The Waterfront Venice FL | Waterfront Condos & Island Living

The Waterfront on Venice Island is a gated waterfront condominium community along East Tampa Avenue in Venice, Florida 34285. Located directly beside the Intracoastal Waterway and near historic Downtown Venice, the development features three residential buildings containing 98 condominiums. Residences offer spacious floor plans, private lanais, and water-oriented views. Community amenities include a saltwater swimming pool, private boat and fishing dock, kayak launch, cabana, and grilling facilities. Residents also have direct access to the Venetian Waterway Park trail system. For buyers considering waterfront condominiums in Venice, The Waterfront combines Intracoastal scenery, downtown convenience, and important condominium ownership considerations.

Unlike condominiums located directly on the Gulf of Mexico, The Waterfront emphasizes views of the Intracoastal Waterway, proximity to downtown restaurants and shops, and access to Venice's walking and bicycling routes. The community's relatively spacious residences also distinguish it from smaller condominium developments throughout Venice Island.

Quick Answers About The Waterfront on Venice Island

Where Is The Waterfront Located?

The Waterfront is located along East Tampa Avenue on Venice Island in Venice, Florida 34285. Condominium addresses include 147, 157, and 167 East Tampa Avenue. The community sits beside the Intracoastal Waterway, near historic Downtown Venice and Venetian Waterway Park.

How Many Condominiums Are at The Waterfront?

The Waterfront Master Condominium Association identifies three residential buildings containing a total of 98 condominium residences. The development has a master association and separate condominium associations for Buildings A, B, and C.

Is The Waterfront Directly on the Gulf of Mexico?

No. The Waterfront is situated along the Intracoastal Waterway rather than directly on a Gulf beachfront. Residents enjoy waterfront scenery and boating-related amenities, while Venice Beach and other Gulf Coast destinations are accessible from the surrounding island.

Does The Waterfront Have a Boat Dock?

Yes. The community's official master association identifies a private boat and fishing dock and a kayak launch. However, buyers should not assume that condominium ownership includes an individually assigned boat slip, overnight docking rights, or unrestricted vessel storage. Current rules should be verified directly with the association.

What Amenities Are Available at The Waterfront?

The Waterfront offers a saltwater swimming pool, cabana, grilling facilities, private waterfront dock, kayak launch, and gated access. The development also connects directly to the Venetian Waterway Park pathway, providing convenient opportunities for walking and bicycling.

How Large Are The Waterfront Condos?

The master association describes condominium residences ranging from approximately 1,700 to 2,200 square feet. Individual properties vary in floor plan, interior features, orientation, parking arrangements, and views. Buyers should verify the exact living area for each residence.

Can Condominiums at The Waterfront Be Rented?

Rentals are subject to condominium association restrictions. The Building A association publishes a minimum lease term of three months, a maximum of two three-month leases per year, and an association approval requirement. Buyers should obtain the current governing documents for their specific building before making plans involving rental income or seasonal leasing.

Where Is The Waterfront on Venice Island?

The Waterfront occupies a distinctive location along East Tampa Avenue, near the eastern side of Venice Island and the Intracoastal Waterway.

The development is close to historic Downtown Venice, placing restaurants, shops, cultural attractions, and public gathering spaces within the surrounding downtown area.

The waterfront location also places residents beside the Venetian Waterway Park trail system, which connects portions of Venice Island with the broader area's pedestrian and bicycling network.

This combination of waterfront scenery and downtown proximity creates a different residential experience from condominiums located along the Gulf beachfront or farther inland on the Venice mainland.

What Is the Difference Between Intracoastal and Gulf-Front Living?

Intracoastal waterfront living emphasizes views of navigable waterways, boating activity, shoreline vegetation, and surrounding waterfront properties. Gulf-front living generally places residences directly beside the Gulf of Mexico and may include beach access, depending on the property.

The Waterfront provides Intracoastal frontage and shared boating-related facilities, but it does not offer private Gulf beachfront ownership.

Buyers who prioritize direct beach access may also want to explore Island Shores waterfront condominiums or Venice Sands beachfront condominiums for a different coastal ownership experience.

