The Sarasota & Lakewood Ranch Homeowner's Handbook: 2026 Glossary

TABLE OF CONTENTS: QUICK LINKS

Homestead & Taxes

Last Market Verification: February 5, 2026 | Source: Sarasota County Records

Florida Taxes & The Homestead "Safety Net"

The Definition: A legal tax break that reduces the taxable value of your primary residence by up to $50,000.
The 2026 Fact: To qualify, you must own and occupy your home by January 1st. The hard deadline to file your application is March 1, 2026.
The Strategy: Filing triggers the "Save Our Homes" (SOH) Cap, which prevents your assessed value from increasing more than 3% annually, regardless of how fast Sarasota home prices rise.

The Definition: The ability to move your "Save Our Homes" tax savings from a previous Florida homestead to a new one.
The 2026 Fact: You can port up to $500,000 in tax savings.
The Strategy: If you are moving from a home in another part of Florida to Skye Ranch or Waterside, this can save you thousands in annual property taxes. The ACG Insight: If you sold your home in 2023, 2026 is your final year to claim potentially tens of thousands in tax credits. Don't leave your "tax wealth" behind.

Community Fees & Infrastructure

The Definition: A non-ad valorem assessment on your tax bill used to fund infrastructure (roads, utilities) and amenities in master-planned communities.
The 2026 Fact: CDDs consist of two parts: the Bond (debt for construction) and O&M (Operations and Maintenance).
The "So What?": CDDs are why communities like Lakewood Ranch have pristine trails and resort pools. Pro Tip: Always check if a resale home has a "Paid Off Bond" this can lower your tax bill by $2,000+ per year.

The Definition: A unique, large-scale government unit that manages regional infrastructure specifically for Lakewood Ranch across both Sarasota and Manatee counties.
How it differs: While a CDD handles your specific neighborhood, the Stewardship District manages the "big picture" like Lorraine Road and major nature preserves. It ensures the "Lakewood Ranch look" stays consistent everywhere you go.

The Definition: The county’s master growth framework that guides development east of I-75.
The 2026 Fact: It uses an "Incentive-Based" system that allows developers to build high-density "Villages" (like Skye Ranch) only if they preserve significant green space and "pay their own way" for infrastructure.
The Strategy: This plan is why Sarasota doesn't have "urban sprawl." It ensures that as we grow, we keep the parks and environmental corridors that make Florida beautiful.

The Definition: Two critical inspections required by Florida homeowners' insurance companies.
The 2026 Fact: A Wind Mitigation report proves your home’s roof-to-wall connections (straps) and window protection. A 4-Point covers HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, and Roof.
The "So What?": In 2026, new construction in Skye Ranch and Waterside gets the lowest insurance rates in the state because they meet the newest, strictest hurricane codes.

The Definition: Discounts given by insurers for storm-hardened features.
Why it matters to YOU: In 2026, Florida insurance is finally stabilizing, but only for the "Elite 10%."
The ACG Insight: If you’re buying in Skye Ranch, your insurance premium will likely be 40% lower than a 10-year-old home nearby because of the 2024/2025 building codes. This "Modern Construction Discount" is the most overlooked savings in the market right now.