3.18.19 - West Palm Beach, FL - The Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office announces a new and improved feature on the Property Appraiser Public Access (PAPA) website - E file for a homestead exemption on the same day you close on a home. This pertains to all future, permanent Florida (resident) homeowners in Palm Beach County.  

In the past, in order to E file for a homestead exemption on the PAPA website, it was required that you have your recorded deed, along with other necessary documents.

Now, the day you close on a home in Palm Beach County, you can E file for a homestead exemption on the PAPA website, without the deed. (After you E file, your application will be processed and completed by our office).

What does this mean for new (permanent resident) homeowners in Palm Beach County? No more forgetting to file for a homestead exemption, no waiting and of course, it’s paperless.

The homestead exemption in the state of Florida can save hundreds of dollars in property taxes for permanent Florida residents. The first $25,000 in property value is exempt from all property taxes, including school district taxes. The additional $25,000 exemption is available for non-school taxes and applies only to the assessed value between $50,000 and $75,000. *If you already have a homestead exemption on your property, you do NOT need to reapply.

In addition, Florida residents can take advantage of other property tax savings including, if you’re moving within the state of Florida and you’re E filing for a homestead exemption, you can E file for portability too. (Portability is transferring all or a significant portion of your cap savings, up to $500,000, from a home with a homestead exemption to a new home within the state of Florida that qualifies for a homestead exemption).

For details on the Homestead Exemption E file, go to the PAPA website: www.pbcgov.com/PAPA