The Most Valuable Land Buying Checklist FOR Florida

THE MOST
VALUABLE
LAND
BUYING
CHECKLIST
FOR
FLORIDA
INSIDER SECRETS TO HELP
MAKE YOUR NEXT FLORIDA
LAND PURCHASE A SUCCESS!
WWW.COMPASSLANDUSA.COM
/ COMPASS LAND USA /
2020, Compass Land USA
All Rights Reserved. No part of this book or site may be reproduced or

redistributed in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means,
including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in
writing from Compass Land USA, except by a reviewer who may quote brief
passages in a review.
Compass Land USA
6659 Schaefer Road Suite 1004, Dearborn MI 48126
WWW.COMPASSLANDUSA.COM
CHECK WHO
1 OWNS THE
PROPERTY
Yes, I know this is obvious.
But, unfortunately, there are some bad people out there who will try to
scam you, and you need to protect yourself! This is the most important
part of the checklist!
You need to know that the seller actually has the rights to sell you the
property in it's entirety.
HOW CAN YOU CHECK THIS?

You can easily check this yourself - for FREE!
You will need the county that the land is in, and the parcel number (APN).
1. Find the Assessor's webpage for the County.
2. Access the Assessor's online database.
3. Search using the property's APN.
4. Check out the results for your APN.
5. Find out who the current property owner is.
PRO TIP: If the County you are searching does not have an online
database, give the County Assessor's Office a call!
/ Compass Land USA / 1. Check Who Owns the Property

3
CHECK FOR
2 DELINQUENT
BACK TAXES
This is definitely a question you want to ask when buying land, one of the
most important ones.
That is because you could be buying a Florida property that has hundreds
or even thousands of dollars of property taxes owing, and as the new
owner you would be responsible for these debts.

1. Find the Treasurer's webpage for the County.
2. Access the Treasurer's online database.
4. Check out the results for your APN.
5. View Property Tax History and make sure taxes aren't outstanding.
PRO TIP: Call the Treasurer’s office to get the most current information on
taxes and debts owing.
/ Compass Land USA / 2. Check for Delinquent Back Taxes

4
UNDERSTAND
3 THE PROPERTY
USES
Land can only be used for certain purposes based on 3 levels of rules:
- County zoning
- City bylaws
- HOA-level restrictions
To make sure you can camp, RV, or build on your land, you need to
check the zoning and building codes with several County offices.

4. View the Land Use Code or Zoning fields.
5. Call the County Building Department to see what uses your property is
eligible for. They will tell you if you need to speak with the City.
PRO TIP: The internal office naming may be different by County. In some
Counties, buildings and property uses is handled by Planning and Zoning.
/ Compass Land USA / 3. Understand the Property Uses

5
CHECK FOR
4 LEGAL
ACCESS
Some properties are only reached by a county easement or an
unofficial (privately owned) trail. This problem isn't common for most
Florida properties, but you still need to confirm!
These properties still have value for people who want more privacy and
don’t mind that they have to get to their property by an off-road vehicle
or horseback, but that's not for everyone!

1. Find the County's GIS webpage.
2. Accept the disclaimer to use the GIS system.
4. Turn on the GIS map layers for Roads.
5. Double check in Google Maps.
/ Compass Land USA / 4. Check for Legal Access

6
CHECK
5 FOR
UTILITIES
Utilities are common, but not a given with residential Florida lots. It's
certainly not a given for larger and agricultural plots out of the cities.
It can be expensive to have utilities brought in, and a lot of Florida

Counties don't approve alternative power sources. Make sure you
know what to expect!

1. Search for the County's power provider.
2. Call the power provider (don't be afraid to leave a voicemail!).
3. Search for the County's Building Department.
4. Call the County's Building Department.
5. Ask if there are water or sewer lines to the property.
6. If not, ask if well and septic is allowed, and the rules to follow.
/ Compass Land USA / 5. Check for Utilities

7
CHECK
6 FOR HOA
OR POA
Home Owners Associations and Property Owners Associations are
common in Florida. HOAs and POAs are important to consider during
your land search because there could be dues outstanding that you are
not aware of, or the yearly dues could be higher than you can afford.
And sometimes, the HOA/POA restrictions may not allow you to use the
property as you want.

4. Identify the subdivision name in the Legal Description.
5. Search in Google "subdivision name HOA".
6. If that doesn't give any results, find neighboring listings on Zillow to
see if they mention an HOA, or call a realtor listing a neighboring
property and ask them.
7. Call the HOA and ask if there are any outstanding dues, and for a copy
of restrictions.
/ Compass Land USA / 6. Check for HOA or POA

8
CHECK THE
7 PROPERTY
FLOOD ZONE
Flood zones are quite common in Florida, because the state is so close
to sea level.
If your property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), you are required
to purchase Flood Insurance. SFHA include zones: A, AE, AH, AO, AR, V,
A99, and VE. For all other zones, Flood Insurance is recommended - check
with your insurance company to make sure it's not required!

4. Find the Flood Zone field and see the Flood Zone type.
5. Click here to see the definition FEMA Flood Zone designations.
PRO TIP: You can also activate the Flood Zone layer in the County's GIS
map and see if the property falls into any of the zones.
/ Compass Land USA / 7. Check the Property Flood Zone

9
CHECK IF
8 PROPERTY IS IN
WETLANDS
Wetlands in Florida filter and clean the water we drink, and provide a
healthy habitat for wildlife. Sounds great, but it can be a big pain for you
if you want to build on the property.
If building on wetlands, you'll have to watch out for damaging existing

wells. This will require a special permit from the County. You will
constantly be fighting with water on a wetlands property - be
prepared!