What Makes The Waterfront Different From Other Venice Island Condos?

The Waterfront combines several features that are not always found together in Venice Island condominium communities: substantial interior living space, direct Intracoastal frontage, a private waterfront dock, and proximity to historic downtown.

Three Residential Buildings With 98 Condominiums

The development contains three multistory residential buildings with a combined 98 condominium units, according to the official master association.

Historical property records identify development primarily between 2004 and 2007. Buyers should confirm the exact construction year for the building and residence they are considering.

The community's separate building associations are an important ownership distinction. Although residents share a broader development identity, association finances, governing documents, and building-specific obligations may differ.

Spacious Condominium Floor Plans

The Waterfront's official association describes residences with approximately 1,700 to 2,200 square feet of living space.

These floor plans provide an alternative to compact condominium layouts commonly found in some older Venice Island buildings.

Historical property listings document two-bedroom residences with additional flexible living spaces. Larger layouts may provide room for guests, offices, or other household uses.

Waterfront Balconies and Lanais

Private lanais are a defining feature of The Waterfront residences. The master association highlights water-oriented views as an important part of the development's residential design.

Actual views depend on floor level, building location, orientation, landscaping, and nearby structures. Buyers should evaluate the specific residence rather than assuming all units offer identical waterfront panoramas.

What Are The Waterfront Condominiums Like Inside?

The Waterfront was developed with larger condominium floor plans and features associated with its mid-2000s construction period.

The official master association identifies approximately nine-and-a-half-foot ceilings, open-concept kitchens, granite countertops, solid-wood cabinetry, hurricane-resistant windows, and private lanais among the development's residential characteristics.

Individual residences may offer:

Two-bedroom floor plans with additional flexible living space
Approximately 1,700 to 2,200 square feet of interior living area
Open living and dining areas
Private balconies or lanais
Intracoastal Waterway views
Granite kitchen countertops
Wood kitchen and bathroom cabinetry
Higher ceilings
In-unit laundry facilities
Assigned or deeded parking arrangements, depending on the residence
Renovated finishes in individually updated condominiums

These characteristics should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every residence retains the same original features or has undergone comparable renovations.

Buyers should confirm the condition of flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, appliances, HVAC systems, windows, and other improvements during the inspection process.

What Waterfront Amenities Are Available?

The Waterfront provides shared amenities designed around its Intracoastal location and Venice Island setting.

The official Waterfront Master Condominium Association amenities page identifies a saltwater pool, cabana, grilling facilities, private dock, kayak launch, and direct access to the Venetian Waterway pathway.

Saltwater Swimming Pool

The Waterfront offers a community saltwater swimming pool. The pool area provides an outdoor recreational space for residents and complements the development's waterfront setting.

Buyers should verify current pool operating conditions, heating arrangements, guest policies, and any planned maintenance directly with the master association.

Cabana and Grilling Facilities

The community also features a cabana and grilling area. These shared facilities provide space for outdoor gatherings without requiring residents to maintain comparable amenities within individual condominiums.

Private Boat and Fishing Dock

The Waterfront's private dock is one of its distinguishing amenities. The association identifies the facility as a boat and fishing dock along the Intracoastal Waterway.

However, a community dock does not automatically provide each condominium owner with a private boat slip or the right to keep a vessel at the property.

Buyers should request current dock rules and confirm permitted uses, docking duration, vessel restrictions, maintenance responsibilities, and any reservation procedures.

Kayak Launch

The master association also identifies a kayak launch, providing access to the surrounding waterway for permitted nonmotorized recreation.

Kayak users should verify current launch rules, storage arrangements, water conditions, tides, boat traffic, and safety considerations before entering the water.

What Should Boaters Know About The Waterfront?

The Waterfront's Intracoastal location and shared dock facilities may interest buyers who enjoy boating and waterfront recreation. However, the development should not be treated as a condominium community with guaranteed private boat slips for every residence.

Does Every Condo Include a Boat Slip?

No individually assigned boat slip should be assumed. The official association confirms a private boat and fishing dock, but buyers must verify whether any particular residence includes separately documented docking rights.

