Amid ongoing flooding that began on Nov. 1, a partial property tax refund could help affected households in Palm Beach County recover financially, according to WPEC.
To qualify, homeowners must have been unable to live in their residences for at least 30 consecutive days due to the flooding, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office said.
Here's what to know
Homeowners seeking the refund must submit an Application for Catastrophic Event Tax Refund, known as Form DR-465, along with supporting documentation to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office.
Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks emphasized that homeowners whose houses sustained substantial damage should report it to her office as soon as they are able.
Officials also stressed the importance of gathering relevant information as residents dealt with days of significant flooding.
More background
For 2026 assessment purposes, a Florida property's relevant condition is its condition on Jan. 1, according to Palm Beach County.
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Flood damage covered by the county's announcement therefore will not change that year's assessment.
The next assessment could be different: a property's 2027 assessment may account for damage still unrepaired on Jan. 1, 2027.
Reconstruction does not necessarily mean losing existing property tax benefits.
The Property Appraiser's Office says eligible homeowners may keep their homestead exemption and Save Our Homes assessment protections while rebuilding.
What can be done?
A visual record of the damage can support a refund application.
The Property Appraiser's Office recommends saving both photos and videos, as well as insurance records.
The office also recommends keeping building permits, utility bills, and contractor statements.
To keep receiving notices after leaving a flood-damaged home, residents should give their current mailing addresses to both the Property Appraiser's Office and the Palm Beach County Tax Collector.
The filing deadline for Form DR-465 and its supporting documents is March 1, 2027, the office says.
Submit both to the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser's Office.
Where can I learn more?
Homeowners recovering from flood damage may have to navigate displacement, aid programs, and tax relief all at once. These related stories cover storm-damage tax refunds, flood aid concerns, and disaster-related filing extensions.
• Los Angeles County owners with qualifying storm damage may receive property tax reductions and refunds.
• Fort Lauderdale homeowners are skipping flood aid over concerns about taxes, codes, and permits.
• After Hurricane Isaias, the IRS extended Florida tax deadlines to Feb. 8, 2027.
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