Buying a home in Weston comes with a smart tax move you do not want to miss. If you plan to live in your new place as your primary residence, Florida’s homestead exemption can lower your property tax bill and protect you from sharp increases over time. Many owners leave money on the table by filing late or skipping key steps.
In this guide, you will learn exactly how the homestead exemption works in Broward County, who qualifies, what to gather, and how to file on time. You will also see how the Save Our Homes cap and portability can help you plan long term. Let’s dive in.
What the homestead exemption is
Florida’s homestead exemption reduces the taxable assessed value of your primary residence for ad valorem property taxes. This can lower your annual tax bill and also connect you to Florida’s Save Our Homes assessment cap.
For a plain‑English overview of how exemptions work statewide, review the Florida Department of Revenue’s property tax guidance at the property tax exemptions overview. Local applications and approvals are handled by the Broward County Property Appraiser.
Key benefits for Weston homeowners
- Immediate reduction to your assessed value if you qualify, up to the statutory amounts described below.
- Save Our Homes protection that limits annual assessed value increases to the lesser of 3% or the change in CPI.
- Portability that can transfer some of your Save Our Homes benefit to a new Florida homestead if you move.
Who is eligible in Broward
To qualify in the tax year you are applying for, you must meet the statewide rules that Broward enforces:
- You owned the property on January 1 of that tax year.
- You occupied it as your permanent residence on January 1.
- You are claiming only one homestead in Florida. Cancel any prior homestead elsewhere before applying here, or apply for portability if you moved within Florida.
- Non‑U.S. citizens who are legal residents can qualify. Identity verification, including Social Security numbers for applicants, is typically required.
Special notes:
- Co‑owners and married couples can qualify if the occupying owner meets the rules. All qualifying resident owners are generally listed.
- Property held in a revocable living trust can qualify if the trust and beneficiaries meet statutory requirements. Expect to provide trust pages or a Certificate of Trust.
- Homes owned by corporations or used only as rentals or second homes do not qualify.
- Active duty military who are away due to service may be protected, but domicile requirements still apply. Contact the Broward County Property Appraiser for accepted documentation.
What to gather before you file
Have these documents ready for Broward’s application:
- Proof of ownership: recorded deed or closing documents.
- Proof of residency at your Weston address, such as:
- Florida driver’s license or Florida ID with your Weston address.
- Vehicle registration with the address.
- Voter registration with the address.
- Declaration of domicile, if used.
- Utility bills or mortgage statements in your name at that address.
- Social Security numbers for all owners applying.
- Marriage certificate or legal name change documents if names differ.
- Trust documentation, if applicable, such as a Certificate of Trust and relevant pages.
- Application forms: Florida’s DR‑501 for homestead and, if you are moving from another Florida homestead, the DR‑501T for portability. You can find state forms on the Florida Department of Revenue property tax forms page.
Step‑by‑step filing in Weston and Broward
- Confirm eligibility on January 1
- You must own and occupy the home as your permanent residence on January 1 of the tax year you want the exemption.
- Gather your documents
- Collect your deed, Florida license or ID, vehicle and voter registrations, and any trust or name change paperwork.
- Apply with the Broward County Property Appraiser
- Go to the Broward County Property Appraiser website to apply online, download forms, or get office locations if you prefer to file in person or by mail.
- Add portability if you moved within Florida
- If you had a prior Florida homestead and want to transfer your Save Our Homes benefit, file the portability form (DR‑501T) with documentation of your prior homestead at the same time.
- Keep records and watch for notice
- Save copies and note your submission date. Broward will send written approval or denial and update the tax roll if granted.
How much you can save
Florida’s homestead exemption is structured in two parts:
- The first $25,000 of assessed value is exempt for all taxing authorities, including schools.
- An additional exemption up to $25,000 applies to the portion of assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000. This second portion does not apply to school district taxes.
