Florida is a unique environment in the US. Over the years, home builders, insurance companies, and mortgage lenders have become very conscious of what works and what doesn't in the state.

Here are some items to pay particular attention to when you're shopping for a home in Florida.

• Method of construction
  Concrete block is the standard method of construction in Florida. Two reasons: reduced exposure to insect damage and weather related damage. While some older wood frame homes are still available in good condition, buyers should be extra cautious of any existing damage, and aware of the potential for future damage.

• Site elevation
  In much of Florida, especially along the coast, floods are a concern. Strong storms or even extended rain can cause low lying areas to flood.

  Flood insurance rates are based on the elevation of a home's lot. Newer homes are often constructed only after a lot has been "filled" with the amount of dirt required to bring the lot up to an acceptable height.

  It varies depending on the area, but where elevation is concerned, 12 feet is currently the magic number lenders that insurers look for.

• Age
  The older the home, the more likely it is to have maintenance issues. But many 30-50 year old homes remain structurally sound, and have been updated over the years so their age is not apparent.

  One key issue for homes that have not been updated: the FEMA rule that prevents homes in certain flood zones from being remodeled in excess of 50% of their current value (without having the elevation and home brought up to current building codes, a potentially expensive prospect, if it is possible at all).

• Condition of roof
  Roofs on Florida homes may be shingle, tile, metal, or built up (an older style of roof, but still maintained on some homes).

  Shingles are most common, but last the least amount of time. Tile is largely decorative, and expensive to replace. Metal falls in the middle, and lasts longer, plus holds up to strong winds better.

  Built up is acceptable only if inspected by professionals in that type of roofing.

• Permitted remodeling
  If a home has been added on to, the work should have been performed by a Florida state licensed contractor. Additionally, the proper permits should have been secured, and the work inspected and approved by the city or county where the home is located.

  Property records can be physically searched at the county clerk's office, but ideally, the property seller will have copies of the permit work, and make them available on request.

• Transferrable warranties
  Major work, such as a new roof or air conditioning unit, is also routinely performed by licensed contractors. The better ones will provide transferrable warranty paperwork to the property owner. Always ask for this information, and require any paperwork to be provided to you at closing.

• Type of flooring
  Tile is standard in Florida, but often bedrooms are carpeted. Older homes may have terrazzo floors, which if well maintained are very livable.

  Condition of existing tile is important, as replacing it is potentially very messy and more expensive than laying new carpet.

• CCRs
  Community Covenants and Restrictions are documents that should be made available by your real estate agent when they show you a property. CCRs, as they are commonly known, can range from minimal to extremely limiting, and cover everything from house paint colors to whether you can park a boat or RV on your property.

• Zoning
  Most areas dictate whether businesses can be run from a home, and under what restrictions. Ask your agent about the zoning of properties you're interested in, especially if you have certain requirements.

• Hurricane damage
  If a home has suffered damage, the sellers disclosure should detail it. Major repairs, like roof replacement, pool cage repair, etc. should always be performed by licensed contractors, and the paperwork made available to you on request.

  Homes that developed leaking roofs during the hurricane season of 2004 often went unrepaired for long periods of time, due to insurance and contractor delays. Subsequently, further damage developed in walls and interior finishes. If a home is located in a known hurricane path, pay extra attention to this issue.

  While the vast majority of homes in Florida are probably well built, safe, and sound, it is always a good idea to make a "satisfactory inspection by a professional home inspector" a contingency of any offer to purchase.

• Taxes
  Property taxes can be a substantial expense. It pays to know the current tax, and have some idea of the increase that will be logged based on the price you pay. Ask your real estate agent to help you with these figures.