The Florida Keys

The Florida Keys Today

Underwater, aerial and land based video shot over the 2010 Memorial Day Weekend in the Florida Keys.

Florida Keys Aerial Tour

Florida Keys A Bird's Eye View of Paradise (Aerial View) Call Team Mullins 305-304-5341

http://www.lowerkeys-homes.com Florida Keys A Bird's Eye View of Paradise from an aerial view in the sky. Let us take you to new heights as we explore the is...

Key West Snorkling

Key West Snorkeling With Sunset Watersports

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Key West Watersports

SUNSET WATER SPORTS Key West with Channel 7 Out and About South Florida

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Key West Tourism Guide

Key West, Florida - Destination Video - Travel Guide

Visit the Florida Keys Travel Guide - http://www.resortsandlodges.com/destinations/florida-keys-florida-united-states/

Key West and Lower Keys information

A great Overview Video about the Florida Keys

How to Set Up a Florida Vacation Home as a Rental

One of the best real estate deals nowadays is to own rental property. Is that really possible? Yes, however, it must be a certain type of property. The property should be a vacation property able to support short term

rentals throughout the year. In order to be effective at turning a second home into a vacation home, there are a series of considerations and steps that you will need to be aware of and undertake. These will be described in more detail below.

Legal Considerations
Most of what is stated below will deal with Florida and local laws. However, most vacation homes in other states will have similar rules that are applicable. The author's previous experience has been with short term rentals, for the most part.

Florida basically permits an individual or corporation to rent a dwelling, whether a condominium or home. In some cases, the local county where the property is located, will insist on an inspection of the property, however for the most part, this isn't the case. In the case of condominiums, often the condo association will handle some of those issues.

The major interest the state and county has is whether or not the owner of the property is collecting and paying sales tax on the rentals and remitting it on a regular basis. One other consideration: before trying to rent your property out, make sure that the local ordinances support short term rentals. One further consideration is that it might be advisable to set the property up as a corporation for both tax and legal protections. Consult an accountant or attorney for advice in this regard.

Sales Tax
Sales tax on short term rentals are applicable to hotel rooms, rental homes and condominiums for stays of less than 180 days. With declining local tax revenues throughout the country, states like Florida, are now more vigilant in their efforts to collect sales occupancy taxes. In Florida, sales taxes on short term stays are especially important because the "occupancy" sales tax is typically double the regular sales tax rate.

If a county has a sales tax rate of 6 % or so, one expects that the occupancy sales tax would be approximately 12 %. Obviously on a week long stay with rentals of $900 or so, the sales tax collected for the state would be approximately $90.

Licensing-- Any type of business activity must be licensed in the county where the business activity occurs. This is an occupational license. The fee for one may be anywhere from $75 and up. Sometimes in the case of a condominium, the condo association's license is all that is required. Second, you may have to apply for a state license for your rental property. This will of course, entail another fee. This is renewable every year. In certain case, the state may insist upon an inspection of the property before granting a license.

Rental contracts-- In line with the above, it's important to have a well written, short term rental contract that protects you as the property owner. It is worth one's time, expense and avoidance of future problems to have an attorney craft such a document
Safety Considerations - Most of the safety precaution are common sense, but it's important that the property conform to the letter of the law. Additionally, there are some safety considerations that will be applicable. A short term rental home must have a fire extinguisher and a working dead bolt lock for all entry doors. Typically, the home must also have a fire alarm and an emergency light that automatically illuminates, if power is lost. The home must be easily accessible or easy to exit in cases of an emergency. If the home is a condominium on an upper floor and there is a balcony attached to the property, there must also be a restraining fence to prevent someone from accidentally falling.

Billing/Payment-- Renting out a vacation property is a bit different from most other types of rental arrangements and business activities.
� It is such a short term transaction that it is important for the owner to obtain all payments well in advance of the rental period. If someone decides to rent your property and fails to pay in a timely manner and then cancels right before they were due to arrive, you'll not usually be able to replace the rental.

� If they pay by check and the check doesn't clear and the renter has already left, you might have a difficult time forcing him to make good on the rental and is certainly not worth the hassle. Insist on payment either by check (long in advance of the rental) or Paypal.
Insurance-- It is always vital to carry good insurance to protect against damage, weather disasters and liability in the case of accident.

Rental Season Profitability - In most case, if a vacation rental can accommodate virtually all seasons, such as the Keys, Tampa Bay area or South Florida, the total yearly rentals generated will be significantly greater on average, than properties that may only be rentable within a single season, such as a ski area or more northern lake properties. Typically, properties that have a year round rental attraction can usually show a profit within the first few years of ownership. This may be a major consideration when you are planning to purchase such a property.

Rentals Policy-- When you are setting up a rental property, you will need to decide if you are interested in longer term seasonal versus shorter term vacation rentals. Longer term rentals, one to three months, tend to be less profitable because rents will always be lower than a short term weekly rental.

Furniture, Equipment & Flooring-- In order to make a vacation property attractive, the furniture should be of a reasonably high quality to accommodate years of rental abuse. In the case of sofas, the material should be treated with a stain resistance compound. Instead, install a good ceramic or porcelain tile which is worth the expense to avoid future headaches.

Maintenance and Repairs-- Typically, the short term renter pays for the exit cleaning. Therefore, it will be of paramount importance to locate cleaning people to come in and change the linens and perform the basic cleaning after guests have departed. In line with the above, a potential vacation home owner will need to have a working relationship with local maintenance people that can unblock a sink, repair damage or fix any appliances, when necessary.

Economic Advantages of Living in a Warmer Climate

There are a number of health benefits to living in a warmer climate, according to research conducted by prestigious Standford University. What's more, there's more opportunity for people of all ages in places like southeast Florida.

