Federal beach zone (ZOFEMAT)
The Zona Federal Marítimo Terrestre is a 20-meter federal strip along the shore, measured from the maximum high-tide line (where the slope is under 30°).
Why it matters
You can't own it. Using it (decks, stairs, palapas, landscaping) needs a SEMARNAT concession. Foreigners apply through a trust. Trust permits commonly bar fences that block public access to it.
Who helps
SEMARNAT – Dirección General de Zona Federal Marítimo Terrestre y Ambientes Costeros, and your surveyor, who plots the official boundary.
Documents for a concession (procedure SEMARNAT-01-001)
the FF-SEMARNAT-003 form, a topographic plan tied to the official boundary, photos, proof of legal stay, the fee payment, and an environmental authorization if works are planned.
Costs Estimate
- Annual use fee (Ley Federal de Derechos, art. 232-C; zones in art. 232-D), per m² of concession area: La Paz (Zone IX) — Protection or ornamental use: MXN 30.59; General use (built with foundations, or for profit): MXN 87.88. Los Cabos (Zone X) — Protection or ornamental use: MXN 61.39; General use (built with foundations, or for profit): MXN 176.00.
- Response time up to 200 calendar days.
Estimates only. Get written quotes.
Common mistakes
- Listings that count ZOFEMAT as part of the lot.
- Buying a seller's concession without having it formally transferred.
Say it in Spanish
- ¿Dónde está la línea de zona federal y existe una concesión?
Where is the federal zone line, and is there a concession?
Sources
- Ley Federal de Derechos, last reform DOF 07-11-2025 (Diputados) (checked 2026-10)
- gob.mx – SEMARNAT-01-001 (checked 2026-10)
Confirm the details for your case with your notario or attorney.
Common questions
What is ZOFEMAT?
The federal maritime-terrestrial zone, generally the first 20 m inland from high tide. Nobody owns it; you can only hold a concession to use it.