Who qualifies?
According to the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser, as of January 1 of the tax year you must:
- Have legal or beneficial title recorded in St. Lucie County
- Make the home your permanent residence in good faith
- Be a permanent Florida resident
- Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (some exceptions apply)
How much does it save?
The exemption reduces your property’s taxable value by up to $51,411. A partial exemption may apply if you own less than 100%.
When and how do I apply?
The deadline is March 1. Applications are accepted online or at the Property Appraiser’s offices in Fort Pierce (2300 Virginia Ave) and Port St. Lucie (250 NW Country Club Dr). You can pre-file during the year. Bring your Florida driver’s license and Social Security numbers, and have residency proof dated before January 1.
Sources: St. Lucie County Property Appraiser: Learn About Exemptions.
Bought in the fall? Plan ahead
Because eligibility is based on January 1, closing on your home and moving in before the new year matters. Exemptions don’t transfer, so you must apply again for each new home.
What is portability?
If you had a Florida homestead in any of the three prior tax years, you may be able to transfer some or all of your “Save Our Homes” benefit (the gap between market and assessed value) to your new homestead.
Sources: St. Lucie County Property Appraiser: Your Questions Answered.
More questions people ask
What is the homestead exemption deadline in St. Lucie County?
March 1 of the tax year, per the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser. Eligibility is based on ownership and permanent residence as of January 1.
Do I have to reapply for homestead every year?
Once granted, the exemption generally continues while you own and live in the home, but it isn’t transferable. You must apply again if you move or if the title changes, for example adding a spouse or moving the home into a trust.
Talk to Isaiah
Just closed on a home you plan to live in, or about to? Ask me about the timing and I’ll point you to the right Property Appraiser steps so the March 1 deadline doesn’t sneak up on you.
Answered by Isaiah James, a licensed Florida real estate agent. A real person, not a chatbot.
Isaiah James · Coldwell Banker Realty