WARM CLIMATE HEALTH ADVANTAGES

First and foremost, there's practically no risk of slipping and falling on ice. For seniors and those with limited mobility, that's a huge benefit. It's also advantageous to motorists because southeast Florida doesn't have freezing winters. So accidents from black ice help to keep insurance rates down. Then there's the matter of exercise and activity. In warmer climates, temperatures are moderate even during the winter months. And that means more months of being able to participate in a myriad of outdoor activities. What's more, warm climates are better for those who have arthritis.

Economic Advantages of Warm Climate Living
The health benefits of living in a warmer climate, there's also financial advantages. Southeast Florida, and the whole state is very business friendly.

Cold climates take their toll on a home. From damage caused by freezing pipes to frozen septic systems to wood rot, winter months are hard on homes.
Automobiles last longer in warmer climates. They also bring out the salt to keep roads safe.
In Florida, there's only a nominal sales tax. And corporations have many exemptions as well as other financial benefits.

Because so many people relocate to southeast Florida, new construction is ever-present. It also means not having to rehabilitate older homes to make them comfortable and energy efficient.

Not only are does living in southeast Florida have these benefits, it's also less expensive during the winter months. There's no need to buy snow tires and residents practically live for months with their windows open, letting mother nature provide coolair to the house.

What you need to know about Relocating from Great Britain to the Keys

Relocating to the Florida Keys from the United Kingdom is a dream of many. Enjoying the wonderfully warm climate and escaping those ever disappointing English summers that lead to long, cold winters is a beautiful thing.

Lower taxes, and more outdoor activities in the tropical island paradise certain sounds great, and is, for many expats living in the area. Going from British subject to U.S. citizen, however, doesn't come overnight. There are some things you'll have to do before and after you come across the pond.

What's great is there'll be new opportunities, and a plethora of things to see and do. Many Brits holiday in the Florida Keys and find it all too irresistible. Calling the Keys home will take more than a plane trip over the Atlantic, here's what you need to know.

Becoming a Permanent Resident of the Florida Keys

Most expats start with their passport, then move on to obtain a green card. This requires a valid employment opportunity or an immediate family member already residing in the USA. You'll be able to go through the naturalization process after living in the Keys for five years.

Banking Arrangements and Credit

Moving to the US means having to take your finances with you. This can be somewhat a difficult task, but with a little patience, it can be done. You'll have no credit history after you move to the Florida Keys, so you'll have to start building your credit file.

You'll also need to get a Social Security number, which can be obtained through the Social Security Administration. Apply for a retail store credit card, or an unsecured credit card to get the process going so you can build your credit history. This will be beneficial in a few years, allowing you to get better rates.

Removals

The best bet you'll have is to leave your household goods behind. These items are less expensive across the pond, and, it just adds to the stress and cost of relocating to the USA. For irreplaceables, hire a reputable removal organization.

Transportation

Of course, once you get to the Keys, you'll need to get around, and that will require you to purchase a car. You'll need to haggle with car salesman, and get your Florida driver's license, along with auto insurance. To get your Florida driver's license, you'll need to take an exam, and insurance can be found at a reasonable rate if you shop around.

Getting a Mortgage

Buying a home in the Florida Keys is best left in the hands of an experienced real estate agent who's familiar with helping expats relocate from the UK to the USA.

An internet connection is all you'll need to get started. From there, you'll have to speak with a mortgage broker or a US banking institution to get idea of what your budget will be.

You'll enjoy a less expensive cost of living, lower income taxes, and some of the finest weather anywhere in the Florida Keys.

LOWER KEYS MAIN OVERVIEW

For the real Estate buyer or investor, the Lower Keys start at Mile Marker 30 or Big Pine Key (home of the Key Deer, an endangered species, sort of a miniature Virginia White-Tail).   Key deer? 

You’ll immediately become aware of them because of the radically lowered speed limit the minute you cross from Bahia Honda and Spanish Harbor Keys onto Big Pine Key, imposed to make sure you don’t run one over.

Humor aside, you really have entered a different world once you cross over that huge seven mile gap of ocean from busy Marathon and the rest of the upper and middle Keys on the famous 7-Mile Bridge. 

You have arrived in a world that is more laid back, slower-paced, more isolated in most ways, and geographically shaped differently.

• Until now you’ve been driving along the mostly northeast-to-southwest spine of each narrow Key, ocean to your left, Florida Bay or the Gulf of Mexico to your right, with neither body of water more than a few hundred feet away (or much less), for almost 100 miles

• Now, beginning at Spanish Harbor, you head north and then due west, before resuming (at Cudjoe Key) the trek towards the southwest (direction: Key West) that you’ve been traveling ever since you left Key Largo.  (Ever wonder why it’s Key West and not Key South?)

• And something else is different!  We are now crossing Keys that run more north-south than east-west.  The actual ocean and gulf are now miles away, to our south or north,  while we cross mangrove forests, wetlands, and pine barrens.

• Check out a map:  the group of islands we call the Lower Keys are obviously different enough geographically from the Upper and Middle Keys (which run east-west, and end at Marathon) to have been considered by Colonial Spain as a different group of islands altogether.  They were administered from Cuba, not from St. Augustine like the rest of Florida.

• When Spain sold Florida to the United States it did not intend to include Key West and the Lower Keys; the young (then Lt.) Admiral-to-be Perry was sent in the USS Shark (true story) to enforce the USA’s claim to the contrary.  The rest is history.

This geography has implications today mainly in two ways:

First, the fabulous ecosystem of the Lower Keys backcountry provides – some claim, anyway –  richer opportunities for  boating and fishing, and certainly better kayaking and birding than any other portion of the Florida Keys from the Mainland to Key West.  Almost the entire area north of the Overseas Highway (US#1) is protected wild environment as part of either the National Key Deer Refuge or Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge.  And that makes this part of the Keys very special, from a homeowner’s or visitor’s perspective.

