Why Miami?

If you are thinking about moving someplace new and have Florida in mind, why not go for the gold and consider Miami? It is one of the "hottest" places for people who want to live in a great coastal city with wonderful weather and so many interesting things to do year round.

Miami is known as the “Magic City” and for good reason. With the sensual Latin flavor combined with its tropical location, the city is home to an eclectic group of fun-loving people. The cultures are endless which are noticeable by the different types of restaurants and entertainment around town.

"Nine ways to silence the haters next time they trash Miami"  -Miami Herald

As the gateway to Latin America and the Caribbean, Miami International Airport (“MIA”) is the busiest airport in Florida and has been expanded to over 7 million square feet. The Port of Miami is the world's busiest cruise port and among the nation's busiest ports of entry for cargo into the United States.

Miami is a major center and leader in finance, commerce, culture, media, entertainment, the arts, and international trade. It has the largest concentration of international banks in the country, primarily along the Brickell Avenue financial district. Miami is also the home to major television production centers and widely considered the most important city in the U.S. for Spanish language media.

"A Clear, Intelligent Argument Why Miami Is the Best City in America"  -HuffPost Miami

The multilingual city maintains an exceptional education system. There are several community colleges to choose from as well as the University of Miami and Florida International University. The public schools are great and there are all kinds of community activities.

Sports and recreation enthusiasts have a wide variety of watersports and boating activities to choose from. The beaches offer everything from snorkeling to sailing to kitesurfing. For landlubbers, Miami has championship level golf courses, tennis courts, and even rock climbing walls.

"Things You Can Only Get Away With In Miami"  -Thrillist

Singles flock to world famous South Beach for its beaches and exciting nightlife, and then discover attractions and career opportunities that offer more than they were expecting. Retirees have loved to move to South Florida for years and with good reason - you cannot find better weather anywhere.

If you’ve always dreamed of living near the water and want to feel like you’re on vacation all the time, then Miami is the right place for you. To start your search, please click Home Search above or just give us a call.

Florida Homeowner Benefits

When you own a home in Florida, you receive some financial advantages over owning a home in other states. In the Sunshine State, all residents enjoy:

• No state income tax
• Low caps on property taxes
• Lower utility costs
• State incentives for home ownership
• Generous programs for first-time buyers
   

Property Tax Exemptions

Florida residents may take advantage of a number of property tax exemptions designed to provide you with a discount on your property taxes. Most homeowners are eligible for at least one of these exemptions on their primary residence and many Florida residents qualify for other property tax discounts based upon age, disability and/or veteran status. The most common exemptions include:

• Homestead Exemption:  Every person who owns and resides on real property in Florida on January 1 and makes the property his or her permanent residence is eligible to receive a homestead exemption up to $50,000. The first $25,000 applies to all property taxes, including school district taxes. The additional exemption up to $25,000, applies to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000 and only to non-school taxes.
• Widow(er)’s Exemption:  $500 is available to non-remarried widows and widowers.
• Senior Citizen’s Exemption:  Up to $50,000 are available in certain counties and cities to citizens aged 65 and older who have gross income below $20,000 (adjusted for inflation).
• Disability & Veteran Exemptions:  Additional exemptions are available for citizens who have various types of disability, ranging from a $500 exemption to complete relief from property taxes. Special categories are also available to homeowners in Florida who are veterans of the U.S. military and were disabled during their years of service.

Save Our Homes

Property owners with a Homestead Exemption receive a benefit known as Amendment 10, or "Save Our Homes", which limits increases in the annual assessment of a home to a maximum of 3% regardless of increases in market value. 

Click here to view the Save Our Homes annual increases from the Department of Revenue

Portability (Transfer of Homestead Assessment Difference)

Beginning in 2008, homeowners with the Homestead Exemption are now able to transfer, or “port”, the savings they have accumulated (known as the Homestead Assessment Difference) to another homesteaded property up to $500,000.

Click here to read more on Portability

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Miami-Dade County Property Appraiser
More InfoAbout.com, Florida State Taxes
About.com, Miami
Wikipedia.com, Miami