Every week, I talk to aerospace professionals relocating to the Space Coast who are about to make expensive mistakes. Not because they're uninformed—but because Florida real estate has unique challenges that catch out-of-state buyers off guard.
Here are the five most costly mistakes I see, and how to avoid them.
This is the biggest mistake I see. Buyers fall in love with a home, make an offer, then discover insurance will cost $8,000-$15,000 per year—sometimes making the home unaffordable.
Why it happens: Florida's insurance market has been in crisis. Several major carriers have left the state, and premiums have doubled or tripled for some properties. Factors that increase costs:
The fix: Before making an offer, get insurance quotes. A good agent (like me) will connect you with insurance brokers who can provide estimates based on the property address. Know your insurance cost before you commit.
Many buyers don't realize that flood insurance is separate from homeowner's insurance—and it's required if you have a mortgage on a property in a FEMA-designated flood zone.
The cost: $500-$3,000+ per year, depending on zone, elevation, and coverage amount.
What catches people:
The fix: Check the FEMA flood map for any property you're considering. Look at the elevation certificate. Understand the difference between Zone X (minimal risk), Zone AE (high risk), and Zone VE (coastal high hazard).
After the Surfside tragedy in 2021, Florida passed new laws requiring condo associations to maintain adequate reserves and conduct structural inspections. This is good for safety—but it's causing massive special assessments at some older buildings.
Real examples I've seen:
The fix: Before buying any condo, especially buildings over 20 years old, request:
A well-run building with healthy reserves is worth paying more for than a "deal" with hidden liabilities.
The Space Coast isn't like driving in a major metro—but distances are deceiving. Brevard County is 72 miles long, and commute times vary dramatically.
Common misconception: "Melbourne is close to Kennedy Space Center."
Reality: Melbourne to KSC is 35-45 minutes in normal traffic, longer during launches or rush hour.
Actual commute times to KSC:
The fix: Drive the commute during work hours before deciding on a location. Consider that launch days bring extra traffic, and A1A (the beachside road) can be slow during tourist season.
Waterfront homes are a major draw on the Space Coast—but seawalls are a major expense that buyers often overlook.
The reality:
The fix: For any waterfront property, get a seawall inspection from a marine contractor. Know the age, condition, and estimated remaining life. Factor replacement cost into your purchase decision.
Out-of-state agents, online-only services, and discount brokerages don't know these local issues. They can't tell you which condo buildings have assessment problems, which streets flood even outside flood zones, or which insurance agents can find coverage when others can't.
I specialize in helping aerospace relocators avoid these exact mistakes. Schedule a free consultation and let's make sure your Space Coast home purchase goes smoothly.
Alyssa Mills-Berry is a Space Coast relocation specialist who has helped hundreds of aerospace professionals navigate Florida's unique real estate challenges.