Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ's

Our FAQs page is designed to provide quick answers to common questions about our services, building process, design options, and more. Whether you're curious about our construction timeline, materials used, or specific requirements like flood zone regulations, this page offers clear and concise information to help guide you through your journey with Luxury Homes of SWFL. Explore our FAQs to find the answers you need and make informed decisions with confidence

Helpful Insights

1Why Luxury Homes of SWFL?
Choosing Luxury Homes of SWFL as your builder means partnering with a team dedicated to creating exceptional homes tailored to your vision. With our commitment to quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and deep knowledge of local building codes and standards, we ensure a seamless and stress-free building experience. Our expertise in designing homes that reflect the unique charm of Southwest Florida, combined with our personalized service, guarantees a home that is not only beautiful but built to last. Trust us to bring your dream home to life with unmatched dedication and care.
2What all is included when building with LHSWFL?
When building with Luxury Homes of SWFL, we cover a wide range of essentials to provide a comprehensive and stress-free experience. Our services include full site preparation, covering all necessary permits and impact fees, and the construction of reinforced foundations and stem walls. Exterior features such as a galvanized standing seam metal roof, textured stucco finishes, and keyless garage doors are standard, along with energy-efficient options like R-30 ceiling insulation and a 15.2 SEER Rheem HVAC system. Additionally, we offer high-quality interior finishes, including frameless wood kitchen cabinets, granite or quartz countertops, and porcelain plank flooring, ensuring every detail meets our high standards for luxury and quality. You can view our full feature sheet under the 'Features' tab on our website for a complete list of everything included.
3Do you offer any other plans?
Yes, at Luxury Homes of SWFL, we are happy to create custom floor plans to fit your unique needs and preferences. Whether you want to customize one of our existing plans or design something entirely from scratch, our team is here to bring your vision to life. We work closely with you to ensure every detail reflects your style, functionality, and lifestyle requirements, resulting in a home that is truly one-of-a-kind.
4How long does it take to build a home?
Our typical build timeline is under 12 months, depending on the size and complexity of the home. Larger or more custom projects may take a bit longer, but our streamlined process and dedicated team help us complete homes faster than many other builders. We prioritize efficiency without compromising on quality, ensuring you move into your dream home as quickly as possible.
5We have owls or gopher tortoises on our lot, can we still build?
If there are owls or tortoises on your lot, we can assist with managing these situations in compliance with local wildlife regulations. Owls can often be relocated with a permit, provided their nest is not in season or active with young. For gopher tortoises, which are a protected species, relocation requires a specific permit and must follow state guidelines. Our team will help navigate these processes to ensure your project moves forward smoothly while respecting local wildlife and environmental laws.
6Is my lot in a Flood Zone?
Marco Island has several specific flood zones, each with different levels of flood risk and corresponding building requirements. These zones, designated by FEMA, include areas with varying chances of flooding, from low-risk (Zone X) to high-risk areas (Zones AE and VE). Depending on the zone your property is in, certain elevation requirements and construction standards must be met to ensure safety and compliance. Our team is experienced in navigating these regulations and will guide you through the process to ensure your home is built to meet all necessary standards and provide optimal protection against potential flooding.

Guides and Resources

MARCO ISLAND NATIVE PLANT LIST

The Marco Island Native Plant List, required by local code, ensures that new landscaping incorporates native species that thrive in the island's unique environment. These plants support local wildlife, promote sustainability, and maintain the natural beauty of Marco Island. Following this list helps protect the island's ecosystem while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of each property.

