Dear Taxpayer,
Happy New Year!
As we welcome 2026, my office remains committed to strengthening the essential services we provide to Palm Beach County. Each department has developed goals for the coming year, continuing our tradition of thoughtful planning and steady improvement. For 2026, our focus includes enhancing data accuracy across all operations, expanding public-facing resources and education, and investing in technology that streamlines our workflows and improves your experience when interacting with our office.
These goals originate from staff themselves—reflecting their expertise, insight, and dedication. Their ideas drive our progress, and I am proud to lead one of the most skilled and service-minded professional staffs in the industry.
Below, please find important reminders about applying for exemptions and classifications, along with key filing dates for the 2026 tax year.
Wishing you a prosperous and wonderful year.
Respectfully,
Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS,
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Reduce Tax With The Homestead Exemption
If you are a permanent Florida resident, you may be eligible for a homestead exemption, which can generally save you an estimated $750 to $1,000 in property taxes each year.
Did you receive your pink homestead exemption receipt card in the mail? If so, no need to refile. Simply keep the card as your confirmation that your exemption has been automatically renewed for another year.
A $25,000 exemption is applied to the first $50,000 of your property’s assessed value if your property is your permanent residence as of January 1. This exemption applies to all taxing authorities, including school district taxes.
A second exemption—up to $25,000 plus the annual inflation adjustment—applies if your assessed value is between $50,000 and $75,000. This exemption does not apply to school district taxes.
In addition, the homestead exemption limit annual increases to your assessed value to the lower of 3 percent or the change in the Consumer Price Index.
Three Ways To Apply
• E-file at pbcpao.gov.
• Visit one of our five service centers.
• Complete the application online, print it, and mail it to our office.
All homestead exemption applications for tax year 2026 must be submitted by March 2, 2026. Once you qualify, your exemption will automatically renew each year as long as you remain eligible.
Visit pbcpao.gov for e-file options and information on additional exemptions for seniors, families, veterans, and more.
Business Tangible Personal Property
Business tangible assets—such as furniture, fixtures, and equipment—are subject to ad valorem taxation.
All businesses must file a Tangible Personal Property (TPP) Tax Return (Form DR-405) annually by April 1, unless:
• the value of your tangible personal property last year was under $25,000, and
• you received written notice from our office that your filing requirement has been waived.
Florida law provides an exemption of up to $25,000 for tangible personal property, but an initial tax return must be filed to receive this exemption. After that initial filing, you only need to file again if the value of your assets exceeds $25,000 on January 1.
Once your initial return is filed, you may save time by filing online. Paper forms are also available on our website under the Forms link.
To learn more about Tangible Personal Property, watch our TPP Department’s video: Tangible Made Simple.
If you have questions about filing, valuation, or the exemption, please call (561) 355-2896 or email [email protected].
All About Agricultural Land Classification
Properties used for bona fide (good-faith commercial) agricultural activity may qualify for an agricultural land classification. The taxable value of the land is based on the annual net income per acre attributable to the agricultural operation.
All properties that held the classification in 2025 will be reviewed and monitored for changes of ownership or use in 2025, you must reapply for the 2026 tax year.
• If you had the classification in 2025 and the use has not changed, no new application is required.
• If your property had a change of ownership or use
To qualify for a new agricultural classification, the agricultural use must be in place as of January 1, 2026. Applications should be submitted by March 2, 2026. You will be notified of the status of your application on or before July 1.
For more information, call (561) 754.1220 or email [email protected].
Office Closed
All Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Offices will be closed on:
• Thursday, January 1 for New Year’s Day. • Monday, January 19 in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
