Bev Murray Real Estate New Homes

Thinking about building your dream home in Florida? As a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist®, BHHS Luxury Collection Specialist, and one of the top 0.5% of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices agents nationwide, I’ve guided many clients through the process of buying land and building luxury homes in Sarasota, Venice, and Manatee County. With more than $400 million in real estate bought, sold, and built, I understand what it takes to move from a vacant lot to a finished residence.

Before you break ground, there are several essentials you should know. Florida’s unique climate, regulations, and waterfront opportunities make the building process different from anywhere else. From zoning rules and environmental surveys to flood insurance, construction costs, and builder selection, planning ahead helps you avoid costly surprises.

This guide walks through the most important factors to consider — with real-world examples, including my listing at 9045 Caloosa Dr, a two-acre canal-front property on the Myakka River that demonstrates what a well-prepared lot looks like.

How Zoning and Permits Work in Florida

Every lot in Florida comes with zoning rules that determine:

• What you can build

• How tall the structure can be

• How close you can build to property lines

Zoning also dictates whether the land is residential, agricultural, or mixed-use.

In Sarasota and Manatee counties, zoning varies widely between neighborhoods like Lakewood Ranch, Palmer Ranch, and barrier islands such as Siesta Key and Longboat Key. Before purchasing, check with the county planning office and review any neighborhood association restrictions.

This Myakka River lot is zoned RE1, with an active single-family permit already in place — meaning the groundwork has been completed for you.

Do You Need an Environmental Survey Before Building?

Florida’s natural beauty comes with environmental responsibilities. Wetland protection, tree surveys, and wildlife assessments can all affect your building plans. That’s why a professional environmental survey is an essential step before breaking ground.

In this case, the property comes with a clean environmental survey, removing one of the biggest uncertainties buyers often face.

How Flood Zones and Insurance Affect Building in Florida

Insurance is often the piece of the puzzle that catches buyers off guard. Between hurricanes, flood zones, and rising premiums statewide, it’s something you need to factor in early.

The biggest issues are tied to:

• Elevation

• Wind mitigation

• The age of key systems (like roofs) once the home is built

One Sarasota builder I collaborate with explains it this way: “Investing in elevation and hurricane-rated features upfront can save thousands in insurance premiums over the life of the home.”

The good news? Planning ahead makes a real difference. Choosing a lot that has already been elevated — like 9045 Caloosa Dr, raised to a 12-foot pad — puts you at an advantage. Building with Florida’s hurricane codes, impact windows, and wind-mitigation standards also helps control costs and improves resilience.

I always recommend connecting with an insurance broker early. They can run scenarios so you understand what premiums might look like for the location and home you’re planning.

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Luxury Home in Florida?

The cost to build a custom luxury home in Sarasota or Venice often begins around $500 per square foot and can exceed $1,000 per square foot, especially for waterfront residences with:

• Architectural complexity

• Imported materials

• Resort-style outdoor living spaces

Site preparation is another area where costs escalate quickly. Clearing land, importing fill, compacting soil, running utilities, and preparing driveways can represent a six-figure investment before the first wall goes up.

That’s why 9045 Caloosa Dr stands out. The seller has already invested in major site preparation, including a raised 12-foot pad, compacted soil, utilities, and drainage — improvements that save substantial money and shorten the build timeline.

Location and Lifestyle: How Surroundings Affect Long-Term Value

Beyond the physical lot, location is everything. Consider:

• Convenience to schools, shopping, and healthcare

• Lifestyle perks like boating, beaches, and parks

• Future resale value and how buyers will view the property

This Myakka River parcel strikes a great balance: serene and private, yet minutes from Wellen Park and future road expansion that will improve access to Gulf beaches. Waterfront canal access adds lifestyle appeal for both nature lovers and boating enthusiasts.

Waterfront vs. Inland: Which Florida Lot Is Right for You?

Waterfront lots command higher prices and unique lifestyle benefits, but they also require additional diligence. Considerations include:

• Shoreline permitting

• Seawall maintenance

• Stricter building codes

Inland properties may be simpler to develop, but they don’t deliver the same boating access or long-term resale value.

With this parcel, you’re getting canal frontage leading to the Myakka River — a rare opportunity combining natural privacy with boating convenience.

How to Choose the Right Builder for a Florida Home

The final piece of the puzzle is selecting a builder who understands Florida construction. Look for experience with:

• Hurricane-rated materials

• FEMA codes and flood elevation

• Local permitting processes

• Energy-efficient design for Florida’s climate

One client put it best: “Working with Bev was a five-star white glove experience from start to finish. Her professionalism, responsiveness, and market expertise cannot be beat.”