EXPAND NATIVE PLANT LIST

Marco Island Plant List

CITY OF MARCO ISLAND NATIVE PLANT LIST
TREES - LARGE
NAME COASTAL ZONE MID ZONE  INLAND ZONE 
Bald Cypress (Taxodium districuum) X  X  X
Fiddlewood (Citharexylum fruitcosum) X  X   
Gumbo Limbo (Bursera simaruba) X    
Hackberry (Celtis laevigata) X  X  X
Jamaica Dogwood (Piscidia piscupula)  X    
Laurel Oak (Quercus laurifolia) X  X  X
Live Oak (Quercus virginianna) X  X  X
Mahogany ( Swientenia mahogoni) X  X   
Mastic (Mastichodendron foetidissimum) X  X   
Native Fig (Ficus aurea) X    
Paradise Tree (Simarouba glauca) X    
Red Maple (Acer rubrum) X  X  X
Royal Palm (roystonea elata) X  X   
Seagrape (Coccoloba uvifers) X  X   
Slash Pine (Pinus elliottii) X  X  X
Sweet Gum (Liguidambar styraciflua) X  X  X
Sycamore (Platanue occidentalis) X  X  X
West Indian Laureicherry (Prunus myrtifolia) X    
Wild Tamarind (Lysiloma latisiliguum) X  X   
Willow Bustic (Dipholis salicifolia) X  X   
Wingleaf Soapberry (Sapindus saponaria) X  X   
TREES - MEDIUM TO SMALL
NAME COASTAL ZONE MID ZONE  INLAND ZONE 
Black Ironwood (Krugiodendron ferreum) X  X   
Blolly (Guapira discolor) X    
Cabbage Palm (Sabal Palmetto) X  X  X
 Dahoon Holly (ilex cassine) X  X  X
East Palatka Holly (hex attenuate) X  X  X
Florida Elm (IJimus Americana) X  X  X
Geiger Tree (Cordia sebestena) X    
Magnolia (Magnolia grandiflora) X  X  X
Milkhark (Drypetes diversifolia) X    
Pigeon Plum (Coccoloba diversifolia) X    
Satin Leaf (Chrysophyhlum oliviforme) X    
Scrub Hickory (Carya floridana) X  X  X
Scrub Live Oak (Quercus geminate) X  X  X
Simpson Stopper (Myricianthes fragrans) X  X  X
Sohiderwood (Colubtina elliptica)
SHRUBS - LARGE ("B" BUFFERS)
NAME COASTAL ZONE MID ZONE  INLAND ZONE 
Bahama Strongbark (Bourreria Ovata) X    
Black ironwood (Krugiodendron ferreum) X  X   
Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) X    
Catciaw (Pithecellobium ungruis-cati) X  X   
Cinnamon Bark (Canella winterana) X    
Cinnecord Acacia (Acacia choriophylla) X  X   
Crabwood (Ateramnus lucidus) X  X   
Darling Plum (Reynosia septentriolalis) X    
Florida Privet (Forestiera segregate) X  X  ?
Golden Dewdrop (Duranta repens) X  X   
Jamaica Caper (Capparis cynophallophora) X  X   
Maiden Bush (Savia bahamensis) X    
Myrsine (Myrsine floridana) X  X  ?
Pigeon Plum (Coccoloba diversofolia) X    
Paurotis Palm (Acoelorrhaphe wrightii) X  X   
Red Berry Stopper (Eugenia confuse) X    
Seagrape (Coccoloba iivifera) X  X   
Wild Lime (Zanthoxylum tagara) X  X   
Simpson Stopper (Myrcianthes fragrans) X  X  X
Spicewood (Calyptranthes spp.) X    
Walters Viburnum (Viburnum obovatum) X  X  X
Wax Myrtle (Myrica cerifera)
Yellow Elder (Tecome stans) X  X  ?
SHRUBS - MEDIUM TO SMALL
NAME COASTAL ZONE MID ZONE  INLAND ZONE 
Bay Cedar (Suriana maritime) X    
Blackbead (Pithecellobium guadalupense) X  X   
Coco Plum (Chyursysobalanus icaco) X    
Cordia (Cordia globosa) X    
Firebush (Hamelia patens) X  X   
Florida Privet (Forestiera segregate) X  X  ?
Golden Dewdrop (Duranta repens) X  X   
Jamaica Caper (Capparis cynophallophora) X  X   
Leather Fern (Acrosticham danaeaefolium) X  X   
Maiden Bush (Savia bahamensis) X    
Myrsine (Myrsine floridana) X  X  ?
Necklace Pod (Sophora tomentosa) X    
Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) X  X  X
Sea Oxeye Daisy (Borrichia trutescens) X    
Seven Year Apple (Casasia Clusiifolia) X    
Silver Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens “Cinerea”) X  X  X
Spicewood (Calyptranthes spp.) X    
White Indigo Berry (Randia axculeate) X  X   
Wild Coffee (Psychotria riervosa) X  X   

FEMA FLOOD MAP

The Florida FEMA flood map is a critical tool used to assess flood risks and establish building requirements based on elevation levels. It designates areas at different flood risk levels, helping homeowners and builders understand potential flood hazards. Elevation levels on these maps indicate the height above sea level at which properties must be built to minimize flood damage. Higher elevations generally mean lower flood risk, influencing insurance rates and building codes to ensure safety and compliance with FEMA guidelines. On Marco Island, the building code requires that homes in flood zones be constructed to meet or exceed specific base flood elevation (BFE) levels, with an additional requirement of being at least 1 foot above the BFE. This ensures properties are adequately protected against flooding risks and compliant with FEMA regulations. Understanding these maps and codes is essential for informed decision-making and safeguarding properties.