Wondering how to lower your property taxes on a new home in Palm Beach Gardens? Florida’s homestead exemption is a simple way to reduce your taxable value and it can add up to real savings over time. If you plan your filing and documents well, you can get the benefit for this tax year and set yourself up for future savings.
In this guide, you’ll learn what the homestead exemption does, who qualifies, the filing steps in Palm Beach County, and how Save Our Homes and portability work when you move. You’ll also get a quick checklist you can use today. Let’s dive in.
What the homestead exemption does
The Florida homestead exemption lowers the taxable assessed value of your primary residence. This can reduce your annual property tax bill compared to a similar non-homesteaded home.
- The most common structure offers up to a total of $50,000 in exemption in two parts. The first $25,000 generally applies to all property taxes. The additional $25,000 typically applies to assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and generally does not apply to school taxes. You can confirm current rules on the Florida Department of Revenue’s property tax exemptions page.
- Florida also limits annual increases in assessed value on a homesteaded property through Save Our Homes. The annual increase is capped at the lesser of 3 percent or the change in the Consumer Price Index. This cap can create a meaningful gap between market value and assessed value over time.
For Palm Beach Gardens homeowners, these benefits help keep taxes more predictable and often lower than a similar property without homestead.
Who qualifies in Palm Beach Gardens
You must meet basic statewide criteria that apply locally in Palm Beach County:
- You own the property and use it as your permanent, primary residence.
- You are a Florida resident as of January 1 of the tax year you are applying for.
- You can only claim homestead on one property at a time.
If you already have homestead on your home, you typically do not need to reapply each year. Still, report changes in ownership or primary residence promptly.
Key dates and how timing works
Two dates guide everything:
- January 1: You need to own and occupy the home as your primary residence on this date to claim the exemption for that year.
- March 1: This is the usual deadline to file your application for that tax year.
If you buy or move in after January 1, you generally cannot get the exemption for that year. File by March 1 for the following year instead. If you missed the deadline, contact the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser to confirm current late-filing policies and next steps.
How to file in Palm Beach County
Palm Beach Gardens homeowners file through the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office. You can find instructions and forms on the county site and many applications can be submitted online.
Documents to gather
Bring copies and keep your originals for your records. You will typically need:
- Proof of ownership, such as a recorded deed or Closing Disclosure.
- Proof of Florida residency and Palm Beach Gardens address, such as a Florida driver’s license or Florida ID card.
- Florida vehicle registration and voter registration can help corroborate domicile.
- Social Security number for each owner, if requested for identity verification.
- If claiming portability, details about your prior Florida homestead, including the address, county, parcel or account number, and the date you moved.
Step-by-step to submit
- Go to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser website and locate the homestead exemption application.
- Complete the application online or download and fill out the form.
- Upload or deliver copies of your supporting documents.
- Submit by March 1 to claim the exemption for that tax year.
- Save a copy of your submission for your records.
Save Our Homes cap explained
Save Our Homes (SOH) limits how fast your assessed value can increase each year once you have homestead. The cap is the lesser of 3 percent or the annual change in CPI. Over time, this can produce a large difference between market value and assessed value, which helps control your property tax bill as market prices rise. You can review state-level guidance on SOH at the Florida Department of Revenue’s exemptions overview.
Portability when you move
If you are moving to a new primary home within Florida, portability lets you transfer some or all of your SOH benefit from your old homestead to your new one. This can reduce the new home’s assessed value and help offset a jump in taxes when you move.
- You must apply for homestead on the new property.
- File a portability claim with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser for your new Palm Beach Gardens address. Include details about your prior homestead so the office can verify your benefit.
- The portability amount is applied when the new homestead application is processed.
Portability has specific time limits, documentation requirements, and maximum benefit amounts. These rules can change. Verify your situation with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser and the Florida Department of Revenue before you assume a benefit will transfer.
Simple checklist to file on time
Use this quick list if you owned and lived in your Palm Beach Gardens home on January 1.
- By March 1: Complete the Palm Beach County homestead application online or by paper.
