Palm Beach County Property Appraiser – Search & Assess

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office is a vital government agency responsible for fairly and accurately assessing the value of all real estate and tangible personal property within the county. These valuations are not just numbers on paper—they form the foundation for calculating local property taxes and determining exemption eligibility. From residential homes and commercial buildings to agricultural land and personal business assets, the office ensures every property is reviewed in accordance with Florida law.

The office is led by Honorable Dorothy Jacks, CFA, AAS, who has served with the agency since 1988 and was elected Property Appraiser in 2016. As a certified and accredited professional, Dorothy Jacks brings both transparency and innovation to the assessment process. Her leadership has guided the office in embracing digital tools and improving taxpayer access to services.

Understanding the role of the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser is essential for homeowners seeking exemptions like the Homestead, buyers researching property history, and investors looking to analyze real estate trends and values. The office doesn’t set tax rates—that’s the job of taxing authorities—but it does determine the assessed value upon which those taxes are based, which directly affects how much you pay.

How to Use the Property Search System (PAPA)

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s (PAPA) system is one of the most powerful tools available to residents, buyers, real estate professionals, and business owners. It offers free, 24/7 access to detailed information about any property within Palm Beach County. Whether you’re checking your own home’s value, researching a new investment, or comparing neighborhood trends, the PAPA system makes it easy to get real data instantly.

Public Access: Finding Your Property

One of the key features of the PAPA system is the property search tool, which allows you to locate any parcel using multiple identifiers. You can search by:

• Owner name (individual or company)
• Property address
• Parcel Control Number (PCN) – a unique ID for every property

Once you run a search, the results page displays comprehensive details including:

• Just/market value
• Assessed value
• Taxable value
• Applied exemptions (Homestead, Senior, Widow/Widower, etc.)
• Building features (year built, square footage, construction type)
• Sales history and prior ownership

This information is updated regularly and sourced directly from county records. It’s not just useful for your own home—it’s also critical for comparing properties, planning investments, or even appealing an assessment.

How to Download Reports or Parcel Maps

After locating a property, you can generate custom reports and printable documents. With just a few clicks, users can export:

• CSV files for spreadsheet analysis
• PDF reports with full property and valuation data
• Parcel maps showing boundaries, aerial views, and lot dimensions

There are also easy-to-use tools to print, share, or email information directly from the portal. These functions are especially helpful for real estate agents, attorneys, and financial advisors who require accurate documentation.

Access the Official PAPA Site

The PAPA homepage is designed for user-friendliness and accessibility across devices. When you land on the site, you’ll find a simple dashboard that guides you to the major tools: property search, exemption applications, tangible personal property filings, and GIS maps.

For mobile users, the interface is streamlined and responsive. You can perform full property searches, view parcel maps, and download documents right from your phone or tablet. The platform supports real-time updates and works across all modern browsers.

Navigating the PAPA site is intuitive even for first-time users. Whether you’re verifying tax data, checking neighborhood assessments, or retrieving your PCN, the system puts everything you need right at your fingertips—no login required.

Understanding Login & Account Features (If Applicable)

While most of the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s resources are available to the public without requiring an account, some features are reserved for users with specialized needs. These login-based tools are designed for professionals who work with property data frequently, such as tax agents, business owners, and appraisal consultants. Having an account unlocks secure options to request specific data, file tangible personal property (TPP) returns, or manage bulk property records efficiently.

Who Needs a Login?

Not every user of the PAPA system needs to create an account. If you’re a homeowner or property buyer simply looking up parcel values, tax assessments, or exemption status, you can access that data without logging in. However, certain user types benefit from creating a secure login:

• Real estate professionals conducting high-volume research
• Business owners or managers filing Tangible Personal Property (TPP) returns
• Legal or tax advisors managing multiple client properties
• Bulk data users or researchers who require access to full datasets
• Title companies or surveyors needing access to downloadable map overlays or specialized valuation details

Having an account also helps you keep track of previous submissions, inquiries, or exemptions tied to your name or business.

