Palm Beach County property tax records are public files that show who owns each parcel of land in the county, how much that land is worth, and how much tax the owner must pay each year. These records cover more than 659,000 parcels across cities like West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, Delray Beach, and Palm Beach Gardens.
Two elected offices work together to create and keep these records. The Property Appraiser sets the value of every parcel each year. The Tax Collector sends the bills and collects the payments. Both offices keep their records open to the public at no cost, so anyone can look up tax data for any property in the county.
What Palm Beach County Property Tax Records Include
Each tax record for a single property holds a full set of facts about that parcel. The record shows the owner’s name, the mailing address, the legal description of the land, and the parcel identification number. It also shows the just value, the assessed value, and the taxable value after exemptions. Sales history, building details, land size, and exemption status all appear in the same file. Payment records from the Tax Collector show whether the owner paid on time, paid late, or missed payments.
Who Maintains the Tax Records
The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s office, led by Dorothy Jacks, creates and updates the value side of every record. This office sits at 301 North Olive Avenue, 5th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The general phone line is 561-355-3230. The appraisal office does not collect taxes and does not set millage rates. Its only job is to place a fair value on every parcel in the county as of January 1 each year.
The Palm Beach County Tax Collector, led by Anne M. Gannon, handles the payment side of every record. The main office sits at 301 N. Olive Avenue, 3rd Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The phone number is 561-355-2264. The Tax Collector mails bills, takes payments, tracks balances, and runs the annual tax certificate sale for unpaid accounts.
What Each Record Contains
A single record will list the parcel ID, the property address, the owner’s full name, the lot size, the year the home was built, and the total square footage under roof. It will also show the just value set for the current year, the assessed value after caps or limits apply, and the taxable value after exemptions. The record holds the names of every exemption the owner claimed, the amount each exemption removed from the value, and the millage rates from each taxing authority. Payment history shows what the owner paid in past years, any discounts taken, and any interest or penalties added after the March 31 deadline.
How to Search Palm Beach County Property Tax Records Online
Anyone can search these records from a computer or phone. The Property Appraiser’s website gives free access to current and past data on every parcel. The Tax Collector’s website lets users check bills, see what is owed, and pay online. Both sites work without an account or login.
Using the Advanced Search Tool
The fastest way to find a specific parcel is the advanced search tool on the Property Appraiser’s site. This tool lets users search by parcel ID number, owner name, property address, subdivision name, or legal description. The results page shows the full record for that parcel, including the current value, last year’s value, all exemptions, building details, land data, and the most recent sale. The tool is free for anyone to use and pulls data from the same source the county uses for billing.
Using the GIS Map Search
For people who know the location of a property but not the address or parcel number, the GIS map search is a good option. This tool overlays parcel lines on aerial photos taken from above the county. Users can zoom in to any neighborhood, click on a parcel, and pull up the same record the text search shows. The GIS tool covers all 659,119 parcels in Palm Beach County, including land in unincorporated areas and inside city limits.
Searching by Address, Owner, or Parcel
Searching by address works well for single-family homes and standard subdivisions. The user types the house number and street name. The system returns the matching parcel and any other parcels tied to the same address. Searching by owner name returns every parcel under that person’s name. Searching by parcel ID returns only that exact parcel. Each method links to the same full record, so users can pick the path that fits their need.
Reading the Data in a Property Tax Record
The numbers in a tax record can confuse people who have not seen one before. Each field has a clear meaning, and knowing what the numbers mean makes the record much easier to read. The key numbers are the just value, the assessed value, the taxable value, and the millage rate.
Just Value vs Assessed Value
Just value is the appraiser’s estimate of how much the property would sell for on the open market as of January 1. This number is based on recent sales of similar properties, the lot size, the building size, and the location. Assessed value is the number used to calculate the tax bill. In most cases, the assessed value equals the just value. For homestead properties with Save Our Homes protection, the assessed value grows by no more than 3% each year, even if the just value grows faster.
