If you own a homesteaded home in Florida, you may have built up valuable property tax savings over the years — and the good news is, you can often take them with you when you move. This is called portability. What Is Portability? Florida caps how much your property's taxable value can go up each year, as long as you have a homestead exemption. Over time, this can create a nice gap between what your home is worth and what you're actually taxed on. Portability lets you transfer that savings to your next Florida home, up to $500,000. Who Qualifies? You must apply for homestead exemption on your new home You must file form DR-501T with the property appraiser by March 1st How Much Time Do You Have? You have up to 3 years from the time you leave your old homestead to move into a new one and keep your savings. Example: Sell in 2021 → you have until January 1, 2024 to re-establish homestead elsewhere. Simple Example Moving to a more expensive home: Old home: worth $400,000, taxed on $250,000 (a $150,000 savings) New home: worth $600,000 You're taxed on: $600,000 − $150,000 = $450,000 Moving to a less expensive home: Old home: worth $400,000, taxed on $250,000 New home: worth $275,000 You're taxed on roughly: $171,750 (savings scale down proportionally) Why It Matters Whether you're selling and moving elsewhere in Florida, or buying and hoping to bring savings with you, portability can make a real difference in your future tax bill. It's worth discussing early in the process. Questions about how this applies to you? Feel free to reach out — happy to help. Source: Brevard County Property Appraiser's Office — www.bcpao.us

If you're searching for Merritt Island waterfront homes, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is choosing between a riverfront property and a canal-front home. While both offer the opportunity to enjoy the incredible waterfront lifestyle of Florida's Space Coast, they provide two very different experiences. Some buyers dream of expansive open-water views and breathtaking sunsets, while others prioritize having their boat parked just steps from their backyard. Understanding the difference between riverfront and canal-front homes in Merritt Island can help you find the waterfront property that best fits your lifestyle. Riverfront Homes: Views, Wildlife, and Open Water Living Riverfront homes along the Indian River or Banana River offer some of the most impressive views in Merritt Island. Homeowners enjoy wide-open water views, beautiful sunsets, frequent dolphin and manatee sightings, and even the chance to watch rocket launches from their backyard. These properties are ideal for buyers who value: Expansive waterfront views Privacy and scenery Wildlife watching A luxury waterfront lifestyle Direct access to open water The tradeoff is that riverfront properties are more exposed to wind, waves, and weather, which can mean additional maintenance considerations for seawalls and docks. Canal-Front Homes: Boating Convenience and Neighborhood Charm Canal-front homes offer a more protected waterfront experience. Many properties feature private docks or boat lifts, making it easy to enjoy boating, fishing, kayaking, and exploring the Indian River Lagoon. These homes are popular with buyers who want: A private dock at home Easy boating access Protected waterways A quieter neighborhood setting More waterfront options to choose from Canal-front living provides the convenience of having the water in your backyard while offering a more sheltered environment for boats and outdoor activities. Which Waterfront Lifestyle Is Right for You? The best choice comes down to how you want to enjoy the water. A riverfront home in Merritt Island may be the perfect fit if you want: Incredible views Open-water scenery Sunsets and wildlife right outside your door A true luxury waterfront experience A canal-front home in Merritt Island may be the better choice if you want: A private dock Convenient boating access A peaceful neighborhood atmosphere A more protected waterfront setting Both options provide the opportunity to enjoy one of the most unique lifestyles on Florida's Space Coast. Buying a Waterfront Home in Merritt Island Waterfront real estate requires a little more consideration than a traditional home purchase. Buyers should evaluate factors such as seawalls, docks, flood zones, insurance, water depth, and boating access. Whether you're searching for a luxury riverfront estate or a canal-front home with a private dock, Merritt Island waterfront real estate offers incredible opportunities for buyers looking to enjoy Florida living at its best. If you're considering buying a waterfront home in Merritt Island, I'd love to help you compare neighborhoods, understand your options, and find the property that fits your lifestyle.