Creating or Managing Your Account

Setting up an account with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser system is typically done through a secure online portal. Users can request credentials by filling out a registration form, verifying their professional role or business status, and agreeing to appropriate data usage terms.

Once logged in, account holders can perform various tasks, including:

• Requesting public records or specialized datasets for commercial analysis
• Filing TPP returns electronically, which simplifies annual reporting for business equipment or fixtures
• Downloading forms, appeal applications, and ownership update documents
• Submitting inquiries about property records, exemptions, or appeal processes with faster response times
• Receiving updates on filing deadlines, exemption renewals, or legislative changes that impact property assessments

Managing your account is simple through the PAPA dashboard. You can update contact information, reset passwords, or view your submission history in just a few clicks. This secure access ensures that property data handling remains confidential, efficient, and professionally streamlined.

Whether you’re a high-volume user or simply need specialized support, the login system provides a gateway to advanced features that support deeper engagement with Palm Beach County’s property data resources.

Exemptions You May Qualify For

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office offers several property tax exemptions designed to ease the financial burden on homeowners and certain special groups. These exemptions can significantly reduce your taxable value and, therefore, your annual property tax bill. Understanding which exemptions you qualify for, how to apply, and the deadlines involved is essential to maximizing your savings and ensuring compliance with county and state regulations.

Homestead Exemption

The Homestead Exemption is one of the most important and widely used property tax benefits in Palm Beach County. It applies to a primary residence and reduces the assessed value of the property by up to $50,000, lowering your taxable value. This exemption helps homeowners protect their investment and save thousands on property taxes over time.

In addition to the base exemption, Florida’s Save Our Homes (SOH) benefit caps annual increases in assessed value at 3%, which prevents drastic tax hikes in rapidly appreciating markets. This cap applies as long as the homeowner maintains the property as their primary residence.

Another valuable feature is portability—if you move from one Florida county to another, you can transfer (or “port”) your SOH benefit savings to the new homestead property, up to a maximum of $500,000 in assessed value savings. This makes relocating within the state more affordable.

Remember, the filing deadline for the Homestead Exemption is March 1st each year. To qualify, you must own and occupy the home as your permanent residence as of January 1st. Missing this deadline means waiting until the next year to apply.

Senior, Widow(er), Disability Exemptions

Palm Beach County offers several additional exemptions for seniors, widows and widowers, and individuals with disabilities. These exemptions provide further tax relief to eligible residents, often reducing taxable value beyond the standard Homestead exemption.

• Senior Exemption: Usually applies to homeowners aged 65 or older who meet income limits and occupancy requirements. This exemption can freeze your assessed value, keeping taxes stable.
• Widow(er) Exemption: Available to surviving spouses of qualified deceased veterans or seniors, providing ongoing tax relief.
• Disability Exemption: Offered to residents with qualifying permanent disabilities, reducing taxable value based on medical certification.

Applicants typically need to provide proof of age, income statements, and medical documentation where applicable. These exemptions vary in amount and conditions, but all aim to reduce the tax burden for vulnerable populations.

Veteran & Military Tax Exemptions

Veterans and active-duty military personnel are eligible for specific exemptions designed to honor their service:

• Deployed Active Duty: Military personnel deployed outside Florida may qualify for exemptions or tax deferrals during their deployment period.
• Combat-Related Discounts: Veterans with combat-related disabilities can receive partial or full exemption depending on the severity of the disability.
• Permanent Disability & Surviving Spouse Benefits: Veterans with a 100% permanent service-connected disability, or their surviving spouses, may qualify for total property tax exemption on their primary residence.

These exemptions require documentation from the Department of Veterans Affairs or military service records to prove eligibility and disability status. They provide meaningful financial relief and recognize the sacrifices made by military families.

Organizational & Institutional Exemptions

Beyond individuals, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office also processes exemptions for qualifying organizations and institutions that contribute to the community. These include:

• Nonprofit organizations such as charities and foundations
• Daycare centers and early childhood education facilities
• Religious entities including churches and places of worship
• Nursing homes and assisted living facilities

To qualify, organizations must submit an application demonstrating nonprofit status and provide detailed information about their operations. These exemptions often cover the full value of the property or specific portions used for exempt activities.

