If you’re buying, selling, or investing in luxury real estate in Naples, Fort Myers, or Bonita Springs, the newly passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act could be a game changer for your financial strategy.
This sweeping bill, recently passed by the Housed headed to the Senate, is packed with tax relief measures and investment incentives that benefit high-net-worth individuals, small business owners, and savvy real estate investors—exactly the type of client we serve every day here in Southwest Florida.
Let’s break down what this means for you.
💸 1. Bigger Tax Deductions for High-Earners
One of the most impactful updates for affluent homeowners is the increase in the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction cap:
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Raised from $10,000 to $40,000 for households earning under $500,000
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The cap grows 1% annually for the next 10 years
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Applies whether you're filing single or married
📍 For homeowners in areas like Pelican Bay, Port Royal, and The Brooks, this means significantly more of your property taxes and state taxes can now be deducted—putting real money back in your pocket.
🏡 2. Mortgage Interest Deduction is Here to Stay
High-value homebuyers can breathe a sigh of relief:
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The mortgage interest deduction for the first $750,000 of home acquisition debt is now permanent
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This preserves one of the most valuable tax benefits for primary and second homes
📍 Whether you’re financing a luxury waterfront estate or a new build in Talis Park, this deduction keeps luxury real estate ownership more tax-efficient.
💼 3. 1031 Exchanges: Still the Investor’s Best Friend
For real estate investors, the bill preserves the Section 1031 Like-Kind Exchange, allowing you to:
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Defer capital gains taxes by reinvesting sale proceeds into a similar property
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Protect long-term appreciation and compounding equity
📍 Thinking of selling your income property in Fort Myers and upgrading to a rental in Naples? You can still do that without triggering a huge tax bill.
👪 4. Estate Tax Relief for Generational Wealth Planning
If you’re planning to pass real estate assets on to your children, this bill just made it easier:
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The estate and lifetime gift tax exemption rises to $15 million (single) / $30 million (married)
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These new thresholds are now permanent, preventing a major drop that was previously scheduled
📍 This is essential for legacy planning across your real estate holdings and other assets.
🏗️ 5. New Investment Opportunities with Expanded Opportunity Zones
The bill proposes a new round of Opportunity Zones (OZs) from 2027–2033:
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Focused on high-need, often rural or developing markets
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Includes enhanced tax advantages for rural investment areas
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Potential hotspots in East Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, and underdeveloped areas of Collier County
📍 This is ideal for investors looking for long-term tax-advantaged development plays in Southwest Florida.
👨👩👧 6. Child Tax Credit Expansion = More Buying Power
For families with children:
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The child tax credit rises to $2,500 per child and is now permanent
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Indexed for inflation starting in 2029
📍 More tax savings for families relocating to SWFL means more room in the budget for homes in top-rated school zones like Gulf Harbour, Golden Gate Estates, and Miromar Lakes.
⚠️ 7. Energy-Efficient Builder Credits Will End Early
For developers and new construction buyers:
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Energy-efficient home tax credits will expire at the end of 2025
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Applies to Zero Energy Ready homes and Energy Star-certified builds
📍 If you're planning to buy or build a high-performance home, the clock is ticking to claim these incentives.
✨ Final Thoughts: What This Means for You
Whether you’re a luxury homeowner, real estate investor, or planning a legacy for your family, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act opens up a host of new tax planning opportunities.
But timing matters.
Some provisions take effect in 2025. Others expire by 2026. And a few, like the estate tax and SALT cap changes, will influence how you structure purchases and sales this year.
✅ Ready to Talk Strategy?
📲 Click here to schedule a confidential consultation and let’s build a strategy around your goals—whether that’s acquiring a second home, expanding your portfolio, or preparing for a legacy sale.