Second, this north-south orientation of the islands provides dozens of flow-through channels in the event of hurricane storm surges, helping to reduce the extent of water pressure and flood damage.  I’ve ridden out one category 3 hurricane in my friend’s house on Cudjoe Key, and while we had to deal with extensive flooding common to these great and rare storms, the damage was much less than it might have been if the storm surge water had been blocked and therefore tumbled whole houses in its path instead.

Big Pine “Metro”

The Lower Keys or what I’ll call “Big Pine metro”, includes the islands of Big Pine, Little Torch and Big Torch Key, Ramrod and Summerland, Cudjoe and Sugarloaf.  Each Island is unique in its environment and boating access, which does translate down to home prices.  More on that below.

When you enter the Lower Keys, you will see right away that it is much more laid back. Generally, the further you get away from Miami, the more the Bahamian feel.  And to some extent, particularly on Big Pine and its attached No Name Key, and a couple of other spots in the Lower Keys, that sensibility is well-preserved despite the rapid development of the very limited remaining land available for new building.  Parts of Sugarloaf preserve this same feel, and residents of the Torches and Ramrod would claim that too.  It’s less true on Cudjoe and Summerland, but they have other advantages.

A few other general reflections about this area, why it’s different, will help bring it into focus.

• Teddy Roosevelt started the national wildlife refuges here about 100 years ago, to save the birds; and the bird life is definitely a terrific part of the Lower Keys special ambience

• Looe Key is one of the best places to snorkel and dive in the whole Keys chain.  It wasn’t always so tranquil:  it got its name when a British ship of that name went down centuries ago, and it was long a principal cause of shipwrecks in this part of the Keys.  Today its main problem is the worldwide bleaching of coral reefs, happening here too (30% since the early 1990’s), but so far I don’t notice fish reduction.  Come enjoy it while you can!

• Fishing is outrageously good: backcountry including flyfishing for tarpon, or offshore in the Gulfstream or along the reef line, near American Shoal lighthouse, or any drifting weed line; or try barracuda from a kaya

• Key West in general: you can go to Fantasy Fest, for example, and go home afterwards.  Someday you’ll be able to go to Cuba with ease, since you’re only about 90 miles away!

• Biggest drawback, but hey, why did you come here in the first place?  There’s only one lane each direction, and getting off the rock to Miami can seem like it takes forever.  Fortunately the half hour to 45 minute drive to Key West traverses nice scenery, much of it slowly enough (45 mph) to enjoy it; but if you don’t slow down the police will ticket you.  

• Boating is different here:  water pretty shallow, big boats more rare than middle and upper keys, or Key West; forget sailboats in most areas.  We’ve tried to differentiate that for you island by island, see below, but as a general rule of thumb, you have to look harder for deep water access here than, say, in Marathon, Key West, or Oceanside Key Largo.

• There are exceptions to that rule, and they tend to cost more: Cudjoe Gardens, Summerland Key, one section of Big Pine along Pine Channel.  There are few deep natural channels between Gulf and Ocean near the more built-up areas which most bigger pleasure boats can use, but unlike most of Key Largo, at least they exist. 

Big Pine Key

Big Pine in particular is one of the largest and most interesting Islands in the Keys. It has a population just over 5000 and as of Sept 2005-there were homes starting at $340,000.  As you get closer to the water or buy a home on a canal, the prices rise accordingly.  But there are quite a few different developments, mostly of single family houses, and some are pricier than others.

Water depth affects prices, and some areas have about 15 inches and some have 3-4 feet.  Obviously this means you can have a certain kind of boat in some areas that won’t work in other areas.  It depends what you’re looking for.  The shallower areas have more direct and private access to a lot of the wilder and more pristine parts of the Island and adjacent backcountry.  They may also (but not reliably) be less expensive.

Until now, on the drive down the Keys from Miami, the housing areas were arrayed on either side of the road, gulfside/bayside or oceanside.  Here it’s different.  The 2-lane, 45 mph Overseas Highway (what a misnomer!) runs across the southern edge of Big Pine, through the restaurant and business area; most of the residential areas are situated several minutes drive to the north.  To some buyers that slow drive (30-35 mph speed limits, for the deer) is a price deterrent the farther north you go; to others the isolation means extra value.

Big Pine may be “remote,” caught as it is between the commercial centers of Marathon and Key West, but Big Pine does have it’s own major grocery store, post office and restaurants. It has some medical facilities, police and fire protection, and other basics of a “town It certainly has some interesting and unique retail shops, but in general it doesn’t have a lot of socalled unnecessary shopping.  In fact the residents of the other Keys mentioned above generally will go to either Marathon or Key West for both basic needs and discretionary shopping.  There is one big exception to that, on Saturday mornings, when it seems like everybody in the Lower Keys comes to the Big Pine Flea Market.

Nor does Big Pine have its own school system.  Monroe County’s elementary and middle schools for the Lower Keys are on Sugarloaf; for high school kids are bused to Key West. 

That’s this isolation feel like?  Not bad, actually.

• Recreation:  Boating, exploring, fishing.  Whether you are interested in offshore or backcounty, Big Pine offers quick and easy access to both venues.  Or walk along the nature trails that wind through Federal Refuge land of pine barrens and hardwood hammocks, and observe the miniature deer and bird life.  Or kayak any of a number of “trails” in the shallow water backcountry.  Or ride a bicycle along miles of safe roads and trails.  Or  snorkel or dive Looe Key, perhaps the best of the best when it comes to Florida’s coral reefs.  It’s 3 miles or so offshore, straight out Newfound Harbor Channel.

The Lower Keys are definitely getting away from it all.

• Employment:  If you live here, and are not retired, most likely you will work in either Key West or Marathon. Both of these towns are about a half hour to one hour drive at max from Big Pine, even at rush hour (an oxymoron for sure).

• Remember that “mile markers” in the Keys, which are the standard way of giving an address along the Overseas Highway, start at Key West and number 1.  Big Pine is mile marker 30 or 30 miles away---Marathon is mile marker 48.  Key Largo is 99.