In Sarasota and Venice, I often connect clients with Murray Homes, Sarasota’s premier luxury waterfront builder. Their expertise in coastal construction ensures the finished home is both beautiful and durable.

An Example of a Ready-to-Build Florida Lot

Not all land is created equal. Many parcels require years of planning and costly improvements before you can begin.

9045 Caloosa Dr is different. From soil elevation and clean environmental reports to utilities and permitting, this lot is essentially ready to build.

For buyers dreaming of creating a Florida home, it offers the rare combination of natural beauty, thoughtful preparation, and long-term potential.

How My Experience Helps You Build With Confidence

One advantage I bring to clients is my close connection to the building side of real estate. Through my work with Murray Homes, Sarasota’s premier luxury waterfront builder, I’ve been directly involved in more than $400 million worth of real estate bought, sold, and built in this area.

I know the questions to ask — from zoning and flood elevation to utility access and soil stability. I also connect clients with trusted professionals to help avoid costly surprises.

When you look at a property like 9045 Caloosa Dr, I can help you envision not just the land itself, but the type of luxury residence that will thrive there — and what it will take to get from vision to reality.

Key Takeaways Before You Build in Florida

Building a home in Florida is exciting, but it comes with unique considerations you won’t face elsewhere. The essentials include:

• Checking zoning and permitting rules

• Ordering a professional environmental survey

• Factoring in flood zones and insurance costs

• Understanding the true cost of luxury construction

• Weighing location and lifestyle for long-term value

• Deciding between waterfront and inland property

• Partnering with an experienced Florida builder

If you’re considering buying land or building a custom home in Sarasota, Venice, or Manatee County, I’d be happy to guide you. Backed by the global reach of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and recognition as a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist®, I bring the experience, connections, and market insight to help you build with confidence.

Contact me today — or subscribe to my monthly newsletter for updates on Sarasota new construction and luxury property opportunities.

About Bev Murray

Bev Murray is a Broker-Associate with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Florida Realty and a Certified Luxury Home Marketing Specialist®. Ranked in the top 0.5% of more than 50,000 BHHS agents nationwide, Bev has been involved in over $400 million in real estate bought, sold, and built in Sarasota and Manatee County. Her close partnership with Murray Homes, Sarasota’s premier luxury waterfront builder, gives her clients unique insight into buying land, navigating zoning and flood regulations, and creating custom residences that thrive in Florida’s climate and lifestyle.

FAQs: Building a Home in Florida

What permits do I need to build a home in Florida?

In Florida, you’ll need a building permit from the county or city where your lot is located. Depending on the property, you may also need zoning approval, environmental clearance, and FEMA elevation certification.
Pro Tip: In Sarasota and Manatee counties, always check if the community has additional HOA or architectural review requirements.

Do I need an environmental survey before building?

Yes. An environmental survey identifies wetlands, protected trees, or wildlife habitats that could restrict your build. Skipping this step can delay your project or limit what you can build.
Contractor Insight: Local builders often recommend ordering a tree and soil stability survey at the same time to save time and money.

How much does it cost to build a custom home in Sarasota or Venice?

Luxury custom homes typically start at $500 per square foot and can exceed $1,000 per square foot, depending on design, finishes, and whether the home is waterfront.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget site preparation — fill dirt, utilities, and driveways can add six figures before vertical construction begins.

How do flood zones affect building in Florida?

Flood zones directly impact both design and insurance costs. Homes in lower zones may require elevation, special foundations, or hurricane-rated features. Insurance premiums are also higher in FEMA-designated flood zones.
Pro Tip: Lots already raised above base flood elevation — like my listing at 9045 Caloosa Dr — can save buyers both money and time.

Is it better to build on a waterfront lot or inland in Sarasota?

Waterfront property offers unmatched lifestyle and resale value but comes with stricter permitting, maintenance, and insurance considerations. Inland lots are usually simpler to build on and more affordable.
Pro Tip: If you’re considering waterfront, consult both a builder and marine contractor early to understand seawall or dock requirements.

How do I choose the right builder in Sarasota or Manatee County?

Look for builders with proven experience in Florida coastal construction — especially hurricane codes, drainage, and FEMA compliance.
Pro Tip: Ask for examples of past projects in Sarasota’s waterfront neighborhoods (Siesta Key, Longboat Key, Bird Key) to ensure your builder has the right local expertise.

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