With thousands of miles of inland waterways, it's no wonder that the dream of a luxury waterfront home, with backyard dock for a boat of your own, is alive and well in Florida.

A luxury home on the Intracoastal Waterway, or on one of the many inlets or canals which branch off it, can provide the boating enthusiast with easy access to a relaxing day of fishing or a romantic evening cruise to a waterfront bistro.

And with luxury yachts gliding past your windows day and night, a home on the Intracoastal offers a fascinating, ever-changing view.

In December, when the patios of Intracoastal Waterway estates become the scene of holiday parties to watch "boat parades" of festively decorated yachts, luxury waterfront life in Florida does seem magic indeed.

But there are a number of considerations to be aware of in selecting your waterfront home, starting with the terminology.

"Deepwater" does not necessarily mean the water is deep, and "ocean access" does not necessarily mean your boat can make it from home to the ocean.

A "deepwater" home is one with no fixed bridges to obstruct your passage to the ocean -- a particularly important consideration if you have a sailboat. All Intracostal waterfront is deepwater, as well as property along various inlets and many canals.

An "ocean access" estate is a waterfront home with one or more fixed bridges between your property and the ocean. You thus need to be sure that your boat has sufficient clearance to pass under the bridges at low tide.

Be mindful, too, of how far the home is located from the nearest ocean inlet. Particularly during the winter season, when minimum wake restrictions are in effect for most of the waterway, a long trip to reach open water can take longer than you may think.

Most homes directly on water have seawalls, and it is important to have a licensed marine contractor check for seepage or undermining before buying. A dock showing any signs of wood rot, or that does not feel sturdy when you stand on it, obviously warrants closer inspection.

If the home already has a boat lift or davit, which can help you avoid painting and cleaning your boat, be sure it is large enough -- and the seawll sturdy enough -- to support the size and weight of your boat.

Finally, no matter how much you like boats, some amount of boat noise is associated with living directly on the Intracoastal Waterway -- particularly on winter weekends. For those who may find this bothersome, a home on a wider stretch of the waterway -- or on a canal -- could be a better option.