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Dear New Neighbor:

Welcome to your new home! Whether you are new to Palm Beach County or making a local move, I hope your new home brings you and your family many years of joy.

New home ownership can be both exciting and stressful. Inside this Welcome to Palm Beach Guide you will find useful information about important transactions with our office and how to establish residency in Palm Beach County. I hope the information saves you time and effort.

Sincerely,

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

Once part of Dade County

Palm Beach became its own county in 1909, becoming Florida’s 47th county. Our first county government meetings were held in an old four-room schoolhouse at the corner of Clematis Street and Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach.

Only about 5,300 people lived in the new county comprised of portions of what are now Broward, Martin, and Okeechobee counties. Broward County was established in 1915, Okeechobee County in 1917 and Martin County in 1925.

Palm Beach is one of the largest counties east of the Mississippi River, covering approximately 2,248 square miles (land and water area). The county is larger than each of the states of Rhode Island and Delaware.

Palm Beach by the Numbers

Palm Beach County by the Numbers

Population

1,492,191 (As of 2020)

County Seat

West Palm Beach

Coastline

47 miles (mostly beaches)

Size/Area

  • 2,248 square miles
  • Land area: 1,997 square miles
  • Surface water: 251 square miles (1,438,720 acres)

Oldest Structure

Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse (opened in 1860)

Municipalities – 39

  • 1st: West Palm Beach (1894) 39th: Westlake (2016)
  • Smallest Municipality (by area): Briny Breezes (4/10 of a square mile)
Major Industries

Agriculture

Accounts for $1.38 billion in total agricultural sales, leading the state of Florida

Tourism

Generates annual impact of approximately $7 billion in the local economy

Land Dedicated to Agriculture

456,000 acres 36% of the county’s land mass

Largest Employer

Palm Beach County School Board (approximately 22,600 employees)

Weather

Average Temperature

75 F (annual) – 82 F (summer) 66 F (winter)

Hurricane Season

June 1 through November 30

Average Rainfall

62 inches

Contact our communities

NAMEWEBSITEPHONE NUMBER
CITY OF ATLANTISwww.atlantisfl.gov561-965-1744
CITY OF BELLE GLADEwww.bellegladegov.com561-996-0100
CITY OF BOCA RATONwww.myboca.us561-393-7700
CITY OF BOYNTON BEACHwww.boynton-beach.org561-742-6000
CITY OF DELRAY BEACHwww.delraybeachfl.gov561-243-7000
CITY OF GREENACRESwww.greenacresfl.gov561-642-2000
CITY OF LAKE WORTH BEACHwww.lakeworthbeachfl.gov561-586-1600
CITY OF PAHOKEEwww.cityofpahokee.com561-924-5534
CITY OF PALM BEACH GARDENSwww.pbgfl.com561-799-4100
CITY OF RIVIERA BEACHwww.rivierabch.com561-845-4000
CITY OF SOUTH BAYwww.southbaycity.com561-996-6751
CITY OF WEST PALM BEACHwww.wpb.org561-822-2222
CITY OF WESTLAKEwww.westlakegov.com561-530-5880
TOWN OF BRINY BREEZESwww.brinybreezes.us/home561-276-7405
TOWN OF CLOUD LAKEwww.palmbeachcountyleagueofcities.com/561-686-2815
TOWN OF GLEN RIDGEwww.townofglenridgefl.com561-697-8868
TOWN OF GULF STREAMwww.gulf-stream.org561-276-5226
TOWN OF HAVERHILLwww.townofhaverhill-fl.gov561-689-0370
TOWN OF HIGHLAND BEACHwww.highlandbeach.us561-278-4548
TOWN OF HYPOLUXOwww.hypoluxo.org561-582-0155
TOWN OF JUNO BEACHwww.juno-beach.fl.us561-626-1122
TOWN OF JUPITERwww.jupiter.fl.us561-746-5134
TOWN OF JUPITER INLET COLONYwww.jupiterinletcolony.org561-746-3787
TOWN OF LAKE CLARKE SHORESwww.townoflcs.com561-964-1515
TOWN OF LAKE PARKwww.lakeparkflorida.govphone
NAMEwebsite561-881-3300
TOWN OF LANTANAwww.lantana.org561-540-5000
TOWN OF LOXAHATCHEE GROVESwww.loxahatcheegrovesfl.gov561-793-2418
TOWN OF MANGONIA PARKwww.tompfl.com561-848-1235
TOWN OF MANALAPANwww.manalapan.org561-585-9477
TOWN OF OCEAN RIDGEwww.oceanridgeflorida.com561-732-2635
TOWN OF PALM BEACHwww.townofpalmbeach.com561-838-5400
TOWN OF PALM BEACH SHORESwww.palmbeachshoresfl.us561-844-3457
TOWN OF SOUTH PALM BEACHwww.southpalmbeach.com561-588-8889
VILLAGE OF NORTH PALM BEACHwww.village-npb.org561-841-3380
VILLAGE OF PALM SPRINGSwww.vpsfl.org561-965-4010
VILLAGE OF ROYAL PALMwww.royalpalmbeach.com561-790-5100
VILLAGE OF GOLFwww.villageofgolf.org561-732-0236
VILLAGE OF TEQUESTAwww.tequesta.org561-768-0700
VILLAGE OF WELLINGTONwww.wellingtonfl.gov561-791-4000

