Downsizing or retiring: keep more, carry less

Less house can mean lower costs and less upkeep, and Florida's tax rules can help you keep your savings.

• Start with what your home is worth and what you'd keep. Everything else follows from that number.
• Homestead portability lets you carry up to $500,000 of your Save Our Homes savings to a new Florida homestead within three years, so your taxes don't start over.
• Search filters for single-story homes and 55+ communities are on every search.
• Ask about HOA rules, fees and what they cover. In a condo, also ask about reserves and recent building inspections.

See what your home is worthTalk it through with your broker

Sources: Florida Constitution Art. VII §4 (portability); Florida Statutes §193.155. Programs and rules change; check what's current. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.