Filing guidelines require annual renewal or verification to maintain the exemption, ensuring the property continues to meet the necessary criteria. This process helps reduce the tax burden on organizations that provide essential social services and community support.

How Property Values Are Determined

Understanding how the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser determines property values is crucial for homeowners, buyers, and investors alike. Accurate property valuations ensure fair taxation based on the real market worth of your property, while also providing transparency in the assessment process. The appraisal system uses standardized methods and state guidelines to calculate fair values and apply protections like the Save Our Homes cap to prevent sudden tax increases.

The Appraisal Process

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s office primarily bases property valuations on the Fair Market Value (FMV), which reflects the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller under normal market conditions. This value differs from the Assessed Value, which is the taxable value after exemptions and caps are applied.

To determine FMV, appraisers use several approaches:

• Comparable Sales Approach: This is the most common method, where recent sales of similar properties in the same area are analyzed to estimate the subject property’s value. Adjustments are made based on differences in size, condition, location, and features.
• Cost Approach: This method estimates how much it would cost to rebuild the property from scratch, minus depreciation. It’s useful for unique or new properties.
• Income Approach: Used mostly for commercial or rental properties, it values the property based on expected income generation.

Values are updated annually as of January 1st, which is the statutory assessment date. This ensures property taxes reflect current market trends, though they are balanced by protections to limit sudden spikes.

During the appraisal process, inspections and data collection occur, either through physical visits, aerial imagery, or public records review. Property owners may also submit documentation to support value adjustments, such as recent improvements or damage claims.

Save Our Homes Cap

One of Florida’s landmark property tax protections is the Save Our Homes (SOH) cap, which limits the annual increase in assessed value for homestead properties to a maximum of 3% or the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (whichever is lower). This cap helps homeowners avoid sharp increases in property taxes due to rapidly rising market values.

For example, if your home’s market value increases by 10% in a year, the assessed value subject to tax can only rise by up to 3%, helping maintain predictable tax payments.

The SOH cap resets under specific conditions, most commonly when the property is sold or the title changes. The new owner’s property value is then assessed at the current market value, and the cap begins anew from that point.

Additionally, the SOH benefit can be ported if a homeowner moves to another Florida homestead property, transferring accrued savings up to $500,000, which helps maintain tax stability statewide.

Overall, these appraisal methods and protections ensure that property valuations remain fair, equitable, and consistent with market realities, while also offering homeowners important financial safeguards.

Using the GIS and Mapping Tools

In Palm Beach County, Geographic Information System (GIS) and mapping tools have revolutionized how property data is accessed and understood. These digital resources allow homeowners, buyers, investors, and professionals to visualize property boundaries, zoning, and other important geographic information with precision and ease. Utilizing these tools can greatly enhance your understanding of a property’s layout, legal limits, and surrounding features.

What is GIS?

GIS, or Geographic Information System, is a powerful technology that collects, manages, and analyzes spatial or geographic data. It integrates multiple layers of information such as property boundaries, zoning districts, flood zones, road networks, and aerial imagery into one interactive map platform.

For property appraisals and land use planning, GIS provides essential context by overlaying parcels with various data points. For example:

• Parcel overlays show exact lot boundaries and property dimensions, which are crucial for determining legal ownership and building compliance.
• Zoning maps help users understand land use restrictions, allowable building types, and future development plans.
• Aerial imagery offers real-time or recent satellite photos of the property, helping to visualize terrain, structures, and vegetation.

These interactive maps help users make informed decisions, whether they’re verifying property details before a purchase or checking zoning compliance for development projects.

Viewing Property Lines and Legal Descriptions

The Property Control Number (PCN) is a unique identifier assigned to every parcel in Palm Beach County. By entering the PCN into the GIS system, users can retrieve comprehensive details about a property including its exact boundaries, legal description, and ownership history.

