From Maryland to Florida: Keep the Roots, Lose the Tax Bill

Ken Grant has Maryland roots himself, and he now helps Marylanders make the same move: trading Maryland winters and Maryland taxes for the Sarasota Gulf Coast. This fall, Florida voters made the math even better.

Start Your Move

New: Amendment 3 Passed — a Major Property Tax Cut

On November 3, 2026, Florida voters approved Amendment 3 with about 62% of the vote. For homeowners with a homestead exemption, the exemption on non-school property taxes jumps to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, then adjusts for inflation. For second homes, rentals and other non-homestead property, the yearly cap on assessment increases drops from 10% to 5%.

The timing catch: the full new exemption is tied to being a Florida permanent resident by December 31, 2026. Buyers who establish residency after that date start with a smaller exemption (up to $50,000) until their fifth year of homestead. Closing and making Florida home before year-end locks in the full benefit.

Why Marylanders Are Making This Move

From Maryland Taxes to None

Maryland's state income tax runs up to 5.75%, plus county income taxes of up to another 3.2% on top. Florida's state income tax is zero, and that protection is written into the Florida constitution.

A Property Tax Cut on Top

Amendment 3 lifts the homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028 for Florida primary residences. It puts real distance between a Florida tax bill and a Maryland one.

A Guide with Maryland Roots

Ken knows both ends of this relocation: Maryland neighborhoods, Maryland sellers' timelines, and what it takes to land in Sarasota. One call covers the whole move.

Beaches Instead of Bay Winters

Roughly 255 days of sunshine a year, Siesta Key Beach minutes away, and winters spent on the lanai instead of scraping the windshield, while Maryland stays close enough for family visits.

The #1 Economy in America

U.S. News ranked Florida's economy #1 in the nation in 2025 for the third straight year; CNBC agrees three years running. Since 2020, Florida has gained over 890,000 net movers from other states (U.S. Census Bureau).

Homestead Protections

Florida's Save Our Homes cap limits assessed-value increases on your primary home to 3% a year, and Florida homestead law offers strong asset protection for your primary residence.

Ken Grant — Showtime Realty

Ken is a Real Estate Consultant with Showtime Realty in Sarasota who specializes in helping out-of-state buyers relocate to Florida's Gulf Coast, from first video tours to closing day. "You Only Live Once. Let Me Show You Where!"

Call or text Ken at (301) 520-1840 · [email protected]
Financing: Paul Deibler, Deibler Home Team at OriginPoint, (941) 724-8195

Sources: Amendment 3 results and text, Florida Division of Elections and Florida Department of Revenue bulletin PTO 26-21 (Nov 5, 2026); election results are unofficial until certified. Migration and population: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 estimates. Economy rankings: U.S. News Best States 2025; CNBC America's Top States 2025. Tax benefits vary by household; this page is general information, not tax or legal advice.