buying your new coastal home. Coverage depends on where you're located. Central Florida "lake-country" south of Orlando doesn't have this requirement. There are locations in Florida that won't allow you to put (or replace) a mobile home on your lot. If a mobile home is your choice of residence, check before you buy a lot.

There are places in Florida that will require that you build a second floor, and keep the first floor open—and never occupied—except for automobiles.

Expect the annual premium to run into the four figures. Choose carefully when changing window protection. Not all shutters or window reinforcements comply with new windstorm requirements.

Mere preparation of your coastal home for windstorm damage coverage can run into several thousand dollars.

Your Street:

IMHO, dead-end streets (or cul-de-sacs) are desirable for their lack of irresponsible traffic.

Neighbors/Demographics:

Florida's Pasco and Hernando Counties, among others, are slated for release of Federal "refugees".

According to friends who relocated from SE Florida to SW Florida, the two above-mentioned counties are infamous for "Meth" production, trafficking, and use.

Sun orientation.

Take note of your new home's orientation. Watching sunsets indoors from your new living room can result in a sweat even with the A/C blasting cold air. Plantings should be heavy, dense, and tall on the western face of your new structure. A mix of slow-growing Palms, Sea Grape trees and Ixora hedges work.

If your house needs a new roof, consider replacing it with a white, rubberized roofing material called "TPO". Not all roof pitches will comport with its use, but a "shallow" pitch can. "TPO" is a commercial-grade material, that carries a 30-year warrantee.

Now for some really good news: areas of Florida will experience recently lowered electrical rates!

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03-03-2016, 09:26 AM	#19
ApS Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Florida (Sebring & Keys), Wolfeboro Posts: 5,935 Thanks: 2,204 Thanked 776 Times in 553 Posts	From A Lifetime of Residency in Florida... Wherever you locate in Florida, there are a few things to keep in mind. No-see-ums: These ankle-biters proliferate near salt water. Also called "Sand Fleas" their famous bite has been credited with delaying shoreline development of Southwest Florida for several decades! Check the home for special window screens that keep the bigger buggers out. If you've chosen a location far from "protected" seaside vegetation, or one directly facing into the prevailing wind, their appearance will be minimalized. If you're an "outdoor person", have insect protection handy. Some of these sprays recommend washing-off when no longer outdoors. Windstorm damage insurance. These rates have soared in recent years and will likely be required coverage when buying your new coastal home. Coverage depends on where you're located. Central Florida "lake-country" south of Orlando doesn't have this requirement. There are locations in Florida that won't allow you to put (or replace) a mobile home on your lot. If a mobile home is your choice of residence, check before you buy a lot. There are places in Florida that will require that you build a second floor, and keep the first floor open—and never occupied—except for automobiles. Expect the annual premium to run into the four figures. Choose carefully when changing window protection. Not all shutters or window reinforcements comply with new windstorm requirements. Mere preparation of your coastal home for windstorm damage coverage can run into several thousand dollars. Your Street: IMHO, dead-end streets (or cul-de-sacs) are desirable for their lack of irresponsible traffic. Neighbors/Demographics: Florida's Pasco and Hernando Counties, among others, are slated for release of Federal "refugees". According to friends who relocated from SE Florida to SW Florida, the two above-mentioned counties are infamous for "Meth" production, trafficking, and use. Sun orientation. Take note of your new home's orientation. Watching sunsets indoors from your new living room can result in a sweat even with the A/C blasting cold air. Plantings should be heavy, dense, and tall on the western face of your new structure. A mix of slow-growing Palms, Sea Grape trees and Ixora hedges work. If your house needs a new roof, consider replacing it with a white, rubberized roofing material called "TPO". Not all roof pitches will comport with its use, but a "shallow" pitch can. "TPO" is a commercial-grade material, that carries a 30-year warrantee. Now for some really good news: areas of Florida will experience recently lowered electrical rates! . __________________ Is it "Common Sense" isn't.