Facebook
X
Pinterest
Copy Link
5 Easy Ways to Lower Your Utility Bills in the Florida Keys
Simple tips to save money and stay cool in paradise
Living in the Florida Keys is a dream—but let’s be real, utility costs can add up fast, especially in the heat of summer. Between keeping your home cool, the water running, and the Wi-Fi streaming, it’s smart to find ways to trim those bills without sacrificing comfort. Here are five simple ideas that can help you keep more money in your pocket each month.
1. Use Ceiling Fans (and Raise the Thermostat Just a Bit)
Ceiling fans use way less electricity than air conditioning and can make a big difference in how cool a room feels. Try setting your thermostat around 78°F and using fans to circulate the air. You’ll stay comfortable and save on energy. Bonus tip: Make sure fans are turning counterclockwise in the summer to push air down.
2. Install a Smart Thermostat
A smart thermostat learns your habits and adjusts your A/C accordingly. Some models even let you control the temperature from your phone. In a place like the Keys where A/C use is nearly year-round, this can be a game changer for your electric bill.
3. Be Water-Wise (and Sewer-Wise!)
Water is a precious (and pricey) resource down here. Fix any leaks, install low-flow showerheads and toilets, and only run your dishwasher or laundry when full. Keeping water usage low helps both your water and sewer bills—which can get high in the Keys.
4. Shop Around for Internet and Cell Providers
You may have more choices than you think! Prices and packages for internet, TV, and cell service can vary by island and by company. Every few months, check what’s available in your area—sometimes switching providers or bundling services can save you a nice chunk of change.
5. Get Cozy with Solar (Even in Small Ways)
You don’t need a whole roof of solar panels to start saving. Solar-powered outdoor lights, solar water heaters, or even portable chargers for your devices can reduce your electricity use bit by bit. In a sunny place like the Keys, every ray helps.
Small Changes = Big Savings
You don’t have to overhaul your whole home to see results. Making just a few small changes can help lower your bills and reduce your environmental impact too. Living in paradise doesn’t have to come with sky-high utility costs—just a little strategy and a few smart swaps.
🌴 Just Listed in the Keys – June Real Estate Roundup! 🏡
If you’ve been daydreaming about owning a piece of paradise, you might want to pay attention to what’s happening in the Florida Keys right now. New listings are popping up, and prices seem to be softening a bit—finally! That little shift means there could be some great deals out there, whether you’re looking for a full-time home, a weekend getaway, or an investment property.
And speaking of great opportunities… I’ve got a property spotlight you won’t want to miss:
🔥 Upper Keys Duplex with Seller Financing!
This charming recently renovated duplex just hit the market in the Upper Keys—and get this: SELLER FINANCING is available! That’s a huge win for buyers looking to make a smart move without jumping through all the usual mortgage hoops.
Here’s the scoop:
-
Newer metal roof ✔️
-
Each unit has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom
-
Spacious bedrooms and cozy screened-in porches
-
One unit is already rented at $2,500/month
-
The other is freshly painted and move-in ready!
It’s a perfect setup: live in one side and rent out the other, or rent both for solid income potential. And the location? You’re just 90 minutes from Miami and two hours from the heart of Key West. It’s the ideal spot to enjoy the laid-back Keys lifestyle while still being close to everything.
Important note: Please do not disturb the tenants or walk the property without an appointment.
If you’ve been waiting for the right property to come along, this might just be the one! And if you’re curious about what else is out there, I’m always happy to send over the latest listings or chat about what’s happening in the market.
Let’s find your slice of the Keys! Click here to see the newest listings
Listing information provided courtesy of Jeannine Cook, Rook Realty
Understanding Some Tricky Real Estate Terms in the Florida Keys
Buying or selling a home in the Florida Keys comes with its own language. Locals and real estate pros throw around terms like “below flood,” “pre-FIRM,” and “legal non-conforming” like everyone knows what they mean — but let’s be honest, they can be confusing if you’re not in the business. So let’s break them down in plain English:
“Below Flood”
This one pops up a lot in older homes. When we say a property is “below flood,” we’re usually talking about the lowest living level being below the Base Flood Elevation (BFE). That’s the height FEMA says floodwaters might reach during a major storm.
So if a home’s downstairs living area is below that line, it’s considered “below flood.” This matters because it can affect insurance rates and how the home can be used in the future. Many homes built before floodplain regulations were established still have these lower levels — sometimes used as living space, even if they technically shouldn’t be.