GIS tools often come with advanced features such as:

• Measurement tools that allow users to calculate distances and areas directly on the map, essential for land survey planning or construction preparation.
• Layer filters enable toggling various data sets on and off, such as flood zones, historic districts, or infrastructure overlays, to customize the map view according to specific needs.
• Drawing and annotation features to mark points of interest or note potential issues during site evaluations.

Using these tools, property owners and professionals can verify legal descriptions against survey documents, identify encroachments or easements, and better understand the spatial context of their land. This transparency enhances trust in the appraisal process and supports compliance with county regulations.

Filing a Value Dispute or Assessment Appeal

If you believe the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser has overvalued your property or made an error in the assessment, you have the right to file a value dispute or formal assessment appeal. This process is designed to protect property owners by ensuring fair and accurate valuations, which directly affect your property taxes. Understanding when and how to file, along with the necessary documentation, can increase your chances of a successful appeal.

When and Why to File

You should consider filing a value dispute if you notice that your property’s assessed value is significantly higher than comparable properties nearby or if there are inaccuracies in the appraiser’s data such as incorrect square footage, property condition, or missing exemptions. Other common reasons include recent property damage, market downturns, or newly discovered facts that impact value.

Strong evidence is key to a successful dispute. Helpful documentation includes:

• Recent independent appraisals or broker price opinions
• Comparable sales data of similar properties in your neighborhood
• Photographs showing property condition or damage
• Inspection reports or permits related to improvements or repairs
• Proof of homestead or other exemptions

If you feel your assessment is unfair or inaccurate, filing a dispute can help adjust your taxable value, potentially lowering your property tax bill.

Filing with the Value Adjustment Board (VAB)

The Value Adjustment Board (VAB) is the official body in Palm Beach County that hears property assessment appeals. The filing process is streamlined for property owners to submit their cases efficiently, primarily through an online portal.

Key points about filing:

• Online Submission: Property owners can file an appeal through the county’s online VAB system, which guides you through submitting your case, attaching supporting documents, and paying any necessary fees.
• Fee Structure: Typically, there is no filing fee for homestead property appeals; however, fees may apply for commercial or other types of properties. Always check the latest fee schedule.
• Deadlines: Appeals must be filed within specific timelines, usually starting from the date of the Notice of Proposed Property Taxes, often around late August or early September. Missing deadlines can disqualify your case.

Once your appeal is filed, the VAB schedules a hearing where you or your representative can present your evidence. The board reviews the information, listens to both sides, and makes a determination which can uphold, reduce, or in rare cases, increase your property’s assessed value.

This appeal process ensures that property owners have a formal avenue to contest valuations, promoting fairness and transparency in property taxation.

Homestead Fraud & Legal Responsibilities

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s office plays a critical role not only in assessing property values but also in ensuring that property tax benefits, such as the homestead exemption, are granted fairly and legally. Homestead fraud undermines the integrity of the tax system and shifts the tax burden unfairly onto compliant homeowners. Understanding what qualifies as fraud, the consequences, and the investigative process can help property owners remain compliant and avoid serious penalties.

What Constitutes Homestead Fraud

Homestead exemption fraud occurs when property owners wrongfully claim their primary residence status to receive tax breaks meant exclusively for qualified Florida residents. Common examples of fraud include:

• Owning or Renting Another Residence Elsewhere: If you claim the homestead exemption on a property but actually live primarily in another home or rent a different residence, this is considered fraud. The exemption is only available for your principal, permanent residence.
• Failing to Report Title Changes: When property ownership changes, failing to notify the Property Appraiser’s office about a change in ownership or occupancy status can be fraudulent if it leads to improper exemption claims.
• Misrepresenting Residency or Use: Providing false information about residency status, income, or property use to gain exemptions or benefits is a violation of state law.

Penalties for homestead fraud can be severe. If detected, the property owner may face:

• Tax Liens: The county can impose a lien on the property for the unpaid taxes and penalties.
• Repayment of Benefits: Homeowners may be required to repay the amount of tax savings they received, sometimes with interest and fines.
• Legal Action: In severe cases, criminal charges can be pursued.