Any claimed boat-slip rights should be supported by the condominium declaration, recorded documents, or written association confirmation.

Can Owners Keep a Boat at the Community Dock?

Docking permissions depend on current association rules and the physical limitations of the facility. Buyers should verify whether temporary docking, loading, fishing, or other uses are permitted and whether overnight vessel storage is prohibited or restricted.

What About Water Depth and Navigation?

Water depth, tides, bridge clearances, channel conditions, and vessel dimensions can affect the suitability of any waterfront location for a particular boat.

Buyers should not assume that a community dock is suitable for their vessel simply because it is located along the Intracoastal Waterway.

Property-specific boating questions should be reviewed with the association, an appropriately qualified marine professional, and relevant permitting or navigation authorities before making a purchasing decision.

How Close Is The Waterfront to Downtown Venice?

The Waterfront is located near historic Downtown Venice, making downtown access one of the development's primary lifestyle advantages.

The downtown district includes restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cultural destinations, parks, and community gathering spaces. Its Mediterranean-influenced architecture is an important part of Venice's established identity.

Residents can explore nearby destinations without necessarily relying on a vehicle for every downtown outing, although actual walking routes, accessibility, weather, and personal preferences vary.

Venice Theatre

Venice Theatre is a longstanding cultural destination near the downtown district. The theater offers performances and programming, subject to its current operating schedule.

Centennial Park

Centennial Park is located at 200 West Venice Avenue in the heart of downtown Venice. The park features landscaped public spaces, a gazebo, and an interactive fountain.

The park and surrounding downtown streets also serve as settings for community events throughout the year.

Restaurants, Shops, and Cultural Destinations

Downtown Venice offers dining, shopping, art galleries, and public gathering places along Venice Avenue and nearby streets.

The Waterfront's location allows residents to combine a waterfront condominium setting with convenient access to these downtown destinations.

What Is Venetian Waterway Park?

Venetian Waterway Park is a public recreational trail system that follows portions of the Intracoastal Waterway in Venice. It provides opportunities for walking, bicycling, and enjoying the surrounding waterway environment.

The Waterfront Master Condominium Association identifies direct access to the waterway bicycle path as a community feature.

This proximity can be especially useful for residents who enjoy outdoor recreation without needing to travel to a separate park before beginning a walk or bicycle ride.

Does the Trail Connect With the Legacy Trail?

Venetian Waterway Park is part of the broader Venice-area trail network, with connections to the Legacy Trail system. Trail users should consult current public maps for access points, route continuity, construction notices, and permitted uses.

Official local recreation information is available through the City of Venice and Sarasota County Government.

How Far Is The Waterfront From Venice Beach?

The Waterfront is located on Venice Island but is not directly on Venice Beach. Residents can travel west through the island's street network to reach the public Gulf shoreline.

Venice Beach is located near the western end of West Venice Avenue and offers public access to the Gulf of Mexico.

The beach provides opportunities for swimming when conditions permit, beachcombing, shoreline walks, and enjoying Gulf sunsets.

Buyers who want a condominium directly on the Gulf should distinguish that preference from The Waterfront's Intracoastal setting.

For a direct Gulf-front alternative, explore Imperial House of Venice, which sits along The Esplanade North near Venice Beach.

How Does The Waterfront Condominium Association Work?

The Waterfront has a master condominium association and separate building associations for Buildings A, B, and C. This structure is important because buyers may need to review multiple sets of governing documents and financial records.

The master association maintains its own official website, while the individual buildings publish association information through separate websites.

Why Are There Separate Building Associations?

Separate building associations allow certain governance, maintenance, and financial responsibilities to be administered at the building level. The master association addresses broader development matters according to its governing documents.

The precise allocation of responsibilities should be determined from current recorded declarations, budgets, and association records rather than assumed from the general organizational structure.

Where Can Buyers Find Official Association Information?

Buyers can begin with the official association websites:

These resources provide access to community information and, where published, governing documents, budgets, meeting minutes, forms, and association notices.

How Much Are Condominium Fees at The Waterfront?