“Pre-FIRM”
This stands for Pre-Flood Insurance Rate Map. In the Keys, that typically means the home was built before the first official flood maps were issued — usually before 1975.
Why does that matter? Homes built pre-FIRM weren’t required to meet today’s stricter elevation and construction rules. That can impact flood insurance costs and how FEMA views the property. Some pre-FIRM homes have been “grandfathered in,” but buyers should always understand what that means for insurability and future renovation rules.
“Legal Non-Conforming”
This is a fancy way of saying: “It was legal when it was built, but the rules have changed.”
For example, a home might have a downstairs apartment that was perfectly legal under old codes, but wouldn’t be allowed under today’s zoning or flood regulations. Because it was built legally at the time, it can often stay — but if it’s damaged or remodeled, current codes may apply. It’s kind of like a “hall pass” from the building department — but with conditions.
Final Thoughts
These terms aren’t meant to scare you off — they just highlight how unique real estate in the Florida Keys can be. From older conch homes to stilted waterfront getaways, every property has a story. As a longtime Keys local and Realtor, my job is to help you understand exactly what you’re buying (or selling), so there are no surprises down the road.
Got questions about a property you’ve seen? I’m happy to help decode the fine print — and make sure you’re in the know.
Famous Firsts & Onlys in the Florida Keys (Because We’ve Always Been a Little Extra)
The Florida Keys have never exactly been what you’d call “normal.” From declaring mock independence to building a railroad over the ocean (because why not?), we’ve always done things the Keys way: bold, weird, wonderful, and just a little salty.
Here’s a collection of our favorite famous firsts and fabulous onlys that prove life at the end of the road has always been one-of-a-kind.
🌊 1. Only Living Coral Reef in the Continental U.S.
That’s right—we’re home to the Florida Reef, the one and only coral reef in the lower 48. It stretches from Biscayne Bay to the Dry Tortugas and makes snorkeling here feel like swimming through a tropical aquarium… if aquariums had parrotfish and the occasional friendly nurse shark.
🚂 2. First (Totally Bonkers) Overseas Railroad
In 1912, Henry Flagler decided a little thing like the Atlantic Ocean wasn’t going to stop him from reaching Key West. So he built the Overseas Railroad—a 156-mile engineering marvel locals called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” Sadly, it was mostly destroyed in the 1935 hurricane, but the bragging rights remain eternal.
🏴☠️ 3. Only Micronation to Secede from the U.S. Over a Border Checkpoint
Welcome to the Conch Republic. In 1982, after the U.S. Border Patrol set up a checkpoint that slowed traffic (and tourism), Key West “seceded” from the union for a day, declared war, surrendered, and requested foreign aid—all before lunch. It’s now celebrated every April with parties, passports, and a lot of rum.
🏛️ 4. Only Presidential White House South of D.C. With Roosters
When President Harry S. Truman needed a break from politics (and probably snow), he retreated to the Truman Little White House in Key West. Between 1946 and 1952, he spent 175 days here doing serious things like signing executive orders—and less serious things like poker games on the porch.
🏳️🌈 5. First U.S. City to Stretch a Rainbow Flag Across the Island
Leave it to Key West to think big (and colorful). In 2003, the city rolled out a 1.25-mile-long rainbow flag from the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico during Pride. Because if we’re going to do diversity and inclusion, we’re going to do it across the entire island.
🏖️ 6. Only Natural Sand Beach (Spoiler: Most of Ours Are Imported)
Believe it or not, Bahia Honda State Park has one of the only natural sand beaches in the Keys. Most of our “beaches” are trucked in, one grain at a time. But at Bahia Honda, Mother Nature did the work herself, and it’s glorious.
🤿 7. First Underwater State Park in the USA
John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo was established in 1963 and made history as the first underwater park in the U.S. It’s basically a protected museum of living coral, and it even features an underwater statue of Christ. (Snorkel selfies encouraged.)
🌴 The Keys: Proudly Weird Since Forever
Whether we’re hosting a parade for a joke secession, sunbathing on coral, or building railroads straight into the ocean, the Florida Keys have never done things the conventional way. And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
So next time you’re sipping a frozen drink and watching the sun dip into the Gulf, just remember: you’re standing on the land of the first, the only, the delightfully offbeat.
Want more weird and wonderful Keys trivia? Drop a comment, or swing by and let’s talk stories over conch fritters.
43 New Listings Hit the Market This Week — Including Two on Cooks Island!
It was a busy week in the Florida Keys real estate market, with 43 new listings coming on the market — a strong sign that summer activity is heating up!