Exemptions and Taxable Value
The taxable value is the number the tax bill is based on. The county subtracts any exemptions from the assessed value to get this number. A homestead exemption can remove up to $50,000 from the value. A senior exemption can remove more. The taxable value multiplied by the millage rate equals the tax bill for the year.
Millage Rates and Tax Bill
Millage rates are set by each taxing authority, not by the Property Appraiser. The county, the school board, the water district, and any special districts all set their own rates each year. The Truth in Millage, or TRIM, notice mailed in August lists every rate that applies to a parcel. The total millage for most Palm Beach County parcels sits between 18 and 25 mills. One mill equals $1 of tax for every $1,000 of taxable value.
Property Tax Exemptions in Palm Beach County
Florida law offers several exemptions that lower the taxable value of a property. These exemptions apply to all qualifying parcels in Palm Beach County. Most require a one-time application. Once granted, the exemption renews each year on its own, unless the use changes.
Homestead Exemption
Homestead is the most common exemption. It reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by up to $50,000. The first $25,000 applies to all taxing authorities. The second $25,000 applies to all authorities except schools, and only to value between $50,000 and $75,000. Homestead also triggers Save Our Homes, which caps yearly growth in the assessed value at 3% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. The deadline to file for homestead is March 1 of the tax year.
Senior and Disability Exemptions
Florida offers an extra exemption for residents age 65 or older with limited income. The amount of this exemption depends on the household income and can reach $50,000 in some cases. People with a total and permanent disability can also claim an exemption. Both exemptions stack with the homestead exemption on the same property. The Property Appraiser’s office can confirm the current income limits and document needs.
Veteran and Other Exemptions
Veterans with a service-connected disability, surviving spouses of fallen service members, and first responders with certain disabilities can claim exemptions under Florida law. The amounts vary based on the disability rating. Widows and widowers who have not remarried can also claim a small exemption. The Property Appraiser’s exemption page lists all options and the paperwork each one needs.
How to Apply for Exemptions
Most exemptions can be filed online through the homestead e-file portal. The user creates an account, enters the parcel ID, and fills out the form. The system asks for basic facts about the home and the owner. The appraiser’s office reviews the file and either approves or denies the exemption. If approved, the exemption shows up on the next TRIM notice.
Appealing a Property Tax Assessment
Any property owner who believes the assessed value is too high has the right to appeal. The appeal process starts with a review by the Property Appraiser’s office and can go all the way to circuit court if the owner still disagrees after the hearing.
The TRIM Notice
Each August, the Property Appraiser mails the TRIM notice. This notice lists the proposed assessed value for the year, all exemptions applied, the millage rates from each authority, and an estimate of the tax bill. Owners have 25 days from the mailing date to file a petition with the Value Adjustment Board, or VAB, if they want to appeal the value.
Filing a VAB Petition
The petition form is available on the Palm Beach County Clerk’s website. The owner fills it out, lists the parcel, states the reason for the appeal, and pays a small filing fee. A hearing is then scheduled before a special magistrate. The owner can bring evidence, such as comparable sales, photos, or an independent appraisal. The magistrate reviews the case and makes a recommendation to the VAB. The board votes on the recommendation, and the decision is final at this level.
After the Hearing
If the owner loses at the VAB, the next step is a circuit court appeal. Most cases end at the VAB, but owners with strong evidence sometimes take the next step. The owner should keep paying the tax bill during the appeal, even if a refund is expected. Unpaid taxes grow interest and penalties that the owner must pay regardless of the appeal outcome.
Paying Property Taxes in Palm Beach County
The Tax Collector mails tax bills in November each year. The bill lists the amount due and the discount schedule. Florida offers a 4% discount for payments made in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, and 1% in February. Bills not paid by March 31 become delinquent.
Payment Methods
Owners can pay online through the Tax Collector’s website using a credit card or an e-check. They can pay in person at any of the five branch offices. They can also mail a check to the main office at 301 N. Olive Avenue, 3rd Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. The online portal keeps a record of each payment, and users can print a receipt after each transaction.