- Gather documents:
- Recorded deed or Closing Disclosure showing ownership.
- Florida driver’s license or Florida ID with your Palm Beach Gardens address.
- Florida vehicle registration or voter registration, if available.
- Social Security number for each owner, if requested.
- If portability applies: prior homestead address, county, parcel or account number, and move-out date.
- Submit the application and supporting documents to the Property Appraiser by March 1.
After you file:
- Keep a copy of your application and documents.
- Watch for confirmation from the Property Appraiser and review your summer TRIM notice that shows assessed value and exemptions.
- If something looks off, contact the Property Appraiser promptly to learn about correction or appeal timelines.
What to expect after filing
The Property Appraiser will review your application and may request more information. If approved, the exemption will appear on your upcoming tax notice. Your property tax bill is paid through the Tax Collector, where you can find payment information at the Palm Beach County Tax Collector.
In late summer, look for your TRIM notice that shows your property’s assessed value, exemptions, and proposed tax rates. Review this closely. If you see an error in your exemption status, reach out quickly to the Property Appraiser.
Common local scenarios
- You closed in December and moved in by January 1. You meet the ownership and residency date, so file by March 1 for that tax year.
- You moved in February. You were not a resident on January 1, so you will file by March 1 for the next tax year.
- You are moving from another Florida county to Palm Beach Gardens. Apply for homestead on the new home and submit a portability claim so your SOH benefit can be considered.
- You are a long-time homeowner planning to sell. Your SOH benefit likely lowered your tax bill for years. If you will buy again in Florida, explore portability timing with the Property Appraiser before you list, since deadlines and documentation affect how much you can transfer.
Mistakes to avoid
- Waiting past March 1 to file. Build a reminder the day you close, especially if you purchased late in the year.
- Forgetting to update your Florida driver’s license or Florida ID to your Palm Beach Gardens address before filing. Your documents should support your domicile claim.
- Assuming portability will automatically apply. You must file the claim and provide details about your prior homestead.
- Using the exemption on a rental or second home. Homestead is only for your primary residence.
- Relying on hearsay about exemption amounts or caps. Confirm current rules with the Florida Department of Revenue or check the legal text on the Florida Legislature’s statutes pages.
How this affects your move or sale
Homestead status can influence your timing, budgeting, and net proceeds. Buyers can use the exemption to reduce future taxes. Sellers who plan to buy again in Florida can consider portability as part of their move plan. The key is to understand the January 1 residency rule and the March 1 filing deadline, then line up your documents early.
If you need help aligning your purchase or sale with local tax timelines, a clear plan can save stress and money.
Your next step
If you have questions about how homestead, Save Our Homes, or portability could impact your Palm Beach Gardens move, let’s talk. For tailored guidance on buying or selling, or to understand how your tax status fits into pricing and timing, reach out to Micah Volmer. Request your free home valuation and a step-by-step plan.
FAQs
What is the Florida homestead exemption for Palm Beach Gardens homeowners?
- It reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence, often up to a total of $50,000 in two parts, which can lower your annual property taxes.
When is the homestead filing deadline in Palm Beach County?
- The usual deadline is March 1 for that tax year, and you must also own and occupy the home as your primary residence on January 1.
How does Save Our Homes affect my taxes in Palm Beach Gardens?
- Once you have homestead, your assessed value can increase only by the lesser of 3 percent or CPI each year, which can slow tax growth over time.
Can I transfer my Save Our Homes benefit when moving to Palm Beach Gardens?
- Yes, portability may let you transfer some or all of your SOH benefit to your new Florida homestead if you apply and meet documentation and timing rules.
Where do I apply for homestead in Palm Beach County?
- Apply with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser, which provides forms, instructions, and online application options.
Does the entire $50,000 exemption apply to school taxes?
- The first $25,000 generally applies to all taxing authorities, while the additional $25,000 typically does not apply to school taxes, so confirm current details with the state.
Who handles property tax payments after my exemption is approved?
- The Palm Beach County Tax Collector manages billing and payments, while the Property Appraiser determines values and exemptions.
