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statistics
- Q: Where can I get statistics about births/deaths/diseases, etc.?
A: Look at the website for the Palm Beach County Health Department. They have a Department of Statistical Reports. Or, you can look at the website for the Florida Department of Health.
- Q: How can I get information on population and demographics or the census?
A: For this type of information you can contact the Metropolitan Planning Organization (561-684-4170) or the Planning Division (561-233-5300) of the Planning, Zoning & Building Department.
- Q: How can I get statistics about income?
A: You can contact the Planning, Zoning & Building Department at 561-233-5003.
- Q: How can I find out about traffic counts and volumes information for different locations?
A: The Metropolitan Planning Organization (561-684-4170) can provide traffic statistics as well as other information related to transportation such as future traffic projections, right-of-way inquiries, and roadway improvement project schedules.
taxes/fees
- Q: What is the bed tax and who has to pay it?
A: The Bed Tax, also known as the Tourist Development Tax, is paid by any person who rents or leases transient accommodations (beach house, single family dwelling, mobile home, cooperatively owned apartment, hotel, apartment, motel, resort motel, tourist or trailer camp or condo, etc.) for a period of six months or less. The Tourist Development Tax in Palm Beach County is 5%. This tax money goes toward tourism promotion, cultural arts, beach restoration, museums, zoos, historical societies, the Sports Commission, professional sports facilities, and the Film and Television Commission. So, if you are renting a room seasonally, you will have to pay an additional 11.5% which is the local Tourist Development Tax of 5% and the Florida Department of Revenue 6.5% sales and use tax.
- Q: How do I get a disabled parking permit?
A: Call the Tax Collector's office at 561-355-2264.
- Q: How do I know if I qualify for any tax exemptions?
A: For all exemptions (homestead, widow, veterans, historic, disability, economic, energy, etc.) contact the Property Appraiser's Office at 561-355-3230.
- Q: What is the sales tax in Florida?
A: The State sales tax in Florida is 6% of the purchase price in most counties. Palm Beach County's sales tax is now 6.5% to assist the school system.
- Q: What are impact fees?
A: Impact fees are handled by the Financial Management Division. They are fees assessed against new development that are used to provide capital facilities (such as roads, schools, parks, public buildings, libraries, fire rescue, law enforcement) that are demanded by growth in Palm Beach County. Impact fees must be paid (cash or by check) at the time of building permit issuance by any applicant creating development which has an impact on the public facilities. Additional information about impact fees may be obtained by reading Article 10, Impact Fees, of the Unified Land Development Code, or by contacting the Impact Fee Office at 561-233-5025. The office is located at 100 Australian Avenue, Suite 352, West Palm Beach, FL, 33406.
- Q: Is there anywhere I can go for help in preparing my Federal Tax Return?
A: The Community Action Program provides help with income tax preparation for low-income families. For more information click on Income Tax Assistance.
- Q: Can I transfer my existing Florida license plate to a new vehicle?
A: Yes, but only after completing an official transfer at the Tax Collector's Office. If you can provide proof that the vehicle from which you are taking the plate was in your name, and has been traded, sold or disposed of, the $100 Initial Registration fee will be waived. For any other questions regarding vehicle registrations or titles, contact the Tax Collector's Office at 561-355-2264.
- Q: When will my property tax bill be mailed to me? Where should I mail my payment to?
A: Tax statements are mailed out in November of each year, or as soon thereafter as the tax roll is certified to the Tax Collector's Office. You should mail your property tax payment to: Tax Collector, Palm Beach County, P.O. Box 3715, West Palm Beach, FL, 33402-3715. You cannot pay with a credit card. For any other questions regarding your tax bill, you can call the Tax Collector's Office at 561-355-2264.
- Q: If I mail my property taxes in on the last day of the month, will I still receive the proper discount and/or amount indicated on the tax statement?
A: If you pay your taxes in November, you receive a 4% discount off the March amount. If you pay in December, you receive a 3% discount. If you pay in January you receive a 2% discount. In February you will receive a 1% discount. There are no discounts in March. Taxes are delinquent in April. If you are paying your taxes within the current status, meaning November through March, the postmark does apply. If the last day of the month falls on a holiday, your payment will be accepted as long as the postmark on the envelope is for the day following the holiday. (This only applies if you are paying within the current status, (from November through March.) As of April 1 of each tax year, the taxes go delinquent. Postmark does not apply once the taxes are delinquent. During delinquent status the payment must be in the Tax Collector's office (not mailed to the office) on the last business day of that month by 5:00 pm. As of June 1 of each tax year, the payment must be made in certified funds. Personal checks will not be accepted as of June 1 of each year.
