A Message from Marci
The Florida Legislature approved a proposed constitutional amendment titled “Save Our Homes from Excessive Property Taxes,” which will appear on the November 3, 2026 ballot for voter consideration.
If approved by at least 60 percent of voters, the amendment would make several changes to Florida’s property tax system, including:
- Increasing the homestead exemption for all properties (excluding school district levies) to $150,000 beginning in 2027 and $250,000 beginning in 2028.
- Establishing new residency requirements for individuals moving to Florida on or after January 1, 2027. New Florida residents would initially receive a $50,000 homestead exemption for non-school district taxes and would not qualify for the increased exemption until they have maintained Florida residency for five years.
- Reducing the annual cap on increases in assessed value for nonhomestead properties from 10 percent to 5 percent beginning in 2027. This provision would apply to commercial properties, rental properties, second homes, and other properties that do not qualify for the homestead exemption.
- Limiting the use of property tax revenues to specific categories, including public safety, education and schools, infrastructure, natural resources, bond issuance and debt service payments, local government employee retirement benefits, and certain administrative expenses.
According to Palm Beach County’s proposed FY 2027 budget, property taxes account for approximately 64 percent of General Fund revenues, making them County’s largest source of operating revenue. Public safety represents the largest area of General Fund expenditures, with the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office accounting for approximately 46 percent of General Fund spending.
Many residents are surprised to learn that Palm Beach County receives only a portion of their total property tax bill. Property tax bills are divided among multiple taxing authorities, including Palm Beach County, municipalities, the School District, independent special districts, and other local governmental entities. If you live in a municipality there are additional taxes paid to your city or district.
The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office has prepared preliminary estimates regarding the fiscal impacts of the proposed amendment. Based on the 2025 tax roll and assuming current millage rates remain unchanged, the analysis estimates that increasing the homestead exemption from the current $50,000 to $150,000 would result in an additional reduction of approximately $130.5 million in Palm Beach County property tax revenues in the first year. In the second year, the homestead exemption would increase to $250,000, resulting in an estimated additional revenue reduction of approximately $233.3 million.
During the Palm Beach County budget workshop on June 9, 2026, county officials discussed the potential fiscal impacts of the proposed amendment on local government revenues. It was noted that if the amendment is approved local governments may need to evaluate a variety of options available under state law to maintain funding for essential services. Rental housing, commercial properties, and many businesses are classified as non-homestead properties and not eligible for the exemptions
It is going to be an interesting summer.
If you’d like to take a deep dive into your personal property please visit, pbcpao.gov/index.htm, and explore your address. Residential and commercial properties can be found on the property appraiser’s website.
District 4 Improvements
A major improvement project is moving forward at Ocean Inlet Park in Boynton Beach, where the County will replace the aging seawall and make several upgrades throughout the park. The existing seawall has reached the end of its useful life and has created ongoing drainage challenges, particularly during and after heavy rain events.
Planned improvements include replacing the seawall at a higher elevation to better protect the site from flooding, enhancing park amenities, improving restroom facilities, restriping parking areas, installing new site lighting, adding electric vehicle charging spaces, reinstalling fishing stations, replacing park pavilions, and ensuring the park remains accessible for all visitors through ADA-compliant upgrades.
Another exciting improvement took place at Ocean Inlet Park following concerns raised by the Town of Ocean Ridge regarding landscaping near the seawall.
After construction activities at the site, a section of fencing and screening was not restored as originally intended. In response, Palm Beach County Parks & Recreation staff completed the installation of hedge along the fence line, enhancing the appearance of the area.
I would like to thank the Town of Ocean Ridge, especially Mayor Geoff Pugh, who shared feedback, and our Parks team for working together to address this issue. Small improvements like these help preserve the beauty and quality of our community.
Hurricane Season
As summer starts in Palm Beach County so does Hurricane Season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th.
To help keep you, your family, and your property safe, I encourage you to review the resources below for tips on storm preparedness and reducing potential damage.
Some key steps you can take now include:
- Maintaining a year-round tree trimming plan
- Gathering emergency supplies
- Creating a hurricane preparedness plan
- Developing a pet safety plan
Palm Beach County also offers programs to assist residents during hurricane season, including a Special Needs Program for individuals requiring assistance during emergencies. Residents can apply online for this program and transportation assistance to designated storm shelters is available.
The County currently operates 15 Hurricane Evacuation Risk Shelters, two Special Needs Shelters, and one Pet-Friendly Shelter. For more information about shelter locations and hurricane preparedness, please review the Hurricane Guide.
To stay informed throughout hurricane season, sign up for ALERTPBC, watch PBC-TV Channel 20, and download the Palm Beach County Disaster Awareness and Recovery Tool (DART) app for real-time updates and emergency information.
Nonprofit Spotlight
This month, I’m excited to spotlight the incredible work of Busch Wildlife Sanctuary, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting Florida’s native wildlife and natural resources through wildlife rehabilitation and environmental education.
For more than 40 years, Busch Wildlife Sanctuary has been rescuing, rehabilitating, and caring for Florida’s native wildlife while helping educate our community about the importance of conservation. From injured owls and orphaned raccoons to turtles, foxes, and other native species, their dedicated team works every day to give animals a second chance and return them to the wild whenever possible.
Many of us enjoy Florida’s beautiful natural environment, but we may not always think about the challenges wildlife face. Vehicle strikes, habitat loss, fishing line entanglements, and other human-related impacts result in thousands of animals needing care each year. Busch Wildlife Sanctuary steps in when these animals need help most, treating more than 5,000 wildlife patients annually
What makes Busch Wildlife Sanctuary especially unique is that their impact extends far beyond animal care. Through hands-on educational programs, wildlife encounters, and community outreach, they inspire children and adults alike to become better stewards of our environment. They help connect people to nature and foster a deeper appreciation for the incredible wildlife that calls Florida home.
For more information, visit http://www.buschwildlife.org
If you require assistance, please contact our office at 561-355-2204 or email [email protected].
