The Out-of-State Buyer's Guide to the Florida Keys
Everything the listings don't tell you — written by a Keys-native broker for buyers shopping from 1,200 miles away.
What's inside
- Flood & windstorm insurance — how it actually works, and what it actually costs
- ROGO & permits — why Keys supply is capped and what that means for value
- Vacation-rental rules, city by city — before you count on rental income
- Taxes for non-residents — homestead, non-homestead caps, and closing costs
- Buying remotely — video tours, inspections, and closing without the flight
- The waterfront checklist — dockage, elevation, and seawall questions that decide the deal
Insurance, demystified
Buying a house in the Florida Keys means three policies where most states have one: homeowners, flood, and windstorm. The guide explains the FEMA zones, why elevation certificates move premiums by thousands, and how experienced buyers structure coverage — so the quote never ambushes the contract.
The rules that shape the market
The Rate of Growth Ordinance caps new building across the county, and each city writes its own short-term rental law. Ten minutes with this section and you'll read Keys listings differently — and know which "income potential" claims to trust.
Buying from 1,200 miles away
Most of AJ's buyers close before they've spent a full week in the Keys. The guide walks the remote playbook: live video tours, local inspectors worth hiring, insurance quoting in parallel, and mail-away closings that actually go smoothly.
Moving to the Florida Keys?
If this is a relocation rather than a second home, the guide's final section covers the full-time picture — schools, healthcare, hurricane season reality, and what monthly life costs beyond the mortgage.
Written by AJ Vetter — Keys native, top-1% Upper Keys agent, broker of Palm House Real Estate, Islamorada. Meet AJ →
About the guide
Is the guide really free?
Yes — instant download after the form. You'll also get a short email series walking through each chapter; unsubscribe anytime.
I’m just starting to look. Is this too early?
It's built for exactly this stage. The buyers who read it first tour smarter and negotiate better.
Will someone call me?
AJ personally reviews every download. If your timeframe says "just researching," you'll get useful email and nothing pushy. If you're active, expect a personal note within the hour during business hours.