State‑to‑State Property Tax Rules for Movers

You worked hard to lock in a low property tax bill. When you move, will those savings come with you or reset on day one? The answer depends on how your new state or county treats homestead benefits, assessment caps, and portability. This guide breaks down what typically carries over, what does not, and how to plan your timing so you keep more of your hard‑won savings. You will see plain‑English basics, how California and Florida handle moves, and a simple checklist you can follow before you pack the first box. Let’s dive in.

Property tax basics in plain English

Market, assessed, and taxable value

• Market value is what a home would sell for today.
• Assessed value is what your local assessor uses to calculate property taxes. In some places it tracks market value. In others it is based on a base year or a limited growth formula.
• Taxable value is your assessed value after homestead exemptions and any caps or deductions.

Your tax bill comes from taxable value multiplied by local tax rates. Local assessments or fees may add to the total.

Homestead exemptions and caps

Many states and counties treat your primary residence differently from other property types. Two common tools reduce tax growth over time:

• Homestead exemptions subtract a fixed dollar amount or percentage from your assessed value.
• Assessment caps limit how much the assessed value can rise each year. For example, a cap might limit growth to a few percent annually.

Some states also offer special exemptions for seniors, veterans, disabled homeowners, or income‑qualified owners. Eligibility rules vary, and proof of primary residence is usually required.

What moves with you and what does not

Moving within the same state

If you buy a new primary home in the same state, three outcomes are common:

• No reassessment if your state allows portability and you meet the conditions.
• Partial reassessment if only part of the benefit can transfer or a cap applies.
• Full reassessment if your state does not allow portability after a change of ownership.

Time windows, paperwork, and eligibility can limit portability. Age, disability, or disaster status may be required in some programs.

Moving to a different state

Interstate portability is rare. In almost all cases, your prior state’s homestead exemption and assessed‑value cap do not transfer across state lines. You should plan for your new home to be assessed under the destination state’s rules, often at market value in the first year. Some states or localities offer first‑year relief for special cases, but these are separate programs.

Timing that affects taxes

• The effective date of homestead filing usually controls which tax year your benefit starts.
• Counties often tie reassessment to the deed or closing date.
• Deadlines matter. Many places require homestead or portability applications by a set date.

Portability explained

Portability means you can carry your tax advantage from one homestead to a replacement homestead in the same state. The details are very state specific.

• Who can use it varies. Some states allow all homeowners to port. Others limit it to seniors, disabled owners, or disaster victims.
• How much you can move varies. Some programs allow the full benefit to transfer. Others cap the amount.
• The new home’s value matters. If you buy a higher‑valued home, many programs adjust the transferred benefit upward so you do not keep the exact same tax basis.
• Time limits apply. Many programs set a window for when you must sell, buy, and file.

What portability usually requires

• The home you leave and the home you buy must both be your primary residence.
• You must file an application with the destination county by its deadline.
• You need records that prove ownership, move‑in date, and identity.

Limits you may face

• Some programs limit the number of lifetime transfers or impose a maximum dollar amount that can transfer.
• Buying a more expensive home can reduce the size of the benefit you carry over.
• Missing the filing deadline can forfeit the benefit for that tax year.

Two state examples to compare

These examples show how rules can differ. They are not a template for every state.

California at a glance

• Prop 13 sets a base‑year value at purchase and caps annual increases in assessed value at 2 percent until a change of ownership.
• A change of ownership usually triggers reassessment to market value.
• Prop 19 lets eligible owners transfer a base‑year value to a replacement primary residence anywhere in California. Eligibility typically includes owners age 55 or older, severely disabled owners, or homeowners displaced by wildfire or natural disaster.
• If the replacement home is higher in market value, the transferred taxable value is adjusted upward by the price difference, which reduces the tax advantage compared with a same‑price move.
• Prop 19 expanded inter‑county transfers statewide and narrowed parent‑child inheritance exclusions unless the heir makes the home a primary residence and other conditions are met.

What this means for you: If you qualify, you can keep a low base‑year value when moving within California, which can significantly lower your future tax bills compared with a full reassessment. The size of your savings depends on eligibility, the relative prices of the two homes, and timing.