Example for illustration only:
- Assessed value: $400,000
- Homestead exemption: $50,000
- Taxable value after exemption: $350,000
- If the combined millage rate is 20 mills (2.0%): $350,000 × 0.020 = $7,000
- Without exemption: $400,000 × 0.020 = $8,000
- Estimated annual savings: $1,000
Actual Broward rates vary by city, county, school district, and special districts. Use the tools on the Broward County Property Appraiser site to see current rates and estimates for your specific Weston address.
Save Our Homes cap and portability
Save Our Homes is separate from the exemption amount. After your homestead is in place, the assessed value of your homestead property can rise only by the lesser of 3% or the change in CPI each year. Over time, this can create a gap between market value and assessed value that helps stabilize your tax bill.
If you sell and buy another Florida homestead, portability lets you transfer some or all of that Save Our Homes benefit to your new homestead, subject to statutory limits and deadlines. You must apply for portability, usually alongside your new homestead application, and provide documentation of your prior homestead. For state‑level guidance and forms, visit the Florida Department of Revenue property tax exemptions overview.
Deadlines and what happens next
- January 1 residency and ownership date: You must own and occupy the home as your permanent residence on January 1 for that year’s exemption.
- March 1 filing deadline: File your initial homestead application with Broward by March 1. If March 1 falls on a weekend, confirm any local accommodations directly with the property appraiser.
- Late filing: If you miss March 1, late applications may be denied. Limited exceptions exist. Contact the property appraiser right away to ask about options.
- Portability: Apply by March 1, ideally with your homestead filing.
After filing, Broward reviews your application and will mail an approval or denial. Keep approval letters for your records, especially if you may use portability in the future. If you disagree with a decision or an assessment, review Broward’s appeal options and the Value Adjustment Board process through broward.org.
Avoid these common mistakes
- Waiting until after March 1 to apply.
- Moving in after January 1 and assuming you still qualify that year.
- Not updating your Florida driver’s license, vehicle registration, or voter registration to your Weston address before filing.
- Forgetting to include Social Security numbers for applicants.
- Omitting trust documents if the property is held in a trust.
- Assuming portability is automatic. You must apply and document your prior homestead.
- Expecting exemptions to affect non‑property taxes.
Local resources you can trust
- Broward County Property Appraiser: filing instructions, online application, acceptable documents, and office locations. Start at the Broward County Property Appraiser website.
- Florida Department of Revenue: statewide rules, Save Our Homes and portability explanations, plus DR‑501 and DR‑501T forms. See the exemptions overview and the property tax forms page.
- Florida Legislature: statutes and constitutional provisions on homestead and Save Our Homes. Explore the Florida Legislature site.
- Appeals: For assessment disputes and the Value Adjustment Board process, visit broward.org.
When you are planning a move, timing your filing can make a real difference. If you would like a local perspective on how homestead, Save Our Homes, or portability affect your plans in Weston, reach out to Teresa Santana to request a complimentary home valuation and talk through your next steps.
FAQs
What is the homestead exemption in Weston, Florida?
- It is a property tax exemption for your primary residence that reduces your taxable assessed value and connects you to Save Our Homes protection, as filed with the Broward County Property Appraiser.
When is the homestead exemption deadline in Broward County?
- The standard deadline is March 1 of the tax year, and you must own and occupy the property as your permanent residence on January 1 of that year.
What documents do I need to apply in Broward?
- Bring your recorded deed, Florida driver’s license or ID with your Weston address, vehicle and voter registrations, Social Security numbers for applicants, and any trust or name change documents.
Can I get the exemption if I closed after January 1?
- No. You need to own and occupy the home on January 1 to qualify for that tax year, but you can typically apply for the next year once you meet the January 1 test.
How does Save Our Homes limit tax increases?
- Once your homestead is in place, the assessed value can increase by only the lesser of 3% or the change in CPI each year, which helps stabilize your tax bill.
What is portability and when should I apply?
- Portability lets you transfer some or all of your Save Our Homes benefit to a new Florida homestead; file the portability form with your new homestead application by March 1.
What if my homestead application is denied?
- Review the denial notice, contact the Broward County Property Appraiser to resolve documentation issues, and consider the Value Adjustment Board process through broward.org if needed.