Condominium fees at The Waterfront vary by building and floor plan. The individual building associations publish quarterly assessment schedules, but buyers should verify the current amount applicable to the exact residence and determine whether any master-association charges are separately assessed or included.

The Building A association's 2026 website identifies different quarterly assessment amounts for its Antigua, Grand Cayman, and Montego floor plans. Buildings B and C publish their own schedules, demonstrating why a single development-wide condominium fee would be misleading.

Buyers should request written confirmation of:

Current building association assessments
Current master association assessments
Services and utilities included in assessments
Insurance expenses and deductibles
Reserve contributions
Approved or proposed special assessments
Upcoming capital projects
Parking and storage-related charges, if applicable
Any other recurring ownership obligations

Condominium assessments are only one part of the ownership budget. Buyers should also consider property taxes, individual insurance coverage, utilities not included in fees, financing expenses, and future maintenance or assessment exposure.

What Should Buyers Know About Condominium Inspections and Reserves?

Florida condominium ownership can involve statutory building inspections, reserve funding requirements, association financial obligations, and other matters that affect long-term ownership costs.

The Waterfront association websites have published notices stating that milestone inspections were not yet due based on the age of the buildings. However, buyers should not treat an association website notice as a substitute for confirming current statutory requirements and building-specific compliance status.

What Is a Milestone Inspection?

A milestone inspection is a Florida statutory inspection process for certain condominium and cooperative buildings. Applicability and deadlines depend on factors including building characteristics, age, and current law.

Buyers should verify whether an inspection is required, scheduled, completed, or pending for the specific building. Questions involving inspection findings should be reviewed with an appropriately qualified engineer, architect, inspector, or other professional.

What Is a Structural Integrity Reserve Study?

A structural integrity reserve study, commonly called a SIRS, evaluates certain building components and related reserve funding needs when required by Florida law.

Not every association or building has identical obligations. Buyers should request current reserve studies and financial documents, confirm statutory applicability, and obtain qualified professional guidance when reviewing significant findings or funding obligations.

Official Florida condominium laws are available through Chapter 718 of the Florida Statutes. Buyers should consult a qualified Florida real estate attorney for individualized legal questions.

Are Rentals Allowed at The Waterfront?

Rentals are subject to building-specific condominium association requirements. Buyers should not assume that The Waterfront operates like a short-term vacation rental property.

The official Waterfront Building A association website states that leases require association approval, must cover the entire residence, and generally cannot be shorter than three months. It also publishes a maximum of two three-month leases per year under the cited declaration provision.

Those published provisions should not automatically be applied to Buildings B and C without reviewing their current governing documents.

Buyers considering rental income should verify the applicable declaration, approval requirements, minimum lease terms, rental frequency limits, fees, and any other restrictions before purchasing.

Questions involving legal rights or the interpretation of rental restrictions should be reviewed with a qualified Florida real estate attorney. Any rental income assumptions should also be evaluated with an appropriate tax or financial professional.

Are Pets Allowed at The Waterfront?

Historical property listings describe The Waterfront as pet-friendly, but buyers should verify the current rules for their specific building before assuming a particular pet is permitted.

Potential restrictions may involve the number of pets, animal types, weight limits, registration, common-area access, and other requirements.

Written association confirmation is especially important when pet ownership is a deciding factor in a purchase.

What Should Buyers Know About Flood Risk and Waterfront Insurance?

The Waterfront's location along the Intracoastal Waterway makes flood exposure, windstorm protection, insurance arrangements, and waterfront infrastructure important considerations.

Buyers should verify the flood designation for the specific property using the FEMA Flood Map Service Center and other appropriate property-specific records.

Flood maps do not eliminate the need to consider storm surge, rainfall, drainage, building elevation, and historical water intrusion.

What Insurance Does the Association Carry?

The Waterfront's master and building associations may have different insurance responsibilities under their governing documents. Buyers should obtain current master policies, building coverage information, deductibles, and details about individual owner insurance obligations.

Condominium owners may need separate coverage for personal property, certain interior improvements, liability, loss assessments, and other exposures depending on the governing documents and available policies.

