What is the ZOFEMAT in Mexico?
ZOFEMAT (Zona Federal Marítimo Terrestre) is Mexico's federal beach zone: the 20-metre strip of land running inland from the high-tide line along the sea. It is federal property and cannot be owned; private use of it needs a federal concession.
Last updated · Buying & ownership glossary
About ZOFEMAT (Mexico)
Beachfront lots in Mexico stop at the ZOFEMAT line. A house, deck or beach club built on the strip itself needs a concession from Mexico's federal environment ministry (SEMARNAT), and the concession holder pays federal fees for it.
The ZOFEMAT is separate from the restricted zone: the restricted zone decides how a foreigner can hold title near the coast, the ZOFEMAT is beach land that nobody can own.
- Also called
- Zona Federal Marítimo Terrestre, federal maritime zone
- Where it applies
- Mexico
This is general information, not legal advice. Confirm with a licensed local attorney before you buy.
Related terms
- Restricted zone (Mexico)
- Mexico's restricted zone is the strip of land within 50 km of the coastline and 100 km of the land borders, where foreigners may not hold direct title to land. They hold homes there through a fideicomiso, or business property through a Mexican company.
- Fideicomiso
- A fideicomiso is a Mexican bank trust that lets a foreign buyer hold residential property in Mexico's restricted zone — the land within 50 km of the coast or 100 km of a border. A Mexican bank holds title as trustee and the buyer is the beneficiary.
- Coastal concession
- A coastal concession is a government-granted right to occupy, use and build on public coastal land for a fixed term, under conditions set by the grant. It is not ownership: the land stays public, and the concession can be lost if its conditions are broken.