Suncoast Florida

On the Florida West Coast (Gulf of Mexico) From the Panhandle, like Cross City, to about Hudson Florida is theNature Coast, nicknamed because of the natural coastline that is less sandy and more vegetation. So when you do find some sandy beach areas, they are less populated and in less demand and the market prices are lower for this land and homes.
From Hudson to Naples, Florida's Suncoast has award winning world class beaches (like in Pinellas and Manatee Counties), and growing areas like Boca Grand, Port Charlotte, and established Ft Myers, and Naples, so the cities are in high demand and  it costs more to live near the beach. (Some of the southernmost West Florida cities prefer to call themselves the Shell Coast.)

Traveling past the tip of Florida, and the Everglades to Miami and North to about Palm Beach is the Gold Coast. A popular destination for second homes and city beach living.

Middle East Coast Florida,  the Space Coast, has popular Titusville, and Daytona Beach and less populated areas near New Smyrna, Ormond Beach, and other affordable beach home areas.

As you travel toward Ponte Vedra, St Augustine, and Jacksonville, the areas become populated again, Known as Florida's First Coast.

So you can find a variety of beach homes in all these areas. The key is to contact a local beach home expert and explore all your options. When you determine your must haves, like direct private or public beach access, full or partial waterviews, Open Water or Bay choices, then match them to the home style you are looking for, then you can enjoy the awesome benefit of the complete Florida experience of beach living. Good Searching!