Thinking about moving within Lutz but worried you’ll lose your property tax savings? If your current home has a homestead exemption, you may be able to bring some of that savings with you. Florida’s Save Our Homes portability lets you transfer part of your tax-protecting assessment difference to a new homestead. In this guide, you’ll learn what portability is, who qualifies, the steps and deadlines in Hillsborough County, and where to find the right forms. Let’s dive in.
Homestead and Save Our Homes basics
Florida’s homestead exemption reduces the taxable value of your primary residence when you qualify and apply. Once your home is homesteaded, the Save Our Homes assessment limitation generally caps how much your assessed value can increase each year, which can create a gap between market value and assessed value over time. That gap is your accumulated Save Our Homes benefit.
Portability allows you to transfer some or all of that accumulated benefit to your next Florida homestead so you can keep part of your tax advantage after you move. For statewide definitions and rules, review the Florida Department of Revenue’s property tax guidance on the Florida Department of Revenue.
How portability works
To use portability, you must have had a previous Florida homestead and you must establish your new property as your permanent Florida homestead. Transfers work across Florida counties, including moves within Hillsborough or between counties.
What transfers is the measured Save Our Homes benefit from your former homestead. That amount reduces the assessed value of your new homestead for tax purposes, subject to statutory limits. The homestead exemption itself does not transfer, so you still need to apply for homestead on the new property.
Portability is not automatic. You need to file the portability application and provide information about your prior homestead. For local instructions and forms, visit the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.
Lutz and Hillsborough County steps
Follow this typical workflow when you buy in Lutz:
- Establish Florida residency and ownership of your new home. Record your deed at closing.
- Apply for the homestead exemption on your new property with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser. This is separate from your tax bill.
- Apply for portability at the same time. The property appraiser provides the state or county portability form and instructions.
- Provide details on your prior homestead, such as the previous address and parcel ID, plus any documentation the county requests.
Helpful note: For tax bill and payment questions, contact the county’s tax authority through the Hillsborough County government site.
Key deadlines to know
The usual Florida deadline to file for a homestead exemption is March 1 of the tax year you want the exemption to apply. Portability is typically requested when you file homestead on your new property and is also tied to the March 1 timeline. If you are close to January 1 or if you miss a deadline, contact the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser promptly to ask about late filing or appeals processes.
What documents you may need
Counties vary, but you should be ready to provide:
- Proof of ownership, such as a recorded deed or closing statement
- Proof of Florida residency as of January 1, like a Florida driver’s license with your new address
- Vehicle and voter registrations, if requested
- Identification and Social Security numbers for owners
- Prior homestead information, including address and parcel number
- Completed homestead and portability forms from the property appraiser
Simple example: how savings can carry over
Imagine you lived in a Lutz home for years. Its market value is $350,000, but the assessed value after Save Our Homes limits is $260,000. Your accumulated benefit is $90,000.
You sell and purchase a new Hillsborough County home with a market value of $500,000. You apply for homestead and portability on the new home. If your portability transfer is approved for the full $90,000, your new home’s assessed value for tax purposes would be reduced by that $90,000 before any other exemptions are applied. The actual tax savings will depend on local millage rates, additional exemptions, and any statutory limits that apply.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Assuming portability happens automatically. You must file for it.
- Missing the March 1 filing deadline for homestead and portability.
- Relying on outdated caps or procedures. Always confirm current rules.
- Confusing application deadlines with tax payment due dates.
Quick checklist for Lutz movers
- Confirm your closing date and occupancy timing relative to January 1
- Update your Florida driver’s license and voter registration with your new address
- Gather prior homestead records, including parcel ID and past tax bill
- File homestead and portability applications before March 1
- Save copies of everything you submit
Where to get official help and forms
- Hillsborough County forms and filing: Start with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser website for homestead and portability applications, instructions, deadlines, and contact details.
- Statewide rules and definitions: Review the Save Our Homes and portability guidance on the Florida Department of Revenue.
- Tax bills and payment timelines: Visit Hillsborough County’s government site for links to the Tax Collector and other county services.
Your next step
If you plan to sell and buy within Lutz or nearby Tampa suburbs, a little planning can protect your homestead benefits. Get your timing, documents, and forms in place early so you do not miss the March 1 window. If you want help coordinating your sale and purchase timeline around homestead and portability, reach out to Tina White. You will get local guidance and a clear plan that fits your move.
FAQs
What is Save Our Homes portability in Florida?
- It allows eligible Florida homeowners to transfer part of the assessment difference from a prior homestead to a new Florida homestead, which can reduce the new home’s assessed value for taxes.
Who qualifies to use portability when moving in Lutz?
- You must have had a prior Florida homestead, establish the new property as your permanent Florida homestead, and file the portability application with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.
What is the deadline to file portability in Hillsborough County?
- Portability is typically filed with your new homestead application by March 1 of the tax year, so verify current deadlines with the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser.
Do I need to file anything in the county I’m leaving?
- Usually you provide prior homestead details to your new county on the portability form, so keep records like your prior parcel number and past tax bills for reference.
Does portability work if I move to another Florida county?
- Yes, portability is available across Florida counties, but you must apply with the property appraiser in the county where your new homestead is located.
What happens if I miss the March 1 filing date?
- Contact the Hillsborough County Property Appraiser quickly to ask about late filing or appeals options, since missing the deadline can affect your ability to claim benefits for that year.
What documents should I prepare before I apply?
- A recorded deed, Florida driver’s license and voter registration with your new address, identification and Social Security numbers, prior homestead parcel ID and address, and completed county or state forms.
