Overall, real estate market in Florida, particularly next to the ocean is considered more of  a secondary real estate market. In other words, people buy their second home there and many go there during the winter.  As evident from a recent crash, secondary real estate markets are more volatile than primary markets at a time of crises (during financial crunch people get rid of their second homes first).  I am not a real estate expert but if you have the urge to invest in real estate I would go with the REIT (Real Estate Investment Trust) or at least diversify your investments.