You will need the property address or center coordinates.
1. Click here to access the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wetlands
Inventory map.
2. Click on the Wetlands Mapper at the bottom left-hand corner of the
page.
3. Accept the disclaimer.
4. Find Location using the property's address or center coordinates.
5. Use the Legend to see if any of the property falls into a wetlands.
/ Compass Land USA / 8. Check If Property Is In Wetlands

10
CHECK FOR
9 SCRUB JAY
ZONES
The Florida scrub jay is found only in Florida scrub habitat, an ecosystem
that exists only in central Florida and has plenty of nutrient-poor soil
suffers the occasional drought, and has frequent wildfires.
The scrub jay is a threatened species, which means you will need extra
permits before improving or building on your property. You should
also know that not every Florida County has scrub jays.

1. Find the County's GIS webpage.
2. Accept the disclaimer to use the GIS system.
4. Turn on the GIS map layers for Scrub Jays.
5. If you don't see a Scrub Jay layer, you can try calling the County's
Planning and Building Department.
/ Compass Land USA / 9. Check for Scrub Jay Zones

11
BONUS
QUESTIONS
Now you know the 9 most important items on your checklist when
buying Florida land.
Here are some bonus questions for you to ask the seller depending on the
type of investment you're looking to make.
QUESTIONS FOR IMMEDIATE PROPERTY USE

Like new home, vacation home, hunting base, tiny home, ranch, 5th-wheel,
and other recreational uses.
What is the slope and elevation of the property?

Is there an HOA or POA? How much are their annual fees?
Is there a time limit to build?
Are there any neighbors?
QUESTIONS FOR INVESTMENT

Like subdividing, buy-and-hold, portfolio diversity, or future developments.
Is the land suitable for harvesting timber or minerals?

Is there a time limit to build?
What are the annual property taxes?
Can I legally subdivide the property?
Are there any environmental concerns for development?
What are the closest public lands?
/ Compass Land USA / Bonus Questions

12
FINAL
THOUGHTS
Buying Florida land is a big deal!
Know what questions and items you need to check is the biggest thing
you can do to make your next Florida land purchase a success.
(And help save you thousands of dollars on land you don't want!)
We've been using this checklist for our own Florida land purchases for a
long time. Next time you go check out Florida land, take this checklist
with you.
You can use it for all your future Florida land investments to make sure
you get the information you need to protect yourself and make the
right decision.
If you're looking for affordable Florida land (with owner financing

options!) you can check out our current listings page here.
If you have any questions about this checklist or how to complete any of
the items, let me know! I would love to hear from you!
I hope you found this helpful!
Felicia, Co-owner of Compass Land USA

www.compasslandusa.com
[email protected]
(313) 349-0434
/ Compass Land USA / Final Thoughts

13

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What are the 9 most important items to check when buying Florida land?

What are the 9 most important items to check when buying Florida land?

What additional questions could be asked depending on the intended use of the property?

What additional questions could be asked depending on the intended use of the property?

THE MOST

2020, Compass Land USA

All Rights Reserved. No part of this book or site may be reproduced or

HOW CAN YOU CHECK THIS?

1. Find the Assessor's webpage for the County.

2. Access the Assessor's online database.

3. Search using the property's APN.

4. Check out the results for your APN.

5. Find out who the current property owner is.

/ Compass Land USA / 1. Check Who Owns the Property

HOW CAN YOU CHECK THIS?

1. Find the Treasurer's webpage for the County.

2. Access the Treasurer's online database.

3. Search using the property's APN.

4. Check out the results for your APN.

/ Compass Land USA / 2. Check for Delinquent Back Taxes

HOW CAN YOU CHECK THIS?

1. Find the Assessor's webpage for the County.

2. Access the Assessor's online database.

3. Search using the property's APN.

4. View the Land Use Code or Zoning fields.

/ Compass Land USA / 3. Understand the Property Uses

HOW CAN YOU CHECK THIS?

1. Find the County's GIS webpage.

2. Accept the disclaimer to use the GIS system.

3. Search using the property's APN.

4. Turn on the GIS map layers for Roads.

5. Double check in Google Maps.

/ Compass Land USA / 4. Check for Legal Access

It can be expensive to have utilities brought in, and a lot of Florida

HOW CAN YOU CHECK THIS?

1. Search for the County's power provider.

2. Call the power provider (don't be afraid to leave a voicemail!).

3. Search for the County's Building Department.

4. Call the County's Building Department.

5. Ask if there are water or sewer lines to the property.

/ Compass Land USA / 5. Check for Utilities

HOW CAN YOU CHECK THIS?

1. Find the Assessor's webpage for the County.

2. Access the Assessor's online database.

3. Search using the property's APN.

4. Identify the subdivision name in the Legal Description.

5. Search in Google "subdivision name HOA".

6. If that doesn't give any results, find neighboring listings on Zillow to

see if they mention an HOA, or call a realtor listing a neighboring

property and ask them.

/ Compass Land USA / 6. Check for HOA or POA

HOW CAN YOU CHECK THIS?

1. Find the Assessor's webpage for the County.

2. Access the Assessor's online database.

3. Search using the property's APN.

5. Click here to see the definition FEMA Flood Zone designations.

/ Compass Land USA / 7. Check the Property Flood Zone

If building on wetlands, you'll have to watch out for damaging existing