News on Behalf of Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office - November 2020 Newsletter
Dear Taxpayers:
I am pleased to announce that my office has certified the 2020 Real Property and Tangible Personal Property Assessment Rolls for Palm Beach County to the Tax Collector, for the collection of taxes.
The Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office is responsible for the printing and mailing of your property tax bills, on or before November 1. Be on the lookout for them in the mail.
In addition, don’t forget about the general election held on November 3, 2020. There are 6 proposed amendments on the ballot. Amendments 5 and 6 affect Florida property taxes. To be added to the state constitution, voters must approve each amendment with a majority of 60% of the vote. Included in this month’s newsletter are explanations for Amendments 5 and 6.
November is also a special month for giving thanks not only for our family and friends, but also for the men and women in our nation’s Armed Forces. We salute and honor them on Veterans Day. Let us recognize them for their service and commitment to keeping our nation safe and protecting our freedom.
In this month’s newsletter, we will review Disabled Veterans Exemptions. In order to qualify for these additional exemptions, you must have a Homestead Exemption on your property and have been honorably discharged. I hope you will find this information beneficial.
We Value What You Value
Respectfully,
Dorothy Jacks, CFA, AAS
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser
General Election - Tuesday, November 3, 2020
Below is a summary of Amendments 5 and 6, which will be on the ballot for the general election, held on Tuesday, November 3rd.
Amendment 5 – Limitation on Homestead Assessments
Language: Proposing an amendment to the State Constitution, effective date January 1, 2021, to increase, from two years to three years, the period of time during which accrued ‘Save Our Homes’ benefits may be transferred from a prior homestead to a new homestead.
The ‘Save Our Homes’ (SOH) benefit caps taxable assessment increases on homesteaded property at 3% a year, and it allows sellers to take or “port” their current savings with them when buying a new Florida property, providing they do so within the designated time frame and meet other requirements.
Under the “portability” component of the homestead exemption, a homeowner can transfer up to $500,000 of the accrued benefit from their former primary residence to their new home. To transfer the SOH benefit, homeowners had to claim that exemption within two years - the law sets the timeline based on the tax roll year.
Amendment 5 would extend the time frame from two tax years to three tax years for property owners to transfer or “port” all or part of their homestead assessment difference to a new homestead anywhere in Florida.
For Palm Beach County, Amendment 5 applies to 330,000 current property owners with homestead exemptions.
Amendment 6 - Ad Valorem Tax Discount for Spouses of Certain Deceased Veterans Who Had Permanent, Combat-Related Disabilities
Language: Provides that the homestead property tax discount for certain veterans with permanent combat-related disabilities carries over to such veteran's surviving spouse who holds legal or beneficial title to, and who permanently resides on, the homestead property, until he or she remarries or sells or otherwise disposes of the property. The discount may be transferred to a new homestead property of the surviving spouse under certain conditions. The amendment takes effect January 1, 2021.
If passed, Amendment 6 would transfer a deceased veteran’s combat related property tax discount to their surviving spouse. The discount would remain in effect until the spouse remarries, dies or sells or disposes of the property.
As always, the Property Appraiser’s position is to adhere to the law concerning the outcome of any constitutional amendment. If Amendments 5 and 6 receive approval from the voters, we will make any necessary changes to our processes to comply with the new laws.
If you have any questions regarding Amendments 5 and 6, please call our office (Exemption Services Department) at 561.355.2866.
Disabled Veterans and Certain First Responders Exemptions:
Veterans with a total and permanent disability that was service-connected may be eligible for total exemption of ad valorem taxes. (This exemption extends to a surviving spouse)
Certain First Responders disabled in the line of duty may be eligible for total exemption of ad valorem taxes. (This exemption extends to a surviving spouse)
Surviving spouses of certain First Responders who die in the line of Duty may be eligible for total exemption of ad valorem taxes.
Veterans with a service-connected disability of 10% or more may be eligible for an additional $5,000 exemption.
Veterans with a non-service connected disability may be eligible for an additional $500 exemption.
Veterans 65 or older with a combat-related permanent disability may be eligible for an ad valorem tax discount.
For more information on these exemptions and to download and print forms, click here. You can always call us at 561.355.2866 or email us at myexemption@pbcgov.org
Holiday Food Drive
The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office’s annual Holiday Food Drive will take place during the month of November. The special food-raising campaign is in its 21st year and is administered by the employees of the Property Appraiser’s Office. Last year, nearly 4 tons of food was collected and donated to Extended Hands Community Outreach of West Palm Beach and The Glades Initiative, Inc. (which is located in Belle Glade).
The Property Appraiser's Office encourages and supports employee community service throughout Palm Beach County. Our employees are dedicated to the responsibility of giving back to the community.
Office Closed Due to Holiday(s)
The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office (including our five Service Centers) will be closed on the following days in the month of November:
Wednesday, November 11, 2020 – Veterans Day
Thursday, November 26, 2020 – Thanksgiving Day
Friday, November 27, 2020 – Floating Holiday
