Florida Homestead Exemption: A Boca Raton Guide

Looking for a simple way to lower your Boca Raton property tax bill each year? If you make your home your permanent residence, Florida’s homestead exemption can reduce your taxable value and unlock long-term savings. Whether you are buying your first home in Boca or moving across town, understanding the rules can help you plan with confidence and avoid missed deadlines. In this guide, you’ll learn who qualifies, how much you could save, key dates, and the exact steps to apply in Palm Beach County. Let’s dive in.

What the homestead exemption does

Florida’s homestead exemption reduces the assessed value of a home that is your permanent residence, which lowers your annual property taxes. It also carries legal protections under state law. The rules come from the Florida Constitution and Florida Statutes, with local procedures handled by each county’s property appraiser.

For statewide guidance, review the statutes and state resources from the Florida Statutes and the Florida Department of Revenue’s property resources. For Boca Raton addresses, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser manages applications, deadlines, and documentation.

Who qualifies in Boca Raton

To qualify for a given tax year, you must both own the property and make it your permanent residence on or before January 1 of that year. This is sometimes called the ownership and domicile test. You then file your application with the county by the standard March 1 deadline.

The exemption applies only to your primary residence. If you claim residency in another state or maintain another homestead elsewhere, you can lose eligibility here. If your situation changes, let the county know to keep your records current.

Key dates to remember

• January 1: You must own and occupy the property as your permanent residence by this date to qualify for that tax year.
• March 1: Standard filing deadline for new homestead applications in Palm Beach County. Always confirm the current year’s date with the county.

How much you can save

The standard Florida homestead exemption is up to $50,000 of assessed value.

• The first $25,000 of that reduction applies to all taxing authorities, including school district taxes.
• The second $25,000 applies only to non-school taxes and only to the portion of assessed value above $50,000.

Florida also has the Save Our Homes cap. Once your homestead is in place, the cap limits annual increases in your assessed value to the lesser of 3 percent or the change in the Consumer Price Index. Over time, this can create a gap between your market value and your assessed value, which can significantly reduce your taxable base.

Simple examples

• Example A, new buyer with no prior Save Our Homes benefit:

  • Just value: $600,000
  • Assessed value: $600,000
  • Homestead exemption: up to $50,000
  • Taxable value: $550,000
  • Note: School taxes only see the first $25,000 reduction.

• Example B, long-time owner with Save Our Homes benefit:

  • Just value: $800,000
  • Assessed value after SOH cap: $600,000
  • Homestead exemption: up to $50,000
  • Taxable value: $550,000

Actual tax dollars depend on local millage rates set by your city, county, school district, and special districts. For current billing information and rates, visit the Palm Beach County Tax Collector.

Portability when you move

If you sell a homesteaded property in Florida and buy another home in the state, you may be able to transfer some or all of your Save Our Homes benefit to the new homestead. This is called portability. It can lower the assessed value of your next home and help keep your tax bill in check.

Portability has rules and deadlines, and you apply through the county property appraiser. If you are moving into or within Boca Raton, contact the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser for current forms and timelines.

How to apply in Palm Beach County

You apply with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser. The office publishes the current application form, checklist, and filing instructions.

Follow these steps:

1. Confirm eligibility

• Own and occupy the property as your permanent residence by January 1.
• Plan to file by March 1 for that tax year.

2. Gather documents

• Florida driver’s license or Florida ID card with your property address.
• Vehicle registration and voter registration reflecting your Florida address, if available.
• Recorded deed or other proof of ownership.
• Social Security numbers for owners.
• If porting a benefit, details of your prior homestead and Save Our Homes amount.

3. Submit your application

• File your homestead application with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser. You can apply online or in person. Check the office website for current filing options and hours.

4. Track your status

• Keep copies of your submission and watch for confirmation. If the county requests additional documents, respond promptly to avoid delays.

For official forms, deadlines, and contact details, visit the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser.

Documents checklist

• Florida driver’s license or Florida ID card showing the homestead address
• Vehicle registration and voter registration with the same address
• Recorded deed and closing statement
• Social Security numbers for owners
• Prior homestead details for portability, if applicable

Extra exemptions to explore

You may qualify for additional exemptions beyond the standard homestead. Common categories include senior exemptions with income thresholds, disability exemptions, and veteran-related exemptions. Amounts and eligibility can vary by taxing authority and sometimes change year to year. For current options and income caps, check local guidance from the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser.

Buyer and seller tips near January 1

If you are buying in December or early January, timing matters. To receive the exemption for the current tax year, you must own and occupy the home on or before January 1. If you close after January 1, your exemption generally starts the next tax year.

If you are moving from another Florida homestead, ask about portability when you apply. This can help reduce the assessed value at your new home.

Sellers should let buyers know that a seller’s Save Our Homes cap does not transfer to the new owner. After a sale, the assessment can reset, so the buyer’s future taxes may differ from the seller’s current bill.

For bill amounts, payment options, and general tax timelines, use the resources at the Palm Beach County Tax Collector.

Avoid common mistakes

• Missing the March 1 filing deadline.
• Not updating identification to your homestead address before applying.
• Claiming or maintaining a competing residency in another state.
• Assuming the seller’s low tax bill will transfer to you after a purchase.
• Forgetting to notify the county if the property stops being your primary residence.

Quick Boca Raton checklist

• Establish permanent residence and own the home by January 1 to qualify for that tax year.
• File your homestead application with Palm Beach County by March 1. Confirm the current year’s date.
• Gather documents: Florida ID, deed or closing statement, vehicle and voter registrations, and Social Security numbers.
• Ask about portability if you had a prior Florida homestead.
• If you are a senior, veteran, or have a disability, review additional exemptions with the county.
• For tax estimates, combine your taxable value with current millage rates from county resources.

When you understand how homestead and Save Our Homes work, you can budget smarter, buy with clarity, and plan the timing of your move with fewer surprises. If you want hands-on guidance as you buy or sell in Boca Raton and the nearby coastal communities, I am here to help every step. Prefer to discuss in Spanish? Con gusto te ayudo.

Ready to talk strategy for your move or sale in Boca Raton? Reach out to KDMRealtor to schedule a complimentary consultation.

FAQs

What is the Florida homestead exemption for Boca Raton homeowners?

• It is a property tax benefit that reduces the assessed value of your permanent residence, which lowers your annual taxes, with rules set by state law and administered locally by Palm Beach County.

When is the homestead filing deadline in Palm Beach County?

• March 1 is the standard deadline for new claims each tax year, and you must own and occupy the home as your permanent residence by January 1.

How does Save Our Homes affect my taxes in Boca Raton?

• Once your homestead is in place, Save Our Homes limits yearly increases in assessed value to the lesser of 3 percent or the CPI change, which can keep taxable value lower over time.

Can I transfer my Save Our Homes benefit to a new Boca Raton home?

• Yes, portability may let you transfer some or all of your accrued Save Our Homes benefit to a new Florida homestead, subject to rules and an application with the county property appraiser.

What documents do I need for a homestead application in Palm Beach County?

• Expect to provide a Florida ID with the property address, vehicle and voter registrations, the recorded deed or closing statement, Social Security numbers, and prior homestead details if porting.

Do school taxes get the full $50,000 homestead exemption?

• School taxes apply only the first $25,000 of the standard homestead exemption; the additional $25,000 applies to non-school taxes and only to assessed value above $50,000.

Where can I get official forms and current instructions?

• Visit the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser for applications, checklists, and deadlines, and the Palm Beach County Tax Collector for billing and millage information.