Mystery houseboat floats on Indian River

Plenty of people have a house by the river in the coastal areas of Brevard County. But how about an actual house on the river?

“We all thought it was going to be a dockhouse,” said neighbor Valerie Adcock.

Five hundred yards offshore in about four feet of water, a novelty has literally become a houseboat, as it sits on the Indian River just north of the Beachline.

Adcock grew up there, and said the owners built it a couple docks down within the last two months.

It’s two stories high and about a few hundred square feet big. It has a porch, several windows and doors. It’s essentially a cabin surrounded on all sides by water, accessible by boat or perhaps a quick swim.

“It just sits there," Adcock said. "Doesn't move. They'll come onto shore every once in a while, maybe once a week. I don't even know who it is."

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said it is OK for the houseboat to remain where it is, as long as its owner abides by the proper regulations.

FWC also said the owner has a marine sanitation device designed to keep untreated sewage out of the water. The house has a light turned on at night, and its platform is not touching the bottom of the river.

Adcock said the owner has a generator but it's no bother.

News 13 was not able to get in touch with the homeowner.

Neighbors said they are unsure if someone lives there full time.