Saltwater canal access is one of the biggest draws in Palm Coast. A Palm Coast canal home also comes with items inland buyers never think about: seawalls, docks, flood zones and permits. Here is what to check before closing.
What Should I Check Before Buying a Palm Coast Canal Home? Quick Answer
Have the seawall and dock inspected, get a current survey showing the seawall, dock and any easements, confirm permits for docks, boat lifts and seawall repairs, read the seller’s flood disclosure, and get flood and homeowners insurance quotes early. Run a title and lien search, including city lien information from the City of Palm Coast, and order an owner’s title insurance policy.
Canal Home Checklist
- Seawall inspection: seawall replacement can be a major expense.
- Dock and boat lift: confirm condition and permits.
- Current survey: shows the seawall, dock, encroachments and easements.
- Flood: review the seller’s flood disclosure, the flood zone and any elevation certificate.
- Insurance: get flood and wind quotes during your inspection period.
- Liens and permits: check city liens and open permits.
Why Title Insurance Matters on Waterfront Lots
Waterfront lots can involve easements, prior seawall work and boundary questions. A title search and owner’s policy protect you from covered defects in the title. Related: Flagler County lien search.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for a Palm Coast seawall?
Typically the property owner. Confirm in your inspection and with the city.
Do I need a survey for a canal home?
It is strongly recommended to confirm the seawall, dock and boundaries.
Can you close a Palm Coast purchase remotely?
Yes. We close Flagler County transactions with mobile notaries, remote online notarization and e-recording.
Closing in Palm Coast?
Title Company of Florida handles title searches, title insurance and closings in Palm Coast. Sign with a mobile notary near you, by remote online notarization, or by mail, and we record electronically with the county.
Learn more about our Palm Coast title company services.
General information only, not legal or tax advice. County procedures, deadlines and websites can change; confirm with the office named. Title Company of Florida is a Florida licensed title agency (License #G324751).
Ask a Title Question
Send us your question or contract below and a closer will get back to you.
Our Family of Companies
- Homes for sale in St. Augustine and Nocatee with Tanya Cosmini, Broker/Owner
- Realty ONE Group Elevate, a full-service real estate brokerage with offices in Jacksonville and St. Augustine
- Rental Property Partners, property management in Jacksonville, St. Augustine, and Ponte Vedra
Affiliated business disclosure: Realty ONE Group Elevate is owned by Tanya Cosmini. Title Company of Florida is owned by her husband, Sam Gorniak, and Rental Property Partners is owned within the same family. Because of these family relationships, the owners may benefit when you use more than one of these companies. You are not required to use any of them and are free to choose other providers.