Have you heard neighbors talk about “homestead” and “portability” and wondered how it actually works when you buy or sell in Palm Springs? You are not alone. Florida gives homeowners meaningful tax protections, but you only get the benefit if you qualify and file on time. This guide breaks it down in plain English so you can plan your move with confidence and keep more money in your pocket. Let’s dive in.
Homestead exemption basics
Florida’s homestead exemption lowers the taxable assessed value on your primary residence. When combined with the Save Our Homes cap, it can reduce your property tax bill.
Here are the essentials:
- Ownership: You must own the property.
- Occupancy: It must be your permanent residence and domicile.
- Florida residency: You must be a Florida resident and cannot claim homestead in two places.
- Effective date: Eligibility is based on your status on January 1 of the tax year.
- Filing deadline: The standard deadline to apply is March 1 of the tax year.
In Palm Springs, applications are administered by the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office.
Who qualifies in Palm Springs
If you own a home in Palm Springs and it is your permanent Florida residence on January 1, you can apply for the homestead exemption for that tax year. If you are new to Florida or switching your primary residence from another Florida county, make sure you update your Florida IDs and voter registration to reflect your Palm Springs address to support your claim.
Save Our Homes portability explained
Save Our Homes is a Florida constitutional protection that limits how much the assessed value of a homestead can increase each year. Over time, that cap can create a gap between your home’s just value and its assessed value. Portability lets you transfer some or all of that gap to a new Florida homestead, subject to limits and the calculation rules in Florida law.
Key points:
- Portability applies only when both the prior property and the new property are in Florida.
- You must have had a homestead in Florida on the prior property and establish a new Florida homestead.
- The transferred amount is based on the difference between just value and assessed value on the prior homestead. County appraisers calculate the eligible amount under state law.
If you moved to Palm Springs from out of state, you can apply for the homestead exemption, but portability will not apply because there is no prior Florida Save Our Homes benefit to transfer.
When and how to file in Palm Beach County
You typically request portability when you apply for homestead on your new Palm Springs home. Plan to file by March 1 for the tax year you want the benefit.
General process in Palm Beach County:
- File your homestead application with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser for your Palm Springs property.
- On the same application, indicate that you are requesting portability.
- Provide documents that show your prior Florida homestead and your new Palm Springs residency.
- The Property Appraiser reviews eligibility and computes any portability.
If you already have an active homestead in a different county in the same calendar year, check the county’s instructions on whether you need to cancel the prior homestead or if the office will verify it.
Step-by-step: From contract to filed
Follow this simple checklist to stay on track.
Before closing on your Palm Springs home:
- Keep records from your prior Florida homestead, such as a prior tax bill showing homestead or the approval letter.
- Gather your sale documents if you sold the prior home, such as the closing statement.
- Update your Florida driver license, voter registration, and vehicle registration to your new Palm Springs address.
At or after closing:
- Apply for the homestead exemption with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser for your new property.
- On the same application, select the option to transfer your Save Our Homes benefit (portability).
- Upload or present supporting documents for ownership, Florida residency, and your prior Florida homestead.
- Respond quickly if the Property Appraiser requests more information.
Missed the deadline? File as soon as possible and contact the Property Appraiser about any limited late-filing provisions. Late relief is not guaranteed, so it is best to plan ahead.
Documents you will likely need
Palm Beach County may ask for the following. Have these ready to keep the process smooth:
- Proof of ownership: deed, recorded instrument, or your closing/settlement statement.
- Proof of Florida residency and permanent use of the new homestead: Florida driver license or ID with your Palm Springs address, Florida voter registration card, vehicle registration, or similar evidence of domicile.
- Proof of prior Florida homestead: a previous county homestead approval letter, prior tax bill showing the homestead status, or a closing statement showing the sale date.
- Additional identity documents if requested by the Property Appraiser.
Exact lists can vary. The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser publishes the current requirements on its homestead and portability pages and forms.
Timing scenarios you may face
Every move is different. Here is how timing usually works under Florida’s rules.
You owned and lived in your Palm Springs home on January 1: You can apply for that tax year’s homestead by March 1. If you moved from another Florida homestead, request portability on the same application.
You moved after January 1: Homestead eligibility is based on your status as of January 1. If you move to Palm Springs later in the year, apply as soon as possible for the next tax year and confirm portability timing with the Property Appraiser.
You sold your prior Florida homestead and then bought in Palm Springs: Keep the settlement statements and any proof of your prior homestead. Apply for homestead and portability by March 1 for the next eligible tax year.
What portability does and does not do
Portability can reduce the taxable assessed value on your new Palm Springs homestead by transferring the Save Our Homes assessment difference from your prior Florida homestead, subject to statutory limits and calculations. It is not a guarantee that your tax bill will stay the same. Your final taxes depend on the new property’s just value, your transferred benefit, and local millage rates.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Waiting until after March 1 to start: Put the date on your calendar and file early.
- Forgetting to check the portability box or form section: Be sure to actively request portability with your homestead application.
- Missing documents: Have proof of ownership, Florida residency, and prior homestead ready to go.
- Assuming out-of-state moves qualify: Portability only works from a prior Florida homestead to a new Florida homestead.
- Trying to use homestead on two places: You cannot claim homestead in two locations.
Where to confirm the details
Your best sources for official information are:
- Palm Beach County Property Appraiser: Procedures, forms, and document checklists for Palm Springs homeowners.
- Florida Department of Revenue: Statewide guidance on property tax exemptions and portability.
- Florida Constitution and Florida Statutes: Legal text for Save Our Homes and portability. Save Our Homes is in Article VII, Section 4(d) of the Florida Constitution, and portability is authorized by Florida statute.
If you have a unique situation or tight timing, contact the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser directly to confirm deadlines and the documents they will accept.
Your next steps
- Mark your calendar: March 1 filing deadline for the tax year you want.
- Gather documents: deed or closing statement, Florida ID with your Palm Springs address, voter and vehicle registration, and proof of your prior Florida homestead.
- Apply early: File your homestead application with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser and request portability at the same time.
- Keep copies: Save digital and paper copies of everything you submit.
If you want a clear, concierge-style walkthrough tailored to your move, connect with Unknown Company. We are here to help you move forward with confidence.
FAQs
What is the Florida homestead exemption for Palm Springs homeowners?
- It is a property tax benefit for your permanent residence that lowers the taxable assessed value. You apply with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser by March 1 for the tax year.
How does Save Our Homes portability work when moving to Palm Springs?
- If you had a Florida homestead before and establish a new Florida homestead in Palm Springs, you can request to transfer your Save Our Homes assessment difference to the new home, subject to state limits and county calculation.
Can I use portability if I moved from out of state to Palm Springs?
- No. Portability only transfers a benefit from a prior Florida homestead. You can still apply for the homestead exemption on your Palm Springs home.
What documents do I need for homestead and portability in Palm Beach County?
- Expect to provide proof of ownership, Florida residency at your Palm Springs address, and proof of your prior Florida homestead, plus any identity documents the Property Appraiser requests.
What is the deadline to apply in Palm Beach County?
- The standard statewide deadline is March 1 of the tax year. File early and ask the Property Appraiser about any limited late-filing options.
Will portability eliminate any tax increase on my new Palm Springs home?
- Not necessarily. Portability can reduce the taxable assessed value, but your final tax bill depends on the new home’s just value, the transferable amount, and local millage rates.
