Thinking about moving to a new home in Jupiter and worried your property taxes will jump? If your current home has a Florida homestead exemption, you may be able to bring part of your tax savings with you. It is called portability, and it can make a real difference in what you pay each year.
In this guide, you will learn what homestead portability is, how it works with Florida’s Save Our Homes cap, and the exact steps to transfer your benefit when you buy in Jupiter or elsewhere in Palm Beach County. You will also see common scenarios and timing tips so you do not miss key deadlines. Let’s dive in.
Homestead portability, simplified
Florida’s property tax system gives homeowners two big protections on a primary residence: the homestead exemption and the Save Our Homes cap. Over time, these can create a sizable gap between your home’s market value and its assessed value for taxes. Portability lets you move that assessed-value benefit to a new Florida homestead.
Homestead exemption at a glance
The homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your permanent residence. You must establish the home as your primary residence and file with your county property appraiser. Other exemptions may also apply if you qualify, such as senior, disability, or veteran exemptions.
Save Our Homes (SOH) cap
The Save Our Homes cap limits how much your assessed value can increase each year on a homesteaded property. By rule, it is the lower of 3 percent or the change in the Consumer Price Index. Longtime owners often see an assessed value that is much lower than market value because of this cap.
What portability actually does
Portability transfers some or all of that SOH benefit from your prior Florida homestead to your new Florida homestead. You can move this benefit from any county in Florida to any other county, including Palm Beach County. If approved, the transfer lowers the assessed value on your new homestead starting in the year of approval, and your taxes are calculated from that reduced base going forward, subject to annual SOH limits.
Why it matters when you move
When you sell and buy another home in Florida, portability can reduce the taxable value of your new home right away. That can mean hundreds or even thousands of dollars in annual savings, depending on the size of your SOH benefit and the value of your new home.
This is a statewide benefit. Even if your prior home was outside Palm Beach County, you can still transfer the benefit to your new Jupiter homestead. The key is to file correctly and on time with the county where your new homestead is located.
Who qualifies in Jupiter
You generally qualify to transfer a Save Our Homes benefit if:
- You had a homestead exemption on your prior Florida property, and
- You establish your new Jupiter property as your permanent residence and file for homestead there.
There are statutory limits on how much you can transfer, and the appraiser’s computation cannot create a negative assessed value. The county property appraiser performs the official calculation under Florida law and rules.
How the calculation works
The county property appraiser calculates the portability amount using state guidelines. Here is a simple example to show the logic:
- Prior home: market (just) value = $600,000; assessed value with SOH cap = $420,000. SOH benefit = $180,000.
- New home: market (just) value = $500,000.
- If the full $180,000 is available and allowed, your new assessed value could be roughly $500,000 minus $180,000 = $320,000.
This is a simplified illustration. The property appraiser will apply the exact statute, any caps, and other exemptions to compute your official assessed value. Confirm specifics with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser.
Step-by-step: Transfer portability in Palm Beach County
Follow these practical steps to move your SOH benefit to your new Jupiter homestead:
- Establish your new homestead
- Move into your Jupiter home as your permanent residence.
- Update your driver’s license and voter registration to the new address.
- File for the homestead exemption
- Submit your homestead exemption application with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser. Florida homestead applications typically have a March 1 filing deadline for the tax year. Timing matters, so file as soon as you are eligible.
- Apply for portability
- File the portability application with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser when you file for your new homestead. This office administers portability for homes located in Jupiter and elsewhere in the county.
- Ask the office for the current form, instructions, and timelines. Rules about how long after you abandon the prior homestead you can apply are time sensitive.
- Gather documents commonly requested
- Proof that your prior property had a homestead exemption (parcel ID, prior year tax record, previous homestead filing).
- Proof that your new property is your permanent residence (updated driver’s license, voter registration, utility bills).
- Deed or closing statement for the new property and closing statement for the sale of the prior property.
- Identification and any other items required by the property appraiser.
- Track your filing and confirm the result
- Confirm receipt of your homestead and portability filings with the property appraiser.
- Watch for notices about your assessed value and review your TRIM notice to see how the transfer is reflected.