Florida at a glance

• Save Our Homes caps annual increases in assessed value for a homestead at 3 percent or the consumer price index, whichever is lower.
• Portability allows you to transfer the difference between market value and assessed value from your old homestead to a new homestead within Florida.
• Florida sets a maximum amount you can port and has rules for calculating the transfer for lower‑valued or higher‑valued replacement homes.
• You must file a portability application with the county property appraiser, often with your homestead filing, by the required deadline.

What this means for you: If you have built up a large Save Our Homes benefit and you move within Florida, portability can reduce the assessed value of your next home by a large amount. That can lower your annual taxes for years, as long as you file on time and follow the calculation rules.

Step‑by‑step checklist for movers

Use this list before you sell, while you buy, and after you close. Keep it handy and check off each step.

1. Identify current tax protections

• Confirm if you have a homestead exemption, an assessment cap, or special status such as senior, veteran, disabled, or income‑qualified.
• Find your market value and your assessed value. Note the difference so you can quantify your current benefit.

2. Before you list or sell

• Call your county assessor or property appraiser to ask how a sale will affect your assessed value and whether portability applies.
• Ask for documentation requirements and filing deadlines at your destination.

3. When you buy the replacement home

• Confirm that the new home will be your primary residence and meets eligibility rules.
• If the new home costs more, ask how the program applies upward adjustments so you understand the new taxable value.

4. File applications and keep records

• Save your deed, closing statement, move‑in proof, and ID that shows your new primary residence.
• File homestead and portability forms with the destination county by its deadline. Some counties require filing both at the same time.

5. Plan your timing

• Coordinate closing dates so you can meet homestead and portability filing windows.
• If moving to another state, budget for a likely reassessment at market value in year one.

6. Get help for complex cases

• Consult a qualified tax advisor if you have large benefits at stake, own multiple properties, or are dealing with inheritance or trusts.

Smart planning scenarios

Upsizing within a portability state

If you are buying a more expensive home in a state that allows portability, expect an upward adjustment. Your transferred benefit lowers your new taxable value, but it will not match your old bill on a dollar‑for‑dollar basis. Build this into your purchase budget so there are no surprises.

Downsizing to a lower‑priced home

If you sell a high‑value home for a lower‑priced one in a portability program, you may retain more of your benefit relative to price. This can produce a lower taxable value and lower annual taxes, especially when the program allows you to port a large differential.

Crossing state lines for a new job

Plan for a fresh start on taxes in the destination state. Most benefits will not transfer. Check homestead filing dates right away and set reminders. If possible, time your closing and move‑in to align with the new state’s tax year rules.

How Sanctuary Real Estate supports your move

You want a calm, confident plan and no tax surprises. Sanctuary Real Estate pairs negotiation expertise with disciplined execution so your move stays on track. We help you:

• Coordinate timing of sale and purchase milestones so you can meet filing windows.
• Connect with the right county offices so you can confirm eligibility and forms.
• Understand how home price differences can affect your taxable value in programs like California’s Prop 19.

Our goal is to protect your financial outcome while keeping the process peaceful and organized.

Ready to map your move with confidence? Start Your Sanctuary — Request a Consultation with Sanctuary Real Estate.

FAQs

Do homestead exemptions transfer when moving to another state?

• Almost never. Homestead and assessment caps are state and local programs and generally do not transfer across state lines.

Can I transfer my tax savings when I move within my state?

• Possibly. Some states allow portability within the state. Eligibility, caps, and calculations vary widely, so check your specific program.

If my new home is more expensive, do I keep the same tax basis?

• Often not. Many programs apply an upward adjustment when the replacement home has a higher market value, which reduces the transferred benefit.

Are there limits on how many times I can use portability?

• Yes in some states. Programs may limit lifetime transfers or set time windows. Disaster moves may have broader options.

How do inheritance or trusts affect reassessment?

• Many states reassess on change of ownership. Some transfers may be exempt, but rules have tightened in places like California. Confirm details with local officials.

Who should I contact for definitive answers on my case?

• Contact your current county assessor or property appraiser, and the destination county as well. Consider a qualified tax advisor for complex or high‑value situations.