Frequently Asked Questions

The deadline to apply for the Homestead Exemption in Brevard County, Florida is March 1 each year. If you purchased a home in 2025, you’ll need to apply by March 1, 2026 to receive the exemption for that tax year. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person at BCPAO offices in Titusville, Viera, Palm Bay, or Melbourne. Missing the deadline could cost you hundreds in annual tax savings—so homeowners in Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, and across the Space Coast should file early to lock in their property tax benefits.

Viera is one of the most desirable places to live on Florida’s Space Coast. It offers A-rated schools, beautiful master-planned communities, and proximity to the beach, Orlando, and major employers like Lockheed Martin and SpaceX. Many people relocating to Florida choose Viera for its modern amenities, great weather, and family-friendly lifestyle just minutes from Melbourne and Cocoa Beach.

Builders in Catamaran Cove are offering generous incentives for new homebuyers — including $10,000 toward closing costs and FHA interest rates under 4% through preferred lenders. These incentives make it easier and more affordable for buyers relocating to Melbourne or Viera, Florida to purchase a brand-new home in one of Brevard County’s fastest-growing areas.

In communities like Catamaran Cove, total monthly payments often start in the low $2,000s, including taxes, insurance, and HOA. With Brevard County’s lower property tax rate (around 0.95%) and available builder concessions, many relocating buyers find that owning a new home in Viera costs less than renting in other Florida markets.

Yes. Homes built after 2016 are outperforming older ones due to lower insurance costs, stronger storm protection, and energy efficiency. Buyers see newer builds as safer and easier to insure, especially in coastal communities like Viera and Melbourne.

Absolutely! Waterfront homes on the Banana River, Sykes Creek, and Cocoa Beach canals remain highly desirable. Properties with docks, lifts, and screened pools are achieving some of the highest price-per-square-foot sales on the Space Coast.

Homes that are move-in ready with updated features, newer roofs, and modern finishes are selling the quickest. Buyers are drawn to turnkey homes that offer convenience, value, and minimal maintenance.

Riparian rights in Merritt Island refer to the legal privileges of property owners whose land borders navigable water—like the Indian River Lagoon or Banana River. These rights include access to the water, building docks, and maintaining an unobstructed view. However, they’re subject to Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) rules and Brevard County regulations that protect public navigation and marine habitats. Always verify your property’s riparian boundaries before adding docks or boat lifts.

Yes. In Cocoa Beach, all docks, lifts, and seawalls require review and approval by the Florida DEP, Brevard County Environmental Department, and in some areas, the City of Cocoa Beach Building Department. Because the region lies within manatee protection zones and aquatic preserves, dock size, lighting, and materials are regulated to prevent habitat damage. A local waterfront Realtor familiar with permitting—like Carrie Liotta, Realtor® with Boardwalk Realty—can help guide you through the process.

Yes. In Cocoa Beach, all docks, lifts, and seawalls require review and approval by the Florida DEP, Brevard County Environmental Department, and in some areas, the City of Cocoa Beach Building Department. Because the region lies within manatee protection zones and aquatic preserves, dock size, lighting, and materials are regulated to prevent habitat damage. A local waterfront Realtor familiar with permitting—like Carrie Liotta, Realtor® with Boardwalk Realty—can help guide you through the process.

In Florida, waterfront homeowners don’t own the water or the land beneath it. The State of Florida holds navigable waters and submerged lands “in trust” for public use under the Public Trust Doctrine. Homeowners have qualified riparian rights, meaning they can access and enjoy the water but cannot exclude others from it. This is especially true along the Indian River Lagoon and Intracoastal Waterway—two of Brevard County’s most desirable waterfront areas.

Yes! Merritt Island offers one of the shortest commutes to Kennedy Space Center, Blue Origin’s Exploration Park, and SpaceX’s Roberts Road site. North Merritt Island in particular provides quick access with less causeway traffic. Plus, the area offers coastal living, nature, and rocket launch views—ideal for aerospace professionals.

