🏡 Building a New Home in Sarasota? 7 Things You Should Know First

Sarasota is one of Florida’s most sought-after places to call home—and for good reason. From world-famous beaches to vibrant arts and culture, it’s no surprise that more people are choosing to build new homes in Sarasota rather than buy resale.

But building a custom or semi-custom home along Florida’s Gulf Coast isn’t quite the same as it is in other parts of the country. With unique permitting processes, FEMA requirements, and coastal zoning considerations, there are a few key things you should know before you get started.

At Southtide, we’ve built custom homes across Sarasota and surrounding areas for over 20 years. If you're thinking about building new, here are the 7 most important things to keep in mind:

1. Not All Lots Are Created Equal

Before you fall in love with a location, make sure it’s buildable—especially near the coast. Sarasota has specific zoning rules, setback requirements, and environmental constraints that affect what you can build and where.

We always recommend a lot feasibility review before closing. Southtide offers free site consultations to help you understand:

• Lot lines and setbacks
• Drainage and soil conditions
• FEMA flood zones
• Utility access and elevation requirements

2. Understanding Sarasota’s FEMA 50% Rule

If you're rebuilding or replacing an existing structure, FEMA’s 50% rule may impact your plans. This regulation limits how much you can spend on improvements relative to your home’s market value if it's located in a designated flood zone.

We specialize in navigating the FEMA 50% rule and can help you design within budget while maximizing value and safety.

3. Permit Timelines Can Vary

Sarasota County and local municipalities require permits for nearly all construction activities. Depending on the location (Sarasota city vs. county, Siesta Key vs. Lakewood Ranch), the timeline for approval can vary from a few weeks to several months.

At Southtide, we handle:

• Zoning approvals
• Site development plans
• Structural engineering
• Coastal construction line approvals (if applicable)

We’re experienced in working efficiently with Sarasota County to keep your project on schedule.

4. Design with the Florida Climate in Mind

Building in Florida means balancing beauty and durability. Your home needs to be storm-resilient, energy-efficient, and able to handle humidity and salt air.

Southtide specializes in:

• Impact-rated windows and doors
• Elevated foundations and proper drainage
• Energy Star-rated HVAC and insulation systems
• Coastal-grade materials and finishes

Tip: Consider indoor-outdoor living spaces, shaded lanais, and open-concept plans to embrace the Sarasota lifestyle.

5. Not Every Builder Understands Coastal Code

Building a home near the coast requires a specific understanding of:

• Wind load requirements
• FEMA flood zone elevation standards
• Coastal Construction Control Line (CCCL) laws
• Environmental protection and mangrove setbacks

We’ve built custom homes on Siesta Key, Nokomis, Osprey, and Longboat Key, and we know exactly what it takes to meet code and exceed expectations.

6. Budget for More Than Just Construction

It’s easy to focus on square-foot costs, but soft costs like surveys, architectural fees, impact fees, and utility connections can add 10–20% to your total investment.

We’ll help you budget accurately by providing transparent estimates and comprehensive cost breakdowns from day one.

7. The Right Builder Makes All the Difference

When you choose Southtide, you’re not just getting a contractor—you’re getting a partner. We bring years of local expertise, permitting knowledge, design vision, and project management clarity to the table.

We’re here to:

• Guide you from concept to completion
• Ensure every decision supports your long-term goals
• Deliver a home that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last in Florida’s unique environment

📍 Ready to Build Your New Home in Sarasota?

Let’s make your dream home a reality. Whether you're starting with a vision or a vacant lot, Southtide is ready to bring your project to life—with the experience, integrity, and coastal know-how that Sarasota homeowners trust.

📞 Contact us to schedule your free new home consultation.
🔗 www.southtideconstruction.com/contact

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