Miramar Beach is a popular vacation destination located in the Florida Panhandle, in the northwest region of the state. It’s part of the greater Destin area and is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches and crystal-clear emerald waters.

The beach itself is wide and expansive, stretching for miles along the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports, such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and parasailing. There are also several beachfront parks and playgrounds, making it a great destination for families.

In addition to the beach, Miramar Beach is also known for its great shopping and dining. The area is home to several outdoor shopping centers, including the popular Silver Sands Premium Outlets, which features over 100 designer and name-brand outlet stores.

For those who enjoy golf, Miramar Beach is home to several championship golf courses, including the Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, which has four courses to choose from.

Overall, Miramar Beach is a beautiful destination that offers something for everyone, from relaxing on the beach to shopping and dining to outdoor recreation.

Population:

• Population (2023): 8,000
• Median age (2023): 56
• Residents under 18 (2020): 11.3%
• Residents over 65 (2020): 34%
• Population by sex (2020): female 53% and male 47%
• Married population (2023): 64%
• Homeowners and renters (2022): 72.8% homeowners and 27.2% renters
• Population change (2010 – 2020): Appx. 25% Increase
• Poverty rate compared to the US national average (2022): 3.7% vs the average of 11.5%

Demographics (2022):

• White Non Hispanic – 87%
• Black Non Hispanic – 5.68%
• Multiracial Non Hispanic – 5.3%
• White Hispanic – 4.18%

*Prices shown are based only on activity for the dates specified

Income:

• Median household income (2022): $81,196
• Avg. per capita income (2023): $66,344

Tax:

• County property tax rate: .54% of a property’s assessed fair market value ( 2023)
• Combined state and county sales tax rate: 7.5% (2023)

Political affiliation based on the 2020 election results: Republican-leaning (Florida Division of Elections, 2020)

Largest 3 employers: Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, and Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast (City of Miramar Beach, 2021)

School ratings: Miramar Beach Elementary School has an 8/10 rating on GreatSchools.org (2021)

Coastal: Yes

Average low and high temperature: Low 17 °C, Heat 24.25 °C

Cost of Living:

• Average cost of living compared to the US national average (2023): Higher
• Cost of housing compared to the Florida average (2023): Higher
• Cost of food compared to the US national average (2023): 5% Lower
• Cost of healthcare compared to the US national average (2023): 6% Lower
• Cost of utilities compared to the US national average (2023): 17% Lower
• Cost of transportation compared to the US national average (2023): 11% Lower

Fun Facts: Miramar means “ Look at the Sea “ in Spanish.

Location and Amenities:

 

Closest Highways:

• US-98 runs through Miramar Beach, providing easy access to nearby cities and towns along the Gulf Coast.

International Airports:

• The closest major international airport is Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP) in Panama City, located approximately 35 miles (56 km) east of Miramar Beach. Travel time can be around 45-60 minutes depending on traffic.

Universities and Colleges:

• University of West Florida (UWF) – About 50 miles (80 km) east in Pensacola, FL.
• Northwest Florida State College – About 11 miles (18 km) east in Niceville, FL.

Hospitals:

• Sacred Heart Hospital on the Emerald Coast – Located right in Miramar Beach.
• Fort Walton Beach Medical Center – About 11 miles (18 km) east in Fort Walton Beach, FL.

Shopping Malls:

• Silver Sands Premium Outlets – Located in Miramar Beach itself, just minutes away from most locations.
• Destin Commons – About 7 miles (11 km) east in Destin, FL.

Major Cities:

• Destin, FL – About 7 miles (11 km) east of Miramar Beach.
• Pensacola, FL – Approximately 50 miles (80 km) west of Miramar Beach.

Amenities/attractions:

• Miramar Beach is known for its white sand beaches, golf courses, and outdoor recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and parasailing. The Silver Sands Premium Outlets shopping center is also a popular destination for visitors and residents (City of Miramar Beach, 2021)

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. ** Short term rental regulations can be subject to change and should always be confirmed with city / towns or county departments.

Restrictions:

• Rental periods under 30 Days are considered short term rentals in Walton County
• Must register with the Miramar Police Department

For further details visit – CO.WALTON.FL.US or miramarfl.gov