Moving to Florida comes with plenty of advice.

Prepare for hurricane season. Get used to afternoon thunderstorms. Learn to love Publix. And yes, you really can wear flip-flops almost year-round.

But some of the most important things Florida homeowners need to know rarely make it into the traditional “welcome to Florida” conversation.

And some of them can cost you real money if you miss a deadline.

If you recently bought a home in Florida—or you’re planning a move to the Tampa Bay area—here are five things every new Florida homeowner should know.

1. That TRIM Notice You Received in August Matters More Than You Think

Every August, Florida property owners receive a Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, commonly called a TRIM notice.

And right across the top, it usually makes one thing very clear:

THIS IS NOT A BILL.

That may be true, but don’t toss it into the junk drawer.

Your TRIM notice shows important information including your property’s assessed value, exemptions, proposed tax rates and estimated property taxes.

More importantly, if you believe the assessed value of your property is incorrect and want to petition your county’s Value Adjustment Board, the deadline is generally 25 days after the property appraiser mails the TRIM notice. The exact filing deadline should be shown on your notice.

For many Florida homeowners, that means the deadline falls sometime in September.

What should you do?

Pull out your TRIM notice and check:

• Your property’s assessed value
• Your exemptions
• Your estimated taxes
• Your Value Adjustment Board petition deadline

If something looks wrong, contact your county property appraiser promptly rather than waiting until your tax bill arrives.

Florida newcomer tip: Your property taxes after purchasing a home may look very different from what the previous homeowner paid, particularly when the previous owner had years of Save Our Homes protection.

2. Florida Homestead Exemption Is Not Automatic

Buying a home in Florida does not automatically give you a homestead exemption.

Eligible homeowners must apply through the property appraiser's office in the county where the home is located.

The benefit isn't just about lowering taxable value.

Once your home qualifies for homestead exemption, it may also qualify for Florida's Save Our Homes assessment limitation.

Beginning after the first year the property receives the exemption, increases in assessed value are generally limited to the lower of 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index each year.

That difference can become increasingly valuable the longer you own your Florida home.

The important deadline

For most homeowners, the standard filing deadline for homestead exemption is March 1.

Applications and eligibility are handled by your local county property appraiser, so always verify the requirements for your specific county.

If you're moving to Hillsborough County, Pasco County or the greater Tampa Bay area, this should be near the top of your post-closing checklist.

3. Already Owned a Home in Florida? Don't Forget About Portability

This one surprises a lot of homeowners.

If you're selling one Florida homestead and buying another, you may be able to take some of your accumulated Save Our Homes benefit with you.

It's called portability.

Your actual homestead exemption doesn't transfer from one property to another. Instead, eligible homeowners may transfer all or part of the difference between the previous home's assessed value and just value to their new Florida homestead.

That transferred benefit can reduce the assessed value of the new home and potentially reduce future property taxes.

How do you apply?

Eligible homeowners generally file:

• The homestead exemption application
• The Transfer of Homestead Assessment Difference application

The Florida Department of Revenue states that these are generally due by March 1. Eligibility also depends on when you abandoned your previous Florida homestead, so this is something to address early when you move.

If you're moving from one Florida county to another—say South Florida to Tampa Bay, Pinellas to Pasco, or Hillsborough to Pasco—don't assume the benefit follows you automatically.

Ask about portability.

4. Homeowners Insurance Isn't the Only Coverage Florida Buyers Should Understand

Florida insurance can feel like its own language.

Instead of assuming one homeowners policy protects against everything, Florida buyers should understand three different risks: homeowners/property coverage, flood coverage and wind or hurricane coverage.

Flood insurance

Most standard homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage. Flood coverage is typically obtained separately through the National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer.

And here's something every Florida buyer should understand:

Being outside a high-risk flood zone does not mean you have zero flood risk.

FEMA reports that nearly one-third of recent NFIP flood claims have come from areas outside designated high-risk flood zones.

Wind and hurricane coverage

Wind coverage is more property- and policy-specific.

Some homeowners policies include qualifying wind coverage, while certain properties or policies may require different or separate windstorm coverage.

That means before buying a Florida home, don't simply ask:

“How much is homeowners insurance?”

Ask your insurance professional:

• Is windstorm or hurricane damage covered?
• What is the hurricane deductible?
• Is flood included? Usually, it isn't.
• Would you recommend separate flood coverage for this property?
• Are there mitigation discounts available?
• Are there roof-age or inspection requirements?

Insurance is something Florida buyers should investigate before the inspection period is over, not three days before closing.

5. A Wind Mitigation Inspection Could Save You Money

One of the best tools Florida homeowners have for uncovering possible insurance savings is a wind mitigation inspection.

The inspection documents construction features designed to help a home withstand high winds.

Depending on the property, an inspector may evaluate things such as:

• Roof shape
• Roofing materials
• Roof-to-wall connections
• Storm shutters
• Impact-rated windows and doors
• Garage doors
• Other opening protection

If your home has qualifying features, documenting them may help you qualify for wind-mitigation discounts on the wind portion of your insurance premium.

That doesn't mean every inspection automatically creates a huge insurance discount.

But particularly on homes with newer roofs, upgraded roof connections, impact protection or hurricane-rated improvements, it's absolutely worth asking your insurance agent whether a current wind mitigation report could reduce your premium.

The Two Florida Homeowner Mistakes That Can Quietly Cost You the Most

If you remember only two things from this article, make them these:

Don't ignore your TRIM notice.

You have a relatively short period to challenge an assessment through the Value Adjustment Board.

Don't forget portability when moving within Florida.

Years of accumulated Save Our Homes benefit may have value when you purchase your next Florida homestead—but you have to apply.

Neither one is particularly exciting.

Neither one will make your Florida moving Pinterest board.

But understanding them could potentially save you far more than knowing where to buy the best patio furniture.

Your Florida Homeowner Checklist

If you recently moved to Florida, add these to your list:

August–September

• Review your TRIM notice
• Verify your assessed value and exemptions
• Note the deadline for challenging the assessment

After Buying Your Home

• Review homeowners, wind/hurricane and flood coverage
• Ask whether a wind mitigation inspection would help
• Keep inspection reports and improvement documentation

Before March 1

• Apply for homestead exemption if eligible
• Apply for Save Our Homes portability if you're moving from another Florida homestead and qualify

And remember: property tax, homestead and insurance situations can vary by homeowner and property. Confirm requirements with your county property appraiser, insurance professional and other appropriate professionals for your specific situation.

Thinking About Moving to the Tampa Bay Area?

Florida real estate is different—and finding the right home is only part of the equation.

From understanding flood zones and insurance considerations to new construction, property taxes, homestead exemption and choosing the right Tampa Bay community, having someone who understands the local market can make the transition much easier.

At Coldwell Banker AquaTerra Realty, we help buyers and homeowners navigate more than the transaction.

Whether you're considering Wesley Chapel, Zephyrhills, Dade City, San Antonio, Land O' Lakes, Lutz, Plant City, Riverview, Lithia, Brandon or another Tampa Bay community, we're here to help you understand your options and make your move with confidence.

Planning a move to Florida? Connect with Coldwell Banker AquaTerra Realty and let us help you find the Florida community—and home—that fits the life you're building.

Information is provided for general educational purposes and should not be considered tax, legal or insurance advice. Deadlines, eligibility and coverage requirements may vary. Always verify information with the appropriate county property appraiser, insurance professional or other qualified professional.