Among the new inventory are two rare cottages on Cooks Island, the secluded semi-private island just a short boat ride from shore. Properties here don’t come up often, and to see two hit the market at once is truly unique. If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to your own piece of paradise — where the only sounds are the rustling palms and lapping waves — this might be your chance.
Not familiar with Cooks Island? I wrote about it previously — you can read that article here.
👉 Click here to view this week’s new listings in the Florida Keys.
Waterfront Living at Buttonwood Bay: Spotlight on Unit B2
Looking for your dream spot in the Florida Keys? Welcome to Buttonwood Bay in Key Largo, where life is all about boats, sunsets, and warm breezes. This gated, 42-acre community offers deep-water access, top-notch amenities, and a relaxed island lifestyle. Today, we’re highlighting a special opportunity: Unit B2, now available for $945,000.
🏡 Meet Unit B2
This 2-bedroom, 1.5-bath home is all about comfort and location. The open layout feels light and welcoming. Step outside to your own private waterfront patio, perfect for morning coffee or evening sunsets. Just a few steps away is your protected 33-foot boat slip, making it easy to hit the water anytime.
🚤 A Boater’s Dream
Love being on the water? You’ll feel right at home here. Buttonwood Bay has a deep-water coral rock harbor with direct access to the Florida Bay and quick routes to the Atlantic Ocean. Whether you’re heading out to fish, cruise, or just relax, your boat is always ready and waiting.
🌴 Resort-Style Perks
Life at Buttonwood Bay feels like a vacation every day. Here’s what you’ll enjoy:
-
A full-service marina and boat ramp
-
A Ships Store with snacks, drinks, bait, ice, fuel, and parking for trailers
-
Three heated pools for year-round swimming
-
Five tennis and pickleball courts
-
A fitness center with views of the marina
-
Saunas and a basketball court
-
A cozy clubhouse for gathering
-
A private sandy beach to soak up the sun
-
24-hour security and a staffed gatehouse for peace of mind
🌅 Why Choose Buttonwood Bay?
This isn’t just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle. Whether you’re looking for a full-time home or a weekend escape, Unit B2 is your chance to enjoy the Keys your way. From peaceful evenings on your patio to quick trips out on the water, every day here feels special.
📍 Want to see it in person or learn more? Let’s connect. This is your time to live the waterfront life you’ve been dreaming about.
Listing information provided courtesy of Lisa Frins, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services
Florida Keys Real Estate Market Update: Q1 2025 vs. Q1 2024
The first quarter of 2025 brought noticeable changes to the real estate landscape in the Upper Florida Keys. Comparing market activity from Q1 2024 to Q1 2025 reveals several important shifts, including a drop in closed sales volume, longer days on market, and mixed trends in average sales prices. Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening by property type:
1. Oceanfront & Bayfront Homes: Fewer Sales, Higher Prices
-
Q1 2024: 20 properties closed | Avg. Sale Price: $3,065,949 | Avg. Days on Market: 89
-
Q1 2025: 11 properties closed | Avg. Sale Price: $3,431,090 | Avg. Days on Market: 109
While the number of sales dropped by nearly half, the average sales price increased by over $365K, suggesting buyers in this luxury category are still willing to pay a premium—but are being more selective. Properties are also taking longer to sell, with average days on market increasing by 20 days.
2. Canalfront Homes: Price Correction Underway
-
Q1 2024: 31 closed | Avg. Sale Price: $2,184,212 | Days on Market: 58
-
Q1 2025: 28 closed | Avg. Sale Price: $1,857,793 | Days on Market: 88
The canalfront segment experienced a 14.9% drop in average sales price and longer selling times. Despite only a slight dip in volume, this segment may be reflecting price sensitivity among buyers or a rebalancing after prior years of strong appreciation.
3. Non-Waterfront Single Family Homes: Stable Volume, Slower Turnover
-
Q1 2024: 29 closed | Avg. Sale Price: $856,321 | Days on Market: 63
-
Q1 2025: 30 closed | Avg. Sale Price: $816,976 | Days on Market: 167
The number of closed sales remained steady, but the average time to sell nearly tripled. Prices softened slightly. This suggests that while demand is holding, buyers may have more choices and are negotiating harder or taking more time to commit.
4. Condos & Townhomes: Fewer Sales, Stronger Prices
-
Q1 2024: 29 closed | Avg. Sale Price: $750,586 | Days on Market: 75
-
Q1 2025: 26 closed | Avg. Sale Price: $830,238 | Days on Market: 144
This is one of the more surprising shifts: higher prices despite slower turnover and fewer sales. It may indicate continued demand for lock-and-leave properties, especially among part-time residents or investors, despite a longer sales cycle.
