The two counties that make up Port St Lucie MSA (Port St. Lucie: real estate, house)

[FiveLoaves]

How about a discussion on the counties that comprise PSL Metro Statistical Area ??

As much as I've been able to glean from these past threads -- Martin County is the preferred location.

But why ??
Is the county Tax Structure more favorable ?
Is the Growth or Urban Sprawl better controlled ??

Where is the boundary line between the two ??

Not really interested in Job Opportunities, as we're Retired.
More interested in the Active 55 Communities.

[wizrap]

Originally Posted by FiveLoaves

How about a discussion on the counties that comprise PSL Metro Statistical Area ??

As much as I've been able to glean from these past threads -- Martin County is the preferred location.

But why ??

Martin County is perceived as being better governed than St. Lucie. St. Lucie spent a lot of money luring businesses to the county without much to show for it, although as Florida has boomed post-COVID, so has St. Lucie and other counties in general.

Is the county Tax Structure more favorable ?

Yes, St. Lucie has a higher residential property tax rate than Martin County

Is the Growth or Urban Sprawl better controlled ??

Yes, Martin County is seen as a place that appreciates its pockets of rural character and small-town charm while St. Lucie takes a more aggressive approach to growth and development.

Where is the boundary line between the two ??

There is a canal just south of Becker Road and I-95 which is considered the boundary between Martin and St. Lucie counties.

Not really interested in Job Opportunities, as we're Retired.
More interested in the Active 55 Communities.

My comments in red.

[FiveLoaves]

Thank You....that's good information.

Do you think there's a major difference in RE Taxes between the two counties?
Especially in the 55+ communities ??

[wizrap]

Originally Posted by FiveLoaves

Thank You....that's good information.

Do you think there's a major difference in RE Taxes between the two counties?
Especially in the 55+ communities ??

This is a link from a site called “Florida For Boomers.” There are 67 counties in Florida and St. Lucie ranks #1 with the highest property tax rate, with taxes totaling about $6900 for a $300k house. In comparison, Martin is ranked #42, and taxes on a similar $300k house are about $4600.

Counties don’t calculate taxes any differently depending on whether or not the home is in a 55+ community—that feature is irrelevant to the tax calculations.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...d&opi=89978449

[Mr. Purple 2]

FYI: All Florida residents can apply for a Homestead exemption on the first $50,000 of the real estate assessment of the house. Snowbirds don't get the exemption.

[FiveLoaves]

Originally Posted by wizrap

This is a link from a site called “Florida For Boomers.” There are 67 counties in Florida and St. Lucie ranks #1 with the highest property tax rate, with taxes totaling about $6900 for a $300k house. In comparison, Martin is ranked #42, and taxes on a similar $300k house are about $4600.

Counties don’t calculate taxes any differently depending on whether or not the home is in a 55+ community—that feature is irrelevant to the tax calculations.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...d&opi=89978449

Thank You very much wizrap....that is a good website, and worth a bookmark.

Here in South Carolina, there is a Property Tax Exemption for Seniors, which saved us big bucks.
In FLA, the Homestead Exemption is the equivalent. And this is for Full Time Residents, correct? If I recall, you can apply for it after your first January as a Property Owner.

Does FLA have a Personal Property Tax on cars and boats?? My old-school BMW is only taxed about $30 per year. But DW just got a new car and South Carolina is going to hit us hard on that.

[wizrap]

Florida also has exemptions for seniors which vary by county. But many counties set income limits so you’d have to check with the applicable county property appraiser for the rules.

As long as you can provide proof of Florida residency on or after January 1st, you can file for Homestead exemption. You have until March to file.

Florida does have registration fees for new residents for cars and boats. After that it’s just an annual tag fee. There are exemptions for some type of boats. The county tax appraiser’s office can also help you with that too (call St. Lucie and Martin county to compare since you narrowed it down to those two).

[FiveLoaves]

For RE Tax clarification purposes --

Is 'Cascades' community located in Martin County ?

Geographically, it is below the Becker Road area.....but is it taxed a Martin County Millage rates?

[wizrap]

Originally Posted by FiveLoaves

For RE Tax clarification purposes --

Is 'Cascades' community located in Martin County ?

Geographically, it is below the Becker Road area.....but is it taxed a Martin County Millage rates?

Do you mean homes on Cascades Court? That’s in the Englewood Golf Course development in Hobe Sound, which is in Martin County.

Or do you mean The Cascades at St. Lucie West? (Age 55+ community). That development is in Port St. Lucie, which is in St. Lucie County.

[FiveLoaves]

Originally Posted by wizrap

Do you mean homes on Cascades Court? That’s in the Englewood Golf Course development in Hobe Sound, which is in Martin County.

Or do you mean The Cascades at St. Lucie West? (Age 55+ community). That development is in Port St. Lucie, which is in St. Lucie County.

I was looking online at the Active 55 Cascades......address such as Cool Water Court.

I didn't know there was another development with the Cascades name.

Would the RE taxes be substantially higher on a $450K Adult Community in SL County vs Martin County?

Thanks for all your help on this wizrap