With the passage of Amendment 3 on Nov. 3, the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office will implement the new homestead exemption and assessment provisions, helping property owners understand the changes and how they may affect their property assessments and exemptions.
“If you already have a homestead exemption, you do not need to call our office or submit a new application because of Amendment 3,” Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Dorothy Jacks said. “Our team will apply the changes to eligible properties and provide clear information every step of the way.”
Beginning in 2027, the amendment increases the homestead exemption for non-school taxes to $150,000, rising to $250,000 in 2028, with inflation adjustments beginning in 2029. It also lowers the annual cap on assessed-value increases for qualifying non-homestead properties, including rentals, second homes and commercial properties, from 10 percent to 5 percent for non-school taxes. This does not eliminate tax bills.
Homeowners with an existing homestead exemption do not need to contact the Property Appraiser’s Office or reapply. First-time applicants must still meet eligibility requirements, and all homeowners must report changes that could affect their exemption. Separate residency provisions apply to some newer Florida residents.
The amendment does not affect 2026 tax bills. Higher homestead amounts will first appear on August 2027 Notices of Proposed Property Taxes (TRIM notices), followed by tax bills issued by the tax collector later that year. Actual taxes will depend in part on rates adopted by local taxing authorities.
“Our responsibility is to value property fairly, administer exemptions and help taxpayers understand their assessments,” Jacks said. “We do not set tax rates or collect taxes, but we will remain a resource for property owners as the law takes effect.”
Additionally, voters did not approve Amendment 2, which would have exempted qualifying farm equipment, machinery and other tangible personal property used for agricultural production or agritourism from property taxes. Existing tangible personal property assessment requirements and exemptions remain unchanged, and the Property Appraiser’s Office will continue assisting agricultural property owners with assessments and exemption questions.
The office will update online guidance, assist taxpayers and process new applications as implementation details are finalized. Visit www.pbcpao.gov or call (561) 355-2866 to learn more.