• Local employment is fairly highly concentrated at this time, either tourist-related or construction.  The rest of the services sector is still pretty small.

But in conclusion, if you want to be near world-famous Key West but yet have a quiet neighborhood and homes that are more affordable, the Lower Keys could be the answer.  And if you really want to get away from even the sight of traffic on the Overseas Highway, Big Pine offers you that too.  

To see more general information see the links under Florida Keys.

The Rest of the Lower Keys

There are five islands or sets of islands, proceeding from Big Pine towards Key West, that account for most of the available real Estate in the Lower Keys.  Some of these islands contemplated getting together as a new municipality called Village of the Islands a few years ago. 

The referendum failed, partly because there was obviously insufficient commercial activity and commercially taxable property in the miniature downtowns of Summerland and Sugarloaf or anywhere else to support such a venture, and partly because most of the residents of these islands really do like their isolation and privacy, and didn’t like the idea of a another tier of municipal taxation. 

So they voted against incorporation.  Stay tuned; the issue is not dead, and eventual passage (which I consider unlikely) would definitely change what these islands are all about.

Here’s a brief thumbnail sketch of each of the islands that make up what I’m calling Big Pine metro.  Each one is quite different from the others, so here goes. 

 The Torches

The Torch Keys are located just west of Big Pine Key and are comprised of three separate islands know as Big, Middle, and Little Torch Key.   Little torch Key is the primary residential area with the majority of development nestled into the canal systems just south of the Overseas Highway on the ocean side. While there is some residential development on both Middle and Big torch Keys, these islands are largely protected by state and federal wetlands and hardwood hammocks.

Little Torch offers excelent boating access to both backcountry and offshore for both small and slightly larger boats. Some of the canals can be tricky to get out of, so it’s surprising to find that a number of residents here keep fairly large sailboats tucked behind their houses and in the wintertime the cool evening breezes and the sounds of the sailboat halyards lull nearby residents to sleep.

Despite its feel of an older neighborhood, with smaller canals, a little like some parts of Key Largo, Little Torch prices can be relatively higher, as they tend to reflect easy access to a deep water channel.

This is where you catch the 1920’s style deluxe motorboat to Little Palm Island to stay or for dinner.   It’s also a good place to rent a boat for exploring on your own.   

Ramrod Key

Continuing further south on the island chain you come to Ramrod Key. Ramrod is a very quiet and primarily residential island with pleasant neighborhood developments located both north and south of the highway. It is described by residents as being more "laid-back", more "keysey" than the islands found further down the chain. Ramrod is very familiar to the residents of the Lower Keys as it is home to the Cruz Animal clinic, an excelent veterinary hospital, and a popular local restaurant.  There’s also a dive shop with accommodations and a restaurant.

Boating control depths are typically 2-2 1/2 feet with good access to both offshore and back country boating and fishing.  Small boats are typical here.
Prices are a little lower here.

Summerland Key

Imagine flying your own plane to your island paradise home where you step onto your sports fisherman or cabin cruiser for a weekend of sun and fun. It's all possible here. Summerland is a mecca for large boat owners and private pilots.  It’s one of the few places in the whole country where you can have it both ways.

The island boasts unusually wide flow-through canals and a private air strip for local residents making it a perfect spot to park a Beechcraft and a 50 foot + boat. The majority of homes on Summerland are located on the Atlantic side of the Overseas Highway.

Although there is some price variation, homes here are generally very expensive; those on what’s called “open water” or the airstrip moreso

Summerland has a small downtown along US#1, with a good boutique grocery store, a couple of restaurants, real Estate offices, a bank, a wholesale fish shop, some healthcare offices, an office building, and some retail.

Cudjoe Key

There are a number of (perhaps apocryphal)stories of how Cudjoe got its unusual name.  Many Cudjoe streets are named after either famous or amazingly obscure pirates, which might include a Mr. Cudjoe.  Another story has the island described in 19^th century Key West scuttlebutt as the location of ”Cousin Joe’s” woodcutting and charcoal-making place, of which there were quite a few in the Lower Keys.

Whatever its history Cudjoe is a quiet and peaceful residential island surrounding its own bay, probably the best bay in the area for water sports.  The island’s fishhook appearance and bay are such distinctive features that they can be seen easily in satellite pictures.

Cudjoe Key provides a wide variety of housing ranging from ocean front executive homes to both Keys standard canal homes and some extraordinary ones, to the upscale gated mobile home park, Venture Out, on Cudjoe's eastern shore.  All waterfront properties on the island, including Venture Out, have become expensive.

Nearly all the homes are on the Atlantic side of the Overseas Highway. Boating access on Cudjoe is excelent , almost no matter where you reside. Boating drafts generally range from 2-4 feet, but some canals on the fishhook are narrow and have shallow entrances to Cudjoe Bay.  Eastside canals are also narrow and open onto shallow water. The more expensive Cudjoe Gardens housing area at the west end of the island has much bigger and deeper canals that will accommodate large boats.

Sugarloaf Key

Former home to the Sugarloaf Pineapple Plantation, Sugarloaf Key offers quite solitude to its residents. If you are looking for larger floorplans, more luxurious landscaping and privacy this is the Key for you. The majority of homes are located south of the Overseas Highway looking out onto the distinctive blue white waters of Upper and lower Sugarloaf Sounds. Large ocean front Estates rim the outside of the island facing out to the Atlantic.

Boating is excelent for shallow draft boats with quick access to the backcountry, but there is no access for large boats or sailboats.  The Sugarloaf backcountry is legendary for flats fishing.

If you are a pilot, Sugarloaf has a basic public airstrip you can fly into.   There’s a popular sky diving operation, and you’ll definitely see folks falling from the sky.  The houses along the airstrip get together at Christmas and the “Ho-Ho-Ho” and lights can be seen for miles.