Installment Plan
Property owners who cannot pay the full bill in November can sign up for the installment plan. The plan divides the yearly bill into four smaller payments. The first installment is due in June, the second in September, the third in December, and the last in March. Each installment gets a small discount. To join the plan, the owner must apply in the spring before the bill year starts.
Delinquent Taxes and Tax Sales
After March 31, unpaid taxes start to earn interest. In June, the Tax Collector holds a tax certificate sale. Investors pay the delinquent amount and earn interest on it. If the owner does not pay off the certificate within two years, the certificate holder can apply for a tax deed, which puts the property on a path to public sale. Owners who pay their taxes on time avoid this entire process.
Public Records Law and Property Data Access
Florida’s public records law opens government files to anyone who asks. Property tax records fall under this law. Owners and non-owners alike can pull up any parcel in the county and see its value, tax bill, and payment history.
Your Right to Access Records
No ID is required to search the online tools. No reason is required to ask for a record. The Property Appraiser and Tax Collector must respond to public records requests in a reasonable time. Most records are already online and can be pulled up in seconds without any request at all.
Requesting Certified Copies
For legal or financial use, certified copies of tax records are available for a small fee. The request can be made by mail, by email, or in person at the appropriate office. The office stamps the copy as a true record of the file as of the date on the request. Bulk data requests for research firms or title companies are handled through the Property Appraiser’s data services team.
Contact Details for Palm Beach County Tax Offices
Property Appraiser, Dorothy Jacks: 301 North Olive Avenue, 5th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Phone: 561-355-3230. Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Branch offices sit in Delray Beach at 14925 Cumberland Dr. and in Palm Beach Gardens at 3188 PGA Blvd. Tax Collector, Anne M. Gannon: 301 N. Olive Avenue, 3rd Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401. Phone: 561-355-2264. Branch offices sit in Belle Glade, Greenacres, Palm Beach Gardens, Delray Beach, and Westlake. Website for property records: pbcpao.gov. Website for tax bills and payments: pbctax.gov.
Frequently Asked Questions
People searching Palm Beach County property tax records often have similar questions. The answers below cover the most common points. These facts come straight from county offices and Florida law as of 2026.
How Do I Find Who Owns a Property in Palm Beach County?
The owner’s name appears on the Property Appraiser’s website. Go to pbcpao.gov and use the advanced search tool. Type the address, owner name, or parcel ID. The result page shows the current owner’s full name, mailing address, and the date the owner took title. This data is open to the public under Florida law.
Can I See Past Tax Bills for a Property?
Yes. The Tax Collector’s website shows payment history for each parcel. Users can see what was billed, what was paid, and when it was paid. The Property Appraiser’s site shows past assessed values for each year. Together, these two tools cover the full history of every parcel in the county.
What Happens If I Miss the March 31 Deadline?
Taxes not paid by March 31 become delinquent. Interest starts at 3% for the first month and grows from there. A penalty of 1% per month is added. In June, the unpaid bill goes to the tax certificate sale. The sooner the bill is paid, the lower the total cost. The Tax Collector’s office can show the exact amount due at any time.
Do I Have to Pay My Bill During an Appeal?
Yes. The owner must pay the full tax bill on time, even when an appeal is in progress. If the appeal succeeds, the Tax Collector refunds the overpaid amount with interest. If the owner does not pay, penalties and interest pile up. The appeal does not stop the bill from growing.
Are Property Tax Records Free to View?
Yes. The Property Appraiser and Tax Collector both offer free online access. There is no fee to view values, exemptions, ownership, or payment history. Certified copies carry a small fee. Bulk data requests may carry a fee based on the size of the request and the time needed to process it.
What Is the Difference Between Just Value and Taxable Value?
Just value is the market value the appraiser places on the property as of January 1. Taxable value is the number the tax bill is based on. The county subtracts exemptions from the assessed value to get the taxable value. A property worth $400,000 with a $50,000 homestead exemption has a taxable value of $350,000.
Can a Non-Resident Look Up Property Tax Records?
Yes. The online tools are open to anyone with an internet connection. Florida does not limit who can search public tax records. People buying property from out of state, title companies, and legal teams all use the same tools. No Florida address or account is required to search the database.