City of Cocoa Beach ( Brevard County)
Cocoa Beach is a small city located on Florida’s Space Coast, in Brevard County. It is renowned for its beautiful beaches, proximity to the Kennedy Space Center, and as a hub for
surfing enthusiasts. Here’s an overview of Cocoa Beach:
1. Geography and Location
Location: Cocoa Beach is situated on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and the Banana River Lagoon. It is about an hour’s drive east of Orlando, making it easily accessible for day trips from the central part of the state.
Environment: The city features sandy beaches, warm waters, and lush coastal vegetation. The area’s natural beauty is one of its main attractions.
2. History
Early Settlement: Cocoa Beach was first settled in the 19th century, but it remained a small community until the 20th century.
Space Age Boom: The city’s growth was significantly influenced by the development of the nearby Kennedy Space Center in the 1960s. This led to a population boom and made Cocoa Beach a popular place to live for space industry workers and their families.
3. Economy
Tourism: Tourism is the primary economic driver in Cocoa Beach. The city’s beaches, surf culture, and proximity to the Kennedy Space Center attract visitors from around the world.
Space Industry: The space industry continues to play a significant role in the local economy, with many residents employed by aerospace companies and NASA.
Retail and Dining: Cocoa Beach has a variety of shops, restaurants, and bars, many of which cater to tourists. The city is known for its laid-back, beach town atmosphere.
4. Recreation and Attractions
- Beaches: Cocoa Beach is famous for its wide, sandy beaches that are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing. The beach is also a great spot for watching rocket launches from the nearby Kennedy Space Center.
- Surfing: Cocoa Beach is one of the best places for surfing on the East Coast. The city is home to several surf shops, including the world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, and hosts various surfing competitions throughout the year.
- Kennedy Space Center: Located just north of Cocoa Beach, the Kennedy Space Center is a major tourist attraction where visitors can learn about space exploration, see real spacecraft, and even witness rocket launches.
- Cocoa Beach Pier: The historic Cocoa Beach Pier extends 800 feet over the Atlantic Ocean and offers dining, shopping, and entertainment, as well as excellent fishing spots.
- Eco-Tourism: The nearby Thousand Islands Conservation Area offers opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and wildlife viewing, including manatees and dolphins.
5. Education
Schools: Cocoa Beach is served by the Brevard County School District, which includes several well-regarded public schools. Cocoa Beach Junior/Senior High School is known for its strong academic programs.
Higher Education: The city is near several higher education institutions, including Eastern Florida State College and the Florida Institute of Technology.
6. Living in Cocoa Beach
Quality of Life: Cocoa Beach offers a relaxed, beach-oriented lifestyle. It’s a popular spot for those who love the ocean and outdoor activities. The cost of living is relatively high compared to some other areas in Florida, particularly due to the desirability of oceanfront properties.
Community: The city has a strong sense of community, with various local events, including surf festivals, art shows, and space-themed celebrations.
7. Transportation
Road Access: Cocoa Beach is accessible via State Road A1A, which runs along the coast. It’s also close to major highways like Interstate 95, making it easy to reach other parts of Florida.
Public Transportation: The Space Coast Area Transit provides bus service in the area, but most residents rely on cars for getting around.
Population
- Population (2023): 11,389
- Population Growth Rate (2010 -2020): Appx. same
- Married population (2023): 60%
- Median Age (2023): 57.7
- Homeowners compared to Renters (2023): Homeowners – 76.2%, Renters – 23.8%
- Poverty Rate (2022): 7.9% compared to the US national average of 11.5%
- Unemployment Rate as of (08/22): 2.7% vs the National average of 3.7%
Demographics (2022)
- White Non Hispanic: 88.8%
- Multiracial Non Hispanic: 3.46%
- White Hispanic: 2.81%
| Median household income (2022) | Avg. per capita income (2022) | Average Age ( 2022) | Residents over 65 ( 2023 ) | Residents under 18 ( 2023 ) | Female residents ( 2023) | Male residents ( 2023 ) | Median Listing Home Price (12/25) | Median Home price per sq ft (12/25) | Median Home Sale Price (12/25) | Median Rent (02/26) | 5 yr. Price change (‘19 - 11/24) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $80,880 | $62,117 | 57.9 | 35.6% | 9.5% | 48.4% | 51.6% | 480K | $351 | 425K | $3,500 | +85% |
( Prices reflect dates specified only )
Tax
- Property Tax Rate (2023): 0.87% of a property’s assessed fair market value
- Combined County and State Sales Tax Rate (2023): 7%
Cost of Living
- Cost of Living compared to the US national average (2023): Higher
- Cost of Housing compared to the Florida national average (2023): Higher
- Cost of Food compared to the US national average (2023): Approx. same
- Cost of Transportation compared to the US national average (2023): 5% Lower
- Cost of Healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 8% Lower
- Cost of Utilities compared to the US national average (2023): 10% Lower
Political Affiliation based on the 2024 election results ( Brevard County ):
- Republican: 59.9%
- Democratic: 39.1%
Largest Industry
- Accommodation and Food / Health Care
Schools:
Cocoa Beach has 5 schools rated good or higher by GreatSchools. GreatSchools Rating is based on a variety of school quality indicators, including test scores, college readiness, and equity data. For more information visit greatschools.org
Temperature
- Average High: 82°F
- Average Low: 63°F
Coastal
- Yes
Fun Facts:
Cocoa Beach was the setting for the 1960’s hit TV show I Dream of Jeannie though none of the episodes were actually filmed there. Star of the show Barbara Eden only ever made two trips to Cocoa Beach and both were for publicity.
Location and Amenities
- I-95: 25 min (21 miles)
- Orlando International Airport: 49 min (50.3 miles)
- Melbourne International Airport: 29 min (20.6 miles)
- Orlando: 1 hr 4 min (59.3 miles)
- University of Central Florida (Orlando): 53 min (48.4 miles)
- Disney World: 1 hr 2 min (64.2 miles)
- Port Canaveral: 13 min (6.6 miles)
- Merritt Square Mall (Merritt Island): 13 min (7.6 miles)
- Cape Canaveral Hospital: Nearby
- Cocoa Beach Pier: World famous pier attracting over 1 million visitors per year
- Historic Cocoa Village: Entertainment and shopping district featuring annual art fairs and car shows
Short Term Rental Regulations:
** All short term rental operations in Florida must obtain a business license from the
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation ( DBPR ) and a Florida
Department of Revenue Certificate of Sales and Use.
| County (Tourist / Transient) Tax | YES | 5% |
|---|---|---|
| Property Inspection | N/A | – |
| Land use permit | N/A | – |
| Restrictions | YES | *see below |
Restrictions:
- Exterior site sketch / Interior building sketch
- Identity of non-paying occupants and vehicles
- For more details visit: cocoabeach.granicus.com