Key Takeaways
-
Pace has slowed across the board, with increased average days on market in every category.
-
Luxury segments are still commanding strong prices, particularly oceanfront homes.
-
Canalfront homes and non-waterfront single-family properties are adjusting downward, both in price and turnover speed.
-
Condos are holding value and even appreciating, despite a slight slowdown in transactions.
What This Means for You
If you’re a seller, pricing strategically and preparing your property for today’s more deliberate buyers is crucial. For buyers, the longer days on market may open negotiation opportunities—particularly in the canalfront and non-waterfront home segments.
Whether you’re buying, selling, or just watching the market, local insights and up-to-date data are essential to making smart decisions in the dynamic Florida Keys market.
Exploring the Historic Lighthouses of the Florida Keys
The Florida Keys are known for their clear blue waters, tropical charm, and laid-back lifestyle. But beyond the beaches and coral reefs lies a fascinating part of maritime history—its historic lighthouses. These coastal beacons once guided ships safely through the Keys’ tricky waters, warning of shallow reefs and dangerous shoals. Today, they stand as symbols of the region’s seafaring past.
Exploring these lighthouses is a great way to connect with local history, whether you’re a resident, a boater, or a curious traveler. Each one has its own unique story and design. Let’s take a closer look at nine of the most notable lighthouses in the Florida Keys.
1. Alligator Reef Light
Just off the coast of Islamorada, the Alligator Reef Light has stood since 1873. At 136 feet tall, it’s hard to miss. It was automated in 1963 and turned off in 2015. However, thanks to a local community effort, it was relit using solar power in 2023.
2. Sombrero Key Light
Located near Marathon, this 142-foot tower was built in 1858. With its open, skeletal frame, it was easier to withstand storms. The light was automated in 1960 and officially turned off in 2015.
3. American Shoal Light
Closer to Sugarloaf Key, this lighthouse was completed in 1880. It stands 110 feet tall and helped guide mariners until it was deactivated in 2015. Like many others, it was automated decades earlier, in 1963.
4. Sand Key Light
Offshore from Key West, the Sand Key Light has a long and dramatic history. The original lighthouse was destroyed by a hurricane, and the current structure has stood since 1853. It continues to be a landmark in local lore.
5. Key West Lighthouse
Right in the heart of Key West, this lighthouse has been part of the community since 1825. After a hurricane destroyed the original, it was rebuilt in 1848. Today, it serves as a museum where visitors can climb the tower and explore lighthouse keepers’ lives.
6. Dry Tortugas Light (Loggerhead Key Light)
Located on Loggerhead Key in the Dry Tortugas, this lighthouse is one of the most remote in the country. Built in 1858, it was automated in 1988 and deactivated in 2015. Its isolation makes it a special destination for adventurers.
7. Tortugas Harbor Light (Garden Key Light)
Also found in the Dry Tortugas, this lighthouse sits within historic Fort Jefferson on Garden Key. Built in 1826, it was eventually replaced by the larger Loggerhead Key light. Still, its place in early navigation history remains important.
8. Carysfort Reef Light
Located off Key Largo, this lighthouse was first lit in 1852. It was one of the oldest lights in continuous use until it was turned off in 2015. Automation came in 1960, helping extend its working life.
9. Fowey Rocks Light
Although it sits just north of the Keys near Key Biscayne, Fowey Rocks Light is often considered part of the region. Built in 1878, this lighthouse is still active today, continuing its long tradition of guiding vessels past the coral reefs.
A Look Back at the Beacons of the Keys
The lighthouses of the Florida Keys are more than just landmarks. They are part of the islands’ identity and a tribute to the brave mariners and keepers who depended on them. Whether standing tall offshore or tucked into a national park, each lighthouse tells a story of resilience, engineering, and the human spirit.
If you’re planning to visit the Keys, consider adding a lighthouse to your itinerary. You’ll get a new perspective on the area’s rich and rugged past—plus some incredible photo ops along the way.
Welcome to the 2025 Hurricane Season: A Look Back at the Florida Keys’ Most Devastating Storms
As the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season officially begins, it’s a sobering time to reflect on the powerful storms that have shaped life in the Florida Keys. For those of us who live and work in this unique island chain, hurricane season isn’t just a date on the calendar—it’s personal. The Keys have weathered some of the strongest storms in recorded history, and these events serve as a powerful reminder of why preparation and resilience are so important.