Transfer your license

New to Florida?

As a new resident of the Sunshine State, you have 30 days once you have established residency to get your Florida driver license or ID card. You may be considered a new resident when you accept employment, engage in a trade, register to vote, enroll a child in a Florida public school, or file for homestead exemption.

When moving to Florida from another state, you must make a reservation for in-person driver license service. The Class E Knowledge and Driving Skills Exam is waived if you present your valid out-of-state driver license. A vision test is required.

 

MAKE A RESERVATION HERE!
New to Palm Beach County?

If you move to Palm Beach County from another Florida County, you have 30 days to update your driver license and vehicle registration. If you have a valid Florida driver license/ID that is REAL ID-compliant, you can update your address online at www.flhsmv.gov. If your driver license/ID card is not REAL ID-compliant, you will have to make a reservation to come into one of our offices to update your information. Be sure to review the list of REAL ID required documentation.

Not sure if your license/ID card is REAL ID compliant? REAL ID driver licenses/ID cards have a gold star in the upper right corner.

 

MAKE A RESERVATION HERE!
New to Florida?
As a new resident of the Sunshine State, you have 30 days once you have established residency to get your Florida driver license or ID card. You may be considered a new resident when you accept employment, engage in a trade, register to vote, enroll a child in a Florida public school, or file for homestead exemption.

When moving to Florida from another state, you must make a reservation for in-person driver license service. The Class E Knowledge and Driving Skills Exam is waived if you present your valid out-of-state driver license. A vision test is required.

 

MAKE A RESERVATION HERE!
New to Palm Beach County?
If you move to Palm Beach County from another Florida County, you have 30 days to update your driver license and vehicle registration. If you have a valid Florida driver license/ID that is REAL ID-compliant, you can update your address online at www.flhsmv.gov. If your driver license/ID card is not REAL ID-compliant, you will have to make a reservation to come into one of our offices to update your information. Be sure to review the list of REAL ID required documentation.

Not sure if your license/ID card is REAL ID compliant? REAL ID driver licenses/ID cards have a gold star in the upper right corner.

 

MAKE A RESERVATION HERE!

Transferring Your

Motor Vehicle Registration

 

New to Florida?

As a new resident of the Sunshine State, you have 30 days once you have established residency to apply for a new vehicle title and registration. You may be considered a new resident when you accept employment, engage in a trade, register to vote, enroll a child in a Florida public school, or file for homestead exemption. To register a vehicle that was previously titled out-of-state, you will need to make a reservation at one of our service centers. You may be required to bring the following documents & information to your scheduled reservation:

  • Proof of valid Florida auto insurance
  • Bring Out-of-state title certificate. If leased, bring leasing company information. If you have a lien (financing by monthly payments), bring lienholder name and address. More information on lien/leased vehicles can be found at www.pbctax.com/motor-vehicle.
  • Valid passport or U.S. driver license/ID card
  • Vehicle for VIN verification (weather permitting) or form HSMV 82042 signed by Florida Notary public or Law Enforcement Officer.

Click here to see the application form and checklist for certificate of title.
MAKE A RESERVATION HERE!
MAKE A RESERVATION HERE!

About Your Property

Property Tax

Property taxes are payable November 1 to March 31 each year. Pay early and receive one of the following discounts: 4% in November, 3% in December, 2% in January, 1% in February. There is no discount for payments made in March. Unpaid property taxes becomes delinquent April 1.

If you do not receive your property tax bill, you are still responsible for paying the total amount due before April 1. You can view, print, or pay your current property tax bill online at www.pbctax.com/real-estate-property-tax.

Installment Payment Plan

We offer a quarterly Installment Payment Plan to make paying real estate and tangible personal property taxes easier on your budget. The plan divides your taxes into four installments: June/July, September, December and March. Pay quarterly and receive a discount slightly under 4%.

