Thinking about buying or settling into a home in Stuart? You may be able to lower your property tax bill with Florida’s homestead exemption. The rules and deadlines can feel confusing, especially if you are new to Martin County or moving within Florida.
This guide walks you through who qualifies, how to file in Martin County, what to know about Save Our Homes and portability, and the key dates you cannot miss. You will also get a simple checklist and timeline so you can file with confidence. Let’s dive in.
What the homestead exemption does
Florida’s homestead exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence for property tax purposes. The typical benefit is up to $50,000 off your assessed value if you qualify.
- The first $25,000 applies to all taxing authorities, including school district taxes.
- The additional up to $25,000 applies to the portion of assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and does not apply to school district taxes.
The homestead exemption is not the same as the Save Our Homes assessment cap. Save Our Homes limits how much your assessed value can increase each year once your homestead is in place. Constitutional homestead protections related to forced sale are separate from the tax exemption.
Who qualifies in Martin County
To qualify, you must meet the statewide tests and provide proof to the Martin County Property Appraiser.
- Ownership: You must own the property as of January 1 of the tax year.
- Primary residence: The property must be your permanent Florida residence as of January 1.
- One homestead per person: You can claim only one Florida homestead at a time.
- Florida residency: Establish Florida residency and provide documentation. U.S. citizenship is not required.
Proof you may need
Counties often request similar documents. Martin County commonly accepts the following. Always confirm the current list with the Property Appraiser.
- Recorded deed or closing statement showing ownership
- Florida driver’s license or Florida ID with your Martin County address
- Florida voter registration card
- Florida vehicle registration with your local address
- Social Security number for identity matching
- Declaration of Domicile and recent utility bills as supplemental proof
- Completed homestead application form (DR-501 or the county’s application)
Extra local exemptions to explore
You may qualify for additional exemptions or deferrals, depending on your situation. Examples include:
- Seniors 65+ with limited income (local income thresholds apply)
- Disability exemptions
- Widow or widower exemptions
- Veteran and disabled veteran exemptions, including certain 100% exemptions
Check Martin County’s current programs and documentation requirements.
How to file in Stuart
Key dates to remember
- January 1: You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence by this date.
- March 1: Application deadline to receive the exemption for that tax year.
If you buy after January 1, you typically file for the next tax year unless a late filing applies. Confirm with the Property Appraiser.
Step-by-step filing
- By January 1, establish Florida residency and occupy the home as your primary residence.
- Gather documents: deed or closing statement, Florida ID, voter and vehicle registration, and any supplemental proof.
- Complete and submit the homestead application before March 1. Use the county’s portal if available or file in person or by mail. State form DR-501 is widely accepted.
- If you are transferring a Save Our Homes benefit from a prior Florida homestead, submit DR-501T to request portability when you apply.
After you file
- If approved, your homestead usually renews automatically each year as long as you continue to own and occupy the home as your primary residence.
- Notify the Property Appraiser if you move, sell, or the home’s use changes.
- Processing can take weeks or months during busy periods. The county may ask for more documentation.
- If you miss March 1, contact the Property Appraiser to ask about late filing options. Relief is limited and not guaranteed.
Save Our Homes and portability
How the Save Our Homes cap works
Once your homestead is in place, Save Our Homes limits the annual increase in your assessed value to the lesser of 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index. When market values rise faster than the cap, you build an assessment difference, often called your Save Our Homes benefit.
Moving your benefit to a new home
Portability lets you transfer some or all of that assessment difference to a new Florida homestead, which can lower the assessed value on your next home.
- Request portability using DR-501T when you file the new homestead application.
- Keep records of your prior homestead and coordinate with both counties if you move across county lines.
- There are timing and calculation rules. For specifics on amounts and deadlines, follow guidance from the Florida Department of Revenue and the Martin County Property Appraiser.
Simple homeowner checklist
Use this quick list to stay on track.
- Before January 1 if you are moving:
- Update your Florida driver’s license or ID to your Martin County address.
- Register to vote in Florida with your local address.
- Update Florida vehicle registration.
- Move in and make the home your permanent residence.
- As of January 1:
- Own and occupy the property as your primary residence.
- Gather these documents:
- Recorded deed or closing statement
- Florida driver’s license or ID with local address
- Florida voter registration card
- Florida vehicle registration
- Social Security number
- Declaration of Domicile and recent utility bills, if needed
- File before March 1:
- Submit the county homestead application or DR-501.
- If porting a benefit, submit DR-501T with prior homestead details.
- After filing:
- Save copies of everything.
- Watch for county correspondence and respond promptly.
Example filing timeline
- January 1: Ownership and primary residence test date.
- January to February: Collect documents and complete your application.
- By March 1: File with the Martin County Property Appraiser.
- Following weeks to months: The county processes and notifies you of approval or denial.
Local resources to know
- Martin County Property Appraiser: Homestead exemption information, online filing options, and office locations in the Stuart area.
- Florida Department of Revenue: State guidance on homestead, Save Our Homes, and portability. Forms DR-501 and DR-501T are available from the state.
- Martin County Clerk and Comptroller: Recorded deed searches and documents.
If you are unsure about complex ownership, trusts, or portability calculations, contact the Property Appraiser or a qualified tax professional for guidance.
Ready to talk through your plan or timing around a Stuart purchase or sale? Reach out to Jill McCarthy Thogersen for local, one-on-one guidance on how homestead and Save Our Homes may factor into your next move on the Treasure Coast.
FAQs
What is the Florida homestead exemption and how much can I save?
- Florida’s homestead exemption reduces the assessed value of your primary residence by up to $50,000, with the first $25,000 applying to all taxes and the additional portion not applying to school district taxes.
When is the deadline to apply in Martin County?
- You must own and occupy the home by January 1, and you need to file your application by March 1 to receive the exemption for that tax year.
Do I need to reapply for the homestead exemption every year?
- No. Once approved, the exemption typically renews automatically as long as you still own and occupy the property as your primary residence.
What if I bought my Stuart home after January 1?
- You usually will not qualify for that tax year and should file for the next tax year, unless a late filing option applies. Check with the Martin County Property Appraiser.
What documents will I need for my application?
- Common documents include your recorded deed, Florida driver’s license or ID with your local address, Florida voter and vehicle registration, Social Security number, and any supplemental proof of residency.
How does Save Our Homes affect my taxes each year?
- Save Our Homes caps increases to your assessed value at the lesser of 3% or the CPI change, which can lower your taxes compared with market value increases.
Can I transfer my Save Our Homes benefit to a new Florida home?
- Yes. You can request portability of your assessment difference using DR-501T when you apply for homestead on the new primary residence.
Are there additional exemptions in Martin County for seniors or veterans?
- Many homeowners may qualify for additional exemptions, such as senior limited-income, disability, widow or widower, and veteran-related exemptions. Check current Martin County rules and thresholds.
