5 Climate-Proof Must-Knows for Buying on Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Dreaming of the serene Forgotten Coast? Sun, sand, and old-Florida charm make this region irresistible, but climate change is reshaping the coastal real estate market in ways every buyer needs to understand.
From rising seas to surging insurance rates, being informed now means you can invest wisely and enjoy your slice of paradise for decades to come.
1. Sea Level Surge–Price Dip, Buy Smart
Sea levels along Florida’s Big Bend, and by extension, the Forgotten Coast, are rising faster than the global average. At places like Cedar Key, rates have leapt from roughly 2.6 millimeters a year to over 16 millimeters in just a few short years. This creeping tide doesn’t just eat away at shorelines; it can also trim home values. In fact, homes in FEMA flood zones in Florida typically sell for 4-5% less, especially after major hurricanes bring flood risk into the spotlight. Buyers who factor elevation and floodplain status into their search stand to get the best value and avoid unpleasant surprises later.
2. Stronger Storms & Flooding Bring Bigger Bills
Hurricanes Michael and Irma were game-changers for the Forgotten Coast. Entire communities saw homes destroyed, dunes washed away, and new inlets carved overnight. In Port St. Joe alone, close to a thousand homes flooded, with dozens beyond repair. Storms like these not only drive up insurance premiums but also make resilient construction a non-negotiable. Look for homes with elevated foundations, impact-rated windows, and hurricane-proof roofing. They might cost more upfront, but save you massively over time.
3. Insurance Shock–The Hidden Cost of Paradise
Florida leads the nation in home insurance premiums, and coastal areas like the Forgotten Coast feel the pinch the most. Average premiums have skyrocketed from around $2,400 in 2021 to nearly $6,000 by 2023–almost triple the national average. In high-risk flood zones, many homeowners are even facing non-renewals or policies that are too costly to maintain. When you’re calculating what you can afford, remember: your mortgage is only half the picture. Insurance costs can make or break the dream of a coastal home.
4. Erosion and Habitat Loss Strip Away Nature’s Shield
The Forgotten Coast is famous for its untouched beauty, but those same natural defenses–dunes, marshes, and mangroves–are under siege. Rising saltwater levels kill coastal trees, and storm surges erode beaches faster each year. Without these protective buffers, flooding becomes more severe, and property damage risk grows. Choosing a home on land supported by healthy dunes or in areas with active shoreline reservation isn’t just about preserving the view–it’s about protecting your investment.
5. Market Shifts & the Rise of Climate Gentrification
Despite the risks, demand for Florida’s coast is still strong, but experts warn that coastal markets are heading for a correction. Analysts predict up to 18 million U.S. homes could lose 20–40% of their value over the next few years due to climate-driven insurance costs and mortgage pressures. Meanwhile, higher-elevation inland neighborhoods are seeing “climate gentrification”, as wealthier buyers retreat from risky zones, prices there climb. That means a smart buyer might look just a little inland for long-term equity growth.
Final Thought
The Forgotten Coast will always hold magic–its quiet charm, white sand beaches, and slower pace are timeless. But climate change is a reality buyers can’t afford to ignore. From storm-resistant construction to insurance planning, factoring climate resilience into your purchase today means your home and your investment can weather whatever tomorrow brings. Trust the real estate professionals at Coastal Realty Group to guide you in finding and settling down in the home of your dreams in the many stunning coastal Forgotten Coast of Florida neighborhoods today.