buyers and sellers of oceanfront property

Federal Maritme Land is comprised of the land which is 20 meters from the high tide of the sea.  This land is owned and will always be owned by the Federal Government of México.  In order to be granted the “right to use” the federal property, you must apply for and receive a federal maritime zone concession.  This concession is issued by the government agency SEMARNAT. (Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources) 

The agency’s role in the government is to promote the protection, restoration and conservation of ecosystems, natural resources and environmental goods and services, with the aim of promoting their use and sustainable development.  The current secretary of this government agency is Mr. Juan Rafael Elvira Quesada and he was appointed to this position by the President of Mexico for six years whose term will end in 2012.

A concession would be required if you want to use the federal land.  That would include any construction, improvements or to protect the natural beauty of the land owned by the government.  If construction is included in the concession, an environmental impact study will be required during the application process.  The concession is issued for a period of fifteen years and the cost is paid every two months or on an annual basis.  The cost will be based on the surface area of the property and its location in México.

The attorneys at First Title Services are experts at coordinating the application process as it can become very involved and often requires interaction with the following groups; SEMARNAT officials, engineers, surveyors, notaries, the trustee Bank and both City, State and Federal Officials. 

We have seen many cases where both the buyer and seller are confused regarding the federal land and how it relates to the private property.  Always get professional advice when purchasing real estate adjacent to the federal zone.