Save Thousands with Florida Property Tax Portability
If you're a Florida homeowner moving to a new county, you can take your Save Our Homes benefit with you, thanks to the state's property tax portability law. This can save you thousands of dollars in property taxes over the years. But you must apply for portability when you establish your new homestead exemption. The process can be complex, so it's essential to understand the rules and deadlines.
Based on federal consumer protection law and HUD/CFPB public guidance · Last reviewed July 2026
The Direct Answer
To qualify for property tax portability in Florida, you must have received a homestead exemption on your previous home and establish a new homestead exemption on your new home within two years of abandoning your previous homestead. You can then transfer up to $500,000 of your accumulated Save Our Homes benefit to your new home.
For example, if you've owned your current home for 10 years and your assessed value has increased by $200,000, you may be able to transfer $150,000 of your Save Our Homes benefit to your new home, saving you up to $750 per year in property taxes. You can use the Florida Department of Revenue's portability calculator to estimate your potential savings.
Do not assume that your new county will automatically apply portability to your tax bill. You must apply for portability when you establish your new homestead exemption, and you must provide documentation of your previous homestead exemption and Save Our Homes benefit.
How Portability Works
Qualifying for Portability
The Florida property tax portability law allows homeowners to transfer their Save Our Homes benefit to a new home when they move to a different county. To qualify, you must have received a homestead exemption on your previous home and establish a new homestead exemption on your new home within two years of abandoning your previous homestead.
You must have owned and occupied your previous home as your primary residence
You must have received a homestead exemption on your previous home
You must establish a new homestead exemption on your new home within two years of abandoning your previous homestead
Applying for Portability
Gathering Required Documents
To apply for portability, you'll need to provide documentation of your previous homestead exemption and Save Our Homes benefit. This may include
A copy of your previous homestead exemption certificate
A copy of your previous year's tax bill
Proof of your new homestead exemption
You can submit your application to your new county's property appraiser's office.
Calculating Your Savings
Using the Portability Calculator
The Florida Department of Revenue provides a portability calculator to help you estimate your potential savings. You'll need to enter information about your previous home, including the assessed value and your Save Our Homes benefit. You can then compare your estimated savings to your new home's tax bill.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Missing the Deadline
One common mistake homeowners make is missing the deadline to apply for portability. You must apply for portability when you establish your new homestead exemption, which is typically within two years of abandoning your previous homestead. Other mistakes include
Not providing required documentation
Not understanding how portability works
Apply for Portability Today
Don't miss out on thousands of dollars in property tax savings. Apply for portability when you establish your new homestead exemption and start saving today. Contact your new county's property appraiser's office for more information.
You can apply for portability by submitting an application to your new county's property appraiser's office. You'll need to provide documentation of your previous homestead exemption and Save Our Homes benefit.
How much can I save with portability?
The amount you can save with portability depends on your individual situation. However, you can transfer up to $500,000 of your accumulated Save Our Homes benefit to your new home, which can save you up to $500 per year in property taxes.
Do I need to reapply for homestead exemption?
Yes, you'll need to establish a new homestead exemption on your new home within two years of abandoning your previous homestead. You can then apply for portability and transfer your Save Our Homes benefit.
Can I transfer my portability benefit to a different state?
No, the Florida property tax portability law only allows you to transfer your Save Our Homes benefit to a new home within the state of Florida.