Palm Beach County, FL: homestead & property-tax exemptions
How to claim property-tax exemptions in Palm Beach County (West Palm Beach area): who qualifies, the deadline, where to file, documents, re-filing and appeals.
Exemptions available
- A $25,000 exemption plus an additional exemption (listed as $25,722) that applies automatically to those who qualify; you don't apply for it separately (FS 196.031(1)(b)). [1]
- Homestead qualifies the home for the Save Our Homes assessment cap. [1]
Statewide exemption details: Florida guide.
Who qualifies
- You must hold title to the property, make it your permanent residence, and have no residency-based benefits elsewhere (such as Rollback, STAR, Enhanced STAR, or abatement). [1]
Deadline
- You must be eligible as of January 1 and apply by March 1. Failing to apply by March 1 waives the exemption for that year under Florida law, except for the late-filing process (see the Florida page). [1][2]
Where and how to file
- Three ways: e-file, visit one of the five service centers in person, or print the application and mail it. [1]
Documents needed
- Social Security numbers of all applying owners and their spouses, and a valid Florida driver's license (Florida ID for non-drivers). [1]
- Proof of permanent residency (Alien Registration Card) if not a U.S. citizen. [1]
- Any one of: Florida vehicle registration, Florida voter registration (address must match), declaration of domicile, federal tax return, or utility bills for the property. [1]
Do you need to re-file?
- Once you qualify, the exemption renews automatically each year while you continue to qualify. A receipt card is mailed on the last business day of December. If ownership or use changes (sale, marriage, divorce, death), contact PAPA. A move requires a new application. [1]
Appeal deadline
- Florida rule: VAB petitions on value are due within 25 days after the TRIM notice is mailed. Exemption denials: within 30 days of the denial notice. [3]
Not verified yet
- Palm Beach County's local-option senior exemptions.
Population: 1,582,055 (July 1, 2024 estimate) [4]
Other Florida counties
Sources
- Palm Beach County Property Appraiser: The Homestead Exemption Last checked 2026-10-21
- Florida Statutes s. 196.011 (Florida Senate, 2025) Last checked 2026-10-21
- Florida DOR PT-101: Petitions to the Value Adjustment Board (PDF, R. 8/25) Last checked 2026-10-21
- U.S. Census Bureau, county population estimates 2020-2024 (co-est2024-alldata.csv) Last checked 2026-10-21