Dear Taxpayer:
As we move through the early months of the year, my office is focused on helping homeowners understand the property tax exemptions available to them and ensuring they have the information they need to take advantage of those benefits.
The deadline to file for a 2026 homestead exemption is March 2, 2026, making this a good time to review your exemption status and determine whether you may qualify for property tax savings.
In addition to the information included in this newsletter, the month my office will host an after-hours Multilingual Homestead Workshop at the Main Palm Beach County Public Library, where homeowners can receive personalized assistance from our staff in English, Spanish, and Kreyol.
This newsletter highlights key exemption information, filing options, and ways to contact our office. I hope you find it helpful.
Respectfully,
Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS,
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
Homestead And Other Property Tax Exemptions
If you are a permanent Florida resident, you may be eligible for a homestead exemption, which typically saves homeowners $750 to $1,000 in property taxes each year. Applications must be submitted by March 2, 2026.
• A $25,000 exemption applies to the first $50,000 of assessed value and includes school taxes.
• An additional exemption (up to $25,000 plus an inflation adjustment) may apply to assessed values between $50,000 and $75,000 (excluding school taxes).
• The homestead exemption also limits annual increases in assessed value to the lower of 3 percent or the Consumer Price Index.
Three Ways To Apply
• E-file at http://www.pbcpao.gov.
• Visit one of our five service centers.
• Apply online, print, and mail your application.
Once approved, your homestead exemption renews automatically as long as you continue to qualify.
Homeowners with a homestead exemption may also qualify for additional exemptions, including Civilian Disability, Disabled Florida Law Enforcement Officers & First Responders, Living Quarters for Parents or Grandparents (“Granny Flat”), Limited-Income Senior Citizen, Veterans Disability, and Widow/Widower Exemption. For assistance, visit http://www.pbcpao.gov or contact Exemption Services at (561) 355-2866.
Multilingual Homestead Workshop For Homeowners
Taller Multilingüe para Propietarios / Atelye Miltileng pou Pwopriyetè Kay
Learn how the homestead exemption can reduce your property taxes and receive one-on-one assistance from Property Appraiser staff in English, Spanish, and Haitian Creole (Kreyòl).
Thursday, Feb. 12, 6 To 7 p.m.
Palm Beach County Main Library
3650 Summit Blvd., West Palm Beach
To register, visit https://www.pbclibrary.org/locations/main/.
Portability – You Can Take It With You
If you sell your homesteaded property and purchase another Florida residence and apply for Homestead, you may be able to transfer accumulated tax savings—up to $500,000—to your new home.
This benefit, known as portability, is part of Florida’s Save Our Homes provision. The application deadline is March 2, 2026.
You may apply for portability when filing for a homestead exemption. Eligibility requirements and deadlines apply. For more information, visit our website or call (561) 355-2866 for assistance.
Office Closed For Holiday
In observance of Presidents’ Day, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office and all service centers will be closed on Monday, Feb. 16.
