If you want to buy property in Florida, one of the things you need to ask is if the land has wetlands on it. If there are wetlands on the property, then there is a potential that the area will be protected.
Wetlands play an important role in Florida’s environment. They help purify polluted water and replenish aquifers. They are habitats for many kinds of wildlife as well. As a homeowner, you may appreciate these benefits but still worry that having a wetland on your property will reduce its value.
Can you build on wetland property?
It is important to talk to the current owner and your attorney about what you can or cannot do on a property with wetlands. Sometimes, you cannot build on a property because of boundary lines and where the wetland is. If you do decide to build without clearing local regulations, you could end up having to restore the wetland to how it was prior to building and tear down your project. This is not only expensive but also time-consuming.
Will a wetland devalue a property?
Not necessarily, depending on what the property is used for and what you are allowed to do on the property. Wetlands themselves may hold their own perceived value thanks to the animals and environmental benefits they offer. This depends on the individual property, so before you turn away from a property with wetlands, you should consider having the property assessed.
What can you do to make the most out of a real estate purchase including a wetland?
Before you buy a property with a wetland, it’s smart to get in touch with your attorney to talk about which real estate laws may impact your purchase. Knowing more about the laws and regulations that impact your purchase is an important step, because you will be able to make an educated decision about buying, or not buying, a property that is made up of wetlands.
Whether you love the environment and nature or want to build beyond what the property has been designed for, your attorney can help you get a better understanding of what you can or cannot do.