What About Windstorm and Hurricane Coverage?

Coastal Florida condominiums may face significant windstorm-related insurance expenses and deductibles. Building construction, roof condition, protective features, claims history, and market conditions can affect coverage availability and costs.

Insurance availability, coverage, and premiums can vary substantially. Buyers should obtain property-specific insurance information and review the association's coverage and their individual insurance needs with a qualified insurance professional before making a purchasing decision.

What Should Buyers Inspect Before Purchasing at The Waterfront?

Buyers should evaluate both the individual condominium and the condition of shared building and waterfront components. A visually attractive residence does not necessarily indicate that all association-maintained systems are free of significant maintenance needs.

Important considerations include:

Roof and exterior building maintenance history
Balcony and lanai condition
Windows, doors, and storm protection
Water intrusion and moisture concerns
HVAC and plumbing systems
Elevator maintenance and modernization plans
Parking and storage rights
Dock and kayak-launch condition
Waterfront retaining structures and shoreline maintenance
Association reserves and planned capital projects
Current insurance coverage and deductibles
Special assessments or pending major repairs

A qualified condominium inspector can assist with evaluating the individual residence. Concerns involving structural components, building systems, seawalls, docks, or major construction issues should be reviewed by appropriately qualified engineers, contractors, marine professionals, or other specialists.

Who Is Responsible for the Dock and Shoreline?

Responsibility for the dock, shoreline structures, and other waterfront improvements should be determined from current condominium declarations, association budgets, maintenance records, and applicable permits.

Buyers should verify whether anticipated repairs or replacement costs are funded through existing reserves, regular assessments, or potential special assessments.

Questions about structural condition should be reviewed with an appropriately qualified marine contractor or engineer. Legal questions involving ownership or maintenance obligations should be directed to a qualified Florida real estate attorney.

How Does The Waterfront Compare With Other Venice Island Condos?

Venice Island offers several distinct condominium settings, including direct Gulf-front buildings, downtown properties, smaller residential complexes, and developments overlooking the Intracoastal Waterway.

The Waterfront stands out for its combination of Intracoastal frontage, spacious residences, shared boating-related amenities, and proximity to downtown Venice.

The Waterfront vs. Venice Centre

Venice Centre is a historic condominium property at 238 West Tampa Avenue, beside Centennial Park in downtown Venice.

Venice Centre emphasizes historic architecture and immediate downtown access, while The Waterfront provides direct Intracoastal frontage, larger condominium layouts, and shared dock and kayak facilities.

The Waterfront vs. Venice Costa Brava

Venice Costa Brava is an established condominium community along Saint Augustine Avenue on Venice Island.

Costa Brava offers a downtown-oriented condominium setting with community recreation and water views from certain residences. The Waterfront differs through its direct Intracoastal frontage, larger floor plans, and dedicated waterfront recreational facilities.

The Waterfront vs. Island Shores

Island Shores is a Gulf-front condominium community at 550 West Flamingo Drive on Venice Island.

Island Shores emphasizes direct Gulf frontage and beachfront living. The Waterfront offers Intracoastal views, boating-related amenities, and proximity to downtown restaurants and cultural destinations.

The Waterfront vs. Venice Sands

Venice Sands is an established Gulf-front condominium building at 633 Alhambra Road.

Venice Sands provides direct beachfront access and Gulf views, while The Waterfront emphasizes Intracoastal scenery, waterfront recreation, and a downtown-adjacent location.

Buyers should compare current property availability, association fees, insurance, building condition, floor plans, parking rights, and recreational priorities when evaluating these communities.

Additional Questions About The Waterfront in Venice

When Was The Waterfront Built?

The Waterfront was developed primarily between 2004 and 2007. Individual building completion dates may differ, so buyers should verify the recorded construction year for the specific property.

Is The Waterfront a Gated Community?

Yes. The official master association identifies The Waterfront as a gated condominium development. Buyers should confirm current entry procedures, guest access, delivery arrangements, and other security-related policies.

Does The Waterfront Have Elevators?

