Palm Beach County Property Tax: Rates, Exemptions & How to Appeal
Palm Beach County property tax is administered by the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser (PAPA) at pbcgov.com/papa. For new buyers in Palm Beach County, calculating the expected tax bill before closing — not after — is one of the most important steps in the buying process.
Palm Beach County millage rates by city
Total millage in Palm Beach County typically runs 18–22 mills depending on municipality. That means a home with a $500,000 taxable value pays $9,000–11,000/year. Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and West Palm Beach each add municipal millage on top of county and school levies. Use the PAPA website to look up the exact millage for any specific address.
How to apply for the homestead exemption
Apply by March 1 at pbcgov.com/papa. You’ll need a Florida driver’s license, vehicle registration, and a deed showing your Florida address. The exemption reduces taxable value by up to $50,000 and triggers the Save Our Homes 3% annual assessment cap. Missing the March 1 deadline means waiting another year.
How to appeal your Palm Beach County assessment
If you believe your home is over-assessed, file a petition with the Palm Beach County Value Adjustment Board (VAB) before the deadline on your TRIM notice, typically in mid-September. Bring comparable closed sales showing lower values. The process is free. Many homeowners reduce their assessed value by $20,000–$80,000 through this process. Read our full Florida property tax guide for the complete system overview.
For personalized guidance on buying or selling in South Florida, contact the team at Pure Equity Realty. We serve Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, St. Lucie, and Highlands counties with expert representation and a 1% listing fee.
Onias Derilus is the Broker/Owner of Pure Equity Realty, a South Florida brokerage specializing in 1% listing commissions and free buyer representation across Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade, St. Lucie, and Highlands counties. He holds an NMLS mortgage originator license and founded Mortgage Capital and Verified Title to serve clients through every step of the transaction.