North Merritt Island is closest to KSC, with newer homes and easy access to Space Commerce Way. Other great options include Titusville for affordability, Cocoa for access to shopping, and Cocoa Beach if you want a beach lifestyle. I can help you compare commute times, flood zones, and housing inventory in each area.

I'm Carrie Liotta, a relocation expert serving Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, Viera, and Brevard County. Whether you're moving for a job at SpaceX or just want to live closer to the beach, I help buyers find homes that fit their lifestyle and commute. Join my email list or contact me to get started.

Diana Shores stands out for its deep-water canals, private docks, and direct boating access to Sykes Creek and the Banana River. Located in the heart of Merritt Island (ZIP 32953), it offers easy access to Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center, and Viera, making it perfect for those who love the Space Coast waterfront lifestyle. The area’s mature landscaping, quiet streets, and mid-century homes give it a charming coastal feel that’s hard to find elsewhere.

Absolutely. Many homes in Diana Shores sit on navigable canals leading directly to the Banana River and Indian River Lagoon, ideal for boating, kayaking, and fishing. Homeowners enjoy private docks, lifts, and water views, with no fixed bridges to limit boat size. It’s one of Merritt Island’s top boating neighborhoods and a favorite among residents who love spending time on the water.

Diana Shores is close to Kiwanis Island Park, Merritt Square Mall, and top-rated Brevard County schools. Residents can reach Cocoa Beach in under 15 minutes and Orlando International Airport in less than an hour. Dining, shopping, and local entertainment are just minutes away, and residents regularly enjoy rocket launch views from their backyards—making Diana Shores, Merritt Island FL the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and coastal living.

Absolutely! Villa De Palmas is one of Merritt Island’s most desirable waterfront communities, offering deep-water canal access to Sykes Creek, the Indian River, and Banana River. Many homes have private docks and lifts, perfect for boating, kayaking, and watching rocket launches right from your backyard. As a local waterfront Realtor, I help buyers compare canal depths, bridge clearances, and seawall conditions so they can find the best property for their lifestyle an

Villa De Palmas is centrally located in Merritt Island, FL, just south of SR 528 and minutes from Cocoa Beach, Port Canaveral, and the Kennedy Space Center. Residents enjoy easy access to beaches, shopping, restaurants, and launch-viewing spots while living in a peaceful, established community surrounded by the Ulumay Wildlife Sanctuary and scenic waterways.

This community blends classic Florida charm with modern coastal living. It has a voluntary HOA, meaning more flexibility for homeowners, and a friendly atmosphere often described as “The Village of Many Palms.” The deep-water canals, mid-century homes, and proximity to Sykes Cove make it ideal for families, boaters, and professionals relocating for SpaceX or Blue Origin.

Some of the top gated neighborhoods in Merritt Island include Island Pointe, Preserve Pointe, Indian Bay, Island Forest Preserve, and Osprey Village at Cedar Creek. Each offers a blend of privacy, luxury, and convenience — many with waterfront access, private docks, pools, and fitness centers. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly neighborhood or a 55+ active adult community, Merritt Island has options to fit every lifestyle.

Yes! Merritt Island is known for its waterfront gated communities along the Banana River and Indian River Lagoon. Neighborhoods like Island Pointe, River Fly-In, Island Cove, and Bridgewater offer direct water access, stunning views, and resort-style amenities. These communities are ideal for boaters, waterfront enthusiasts, and those seeking a coastal lifestyle close to Cocoa Beach and Kennedy Space Center.

The easiest way is to work with a local Merritt Island Realtor who specializes in gated and waterfront homes. I provide custom searches, private tours, and neighborhood insights to help buyers find the right fit — from new construction to luxury condos. Contact Carrie Liotta, Space Coast Realtor, to explore gated homes across Merritt Island, Cocoa Beach, and Brevard County today.

We sell a variety of properties including single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and multi-family properties.

Our commission rate varies depending on the property and the specifics of the sale. Please contact us for more information.