Sugarloaf has a whimsical downtown, where you can also rent a kayak or a boat, buy essential supplies, and get a bite to eat. 

Properties here tend to be expensive, partly because the average lot sizes are roomier than those found on the other Keys.

In Conclusion

This part of the Keys, like every other, is truly unique.  We’ve tried to give you the flavor and an honest appraisal of what it’s like to live here. 

Properties have become very expensive but they’re still a bargain if you look at comparable waterfront properties across the United States.  This part of the Keys is certainly not for everybody, not anymore, but if you’re in that price range, you owe it to yourself to look at the Lower Keys seriously.  They offer a different package from the Upper Keys or Middle Keys, and yet again from Key West, with whose prices they are often comparable. 

Key West

Key West is both a place and a state of mind.  It lies about as far away as you can go in this USA, almost part of the tropics, some four hours and 150 miles south and west of Miami.  You cross a lot of bridges and spectacular blue and green water to get there, and when you get there you’re only 90 miles from Cuba. Cruise ships consider a stop at Key West part of their Caribbean itineraries!

It’s not a big place, and it is a place where real people live.  It has a year-round population of just over 26,000 and a median resident age of 39 years. Key West also includes the neighboring communities of Stock Island, where a lot of the remaining commercial fishing is based, and which used to be where Key West’s supplies were “stocked” in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries, and Key Haven, with wide canals and lots of pleasure boats.

Key West has been described in about a zillion travel guides and Web sites and the name used in countless movies as the place people want to finally get away to.  Having lived in Cudjoe Key (23 miles away) and selling real Estate in Key West, I have a good feel for the place.

The best way to describe Key West, is a vacation place. Meaning whenever you’re there, the ambience and atmosphere catches you up in it and you could well be somewhere in the Bahamas or the Caribbean.

Key West is also a state of mind.  You can watch sunsets from Mallory Square on the harbor, or from the bars and restaurants on the boat basins. You can shop or whatever on famous Duval Street.  Since nobody knows how to throw a party like Key West does, you can join in at Fantasy Fest (think Mardi Gras) at the end of October, and see for yourself.  This is, after all, Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville.  Whatever you imagine about Key West is probably true.

Or you can enjoy the reality of Key West’s other state of mind too – its wonderful diversity, history, and creativity.  Lots of writers, artists, artisans, and musicians have always called this state of mind/special place home, from Hemingway to the present day.   

There are also plenty of areas in Key West where the locals go besides Duval Street and the sunset bars.  In fact when you get off of Duval, you will find restaurants, art galleries, grocery stores and antique shops in the neighborhoods, and tree-lined little streets with lots of tropical foliage where people live.

So although you’re in one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, the neighborhoods here are quiet, lined with historical architecture and have a very comfy feel.  And the historic district is very compact. You can walk everywhere. 

Dining Out

These areas outside of Duval, in my opinion with the exception of the Atlantic side of Duval are where the good restaurants are. Places like Louie’s Backyard,  Blue Heaven, and Michaels to name a few are popular with the locals and the tourists who have visited here many times and have found them.  My neighbor on Cudjoe Key, a longtime Florida and Keys resident, says to add Café Sole, Mangia Mangia, and Antonia’s to that list.  (Café Sole is right across a quiet little street from what just might be the best Haitian art gallery in America.)  Well, truth is, everybody’s got their favorites when it comes to restaurants and the hidden gems you can find here.  Part of the fun is walking around and discovering them.

Outdoors Recreation

Key West has all kinds of options when it comes to playing outside: diving and fishing, sailing, lying on the beach, biking and visiting historical sites.  And you can go for boatrides on the harbor, ranging from sunset sailing schooners to fast speedboats that spin in circles.

Boats and rides tend leave from the harbor area or the boat basin(s), but there’s a number of other options too.

Transportation

Key West international airport offers flights to Florida cities like Miami, Ft Lauderdale and Orlando.  From there you can fly anywhere in the world.

There is a “flying boat” ferry connecting to Ft Myers (takes a few hours), and of course Cruise ships stop here as a layover point or destination.  There is no train from or to points north.

The balance of travel back to mainland Florida is by automobile or bus on US1, known as the Overseas Highway.

You haven’t lived until you’ve experienced rush hour in Key West – some people swear there is no such thing.  Not much, anyway.

Finally, within Key West there is little need for anything more than your own two feet.  But you can drive, and there’s decent parking on the periphery of downtown.  There are also some buses, and taxis, of both the four-wheeled and two-legged variety!  Every once in a while somebody comes up with the idea of using boat taxis to get from Point A to Point B, but this isn’t reliable.

Housing

Homes in Key west are expensive – less expensive in Stock Island and very expensive in Key Haven. As of Sept 2005, homes in Key West started at $385,000 but much higher prices are commonplace.  Some of the tiny historic-type homes carry price tags that surprise people, but then you have to remember that it’s a small island in high demand, and there’s not a lot of inventory. 

There’s much more inventory when it comes to condominiums, but even condos are getting very pricy.  Timeshares, allowing week-at-a-time purchases, have become more common too.

                           *       *       *       *       *

In conclusion, several visits to the Keys and in particular Key West made me sell my business in Oregon and move to the Keys. It is an adventure and personally, I made a decision that I wanted to be one of the people who went on vacation and didn’t leave

SUMMERLAND BEACH INFORMATIONAL VIDEO

All About Real Estate - Selling

If you want to sell your home, you are effectively doing real estate ñ selling. It is exciting but also scary to put your home on the market. Realtors can help you make that journey easier and accompany you through it. Here is how it works.

Once you decide on a realtor (and you can interview several before you make your choice) that person will come over and visit you in your home. This is because he wants to see the property you are putting on the market up close and personal. Before he comes, he will have done some price comparisons with homes similar to yours in the neighborhood so he can advise you on the price you want to put your home on the market for.