- Q: I received a property tax statement. My taxes are included in my mortgage payments. What should I do?
A: What color is the tax notice? A blue notice is the original statement. This indicates that your mortgage company did not request your tax statement. Verify with your mortgage company to see if they have forgotten to request your tax statement in error. If the mortgage company states that they are going to pay your taxes, write your mortgage loan number on the bill and mail the statement to the mortgage company. A green notice is an informational copy which means the original notice was requested by the mortgage company. If the mortgage company is not paying your taxes, please tear off the bottom portion of the statement and return it to the Tax Collector's office along with your payment.
- Q: Why are you charging a penalty on my tangible tax bill?
A: Florida Statutes require those who own or control taxable tangible personal property to file a Tangible Personal Property Tax Return with the Property Appraiser. Penalties are imposed for filing after April 1 of the tax year and/or for failure to file. The Tax Collector's Office does not accept partial payments. For more information on the reporting and assessment of tangible personal property, please contact the Property Appraiser's Office at 561-355-2896.
- Q: Can you help me with my intangible tax return?
A: No. Intangible taxes are collected by the Florida Department of Revenue. You can reach them at 561-640-2800.
- Q: Where are the Tax Collector branch offices and what are their hours?
A: All the branch offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm except on legal holidays. For a list of locations click on Branch Office Hours and Locations or Mobile Unit Hours and Locations.
- Q: My spouse (mother, father, etc.) is deceased. How can I get his/her name off the tax statement?
A: Mail or take a copy of the death certificate and a copy of the tax statement to the Property Appraiser's Office.
- Q: What is the Communications Services Tax that appears on my monthly phone bill?
A: The Communications Services Tax (CST) is a single levy administered and taxed by the State, with a portion of it redistributed back to the local governments. This tax became effective October 1, 2001, to replace the Public Service Tax on Telecommunications and Cable Franchise Fees. The CST tax base includes several different telecommunication services originating or terminating within the State. The rate of taxation for the State of Florida is 9.17%, and the rate of taxation at the local level for Palm Beach County's unincorporated areas is 5.22%. The rate of taxation varies among the different municipalities within Palm Beach County's incorporated areas. This tax revenue may be used for any public purpose, including the pledging of revenues for the repayment of bonded indebtedness.
transportation/roads
- Q: What is the Adopt-A-Road program and how can I become involved?
A: This program is a community/county participation litter control effort. Interested groups adopt a one-mile segment of a county road, commit to removing litter at least 4 times a year for a two year period and attend a safety orientation. The county Engineering Department posts signs displaying the group's name, conducts safety orientations, provides safety equipment and litter bags and picks up the bagged litter. For more information call 561-684-4018.
- Q: Which airlines fly into Palm Beach International Airport?
A: For a complete list of all the airlines and phone numbers, look at the PBIA Airline Directory. This website also offers real-time flight information and flight schedules. If you click on Airport Guide you can also find out about the restaurants, vending machines, shopping, parking and transportation.
- Q: Can I bring my bicycle on the Palm Tran bus?
A: Yes. The "Bikes on Buses" (B.O.B.) Program started July 1, 2000, so you can now put your bike on the rack in front of the bus. It is easy to do and only takes about 20 seconds. There is no additional charge for bringing a bike. No permit is required.
- Q: Are there any good bicycle paths?
A: Yes. The Metropolitan Planning Organization can provide information on where the paths are, bicycle safety, clearing bike paths of debris, etc. They can be reached at 561-684-4170.
- Q: I was sent a bill for ambulance transport. Who do I call to provide with my insurance information or ask questions about this bill?
A: To provide your insurance information, you may call the billing vendor for Palm Beach County Fire-Rescue. Their phone number is 1-800-226-1149. If they are unable to assist you, call 561-712-6480.
- Q: I want to take the bus to the mall. Which bus do I take and how much does it cost?
A: Palm Tran has a publication called the "System Map & Rider's Guide." It lists all the major destinations and which bus route they are on. For more information on bus routes, click on Maps & Schedules or call 561-841-4BUS or 877-930-4287 (toll-free).
