Gulf Shores, Madeira Beach: Neighborhood Guide

Updated October 2026.

Gulf Shores is a residential neighborhood in Madeira Beach spread over several recorded plats, with single-family homes, duplexes and small multifamily buildings on streets such as Parsley Drive, Bayshore Drive, Palm Street and Marguerite Drive.

We are John and Nicole Kavaliauskas, licensed Florida Realtors with LoKation Real Estate. Here is what public sources and listing records show about Gulf Shores, and what to confirm before you buy.

Where Gulf Shores is

Pinellas County parcel data places Gulf Shores parcels on East and West Parsley Drive, North and South Bayshore Drive, 137th Avenue Circle, Palm Street, Marguerite Drive, 140th Avenue East, Miramar Avenue, Vivian Drive, Virginia Avenue and Gulf Boulevard, all with Madeira Beach addresses.

What county records show

The county records the neighborhood as Gulf Shores Subdivision, its first through sixth additions and replats, and Gulf Shores Harbor Subdivision, with about 340 parcels: 246 coded as single-family homes and 86 as duplexes or small multifamily buildings. Neighborhoods.com lists homes built from 1938 to 2018, mostly bungalow or ranch styles, with attached homes carrying association fees.

Water and boating

Local agents list both waterfront and interior homes here (Florida Neighborhood Realty). For any waterfront lot, check the seawall, dock permits, depth and route to open water. Our seawall and dock inspection guide lists what to look for.

Flood zones, elevation and the 2024 storms

Hurricane Helene pushed a major surge into Pinellas County in September 2024; the National Hurricane Center Helene report lists water levels of 7.26 feet above mean higher high water at Madeira Beach. Hurricane Milton followed two weeks later. For any Gulf Shores address, look up the zone on the FEMA Flood Map Service Center, check for an elevation certificate on the Pinellas County elevation certificate map, and ask whether the city made a substantial damage determination. Madeira Beach also runs a Forerunner flood data portal where owners can look up flood zone, base flood elevation, elevation certificates and substantial damage history by address.

Rental rules

According to the Pinellas Realtor Organization summary of local rental rules, Madeira Beach prohibits rentals of less than six months in R-1 districts and less than three months in R-2 districts. The city business license FAQs say every rental needs a city Business Tax Receipt. Check the zoning of the specific Gulf Shores lot with the city before you count on rental income, and see our short-term rental rules by city.

Before you buy in Gulf Shores

• Confirm the recorded subdivision and lot on the Pinellas County Property Appraiser record
• Get the flood zone, elevation certificate and current flood policy
• Ask for permits, invoices and any substantial damage letter for work since 2024
• For a waterfront lot, inspect the seawall and dock and confirm water depth and the route to open water
• Get flood and wind insurance quotes early in the inspection period
• Check the zoning if rental income matters to you

Next step

Thinking of selling? See what your Gulf Shores home is worth. Buying? Call or text (727) 955-1222 or send us a message. For the whole city, see our Madeira Beach guide.

More neighborhoods: Isle of Palms, Paradise Island, Capri Isle, Sunset Beach, Crystal Island, Mitchell’s Beach, North Madeira Shores, Lone Palm Beach. See all neighborhood guides.

This page provides general information only and is not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Parcel counts come from Pinellas County parcel data as of October 2026 and change over time; neighborhood boundaries in listing records are informal. Flood rules, substantial damage determinations, permitting, zoning and rental regulations change and apply differently to each property. Verify details with the city, Pinellas County, FEMA, your insurer, lender or a licensed attorney before making decisions. John and Nicole are licensed Florida Realtors with LoKation Real Estate.