He will go over comparable homes in the area with you so that you can understand why he has arrived at a certain price for your home.

More importantly beforehand he will sit down with you and your family to get to know you and to determine what your goals are and what you see as being difficult with regard to the sale of your home. He will be able to answer the questions you bring up and you will be able to discuss with him all the concerns you have.

He will walk through the home with you, room by room and also make suggestions for possible improvements before you put the house up for sale. These could include getting rid of excess clutter (always the number one problem). Prospective buyers do not want to see personal items in your home. They want to be able to envisage their stuff there instead. So it is a good idea to remove all personal and family pictures and ornaments, etc. Also the fridge door should be empty of photos, drawings, timetables, notes, etc. Buyers would like a neat and tidy home without too many pieces of furniture, etc. Maybe the realtor will suggest you think about hiring a stager to do all that for you.

He might also suggest certain improvements in the place. He might suggest replacing that stained carpet with new hardwood or laminate floors because these floors sell better than carpeted floors. Or maybe some of the rooms could use a fresh coat of paint. These improvements usually do not cost an arm or a leg but make a huge different to the look and feel of the place.

He will ask you to sign an agreement with his brokers and yourselves that you have hired them to represent you in this house sale. Then you will both have to agree to a price. The realtor will then take some pictures and maybe even measure the rooms and the lot itself. He will put the house on the MLS so interested buyers can see it. Sometimes he will do open houses to get more interest in the property.

When a buyer is found and a price is agreed upon, the realtor will also handle the contract and take the deposit check.

Using the services of a realtor when selling your real estate makes a lot of sense.

A Beginner's Guide To Buying Your First Home

Are you ready to take the plunge into home ownership, but don't know where to begin? Do the thoughts of down payments and closing costs make your head spin? If so, you are in luck. This beginner's guide for first time home buyers will help you navigate the waters of home ownership.

Real Estate Contract

After you have found the piece of property that you want to purchase, you will need to write a legal binding contract. This is the form you will take to your lender when you apply for a home loan. There are several important things that must be included in a real estate contract.

You will need to include the sellers' names, the property address and your name at the top of the contract. You will also need to include a brief description of the property. If items are to be included in the sale, you will need to list them in the contract. For example, if the seller agrees to leave the appliances, you will need to notate each appliance that is to remain with the property.

In addition to the information above, you will need to disclose the amount of earnest money that is given to the seller or the seller's real estate agent. Earnest money is simply money that is used to secure the property until your loan is approved.

Finally, you will need to make the contract contingent on several factors. A contingency clause allows you to recover your earnest money if you cannot get approved for a home loan or if the house does not pass the inspections agreed upon.

Down Payments

The amount of money needed for a down payment depends on several factors. If you have bad credit or no credit, you may need to put down a larger down payment. If you have good credit or the house appraises for more than the contract price, you may be allowed to use some of the equity as a portion of your down payment.

Inspections

There are several inspections that should be done before the home loan closes. One such inspection is a termite inspection. A certified pest control company will come and inspect the property for termite damage. If any damage is found, the contract can be renegotiated or you can get your earnest money back. Other inspections may need to be done before the loan is approved. This can include a survey, an appraisal, an insulation inspection and a heating and cooling inspection.

Closing Costs

The amount of closing costs will vary from lender to lender. Things that are included in your closing costs are appraisals, surveys, inspections and lender fees. Some of these fees will be paid by the seller, others will be paid by the buyer. You will receive a settlement statement showing what each party will be responsible for at the time of closing.

Are you ready to dive into the real estate market after reading this article? You should now know everything you need to know about down payments, home inspections and closing costs. Refer back to this guide if you have questions during your search for the perfect first home.

Top 10 Beaches

Top 10 Beaches: Key West The Beach

There is always something or someone to check out while hanging on the beach in Key West.

Flying over Key West and the Keys

Flight over Key West, Bahia Honda Bridge and the Florida Keys

http://www.UltimateChase.com Watch as Mike and Andrea Theiss take a custom flight from Key West to the "Famous" Bahia Honda bridge and then back to Key West....

Key West Guided Tour

Key West Florida - Guided Tour

Come with me on a guided tour of Key West Florida. We'll stop by the local hot spots, beaches, hotels, and all the best this little island has to offer. Watc...

Florida Keys Recreation

Miles of oceanfront and Gulf front access await you in the Keys.
Recreational opportunities in the outdoors are the most important assets of the Keys.
The fishing and boating here is incredible-both in the Ocean and the back-country (the Gulf). There is something
to catch year round and our weather lets you do it. If you like the water, this is the place
Recreational Opportunities:
•  47 Marinas
•  13 Parks,
•  3 Golf Courses
•  10 Campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks
• 13 public Tennis Courts
• 18 Boat Ramps 
• To see a complete list of parks and recreational opportunities see
• the sites below

• Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary
• Key Deer National Wildlife Refuge
• Everglades National Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• John C. Pennekamp State Park
• Bahia Honda State Park
• Reef Relief
• Dolphin Research Center
• Florida Audubon Society
• Center for Coastal Ecosystem Health
• University of Miami: Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences
• Mote Marine Laboratory (Sarasota, Summerland Key)

Things to do outdoors:
• Fishing-saltwater, freshwater-Ocean, lakes and the Everglades
• Boating-Ocean, Gulf or Bay
• Diving
• Hiking
• Tennis
• Bike riding
• Birding
• Photography and Wildlife watching
• Kayaking—canoes-there are good rental locations and lots of places to launch.
• Air boating into the Everglades
• Windsurfing the flats

Other places to visit.
• Audubon House- original Audubon engravings (not Audubon's residence)
• Conch Tour Train-
• Curry Mansion Inn - 305 294-5349 511 Caroline Street, Key West FL 33040
• Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum - 305 294-1136, 907 Whitehead St., Key West FL
• Flagler's Station Historeum®-901 Caroline St., 1-305-295-3562.
• Haitian Art Co. - 305 296-8932, 600 Francis St., Key West FL 33040
• Heritage House Museum - 305 296-3573, 410 Caroline Street, Key West FL 33040
• Historic Seaport at Key West Bight.
• Key West Aquarium - 1 Whitehead St., Mallory Market
• Key West East Martello Museum - 305 296-3913, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.
• Key West Lighthouse Museum - 305 294-0012, 938 Whitehead Street
• Key West Museum of Art & History - 305 295-6616
• Custom House - 281 Front Street, Key West FL 33040
• Key West Shipwreck Historeum - 305 292-8990, 1 Whitehead Street
• Little White House Museum - 305 294-9911
• Wrecker's Museum - 322 Duval St., 294-9502. Built in 1829. This is Key West's oldest house.