Regular full fare is $1.25, reduced fare is $.60, and children age 8 and under ride free. An unlimited daily pass costs $3 or $2 reduced. These passes can be purchased on the bus and you should have exact change ready when boarding because fare boxes do not give change. An unlimited 31-day pass costs $50 or $35 reduced and can be purchased at Palm Tran offices, the Governmental Center, and all Palm Beach County library system branches. For more information on bus fares or to see if you qualify for the reduced pass click here or call customer service 561-841-4BUS or 877-930-4287 (toll-free). Palm Tran also offers door-to-door paratransit service, to find out if you qualify click on Palm Tran CONNECTION or call them at 561-649-9848 or 877-870-9849 (toll-free) or click here to download an application. If you are interested in riding Greyhound, take a look at their website.
- Q: How can I get a pothole fixed on my street?
A: Engineering and Public Works constantly repairs potholes as they see them. They also rely on notification from the public. If you have a serious situation, call the Engineering Action Center (561-684-4012 or 4018) and they will normally take care of it within 24 hours. If notification is made during off-duty hours (561-712-6400), temporary repairs will be made until they can fix it permanently.
- Q: Can I plant bushes on the roadside in the right-of-way in front of my house?
A: The area right next to the road is county property. If it is necessary to put in something like a telephone pole or drainage, the county will take down anything that is an obstruction. The property owner can, however, maintain this area. Requests for information about landscaping in county road rights-of-way can be directed to the Action Center (561-684-4012 or 4018) or the Traffic Division (561-684-4030). They will be able to answer questions about the county's "Trees Only" Program, and possible funding available through grants and permitting. As appropriate, they may direct certain requests for information to others within the county or state governments.
- Q: How often does the county mow the right-of-way and medians?
A: The side of the road is mowed every 6-8 weeks and medians every 4-5 weeks. If there is a specific problem regarding visibility due to overgrown hedges and trees, please contact the Engineering Action Center (561-684-4012 or 4018) and they will investigate and take necessary action.
- Q: How long will it take to complete the road construction project in my neighborhood?
A: For questions regarding road construction and roadway improvement project schedules, call the Metropolitan Planning Organization at 561-684-4170.
- Q: How can I get my shell rock road paved?
A: The Street Improvement Program is a cost sharing program designed to bring shell rock roads up to County standards by providing road paving and drainage. For information contact the Engineering Action Center at 561-684-4049 to receive a program package which includes a County petition that has to be signed by 51% of the property owners on the street.
- Q: I am a senior citizen who is no longer able to drive. Is there transportation available to take me to the doctor?
A: Transportation is provided (by the Senior Services Division) to and from medical facilities, congregate meal sites and grocery shopping. There is no charge, but donations are requested. To register call 561-355-4286.
- Q: How can I get a sidewalk-pathway for a particular street?
A: Notify the Engineering Action Center at 561-684-4012 or 4018 (South County: 930-5483
- Q: How can I get the speed limit changed on a particular street?
A: If you have concerns about the speed limit on a roadway in Palm Beach County, contact the Engineering Action Center (561-684-4012 or 4018), and they will have the Traffic Division study the conditions and also work with the Sheriff's Office to try to correct the problem.
- Q: How can I get a street lighting on my street?
A: Palm Beach County has an annual street lighting program to install lighting along major county roadways located within the unincorporated boundaries. Under current criteria, only thoroughfare roads with four or more lanes will be considered for street lighting under this program. Within municipal limits, contact the appropriate municipal office with your request. If you would like to request street lighting for a thoroughfare road located in unincorporated Palm Beach County, please contact the Engineering Action Center at 561-684-4012 or 4018.
- Q: How can I get a missing street sign or other traffic sign replaced?
A: You can call the Engineering Action Center at 561-684-4012 or 4018 (South County: 930-5483).
- Q: How can I find out about traffic counts and volumes information for different locations?
A: The Metropolitan Planning Organization (561-684-4170) can provide traffic statistics as well as other information related to transportation such as future traffic projections, right-of-way inquiries, and roadway improvement project schedules.
- Q: How can I get a Tri-Rail or a Palm Tran schedule?
A: Palm Tran route and schedule information is available by calling 561-841-4BUS or 930-4BUS toll-free or visiting the Palm Tran Web Site at www.palmtran.org.
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Government