Timing and common scenarios
Portability and homestead filings must be handled within specific windows. In Florida, homestead exemption applications are typically due by March 1 for the tax year, and portability has its own timing rules related to when you abandoned the prior homestead and when you establish the new one. Confirm exact dates with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser.
Here are common scenarios to consider:
- Moving to a higher-priced home: Portability can still help because it transfers a dollar benefit. Your new assessed value is reduced by the allowable amount, which lowers taxes relative to what they would be without portability.
- Moving to a lower-priced home: If the portability amount is larger than the new home’s value, the appraiser will apply the statutory limits. You will not get a negative assessed value or a refund.
- Buying before selling: You may still preserve portability, but the order of closings, dates of occupancy, and filing dates all matter. Contact the property appraiser early to plan your filings.
- Survivors, divorces, trusts, or entity ownership: Special rules can apply for widowed owners, marital transfers, estates, and homes held in trusts or LLCs. Speak with the property appraiser, and consider consulting a Florida property tax attorney or CPA.
- Renting or removing homestead in the past: If homestead status was removed on the prior property, portability may not be available. The property appraiser can advise what proof is needed, if any.
Jupiter-specific tips
- Start early at contract: When you list or go under contract, talk with your agent and closing agent about portability so you can collect the right documents before closing.
- Confirm the tax year: Ask how your homestead and portability will apply to the current or next tax year. Administration runs on the property tax calendar, not the calendar year.
- Keep records handy: Save copies of your prior year tax bills, your homestead approval notices, closing statements, and proof of residence updates. Having a clean paper trail speeds up review.
- Call the right office: The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser is the local authority for forms, filing, and calculations. The Florida Department of Revenue provides statewide guidance on homestead, Save Our Homes, and portability policy.
Avoid these common mistakes
- Missing filing windows: Waiting until after March 1 or delaying your portability filing can cost you a year of savings or your claim. File as soon as you qualify.
- Assuming a rental still qualifies: If you converted your prior homestead to a rental and removed the exemption, confirm whether portability is still available.
- Guessing the numbers: Online calculators are helpful, but only the property appraiser’s calculation is official. Use examples for planning, then verify.
- Overlooking ownership details: Title changes, trusts, or divorces can affect eligibility. Address these with the property appraiser and a qualified professional.
Partner with a local advisor
Portability is one of Florida’s best homeowner benefits, but it is deadline driven and paperwork heavy. If you are planning a move in Jupiter, you will save time and reduce stress by organizing your filings early and coordinating with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser. If your situation involves estates, trusts, or timing hurdles, consider a CPA or attorney to protect your eligibility.
If you are buying or selling in Northern Palm Beach County and want a clear plan for taxes, timelines, and closing prep, reach out to Bradley Hurst for a quick consult. We will map your move, flag the forms you need, and help you coordinate with the right offices so you do not leave money on the table. Connect with Bradley Hurst to get started.
FAQs
What is Save Our Homes portability in Florida?
- It is the transfer of part or all of your Save Our Homes assessed-value benefit from a prior Florida homestead to a new Florida homestead, administered by the county property appraiser where the new home is located.
Can I bring a portability benefit to Jupiter from another Florida county?
- Yes. Portability is statewide, so you can transfer your benefit from any Florida county to Palm Beach County if you otherwise qualify and file correctly.
When are the deadlines to file homestead and portability in Palm Beach County?
- Homestead exemption applications are typically due by March 1 for the tax year, and portability has time-sensitive rules tied to when you abandon the prior homestead. Confirm exact dates with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser.
How is the portability amount calculated on my new home?
- The county property appraiser computes the reduction using state law, your prior SOH benefit, and any statutory caps. The reduction cannot create a negative assessed value.
What documents should I have ready when filing for portability?
- Prior homestead proof, parcel ID and tax records, deed or closing statements for both properties, proof of new residency such as driver’s license and voter registration, and personal identification.
Will portability affect my other exemptions?
- You must file for the new homestead exemption to receive portability, and other exemptions you qualify for can also apply. The property appraiser will combine eligible exemptions under Florida rules.