State Parks in the Florida Keys
Key West's Ft. Zach beach and park-Ft. Zachary Taylor State Park, Key West.

Florida's true wealth is based on its abundance of wildlife, diverse natural communities and unique cultural heritage. The State Parks in the Florida Keys are each unique in their character and beauty.

Bahia Honda State Park - Big Pine Key, mile marker 36.

Bahia Honda has a natural environment found nowhere else in the continental United States. In the park you will find several biological communities: beach dune, coastal berm, mangrove forest, tropical hardwood hammock, and submerged marine habitats. These communities host many plant and animal species of the Carribbean including several rare and unusual plants. Bird life of Bahia Honda includes herons, roseate spoonbilles, egrets, sopreys, pelicans, and terns. Unlike most of the Florida Keys, Bahia Honda has a beautiful sandy beach along both the Atlantic Ocean and Florida Bay. Snorkeling, swimming, fishing, camping (80 sites), six bayside cabins, and access to two boat ramps, make Bahia an outstanding recreational opportunity.

Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park - Key Largo, located on C.R. 905 (1/4 mile north of Overseas Hwy).

This park, at 2,304 acres, is one of largest hardwood hammocks in the United States. It is home to 84 protected species of plants and animals, including the American crocodile. Nature lovers, bird watchers, and photographers can explore over 6 miles of trails, most of which are paved and accessible to both bicycles and wheelchairs.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park - Key West, end of Southard Street, in Truman Annex.

"Fort Zach", as the locals call it, was once surrounded by water and crucial to the defenses of the early United States. Today, historians, nature buffs, and beach-goers visit Key West's hometown state park. With it's pleasant manmade beach for swimming and snorkeling and shady picnic areas, Fort Taylor continues to be a favorite.

Indian Key State Historic Site - off Islamorada, mile marker 78.5, accessible only by private boat or charter boats available at nearby marinas.

This island was inhabited by Indians for several thousand years prior to the arrival of the Spanish. The wrecking and salvanging "industry" of the 1700s brought change and war to the mostly peaceful Indians. Jacob Housman bought the island in 1831, built a town, only to have it burned down in 1840 by the Seminoles during the Second Seminal War. A fascinating part of Florida's history and worth a visit if you have access to a boat.

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park - Key Largo, mile marker 102.5.

The first underwater state park in the United States, Pennekamp covers 70 nautical miles of coral reefs (a small portion of America's only living coral reef), seagrass beds, and mangrove swamps. The park offers swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, camping, fishing, and boat ramp access. Concessions at the park offer glassbottom boat tours, a snokeling tour, scuba lessons and tours, canoeing, moteorboat, and sailboat rental.

Lignumvitae Key State Botanical Site - off Islamorada, mile marker 78.5, accessible only by private boat or charter boats available at nearby marinas.This 280-acre island supports many trees native to tropical forests such as mastic, gumbo limbo, Jamaica dogwood, poisonwood, and lignumvitae. 1-hour guided walks are fiven at 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m., Thursday through Monday. The park is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Long Key State Recreational Area - Long Key, mile marker 67.5

Abundant in marine life and bird life, as well as tropical hammock trees Long Key visitors enjoy the area'a sun-drenched, subtropical waters, and two nature trails available.

San Pedro Underwater Archeological Preserve - Long Key.

The San Pedro was a 287-ton ship, part of the fleet of New Spain in 1733. Her remains were discoverd in 1960 under 18 feet of water in Hawk Channel near Indian Key. The underwater site has been enhanced with seven replica cannons, an anchor and an information plaque. To prevent anchor damage, tie up to mooring buoys located at the site.

Pro Sports
• A 2-3 hour drive to Miami:
• Florida Marlins
• 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 · 305-626-7400
• Miami Dolphins
• 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Pro Player Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL 33056 · 305-620-2578
• Miami Heat
• 601 Biscayne Blvd, American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL 33132-1801 · 786-777-432

FLORIDA KEYS -- Featuring vivid coral reefs teeming with exotic sea creatures, the Florida Keys offer a ready-made vacation paradise that attracts almost 800,000 snorkel and scuba aficionados each year who can't wait to get into the water and explore — even as first-timers.

Snorkeling requires a mask, snorkel, fins for propulsion and inflatable snorkeling vest to enjoy a day of underwater sightseeing. Professional snorkel charters provide (and rent) equipment and offer simple instruction. Add a T-shirt and sun block to protect exposed backs, waists and legs, and you're ready to go.

Spectacular reefs are a short boat ride from the islands, located in shallow water that's often just 10 to 15 feet deep.

How to Catch a Florida Keys Lobster - Lobster Season Florida Keys

Some favorite snorkel sites include the nation's first undersea park, Key Largo's John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, and nearby, the 9-foot-tall 4,000-pound bronze statue, "Christ of the Deep." The shrine stands on a concrete base in approximately 25 feet of water and is one of the most photographed underwater sites in the world.

At French Reef and Davis Reef, also in the Key Largo area, large groupers and moray eels cruise among the cliffs and canyons, gullies and archways at depths from 15 to 40 feet.