Below is a deeper look at the three most catastrophic hurricanes to ever impact the Florida Keys:
1. Labor Day Hurricane (1935)
Category: 5
Date: September 2, 1935
Winds: Estimated 185+ mph
Storm Surge: 18–20 feet
Fatalities: 400+
Still considered the strongest hurricane to strike the United States, the 1935 Labor Day Hurricane slammed into the Upper Keys, especially around Islamorada. Winds exceeding 185 mph and a massive storm surge destroyed virtually everything in its path. Hundreds lost their lives, including more than 250 World War I veterans working on the Overseas Highway. The Florida East Coast Railway was so badly damaged it was never rebuilt, marking the end of the Over-Sea Railroad era and the beginning of the Overseas Highway.
2. Hurricane Donna (1960)
Category: 4
Date: September 10, 1960
Winds: 130–140 mph
Storm Surge: Up to 13 feet
Fatalities: 364 (worldwide)
Hurricane Donna swept across the Middle and Lower Keys with fierce winds and a powerful surge, devastating buildings, roads, and marinas. Known for its massive size and long duration, Donna went on to affect the entire East Coast of the United States while maintaining hurricane strength. In the Keys, it left behind flattened structures, sunken boats, and widespread flooding. The storm prompted stronger building codes and shifted how Florida prepared for major hurricanes going forward.
3. Hurricane Irma (2017)
Category: 4
Date: September 10, 2017
Winds: 130 mph at landfall
Storm Surge: 10–12 feet
Fatalities: 92 (U.S.)
Damage: Estimated $50+ billion (U.S. total)
Hurricane Irma made landfall near Cudjoe Key, bringing widespread devastation, especially to the Middle and Lower Keys. Communities like Big Pine Key and Marathon were hit hard, with homes, businesses, and boats wiped out. Evacuations were massive, and the road to recovery took years. Irma’s impact still lingers in the hearts and homes of many residents and served as a stark reminder that even with today’s forecasting technology, nature’s power is humbling.
Looking Ahead: Preparedness is Key
As we move into the 2025 season, these storms remind us of the importance of readiness. Now is the time to review your evacuation plans, check your insurance coverage, and reinforce your home. For new residents, talk to neighbors or local professionals about how best to prepare for the unique challenges of living in the Keys.
Let’s enter this season with awareness, caution, and community strength. The storms of the past have taught us hard lessons—but they’ve also shown us just how resilient the Florida Keys can be.
Stay safe, stay informed—and remember, preparation is everything.
Let me know if you’d like to add a call to action, like signing up for a hurricane preparedness checklist or a local newsletter.
New Listings This Week + Featured Spotlight at Mariner’s Club, Key Largo
As we roll into a new week here in the beautiful Florida Keys, I’m excited to share some fantastic new listings that just hit the market! Whether you’re searching for a full-time residence, a second home, or a smart investment property, there are some exceptional opportunities available right now.
Featured Property Spotlight: Resort-Style Living at Mariner’s Club, Key Largo
One standout from last week’s listings is a rare and stunning waterfront condo located in the highly sought-after Mariner’s Club in Key Largo. This gorgeous three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bath unit is single-level and fully furnished—ready for you to move in and start enjoying the Keys lifestyle right away.
From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with sweeping views of the deep-water marina and the Atlantic Oceanbeyond. High ceilings and open living spaces create a bright and airy feel, perfect for relaxing or entertaining. The condo features impact windows and doors, an upgraded A/C system designed to reduce dust and mold, and a thoughtfully designed layout with two convenient entrances—ideal for those who prefer to avoid stairs.
Step outside to your private lanai, and you’re just feet away from the marina, where dockage is available for owners or guests. Pet-friendly for owners and long-term renters, this home is also rental-ready with no minimum rental restrictions, making it an outstanding income-generating opportunity.
Mariner’s Club is one of the Florida Keys’ premier gated communities, offering resort-style amenities like:
-
Two sparkling swimming pools
-
Hot tubs and lush tropical landscaping
-
A well-equipped fitness center
-
Tennis and pickleball courts
-
24-hour manned security gate
Plus, the location offers immediate ocean access, perfect for boating, fishing, and diving enthusiasts.
This property truly combines the best of both worlds: a relaxing retreat with serious rental income potential. If you’re looking for a luxurious, turnkey home in the Keys with unmatched amenities and a world-class marina right outside your door, this one is a must-see.
Want to schedule a private showing or learn more about this and other new listings? I’m here to help—reach out anytime!