For more information visit www.pbctax.com/ipp.

Updating Your Property Tax Billing Address
Each year, the Tax Collector’s Office mails more than 600,000 property tax bills to property owners. These bills are sent to the address on file with the Property Appraiser’s Office. Make sure your address is up to date with the Palm Beach Country Property Appraiser’s Office by visiting www.pbcgov.org/papa for more information and to update your property address.

Homestead Exemption

If you are a new homeowner, you may be eligible to save a significant amount of money on your property taxes by applying for a homestead exemption with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office. In order to qualify for homestead exemption:

  • You must be a Florida resident.
  • Meet the March 1 filing deadline.
  • You must own and occupy the property as your permanent residence as of January 1.
  • You, your spouse and/or the co-owner of your residence must not be receiving a residency- based exemption on any other property in Florida or in another state.

Requirement To Report Change In Exemption Status
If you qualify for a homestead exemption or any other exemption, you must report any changes in your status. Please call the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s office at 561-355-2866, so they can help you understand your options.

For more information on exemptions, please visit www.pbcgov.org/papa.

For more information or to apply for a homestead exemption, please visit the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s website:
www.pbcgov.org/papa/homestead-exemption.htm.

For more information or to apply for a homestead exemption, please visit the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s website:
www.pbcgov.org/papa/homestead-exemption.htm.

Quick Resource Guide

Register To Vote

When you receive your Florida Driver License you can register to vote! Our service centers can issue your driver license/ID card and register you to vote at the same time. Another option is registering online at www.registertovoteflorida.gov. You will need a Florida Driver License or Florida ID Card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

Voter Registration Application forms are also available at any Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections office locations.

Visit www.votepalmbeach.gov for more information.

YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN FLORIDA IF:

  • You are a citizen of the United States of America;
  • You are a Florida resident;
  • You are at least 18 years old (you may pre-register to vote at the age of 16, but you cannot vote until you are 18 years old);
  • You have not been adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state; and
  • You have not been convicted of a felony, or have been convicted of a felony and had your voting rights restored.
Schools And Colleges

Palm Beach County is the 10th largest school district in the nation and the 5th largest in the state of Florida. There are 185 public, 40 charter and 110 private and faith-based schools throughout the county.

For more information on education options available in Palm Beach County, visit www.pbcedu.org.

To enroll in a Palm Beach County Public School, visit www.palmbeachschools.org.

For higher education options, there are more than a dozen institutions from which to choose, including four-year, two-year and technical facilities.

Tourist Development

Anyone offering accommodations for short term rental (six months or less) must collect and remit Tourist Development Tax (TDT) each month to the Palm Beach County Tax Collector. TDT is 6% of total taxable rental receipts. It is an add-on tax that is collected from the guest in addition to sales tax.

For more information visit www.pbctax.com/tourist-development-tax/.

Local Business Tax Receipt

If you sell merchandise or provide services in Palm Beach County, you must pay local business tax and maintain a valid Local Business Tax Receipt (LBTR). An LBTR is in addition to licenses required by law or municipal ordinances. It is subject to zoning regulations, health regulations, and any other lawful authority (County Ordinance No. 17-2). A Local Business Tax Receipt does not regulate a business or guarantee the quality of the work.

For more information visit www.pbctax.com/local-business-tax/.

Register To Vote

When you receive your Florida Driver License you can register to vote! Our service centers can issue your driver license/ID card and register you to vote at the same time. Another option is registering online at www.registertovoteflorida.gov. You will need a Florida Driver License or Florida ID Card and the last four digits of your Social Security Number.

Voter Registration Application forms are also available at any Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections office locations.

Visit www.votepalmbeach.gov for more information.

YOU ARE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN FLORIDA IF:

  • You are a citizen of the United States of America;
  • You are a Florida resident;
  • You are at least 18 years old (you may pre-register to vote at the age of 16, but you cannot vote until you are 18 years old);
  • You have not been adjudicated mentally incapacitated with respect to voting in Florida or any other state; and
  • You have not been convicted of a felony, or have been convicted of a felony and had your voting rights restored.
Schools And Colleges

Palm Beach County is the 10th largest school district in the nation and the 5th largest in the state of Florida. There are 185 public, 40 charter and 110 private and faith-based schools throughout the county.

For more information on education options available in Palm Beach County, visit www.pbcedu.org.

To enroll in a Palm Beach County Public School, visit www.palmbeachschools.org.

For higher education options, there are more than a dozen institutions from which to choose, including four-year, two-year and technical facilities.

