Property
Appraiser's Office

Property Appraiser Gary R. Nikolits, CFA, has a legal duty to annually produce a “fair and equitable” tax roll. Florida’s Constitution mandates all property be assessed at market value as of January 1 each year. Market value is typically what a property would sell for in an open and competitive market.

The Property Appraiser administers property tax savings benefits such as Florida’s Homestead Exemption, Save Our Homes, also known as the 3% cap,  on qualified homesteaded properties, and the 10% cap on non-homesteaded properties, such as second homes or Commercial properties.  The Property Appraiser also determines any Portability benefits for residents who relocate within Palm Beach County or to another area of the state. Tangible Personal Property associated with an income-producing  business also is assessed annually.

Q. How is property appraised?
A. Deputy appraisers locate, identify and value all residential, agricultural and commercial property in Palm Beach County. Deputy appraisers inspect all existing properties at least once every five years. A property’s assessed value is reduced by any applicable exemptions to determine its taxable value.   We are happy to discuss your property’s value at any time. For more information, call (561) 355-3230.

Q. How is property taxed?
A. The Property Appraiser’s Office does not set tax rates nor decide the amount of taxes paid on a property. The Property Appraiser reports the taxable value to the various taxing authorities. Taxing authorities such as the county, school district and municipalities use the taxable value to calculate their annual millage, or tax rate.