Yes. The condominium buildings have elevators. The association websites publish procedures related to elevator protection during moves and deliveries. Buyers should verify elevator access, maintenance history, and any planned modernization projects for the specific building.

What Parking Is Available?

Historical listings identify covered, assigned, and garage-style parking arrangements at The Waterfront. The exact parking rights and number of spaces vary by residence and should be verified through recorded documents and current association information.

How Much Do The Waterfront Condos Cost?

Prices depend on current availability, floor plan, square footage, floor level, water views, renovations, parking rights, and market conditions. Buyers should review current listings and recent comparable sales with a licensed real estate professional rather than relying on historical asking prices.

Is The Waterfront Suitable for Seasonal Ownership?

The Waterfront may be worth considering for buyers seeking a seasonal condominium residence near downtown Venice and the Intracoastal Waterway. However, suitability depends on the individual unit, association rules, insurance, financing, maintenance responsibilities, and the owner's intended use.

Is The Waterfront Worth Considering?

The Waterfront on Venice Island offers a distinctive combination of spacious condominium residences, direct Intracoastal frontage, shared waterfront recreation, and convenient access to historic Downtown Venice.

Its three-building setting, saltwater swimming pool, private dock, kayak launch, and connection to Venetian Waterway Park create a different lifestyle from both Gulf-front condominium towers and smaller downtown residential buildings.

The community may appeal to buyers who prioritize water views, substantial living space, boating-related recreation, and access to downtown restaurants, shopping, and cultural attractions.

However, buyers should carefully evaluate the development's master and building association structures, current assessments, insurance, reserves, maintenance responsibilities, docking rules, rental restrictions, and building condition before making a purchasing decision.

Explore The Waterfront Condos With Hunt Brothers Realty

Finding the right waterfront condominium involves more than choosing an attractive view. Buyers should compare building locations, floor plans, association finances, parking rights, waterfront amenities, insurance, and current market conditions.

Hunt Brothers Realty helps buyers and sellers navigate residential real estate throughout Venice, Sarasota, and Florida's Gulf Coast. Our team can assist with comparing available properties, reviewing market information, arranging showings, and understanding the real estate considerations associated with waterfront condominium ownership.

Explore Florida Gulf Coast communities with Hunt Brothers Realty, compare downtown Venice Centre condominiums, or discover Gulf-front living at Island Shores.

For assistance with The Waterfront or another Venice Island property, contact Hunt Brothers Realty to discuss your real estate goals.

Important Information: This article is provided for general real estate information and educational purposes only. It does not constitute individualized legal, financial, tax, insurance, lending, inspection, engineering, construction, title, association, marine, or other professional advice. Community details, condominium fees, association documents, docking privileges, insurance requirements, building inspection obligations, reserves, property conditions, rental restrictions, and listing availability may change. Buyers should independently verify current information and consult qualified real estate, legal, insurance, inspection, engineering, lending, tax, marine, or other appropriate professionals before making purchasing or ownership decisions. Hunt Brothers Realty provides real estate brokerage services and does not replace specialized professional guidance.

Sources

The Waterfront Master Condominium Association, About The Waterfront, official confirmation of three buildings, 98 residences, condominium characteristics, waterfront dock, kayak launch, saltwater pool, and trail access.
The Waterfront Master Condominium Association, Official Website, community governance, association notices, and master association resources.
The Waterfront Building A Condominium Association, building association information, published assessment schedule, rental restrictions, and association notices.
The Waterfront Building B Condominium Association, building-specific association information, quarterly assessment schedules, and notices.
The Waterfront Building C Condominium Association, building-specific association information, quarterly assessment schedules, and notices.
David Barr Homes, The Waterfront Condominiums in Venice, community location, residential layouts, development history, and waterfront amenities.
Realtor.com, Waterfront on Venice Island Condominiums, property listings, floor plans, and current market information.
Florida Legislature, Chapter 718, Condominiums, Florida condominium law and statutory ownership considerations.
FEMA Flood Map Service Center, official flood hazard mapping and property-specific flood information.
City of Venice, Official Website, public beaches, parks, recreation, and local community information.