Helene, then Milton

Helene's surge in late September 2024 flooded much of Holmes Beach, pushing water into ground-level homes and leaving streets lined with ruined furniture, drywall, and appliances. Many of those piles were still at the curb when Milton arrived less than two weeks later with strong wind and more rain. Some owners are still working through claims, contractors, and permits. Florida's seller disclosure rules now cover flood insurance claims and FEMA aid, so that storm history travels with the house into any sale.

Ground-level houses and the 50 percent question

Much of Holmes Beach's older housing is one-story block homes and duplexes built at ground level decades ago, long before current flood elevations. Newer homes raised on pilings or elevated foundations generally kept their living areas above the water.

If a ground-level home in a flood zone needs repairs costing 50 percent or more of the structure's market value, the city will generally require it to be brought into compliance, which usually means elevating or rebuilding. Owners who carried a National Flood Insurance Program policy may have Increased Cost of Compliance coverage that helps pay toward elevation or demolition. Your insurance agent can tell you whether it applies.

Many owners decide the better move is to sell the house as it stands. We buy damaged island homes whether they're gutted, half-repaired, or untouched.

Rules that come with island property

  • Vacation rentals. Holmes Beach regulates short-term rentals, with registration and occupancy rules a new owner has to follow.
  • Coastal construction. Near the Gulf beaches, work seaward of Florida's Coastal Construction Control Line needs a state permit in addition to city approval.
  • Flood insurance. Much of the island is in high-risk flood zones, where a mortgage lender will require a flood policy.
  • Condos. Older island condo buildings three stories or taller face milestone inspections and reserve studies on top of any storm repairs.

Owners who live somewhere else

Many Holmes Beach homes belong to people who live in other states, or to families who have shared a beach house for years. Managing storm repairs from far away has been hard. We can work with you by phone and email, and closing can usually be handled with a mobile notary or remote signing. If the house was a rental, tell us about any future bookings so the contract can address them.

Frequently asked questions

Do you buy Holmes Beach homes that haven't been repaired since Helene?

Yes. We buy them as they are. Tell us about the flood level, your claims, and any letters from the city about substantial damage.

Will you buy just the lot if the house needs to come down?

Yes. We buy teardowns and vacant land, and we can make an offer either way.

Can I sell a vacation rental with bookings on the calendar?

Yes. Tell us what's booked, and the contract can spell out how those reservations are handled before closing.

Will you buy a condo on the island?

Yes. We review the association's storm repairs, insurance, reserves, and any assessments before we make an offer.

Do you buy elsewhere on Anna Maria Island?

Yes, including Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach, and properties across Manatee County.