While it is hard to think of negatives associated with owning a luxury Florida oceanfront estate, there are some important points that should not be overlooked as you stare mesmerized at the shimmering sea.

The most important issue to explore in buying Florida luxury oceanfront property is whether the beach in front of the home is eroding (a common problem along much of the Florida coast) or accreting (you don't hear this word very often in the context of the coastline).

The barrier islands that line Florida's coast are highly dynamic, affected by wind, tides, currents and the state of the dune line. The result is that beaches move and change shape over time.

Fortunately for oceanfront real estate buyers, the state of Florida has been compiling detailed aerial surveys of its beaches for decades. From their photos, you will be able to determine exactly what is happening in front of the oceanfront estate you are considering.

If the beach is eroding, you will want to find out whether a beach renourishment plan is in effect in that area, how often the beach is replenished, whether you as an oceanfront property owner will be required to contribute to cost of beach renourishment, and whether sand pumping is a continuing source of contention as it is in many Florida oceanfront communities.

Another issue relevant to premier oceanfront property is privacy.

Beach access in a community of luxury estates may well be limited. But somewhere, generally not too far away, there will be a public beach access, and the ocean beach in Florida is public. This means that people walking along the water are entitled to plant their chairs and umbrella anywhere seaward of the mean high-tide mark directly in front of your oceanfront property. The distance the oceanfront estate is from the nearest public beach access -- and the amount of parking available, if any, at that beach access -- will help determine how many beachcombers you see in front of your luxury home.

The maintenance of a luxury oceanfront home is also a matter for consideration. The salt spray from the ocean corrodes everything -- even materials alleged to be impervious to sea air.

The ever-changing ocean view is a thing of wonder, particularly at sunrise on the Atlantic coast and sunset on the Gulf. But routine home maintenance is going to run higher -- much higher. It is part of the price you are about to pay for the privilege of living on the ocean.