Tourist Development

Anyone offering accommodations for short term rental (six months or less) must collect and remit Tourist Development Tax (TDT) each month to the Palm Beach County Tax Collector. TDT is 6% of total taxable rental receipts. It is an add-on tax that is collected from the guest in addition to sales tax.

For more information visit www.pbctax.com/tourist-development-tax/.

Local Business Tax Receipt

If you sell merchandise or provide services in Palm Beach County, you must pay local business tax and maintain a valid Local Business Tax Receipt (LBTR). An LBTR is in addition to licenses required by law or municipal ordinances. It is subject to zoning regulations, health regulations, and any other lawful authority (County Ordinance No. 17-2). A Local Business Tax Receipt does not regulate a business or guarantee the quality of the work.

For more information visit www.pbctax.com/local-business-tax/.

Transportation

Palm Beach International Airport

www.pbia.org
Recognized as a top ten award winning airport, Palm Beach International Airport offers more than 150 daily flights arriving and departing on thirteen airlines.

Palm Tran

www.palmtran.org
Palm Tran is Palm Beach County’s Public transportation provider for fixed route passenger bus service throughout the county.

Tri-Rail

www.tri-rail.com
Tri-Rail is South Florida’s regional commuter rail system that spans 71 miles from Palm Beach County to Miami-Dade County with 18 stops.

Brightline

www.gobrightline.com
Brightline is a private high-speed passenger rail system with five stations connecting downtown areas of West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, Aventura and Miami.

Amtrak

www.amtrak.com
Palm Beach County has two Amtrak passenger stations in West Palm Beach and Delray Beach.

SunPass

www.sunpass.com
Save time and money when traveling Florida’s toll roads and bridges! SunPass is available to purchase in all Palm Beach County Tax Collector service centers. SunPass Pro works on all toll roads in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and everywhere E-Z Pass is accepted.

HOV

HOV
Inherently Low Emission Vehicles (ILEV) or Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) qualify for HOV decals to use HOV lanes, regardless of the number of passengers. To purchase, submit form HSMV 83027 Application for HOV Decal (available at www.pbctax.com) and a copy of your current vehicle registration.

Important Numbers

Healthcare
NameWebsitePhone Number
Bethesda Hospital Eastwww.bethesdaweb.com561-737-7733
Bethesda Hospital Westwww.bethesdawest.org561-336-7000
Boca Raton Regional Hospitalwww.brrh.com561-955-7100
Delray Medical Centerwww.delraymedicalctr.com561-498-4440
Good Samaritan Medical Centerwww.goodsamaritanmc.com561-655-5511
JFK Medical Centerwww.jfkmc.com561-965-7300
JFK Medical Center Northwww.jfknorth.com561-842-6141
Jupiter Medical Centerwww.jupitermed.com561-263-2234
Lakeside Medical Centerwww.hcdpbc.org/for-patients/hospital561-996-6571
Palm Beach Gardens Medical Centerwww.pbgmc.com561-622-1411
Palms West Hospitalwww.palmswesthospital.com561-798-3300
St Mary’s Medical Centerwww.stmarysmc.com561-844-6300
VA Medical Centerwww.va.gov/west-palm-beach-health-care561-422-8262
Wellington Regional Medical Centerwww.wellingtonregional.com561-798-8500
West Boca Medical Centerwww.westbocamedctr.com561-488-8000
County Services
NameWebsitePhone Number
Clerk of the Circuit Courtwww.mypalmbeachclerk.com561-355-2996
Community Helplinewww.211palmbeach.org211
Constitutional Tax Collectorwww.pbctax.com561-355-2264
Emergencywww.911.gov911
FPL Power Outageswww.fpl.com800-468-8243
Health Care Districtwww.hcdpbc.org561-659-1270
Highway Patrolwww.flhsmv.gov*FHP (Mobile phone)
Palm Beach International Airportwww.pbia.org561-471-7400
Palm Tranwww.palmtran.org561-841-4287
Parks & Recreationwww.pbcgov.org561-966-6600
PBC Board of Commissionerswww.pbcgov.org561-355-2712
Property Appraiserwww.pbcgov.org/papa561-355-3230
School Boardwww.palmbeachschools.org561-434-8000
Sheriff (Non-Emergency)www.pbso.org561-688-3000
Solid Waste Authoritywww.swa.org561-697-2700
Supervisor of Electionswww.votepalmbeach.gov561-656-6200
Traffic and Travel Serviceswww.fl511.com511
Tri-Railwww.tri-rail.com800-874-7245
Water Utilitieswww.pbcgov.org/waterutilities561-740-4600

Request Printed Copies of The Welcome Guide

Estimated 4 weeks delivery time, while quantities last.