These consequences serve as a strong deterrent against fraudulent claims and protect the fairness of the property tax system.

How the PBCPA Investigates and Prevents Fraud

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser (PBCPA) has dedicated resources and procedures to identify, investigate, and prevent homestead fraud. Their approach includes:

• Anonymous Reporting: Residents and neighbors can confidentially report suspected homestead exemption fraud through online forms or hotlines. This community involvement is a key tool in uncovering violations.
• Review and Audit Process: The PBCPA regularly reviews homestead exemption applications for inconsistencies and uses data matching with other government agencies to detect conflicting residency claims. Random and targeted audits are conducted to verify eligibility.
• Field Investigations: When suspicions arise, appraisers may perform field inspections or interviews to confirm residency and property use.

This proactive approach helps ensure that exemptions are granted only to eligible residents, safeguarding public revenues and maintaining a level playing field for all property owners in Palm Beach County.

Tangible Personal Property (TPP) for Business Owners

For business owners in Palm Beach County, understanding Tangible Personal Property (TPP) is essential to maintaining compliance with property tax regulations. Unlike real estate, TPP refers to the movable physical assets used in the operation of a business, which are subject to annual reporting and taxation. Properly managing TPP filings ensures businesses avoid penalties and benefit from applicable exemptions.

What Qualifies as TPP

Tangible Personal Property includes all physical assets used in the business that are not permanently attached to real estate. Common examples are:

• Equipment: Machinery, computers, manufacturing tools, and technology devices.
• Furniture: Desks, chairs, shelving units, and display cases.
• Tools and Instruments: Hand tools, medical instruments, and specialized devices necessary for operations.
• Leasehold Improvements: Some improvements may qualify if removable and not part of the real estate structure.

Owners of businesses such as retail stores, offices, manufacturers, and service providers are required to report TPP annually if the total value exceeds certain thresholds. Understanding what qualifies helps avoid underreporting or missing mandatory filings.

How to File Your Annual TPP Return

Filing the TPP return is a critical annual responsibility for Palm Beach County business owners. The Property Appraiser’s office provides streamlined online tools to simplify this process:

• Online Filing: Business owners can complete and submit their TPP returns via the official online portal, which provides step-by-step guidance and allows for easy uploading of required documentation.
• Deadline: The filing deadline typically falls on April 1st each year. Timely filing is essential to avoid late penalties.
• Late Penalties: Failure to file the TPP return by the deadline can result in penalties and interest charges, increasing the tax burden for the business.
• Exemption Thresholds: Some businesses may qualify for exemptions if the total value of tangible personal property falls below a specified threshold. Knowing these limits can reduce the tax liability or eliminate the need to file.

Proper filing ensures compliance with local tax laws and helps businesses avoid unnecessary fines. Additionally, accurate TPP reporting contributes to fair taxation and supports public services in Palm Beach County.

Disaster Relief and Temporary Residence Policies

Palm Beach County, like many coastal regions, is vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes and tropical storms. In response, the Property Appraiser’s office has established specific policies to support homeowners and businesses affected by such events. Understanding these disaster relief options and temporary residence policies is crucial for property owners navigating financial and logistical challenges during recovery.

Post-Hurricane Property Adjustments

When a natural disaster like a hurricane causes damage to your property, you may be eligible for a reassessment or adjustment of your property value to reflect the decreased market value resulting from the damage. This process helps ensure that property taxes fairly represent the current condition of your property.

• Eligibility: Properties that have suffered significant damage to structures, landscaping, or other improvements may qualify for a reduction in assessed value. This typically includes damage from wind, flooding, or other storm-related impacts.
• Application Process: Property owners must file a request with the Property Appraiser’s office, submitting documentation such as photos, repair estimates, and insurance claims to substantiate the damage.
• Deadlines: Timely filing is essential, as applications for disaster reassessment generally have strict deadlines, often within 60 days of the event. Missing the deadline could result in missed tax relief.
• Temporary Adjustments: In some cases, the reassessment may be temporary and subject to reevaluation once repairs are completed.
• Coordination with Insurance: Property owners should coordinate with their insurance providers and keep records to support their case for reassessment.

