Houston buyers arrive in Palm Beach County better prepared than almost anyone else. They know hurricane season, they've read flood maps, and many have rebuilt or renovated after Harvey or Beryl. What they want to know is how Florida compares, and whether life on the Atlantic is worth the move from River Oaks, Memorial, or West University Place.
Neither Texas nor Florida taxes personal income, so property tax is the main financial comparison. Combined rates across Houston's city, county, school, and special districts often land near or above 2% of assessed value, with a 10% annual cap on homestead appraisal increases.
In Florida, your first bill is based on your purchase price. Florida's homestead rules are also changing. Voters approved Amendment 3 on November 3, 2026, raising the non-school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, on top of the $25,000 school exemption. Buyers who don't have a permanent Florida residence on December 31, 2026 receive a $50,000 non-school exemption until their fifth year of residency, and the Legislature is setting the details in its 2027 session. Save Our Homes still caps annual increases in assessed value at 3% or inflation, whichever is lower. File for homestead with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser by March 1 of the year after you move in, and use its property tax and Amendment 3 calculators to model a specific price. Our Amendment 3 guide for people moving to Florida and Florida tax guide for new residents go deeper.
Houston's biggest storm risk is rainfall flooding across flat terrain and bayous. On Florida's east coast, buyers think about wind and storm surge near the water, plus drainage in low-lying neighborhoods. The questions Houston buyers already ask apply here: What's the flood zone? What's the finished floor elevation? Has the house ever flooded? Add a few Florida-specific ones: How old is the roof? Are the windows and doors impact-rated? Is there a current wind mitigation report?
Homes built after Florida's 2002 statewide building code, and especially newer coastal construction, are built to stricter wind standards. Florida's insurance market has stabilized since the 2022 and 2023 reforms, and Citizens and several private carriers filed rate decreases for 2026. Our guides to hurricane-ready home features and homeowners insurance go deeper.
River Oaks buyers who want an established, prestigious address compare Palm Beach, Jupiter Island, and Admirals Cove.
Memorial families who want mature trees, larger lots, and top schools look at North Palm Beach, Tequesta, and private communities such as Old Palm and The Loxahatchee Club.
West U buyers who like walkable streets close to everything often like Abacoa in Jupiter or the neighborhoods near downtown West Palm Beach, covered in our walkable neighborhoods guide.
Houston boaters used to Clear Lake and Galveston Bay will find clearer water and faster access to the ocean. From Jupiter, North Palm Beach, or Palm Beach, the Atlantic is minutes away through the Jupiter Inlet or the Lake Worth Inlet, and the Gulf Stream runs close to shore. Deep-water homes with lifts and no fixed bridges to the inlet are the most sought-after waterfront category, and we'll flag bridge clearances on every listing.
Families leaving Kinkaid, St. John's, or Lamar High School usually start with private options: The Benjamin School, The King's Academy, Palm Beach Day Academy, and Jupiter Christian School. Public schools are zoned by address, with choice academies at several high schools by application. Apply early.
United has operated seasonal nonstops between PBI and Houston Intercontinental. Outside that season, trips connect through a hub or depart from Fort Lauderdale or Miami.
We give Houston clients what they already know to ask for: flood zone, elevation certificate, roof age, wind mitigation, and bridge clearance on every property, before a tour is booked.
The Meyer Lucas Team serves buyers, sellers, relocators, and investors throughout Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Tequesta, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, and Martin County.
📞 Call or Text: 561-406-5228
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Mon - Fri, 9 am - 6 pm 1515 South Cypress Dr Jupiter FL 33469
Mon - Fri, 9 am - 6 pm 1515 South Cypress Dr Jupiter FL 33469
