West Palm Beach · Business

Flood-damaged Palm Beach County homeowners may qualify for tax refund

Homeowners whose homes were uninhabitable for at least 30 days after a catastrophic event may qualify for a partial property tax refund under Florida law.

green tree on brown sand during daytime
Photo: Illustrative: David McLenachan / Unsplash

Homeowners in Palm Beach County whose residences were flooded by last week’s heavy rains may be eligible for a partial property tax refund, according to County Appraiser Dorothy Jacks. Some areas of South Florida and the Treasure Coast remain under water, including the Grand Isles condos off Haverhill Road in West Palm Beach.

Under Florida law, a home that is uninhabitable for at least 30 consecutive days because of a catastrophic event may qualify. Owners must file Application for Catastrophic Event Tax Refund, Form DR-465, with supporting documentation by March 1, 2027.

Jacks said the flooding will not change a property’s 2026 assessment. It could affect the 2027 assessment if repairs are still incomplete as of Jan. 1, 2027.

One resident, Jesse Cabral, said water still stood over his ankles and reached his garage. He said he did not have flood insurance because his building is not in a designated flood zone. Officials stressed that flood insurance remains the best protection, even in areas without a flood history.

This story is a summary based on reporting by WPTV News. Read the original for full details.

More from West Palm Beach