These provisions ensure property owners are not unfairly taxed on damaged properties during recovery periods.

Tax Deferral Options During Hardship

Palm Beach County offers tax deferral options to assist property owners experiencing financial hardship due to disasters or other extraordinary circumstances.

• Eligibility: Deferral programs typically target seniors, disabled individuals, veterans, or homeowners affected by declared disasters who demonstrate an inability to pay property taxes on time.
• Application and Approval: Property owners must apply through the Property Appraiser’s office, often providing proof of hardship, income documentation, and other relevant information.
• Impact on Property Liens: While deferring taxes can provide short-term relief, it’s important to note that deferred taxes become liens on the property. These liens accrue interest and must eventually be paid upon sale or transfer of the property.
• Repayment Terms: Some deferral programs allow repayment over time, easing the financial burden, but the specifics depend on the county’s policies and the individual’s situation.
• Protecting Property Ownership: Tax deferral can prevent tax foreclosure during periods of hardship, helping homeowners maintain ownership during recovery.

By offering these disaster relief and tax deferral options, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser helps ease the burden on residents and businesses recovering from unforeseen events, supporting the community’s resilience and long-term stability.

Advanced Resources and Bulk Data Access

For real estate professionals, developers, researchers, and data enthusiasts, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s office provides advanced resources and bulk data access. These tools facilitate in-depth property analysis, market research, and strategic planning. Understanding how to access and utilize these resources can provide a competitive edge in the property market and help in informed decision-making.

Open Records & Data Downloads

The Property Appraiser’s office offers publicly accessible open records and downloadable datasets, which include comprehensive parcel information and historic appraisal data.

• Parcel Datasets: Users can download detailed datasets containing parcel numbers (PCNs), ownership details, property types, land use codes, and valuation figures. This bulk data is invaluable for large-scale analysis or integration into proprietary software systems.
• Historic Appraisal Values: Access to historical appraisal values enables trend analysis, helping stakeholders track changes in property values over time. This data supports investment decisions, market forecasts, and academic research.
• Formats and Tools: Data is often available in user-friendly formats such as CSV or Excel, allowing for easy import and manipulation. Some data portals also provide APIs for real-time data integration.
• Access Procedures: While much data is open to the public, some specialized datasets may require formal requests or account creation to ensure proper use and compliance with privacy regulations.

By leveraging these open records, users can gain granular insights into Palm Beach County’s property landscape beyond what typical online searches provide.

For Realtors, Developers, and Researchers

Specific user groups such as realtors, developers, and academic researchers benefit greatly from specialized mapping tools and property use analyses offered by the Property Appraiser.

• Accessing Sales Maps: Interactive sales maps display recent transactions across the county, enabling realtors to identify market activity patterns and emerging neighborhoods. These maps highlight sale prices, dates, and property types.
• Zoning Overlays: Developers rely on zoning overlay maps to understand land use restrictions, allowed building types, density limits, and environmental constraints. This information is critical for project feasibility studies and planning.
• Property Use Analysis: Detailed breakdowns of property use categories, including commercial, residential, agricultural, and industrial, allow for demographic and economic analysis at the parcel level.
• Custom Reports: Advanced users may request tailored reports that combine appraisal data with GIS layers for targeted insights.
• Research Collaboration: The Property Appraiser’s office may collaborate with universities and public agencies to support studies related to urban planning, taxation, and economic development.

These advanced resources empower professionals to make data-driven decisions, optimize investments, and contribute to community growth with a clear understanding of Palm Beach County’s property environment.

