New to Florida? How to Apply for Homestead Exemption and Protect Your Property Tax Savings

A practical guide for new residents of Boca Raton, Delray Beach and communities throughout Florida.

By Rich Entel | The Entel Group | Backed by Compass
Updated September 12, 2026

You found the home. You made the move. Now there’s another item that belongs on your Florida checklist: applying for homestead exemption.

Between unpacking, meeting neighbors and settling into your new lifestyle, it’s easy to overlook. But understanding homestead can help you lower your property taxes and manage the long-term cost of owning your home.

Here’s what new Florida residents should know—and how to get started.

What Is Florida’s Homestead Exemption?

Florida’s homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of an eligible permanent residence. The savings depend on your property’s assessed value and the tax rates that apply to it.

For 2026, the exemption includes:

For a home with sufficient assessed value, that means a reduction of up to $51,411 for non-school taxes and $25,000 for school taxes. The additional portion is adjusted for inflation.

These amounts reduce the value used to calculate taxes; they are not dollar-for-dollar reductions in your tax bill. Sources: Florida Department of Revenue and Florida Revenue Estimating Conference, July 2026.

Who Qualifies?

Generally, you must own the property and make it your permanent residence as of January 1 of the year for which you are applying.

Buying a Florida home does not automatically qualify you. A vacation property or seasonal address must actually become your permanent residence to qualify. Your county property appraiser determines eligibility. Source: Florida Department of Revenue.

For new residents arriving from New York or another state, review any residency-based property benefits you currently receive. Palm Beach County specifically identifies benefits such as STAR, Enhanced STAR and other residency-based exemptions as potential conflicts. Source: Palm Beach County qualification requirements.

When Should You Apply?

January 1 determines eligibility. March 1 is the standard application deadline. Check your county’s published calendar for any weekend or holiday adjustment. Source: Florida Department of Revenue.

Here’s how that works for an upcoming move:

• You purchase and establish permanent residency in November 2026: You could qualify for the 2027 exemption if you meet the requirements on January 1, 2027, and apply by March 1, 2027.
• You purchase and move in during February 2027: Your first qualifying year would generally be 2028, because you did not meet the January 1, 2027 requirements.

Ask your county about filing ahead for the next tax year once you have moved in. If you missed a deadline, contact the property appraiser immediately about possible late-filing procedures; approval is not automatic. Source: Broward County filing guidance.

How to Apply in Palm Beach County

For homes in Boca Raton, Delray Beach and elsewhere in Palm Beach County, apply through the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser.

1. Gather Your Documents

The county’s checklist includes:

• Social Security numbers for applying owners and their spouses.
• A valid Florida driver’s license or Florida identification card.
• Permanent-residency documentation for non-U.S. citizens.
• Supporting evidence such as Florida vehicle registration, voter registration, a Declaration of Domicile, a federal tax return or utility bills.

Confirm the required combination of documents with the county.

2. Submit Your Application

You can apply online, in person at a service center, or by mail. Start at the Palm Beach County homestead application page, which includes the official E-File link.

3. Keep Your Confirmation

Save your submission receipt and respond promptly to requests for additional information.

For application assistance, call 561-355-2866. Source: Palm Beach County Property Appraiser.

Why Save Our Homes Matters Over Time

Homestead also brings a valuable assessment protection called Save Our Homes.

After the first year a home receives homestead exemption, annual increases in its assessed value are generally limited to 3% or the applicable Consumer Price Index change, whichever is lower. Additions and certain other changes can be assessed separately.

For example, if a home has an assessed value of $600,000 and the applicable cap is 3%, its next assessed value would generally rise by no more than $18,000, assuming no changes affecting the calculation.

This limits assessment growth—not the total tax bill. Tax rates and other charges can still change. Source: Florida Department of Revenue’s Save Our Homes guide.

Why You Shouldn’t Budget Using the Seller’s Tax Bill

A seller who owned a home for many years may have accumulated substantial Save Our Homes protection.

Following a purchase, the property is generally reassessed at just value on January 1 after the ownership change. That can produce a significantly different tax bill for the buyer.

Before purchasing, obtain a tax estimate based on your anticipated ownership and exemptions. This is especially useful when comparing homes in Boca Raton’s private clubs, where property taxes sit alongside association fees, membership costs and other ownership expenses. Source: Florida Department of Revenue’s guide for first-time Florida homebuyers.

Can You Bring Property Tax Savings From Another Home?

If you are moving from another qualifying Florida homestead, portability may allow you to transfer up to $500,000 of accumulated Save Our Homes assessment difference to your new Florida residence.

That is an assessment benefit, not a $500,000 tax credit. The amount depends on the properties involved, and downsizing can reduce the transferable amount.

You generally must establish the new homestead by January 1 of the third year after abandoning the previous homestead, and apply for portability along with your new exemption.

Savings from a home in New York, New Jersey or another state do not transfer through Florida portability. Source: Palm Beach County portability guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to apply again every year?
Palm Beach County generally renews the exemption automatically while you remain eligible. Report changes in ownership, residency or property use. Moving to another home requires a new application. Source: Palm Beach County Exemption Services.

Does being over 65 automatically eliminate property taxes?
No. Additional senior exemptions have specific requirements, including income limits for certain benefits. Ask the county whether you qualify for senior, veteran, disability or other exemptions. Source: Palm Beach County additional exemptions.

Can I rent out my homesteaded home?
Renting can affect eligibility. Before offering the property for rent, ask the property appraiser how the proposed arrangement would affect your exemption. Source: Florida Department of Revenue.

The Entel Group Take

Moving to Florida is about more than choosing a beautiful home. It’s about understanding the lifestyle—and the responsibilities—that come with it.

My advice to new residents: put homestead on your moving checklist, keep your documentation together and mark the filing deadline on your calendar.

Whether you’re considering Boca West, Woodfield, Broken Sound or another Boca Raton-area community, understanding the full cost of ownership helps you make a more informed decision.

Thinking about making Florida home? Let’s talk about the home, the club and the lifestyle that fit you.

Rich Entel | The Entel Group
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561-759-7777
theentelgroup.com

This guide covers the property-tax homestead exemption. Confirm individual eligibility and current filing requirements with your county property appraiser; consult your tax adviser about residency obligations in your former state.