Portability Information

NOTE: If you have already applied for Homestead Exemption but not portability, be sure to complete the application and return it to the Lee County Property Appraiser's Office to be eligible for this benefit.

ATTN: Public Service Department
P.O. Box 1546
Fort Myers, FL 33902

Or, visit us at the Lee County Constitutional Complex at 2480 Thompson Street, 4th Floor, Fort Myers, FL 33901.

How much of the difference between assessed and market value ("Save Our Homes difference") can be applied depends on how the value of your new home compares to the value of your old home and how title was held on your property.

If the new home's market value is the same or greater than the old home's market value:

The entire difference will be applied to your new home, so that the difference between the market and assessed values of your new home will be the same as the difference between the market and assessed values of your old home.

Example

Old Homestead Property
Market Value: $200,000
Assessed Value: $150,000
Difference: $50,000 (this is the available portability amount)
New Homestead Property
Market Value: $300,000
Available portability: -$50,000
New Property Assessed Value: $250,000

If the new home's market value is less than the old home's market value:

The entire amount of the difference will not be applied to the new home. Instead, the new home's Save Our Homes difference will be the same percentage of its market value as the old home's difference is of the old home's market value. For example, if the old home's Save Our Homes difference is 40% of its market value, the new home's difference can be determined by multiplying 40% times the new home's market value. Then subtract that amount from the market value to arrive at the assessed value.

Example

Old Homestead Property
Market Value: $250,000
Assessed Value: $150,000
Difference: $100,000 (this is the available portability amount)
Percentage: 40% (the value difference is 40% of the Market Value)
New Homestead Property
Market Value: $200,000
Available portability: -$80,000 (40% of $200,000)
New Property Assessed Value: $120,000

Maximum deduction from market value:

The amendment sets $500,000 as the maximum amount that can be subtracted from the market value of a homesteader's new home to determine the assessed value.

Example

Old Homestead Property
Market Value: $900,000
Assessed Value: $350,000
Difference: $550,000
New Homestead Property
Market Value: $1,000,000
Available portability: -$500,000 (maximum allowable portability amount)
New Property Assessed Value: $500,000
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