Financial

Treasure Coast Property Taxes: County-by-County Breakdown

Property tax rates in Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, and Martin counties — homestead exemptions, Save Our Homes cap, and how Florida compares to other states.

Florida has no state income tax, but property taxes vary meaningfully across the four Treasure Coast counties. New construction buyers should understand both the base millage rates and how the homestead exemption and Save Our Homes cap will impact their long-term costs.

$50K

Homestead Exemption · Primary residence

3% cap

Save Our Homes · Annual assessed-value

Up to $500K

Portability · Transfer savings

$1 / $1K

1 mill = · of assessed value

Approximate millage rates by county

Combined county + city + school millage (approximate)

County-by-county millage rates (approximate)

Brevard: ~12–15 mills depending on city. Indian River: ~14–17 mills. St. Lucie: ~18–22 mills (highest on the Treasure Coast, partly offset by lower home prices). Martin: ~14–17 mills.

Millage = $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value. Always verify with the county property appraiser.

Homestead exemption

Florida residents who occupy their home as a primary residence by January 1 receive a $50,000 homestead exemption ($25,000 applies to all taxes; the second $25,000 applies to non-school taxes). File with the county property appraiser by March 1.

Save Our Homes cap

Once homesteaded, your assessed value can rise no more than 3% per year (or CPI, whichever is lower) regardless of market value. New homestead applies the cap on the second year — your first full tax year is based on the just/market value at January 1.

Why the first tax bill on new construction can shock

Builders often quote taxes based on the LOT-only assessment. Once your home is built and assessed, your tax bill can triple year-two. Always budget using the post-construction estimate from the property appraiser, not the builder's pro-forma.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Treasure Coast county has the lowest property taxes?

Brevard tends to have the lowest effective rate, followed by Indian River and Martin. St. Lucie has higher millage rates but lower home prices on average.

Can I transfer my homestead from another Florida county?

Yes — Florida's portability rule lets you carry up to $500,000 of your Save Our Homes savings to a new homestead anywhere in Florida.

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