Buying William Merchant Buying William Merchant

Florida Homes With Guest Houses: Zoning, Permits and Rental Restrictions

A guest house can be a valuable feature, but whether it is permitted, whether it can be rented and whether it counts for lending and insurance depend on local zoning, the permit record and the owner’s documents. In unincorporated St. Lucie County, the code sets specific limits on guest homes and their use. Here is what to confirm before you buy or build.

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Buying, Relocation William Merchant Buying, Relocation William Merchant

Buying a Home Near the Brightline Route: Noise, Crossings and Property Considerations

Brightline does not stop in St. Lucie or Martin County today, but train horns, grade crossings and quiet zones still matter to buyers who live near the tracks. Federal horn rules, local quiet-zone studies and the crossing inventory give you real facts to check. Here is what I could confirm, and what no source has yet measured.

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Buying William Merchant Buying William Merchant

Florida Property Taxes After Buying a Home: Why the Seller’s Tax Bill Can Be Misleading

The tax bill on a listing often reflects the seller’s capped assessment, not the price you will pay. In Florida, a sale can reset the assessed value to market value for the next tax year, and non-ad valorem charges sit on top of the millage. Here is how the reset works, with a hypothetical example and the sources behind each figure.

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