Off Islamorada, Alligator Reef boasts huge populations of yellowtail snapper, grunts, goatfish and damselfish, as well as a mini-wall where lobsters hide in crevices.

Among Marathon's notable patch reefs and spur-and-groove formations is Sombrero Reef, marked by a large lighted tower. You might see a pair of spotfin butterflyfish circle in their courting dance, French angelfish nip and peck at reef plants, a huge school of grunts slide back and forth in a gentle tidal surge or a stingray scour the sandy bottom for a snack.

The Lower Keys' Looe Key Reef is acclaimed as one of the most spectacular shallow-water undersea environs. Its great numbers of reef fish annually "host" a well attended, albeit unusual, event for snorkelers and divers — the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival.

Key West offers snorkelers nearby offshore wreck and artificial reef sites including the unique Stargazer project, created by Keys metal sculptor Ann Labriola. In 22 feet of water, the 200-foot-long creation is composed of 10 steel cutouts of star constellations, each weighing between 2,000 and 8,000 pounds. Each pattern is home to abundant marine life.

Snorkeling is the perfect family activity for Keys visitors seeking close, calm observation of the inhabitants of one of the world's most diverse, complex and beautiful ecosystems.

Florida Keys visitor information: fla-keys.com or 800-FLA-KEYS

FLORIDA KEYS — Family time in the Florida Keys means moms, dads, 'tweens and teens can bond during a variety of soft adventure learning vacations. Together, they can try new sports in the active-lifestyle destination, learning skills in as little as two days or embracing the ultimate experience on a weeklong adventure.

Learning to scuba dive is increasingly popular among families. The calm, clear waters surrounding the island chain, which parallels the continental United States' only living coral barrier reef, provide the perfect learning environment for parents and children — as well as a lifetime of diving fun, adventure and memories.

Kids as young as 10 years old can learn to be junior scuba divers. Scuba divers also can become underwater photographers, treasure hunters, marine biologists or even underwater archeologists.

Learning options range from introductory one-day courses through open-water certification classes with three to five days of training covering concepts such as basic physics and physiology, ocean waves, marine life and monitoring time and depth during a dive. That is followed by pool and open-water dives at the reef. Students learn about underwater coral and natural formations during an ocean dive, immersed in bright colors and a variety of reef fish and marine life.

Some of the first recreational dive training centers in America were opened in the Keys. Dozens of dive charter operations are staffed with working professionals who actively teach and train every day.

For information on dive training centers in the Florida Keys, visit fla-keys.com/diving.

Families also can learn or improve upon angling skills by teaming up with one of the region's professional fishing captains for a private learning charter or joining a group for a party-boat fishing experience.

Women in particular, from grandmas to pre-teens, can enjoy friendly mentoring during the annual Ladies, Let's Go Fishing! seminar and tournament. The hands-on weekend, dubbed the "no yelling school of fishing," introduces female anglers to offshore, inshore, bottom and fly-fishing tackle and techniques in a nonintimidating atmosphere.

Ladies train with fishing tackle and tools, practicing spincasting, throwing a cast net, tying knots, boat handling, backing a trailer and gaffing a grapefruit. One of the most popular experiences for new anglers is learning to reel against pressure — with an unsuspecting male playing the role of a hooked fish.

For information, visit ladiesletsgofishing.com.

Families can get underway and hoist the sails during sailing lessons, targeted to novice sailors who want to experience on-the-water training. Basic through advanced cruising, live-aboard cruises and charters are offered in the waters off the Keys.

Florida Keys Sailing, located in Marathon, offers training for a sailing license to charter or rent a sailboat. Classes range from day sailing trips (with lessons but no tests!) to three-day soup-to-nuts learning courses, after which sailors should be skilled enough to skipper a 24- to 30-foot boat.

Five- and seven-day bareboat cruising classes offer serious candidates the skills to captain and charter a 40- or 50-foot sailboat anywhere in the world, and be able to take the family out for a cruise. For information, visit sailfloridakeys.com.

At Islamorada's Florida Keys Sailing Academy, aficionados can train aboard the Cour Volant, a 2002 Jeanneau SO40 built in France. Sailing classes range from one-day mate classes to weekend cruising refresher courses and three-day basic keelboat classes that explore sail theory and safety at sea.

At the conclusion of the course, students can safely and comfortably take a 25- to 30-foot boat out day sailing. Also popular among "maiden" voyagers are the academy's classes taught by women for women. For information, visit learntosailfloridakeys.com.

For families with young adults age 18 and older, Marathon's Dolphin Research Center offers unique entry-level and career-focused courses to learn more about the marine mammals — perhaps the ultimate vacation experience.

Established in 1985, DolphinLab enables students of many ages to learn about dolphins in a unique natural setting of outdoor classrooms and 90,000 square feet of seawater lagoons, The experience gained appeals to individuals who aspire to be trainers or research scientists in the marine mammal field.

Each weeklong course offers hands-on activities, seminars and discussions with expert educators about marine mammal care, training, research and environmental issues. Basic DolphinLab is a seven-day class perfect for the supreme dolphin enthusiast. Adult-focused career classes are fully accredited through Florida Keys Community College, and participants earn college credits.

Younger students age 15-17 can enroll in a seven-day Teen DolphinLab or Dolphin Camps for ages 10-12 and 13-14, where students meet the resident dolphin population and observe their behavioral and physical characteristics as a way of learning respect for each individual. For more information, visit dolphins.org.

Florida Keys Visitor information: fla-keys.com or 800-FLA-KEYS

courtesy of

TEAM MULLINS
Fred Mullins, PA, Donna Mullins, Erin Biby
Coldwell Banker Schmitt Real Estate Company
1201 White Street, Suite 101
Key West, FL, 33040
305-745-9440
mullinsf@bellsouth.net