Gulf Breeze is a city located in Santa Rosa County, in the northwest region of the state of Florida, United States. It is situated on a peninsula between Pensacola Bay and the Gulf of Mexico, and is known for its beautiful beaches, excellent fishing, and abundant wildlife.

The city has a population of approximately 6,000 people, and is part of the Pensacola Metropolitan Area. Gulf Breeze is known for its high quality of life, low crime rate, excellent schools, and thriving economy.

Some popular attractions in Gulf Breeze include the Gulf Breeze Zoo, the Gulf Islands Seashore, and the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk. The city also has a number of parks and outdoor recreational areas, including Shoreline Park, which offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a fishing pier.

Overall, Gulf Breeze is a charming and vibrant community that offers residents and visitors alike a wide range of outdoor activities, cultural events, and amenities to enjoy.

Population:

• Population (2023): 6,823
• Median age (2023): 49.4
• Residents under 18 (2023): 23.3%
• Residents over 65 (2023): 23.8%
• Population by sex (2023): Female 55.7%, Male 44.3%
• Married population (2023): 67%
• Homeowners and renters (2022): Homeowners 77.4%, Renters 22.6%
• Population change (2010-2020): Appx. 15% Increase
• Poverty rate compared to the US national average (2022): 6% vs average of 11.5%

Demographics (2022):

• White Non Hispanic – 81.6%,
• Multiracial Hispanic – 6.14%,
• Multiracial Non Hispanic 3%
• Black Non – Hispanic – 2%

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

Income:

• Median household income (2023): $107,202
• Avg. per capita income (2023): $69,203

Tax:

• County property tax rate: 0.97% of a property’s assessed fair market value (2023)
• Combined state and county sales tax rate: 7.5% (2023)

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

Political affiliation based on the 2024 election results ( Santa Rosa County ):

• Republican – 74.67%
• Democratic – 23.94%
• Other – 1.39%

Largest 3 employers: Gulf Breeze Hospital, Andrews Institute for Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, City of Gulf Breeze

School ratings: Gulf Breeze Elementary School (A+), Gulf Breeze Middle School (A), Gulf Breeze High School (A+) (2021)

Coastal: Yes

Average low and high temperature: Low 16.5 °C, High 24.8 °

Fun Facts: Professional wrestler “ Bullet “ Bob Armstrong was a long time resident of Gulf Breeze

Location and Amenities:

 

Highways:

• The main highway near Gulf Breeze, Florida, is Interstate 10 (I-10). It runs east-west and provides access to major cities in Florida and neighboring states.

International Airports:

• The closest major international airport to Gulf Breeze is Pensacola International Airport (PNS). It’s located approximately 11 miles northeast of Gulf Breeze, and the drive usually takes around 20-25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Universities and Colleges:

• The University of West Florida (UWF) is the closest public university to Gulf Breeze. It is located in Pensacola, approximately 10-15 miles away, and takes around 20-25 minutes by car.

Hospitals:

• Gulf Breeze is served by the Gulf Breeze Hospital, which is located within the city. Additionally, there are several hospitals in Pensacola, such as Sacred Heart Hospital and Baptist Hospital, which are approximately 10-15 miles away and can be reached within 20-25 minutes by car.

Shopping Malls:

• The closest shopping options are in the nearby city of Pensacola. Cordova Mall and University Town Plaza are popular shopping centers, located approximately 10-15 miles away from Gulf Breeze.

Major Cities:

• Pensacola, FL: Approximately 10-15 miles away, 20-25 minutes by car.
• Mobile, AL: Located across the state border in Alabama, approximately 50-60 miles away, about 1 to 1.5 hours by car.
• Tallahassee, FL: The capital of Florida, situated approximately 180 miles east of Gulf Breeze, which is about a 3-hour drive.

Amenities/attractions:

• Gulf Breeze Zoo, Shoreline Park, Naval Live Oaks Nature Preserve, Gulf Breeze Flea Market

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:

• Possible limits on the number of short term rental properties allowed per person may apply

For further details visit – santarosa.fl.gov