Coast 2 Coast Home Realty

The Florida Home Buyer's Guide

Everything you need to know about buying a home in Florida — financing, insurance, inspections, and the fine print unique to the Sunshine State.

Buying in Florida is different

From wind mitigation credits to CDD bonds to flood zones, Florida has rules most buyers never see coming. These 7 chapters walk you through each one so you close with confidence — and no surprises.

Financing Your Florida Home
Chapter 01

Financing Your Florida Home

Complete guide to Florida home loans — conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, and non-QM. Current 2026 rates, down payment requirements, and Florida down payment assistance programs.

Read chapter →
Primary Residence vs. Second Home
Chapter 02

Primary Residence vs. Second Home

Understand the differences between buying a primary residence and a second home in Florida — mortgage rates, down payments, taxes, homestead exemption, and insurance.

Read chapter →
Home Inspections by Age of Home
Chapter 03

Home Inspections by Age of Home

A complete guide to Florida home inspections — general, WDO, sewer scope, mold, and polybutylene checks. What inspections you need based on the age of the home.

Read chapter →
The 4-Point Inspection
Chapter 04

The 4-Point Inspection

What a Florida 4-point inspection covers, when it's required by insurance carriers, what causes failures, and how much it costs. Current 2026 carrier thresholds.

Read chapter →
Wind Mitigation Inspection
Chapter 05

Wind Mitigation Inspection

The Florida wind mitigation inspection can cut your homeowners insurance premium 25–45%. Learn what inspectors look for on the new OIR-B1-1802 form (April 2026 update).

Read chapter →
Homeowners & Flood Insurance
Chapter 06

Homeowners & Flood Insurance

Understanding Florida homeowners and flood insurance — 2026 costs by region, hurricane deductibles, Citizens Property Insurance rules, and NFIP vs. private flood options.

Read chapter →
CDD Bonds Explained
Chapter 07

CDD Bonds Explained

What Community Development District (CDD) bonds are, how they're paid, what they cover, and how to research them before buying a Florida home in a CDD community.

Read chapter →
Free Download

Free Florida Relocation Guide

Floor plans, schools, HOA fees, builder lineup, drive times to Sarasota & St. Pete, and every village inside Florida — emailed instantly.

  • ✓ Live MLS pricing & active inventory
  • ✓ School zones & ratings
  • ✓ HOA / CDD fees by village
  • ✓ A local agent introduction

We never sell your info. Unsubscribe anytime.