Living in Florida's Space Coast
Waterfront Realtor in Merritt Island, FL
Merritt Island is the largest concentration of waterfront housing in Brevard County. The Indian River runs the west side, the Banana River the east, and Sykes Creek and Newfound Harbor cut through the middle. Buying here is a different transaction from buying inland: the dock, the seawall, the flood zone and the bridge clearances between you and open water all become part of the purchase, and most of them are not on the listing sheet.
Bridge Clearance Is Not A Marketing Line
What Is Actually Documented
The route from the rivers to the Atlantic runs the Canaveral Barge Canal, about eight miles from the Intracoastal to the inlet with a project depth around eleven and a half feet, then the Canaveral Lock, which is free, takes twenty to thirty minutes and handles drafts to twelve feet.
The Bridges On That Route
The SR 3 bascule over the Barge Canal carries 21.6 feet of clearance closed and opens. The SR 401 bascules at the lock carry 25 feet closed and open on signal. The SR 528 bridge over Sykes Creek is a fixed span, currently around 15 feet at mean high water and being raised. The SR 520 bridge over the Indian River is fixed at 65 feet.
What That Means For You
A blanket claim of no fixed bridge or sailboat access is not supported for any Merritt Island neighborhood as a whole. It depends entirely on where your dock is and which way you go out. Trace the route yourself before you pay a premium for it.
The Four Waterfront Checks
The Seawall
Seawall replacement on a canal lot is a large number and it is rarely disclosed. Have it inspected specifically, not as part of a general home inspection.
The Dock Permit
Docks, seawalls and boat lifts go through Brevard County Planning and Development as a Residential Marine Construction permit, with a separate Natural Resources review for shoreline work and a survey less than 180 days old. If the listing photos show a dock, ask whether it was permitted.
The Flood Zone
Do not take the listing's word for it. Pull the parcel on FEMA's Flood Map Service Center and confirm with Brevard County Floodplain Administration at (321) 617-7340, which is the county's official repository for the flood maps. Brevard County flood zones explained.
The Elevation Certificate
Brevard County holds elevation certificates for structures in flood hazard areas permitted in roughly the last decade, and sometimes back to 1992. Pull it. An insurer quoting from the certificate rather than the zone alone often quotes differently.
Where The Waterfront Actually Is
South Of 520
Start with Newfound Harbor and South Merritt Island, where the narrow southern stretch produces river-to-river lots.
Central Island
Look at Diana Shores for canal front to Sykes Creek and Sykes Cove for newer construction on the creek.
North Island
See Indian Bay for a community boat ramp and Sunset Lakes for gated with an Indian River pier.
Widen The Search
The Whole Island
See Merritt Island.
Countywide Water
Browse waterfront homes across Brevard.
Across The Bridge
Compare Lansing Island and Tortoise Island on the barrier island.
What's Nearby
Let's Talk
Thirty minute call, no pressure. We start with the dock, the seawall and the route out, because that is where the money is.
Welcome to waterfront living in the desirable Loren Cove half-duplex! This well-maintained home blends comfort and convenience with a bright, open floor plan perfect for ...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1070548 MLS
An extraordinary Space Coast luxury estate, completely reimagined in 2023 with lavish modern upgrades, offering the perfect blend of sophistication and coastal living. Se...
- 5 Beds
- 6 Baths
- 1072105 MLS
WELCOME to Waterfront living on Florida's Space Coast! This beautifully furnished 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo in a gated community offers an exceptional opportunity to enjoy...
- 3 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1072077 MLS
Drastically Reduced for quick sale!! Welcome Home to this gorgeous 4/2 lakefront home, where modern design meets thoughtful upgrades. From the moment you arrive, the beau...
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1072001 MLS
Fully entitled 3.2-acre Banana Riverfront development opportunity--designed and approved for a 20-unit luxury condominium building, 10 townhomes, and a ±4,650 sq. ft. re...
- 1071877 MLS
Welcome Home! Step into this spacious and inviting 4-bedroom home with a loft, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage, nestled in the gated community of Parkside West. Perfect fo...
- 4 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1071847 MLS
WOW! Located within the gated waterfront community of Marina Isles, this Banana River townhome delivers over 2,500 square feet of living space, expansive balconies, and u...
- 3 Beds
- 3 Baths
- 1071259 MLS
Wake up to dolphins and manatees just outside your door. This direct canal-front first-floor 2BR/2BA at Jamaica Cove offers walk-out access from your screened patio to th...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1071709 MLS
Enjoy waterfront living from this airy 3-bedroom, 4-bath home in the gated 55+ community Bridgewater at Viera. A den/flex room with double doors and closet can easily ser...
- 4 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 1071697 MLS
Affordable waterfront living at its best! This 3rd floor, 2 bedroom 2 bath condo sits directly on the Indian River Lagoon in Castaway Cove. Imagine watching dolphins play...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1071072 MLS
Stunning River Views from your private large screened balcony to watch the Sunsets, Rocket Launches, Dolphin and Manatee. Lovely 2 bedroom 2 bath newly renovated Kitchen...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1071484 MLS
*72-Hour Kick-Out Clause in Place. Seller Is Accepting Backup Offers.* AFFORDABLE Oceanfront Condo Living in Satellite Beach!!! THE HOA FEE IS ONLY $563/month!!! And cove...
- 2 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 1071481 MLS