Contact the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser

Reaching the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s office is easy and efficient, whether you want to ask questions, submit documents, or schedule appointments. Here’s how to contact the office directly and get the help you need:

Direct Lines by Department

• Main Office Phone: (561) 355-2866
  This is the general number for the Property Appraiser’s office. You can call here for general inquiries or to be directed to the right department.
• Exemptions & Tax Relief Department: (561) 355-2866 ext. 3
  For questions related to Homestead exemptions, Senior exemptions, Veteran benefits, and other tax relief programs.
• Appraisal Division: (561) 355-2866 ext. 2
  Contact this department for questions about property values, appraisal methods, and filing assessment appeals.
• Tangible Personal Property (TPP) Division: (561) 355-2866 ext. 4
  For business owners needing help with TPP filing, deadlines, and exemptions.
• Mapping & GIS Services: (561) 355-3640
  Assistance with parcel maps, GIS tools, zoning overlays, and property boundaries.
• Public Records Requests: (561) 355-2866 ext. 5
  For requests involving bulk data, sales history, parcel datasets, or historical appraisal values.

Office Location and Hours

Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Office
301 N Olive Avenue, 6th Floor
West Palm Beach, FL 33401

• Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
• Parking: Public parking available nearby; check website for details.

Secure Form Submissions and Online Contact

The Property Appraiser’s website offers secure online forms that allow you to:

• Apply or cancel exemptions
• Submit Value Adjustment Board appeals
• Request official property records and reports
• Ask specific questions that require follow-up

To access these forms, visit the official Palm Beach County Property Appraiser website and navigate to the “Contact” or “Forms” section. Submitting via secure forms protects your personal data and speeds up processing.

How to Request Records or Book Appointments

• Request Records:
  You can request certified copies of property deeds, tax rolls, or appraisal records by phone or through the online request form. Some documents may require a small processing fee.
• Schedule Appointments:
  For complex inquiries, appraisal reviews, or exemption counseling, appointments are encouraged. You can schedule by calling the main office number or using the online appointment system if available.
• Walk-In Services:
  Walk-ins are welcome during normal business hours, but appointments help reduce wait times and ensure dedicated time with staff.

FAQs

The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s office receives numerous inquiries from homeowners, buyers, and businesses seeking clarity on property assessments, exemptions, and procedures. Below are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions to help you better understand the property appraisal process.

What is a PCN?

A Parcel Control Number (PCN) is a unique identifier assigned to every property parcel in Palm Beach County. This number is used to locate, track, and manage property records efficiently. The PCN helps the Property Appraiser’s office and the public access detailed information about a property, including ownership, assessed value, legal description, and exemption status. It is essential for conducting property searches, filing appeals, or requesting official documents related to a specific parcel.

Can I transfer my homestead exemption from another state?

No, homestead exemptions cannot be transferred from another state to Palm Beach County. The homestead exemption in Florida is specific to primary residences within the state and requires the property owner to occupy the home as their permanent residence as of January 1 of the tax year. However, Florida offers portability for the Save Our Homes (SOH) benefit, which allows homeowners to transfer accrued tax savings between properties within Florida, subject to certain limits. New residents must apply for the homestead exemption in Palm Beach County and meet all eligibility requirements to benefit from local tax relief.

Why is my neighbor’s taxable value lower?

Several factors can cause differences in taxable values between neighboring properties, including:

• Homestead Exemptions: If your neighbor has applied for and received a homestead exemption or additional exemptions, their taxable value will be reduced accordingly.
• Save Our Homes Cap: This Florida law limits the annual increase of a homesteaded property’s assessed value to 3% or the change in the Consumer Price Index, whichever is lower, potentially resulting in lower taxable values.
• Property Condition and Improvements: Differences in property condition, renovations, or new construction can affect market value and assessed value.
• Assessment Appeals: If your neighbor successfully filed an appeal reducing their assessed value, their taxable value may reflect that adjustment.
• Different Property Types or Uses: Commercial, residential, and agricultural properties are assessed differently.

How do I cancel an exemption?

To cancel a property tax exemption in Palm Beach County, property owners must notify the Property Appraiser’s office in writing. This may be necessary if the property no longer qualifies—for example, if you no longer occupy the home as a primary residence or if ownership changes. Failure to report changes that affect exemption eligibility can result in penalties and back taxes owed. The office typically requires submission of a cancellation form or a written request detailing the reasons for cancellation. It’s important to act promptly to avoid tax liabilities.