A Smart Move for New Homeowners: Homestead Exemption in Saint Lucie County

Michelle Franklin, CFA

Expert Contributor Saint Lucie County Property Appraiser

34987 Tradition Neighbors Mar 2026

Buying a home is a major milestone, and for new St. Lucie County homeowners, it also opens the door to meaningful property tax savings. If your home is your permanent residence, you may qualify for a Homestead Exemption, a benefit designed to reduce the taxable value of your property and provide long-term financial relief.

The application process is simple and can be completed online through the St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s website, making it easy for homeowners to apply at their convenience.

Eligibility for the 2027 Tax Year

Homeowners who moved into their property on or after January 1, 2026, may apply for Homestead Exemption for the 2027 tax year, provided the home is established as their permanent residence as of January 1, 2027. The exemption applies only to the primary residence and is not available for rental properties or second homes.

Application Period

The online Homestead Exemption application opens March 3, 2026. Filing early is encouraged to allow sufficient time for review and processing before the 2027 tax roll.

Benefits of Filing Online

The St. Lucie County Property Appraiser’s office offers a secure, user-friendly online application to streamline the process. Online filing allows homeowners to apply from anywhere, eliminates the need for paper forms, and provides guided prompts to help ensure accurate submissions. Once completed, applicants receive immediate confirmation, offering peace of mind that their application has been successfully received.

How to Apply

Beginning March 3, 2026, homeowners may apply by visiting www.paslc.gov. Applicants should confirm that they meet the ownership and residency requirements before starting the application.

To complete the process, the following information will be required for each applicant:

Social Security number
Florida driver’s license or Florida identification card
Florida voter registration and vehicle registration information

After applying, homeowners will receive a confirmation email containing a receipt and a reference number. This information may be used to check the application’s status if needed.

Help When You Need It

Assistance is available for homeowners who have questions or need help completing their application. Our office is available by phone Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at (772) 462-1000. Online assistance is also available at any time through Ask Lucie, our virtual chat assistant, at www.paslc.gov.

For those who prefer in-person assistance, office visits are available after March 3 at the following locations:

Fort Pierce Office: 2300 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce, FL 34982

Saint Lucie West Office: 250 NW Country Club Drive, Port Saint Lucie, FL 34986

Both offices may be reached at (772) 462-1000.

What to Expect Next

Homeowners with approved Homestead Exemptions will first see the exemption reflected on their 2027 TRIM Notice, mailed in mid-August of the year the exemption is applied.

Applying for a Homestead Exemption is an important step for new homeowners looking to reduce their property tax burden. By filing online, St. Lucie County residents can take advantage of a straightforward process that helps ensure they receive the tax benefits available to them.