With the availability of the COVID-19 vaccines, I am hopeful that we are nearing the end of the pandemic.  I realize that some of our Palm Beach County residents continue to cope with COVID-19, and are experiencing hardships and who are deeply worried about paying their bills, especially for rent and utilities. Fortunately, there is help available locally, and I am pleased to share these important program details with you.

Palm Beach County Coronavirus Relief Fund Rent and Utilities Assistance Program

If you are having trouble making rental and utility payments, the county’s Coronavirus Relief Fund Rent and Utilities Assistance Program can help. One-time rental and/or utility assistance is available to residents who have experienced loss of income, reduction in hours or unemployment due to COVID-19. The funds are available to applicants who live in apartments, houses, townhomes or mobile homes.

Please see specific program information at the Palm Beach County Rental Assistance website.

FPL Assistance

FPL is committed to helping its customers who are experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. Since March 2020, the company is continuing to offer payment extensions, waive late fees and connect customers with available financial assistance. FPL will continue working closely with customers who contact them to do everything they can to avoid turning the lights off for nonpayment, which is and has always been their last resort.

You can find more information about both programs on the FPL website.

We are Here to Help

A valid driver license or state identification card is required to apply for either program. If you need help obtaining a valid driver license or state ID card, please make a reservation for in-person service at one of our offices. Reservations are available to Palm Beach County residents only. We no longer permit walk-ins.

I believe we need to do everything we can to help Palm Beach County residents and our community recover from this pandemic. These programs will help residents remain safe in their homes during this hardship.

I hope you find this information helpful and ask you to please share this information with your friends and neighbors. Please stay well.

Sincerely,

Anne M. Gannon
Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County