Applications open for My Safe Florida Home funds

Floridians can now apply again for the My Safe Florida Home program, which provides up to $10,000 for hurricane protection improvements. This year, Florida lawmakers allocated $280 million to the program, which has been highly popular and quickly exhausted funds in previous years. Continue to full article

September 28, 2025
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Gov. DeSantis says he’s still working on property tax rebates for Florida homeowners

Gov. Ron DeSantis is pushing for a property tax rebate of up to $1,000 for Florida homeowners with homestead exemptions, aiming to send checks by the end of 2025. Despite his efforts, legislative budget leaders have not seen a formal proposal. The Legislature is focusing on smaller tax cuts, and final budget negotiations are ongoing, with a vote expected by mid-June. DeSantis also suggested eliminating property taxes in fiscally constrained…

September 27, 2025
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How Can Florida Builders Manage Rising Costs?

September 25, 2025

Tariffs raise new home costs $8K–$11K; builders can mitigate by sourcing domestic materials. Construction costs could add $3B statewide; bulk purchasing and early inventory stockpiling help control expenses. Permits fell from 5K to 2,250 year-to-date; phased construction schedules ease cash-flow pressure. Smaller suppliers face ↑ 7% cost increases; partnerships and fixed-price contracts reduce pricing uncertainty. Buyers hesitate on pre-construction; offering financing incentives or resale options can maintain market demand.

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Boost Florida Home Value With Smart Upgrades

September 24, 2025

Strategic upgrades help Florida homeowners boost property value and market appeal. Adding living space or guest suites increases value in Florida’s growing housing market. Energy-efficient windows, appliances, and solar panels lower costs in Florida’s hot climate. Kitchen updates and fresh paint yield strong returns for Florida home sellers. Smart home tech improves comfort, efficiency, and resale value in Florida properties.

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Carlsbad: 5th Wealthiest in California

September 22, 2025

Carlsbad is among California’s wealthiest cities, with a median household income of $113K. La Costa Ridge is the city’s most exclusive gated community. Its coastal location enhances desirability and property values. Carlsbad is ranked among the top 20 richest cities in the US and 5th in California. The city attracts high-income professionals seeking luxury amenities and a coastal lifestyle.

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Understanding your property taxes: Save Our Homes, portability, and Homestead Exemption

The Save Our Homes Act limits annual increases in assessed value of homesteaded properties to 3% or CPI, protecting homeowners from steep tax hikes. Portability lets homeowners transfer up to $500,000 of this benefit to a new Florida home, reducing its taxable value. The Homestead Exemption further lowers taxable value by exempting the first $25,000 and possibly more. These provisions promote fair, stable property taxation. Continue to full article

September 20, 2025
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What Do Homebuyers Pay in Closing Costs in Florida?

September 18, 2025

Closing costs usually amount to 3% to 6% of the mortgage. For example, a $450K mortgage could mean ~$13K to $27K in closing fees. In Florida, homebuyers pay an avg of $4,498 in closing costs. The avg transfer taxes in Florida are $4,056, which nearly match the base fees. Florida’s closing expenses include both lender fees and transfer taxes.

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