Relocation InformationNewcomer Information Palm Beach County offers new residents a breathtaking landscape of 2,578 square miles (including lakes and waterways), a flourishing business environment, a rich multicultural scene and ideal weather year-round. The City of West Palm Beach is the largest, in the county, in terms of size (53 square miles) and population (110,000).
Newcomers and residents alike enjoy an ensemble of performing and fine arts, multicultural events, and the acclaimed Clematis by Night fountain-side concert series. If you’re a newcomer to the area, the Chamber staff is well equipped to assist you with many of your relocation needs. If you cannot find answers to your questions in this section, please call upon us anytime. Establishing Residency Under Florida law, you automatically establish residency when being employed, enrolling children in school or registering to vote.
You may document your residency by obtaining and filing a Declaration of Domicile with the office of the Clerk & Comptroller, (561) 355-2962. For more information, visit www.pbcountyclerk.com Voter Registration Supervisor of Elections You must be a U.S. Citizen, Florida resident and 18 years old to register to vote in the state of Florida (you may pre-register if you are 16 and have a Florida driver’s license). If you have been convicted of a felony or declared mentally incompetent, you must have had your civil rights or mental competency restored before you can register. Proof of residency is not required and there are no residency requirements; however you must be a legal resident of the county you are registering in the state of Florida. Voter registration applications are available at the Supervisor of Elections offices located at 345 S. Congress Ave. in Delray Beach, (561) 276-1226; 240 S. Military Trail in West Palm Beach, (561) 656-6200; 3188 PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, (561) 624-6555; or at the County Office Building at 2976 State Road 15 in Belle Glade, (561) 992-1114. You can also obtain applications at libraries, post offices and the Department of Motor Vehicles. A copy of the application can also be downloaded at www.pbcelections.org. You will need to provide a current and valid Florida driver’s license or Florida Identification Card number. If you do not have a valid driver’s license or identification card, you must provide the last four digits of your social security number. The voter registration books close 29 days prior to each election. Motor Vehicle Registration The Tax Collector serves as the agent for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for titling and registering all motorized vehicles, boats and mobile homes (commercial and private), including motorcycles and mopeds (registrations only).
The Tax Collector’s office also issues disabled parking placards. New residents should register their vehicle(s) and obtain a Florida license plate within 10 days of establishing legal residency, accepting employment or upon placement of a child in school. Contact the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Consumer Services at (800) 342-2762 regarding insurance requirements. Take your proof of Florida insurance, along with the original title, to your county Tax Collector. Many transactions can be conducted online at www.taxcollectorpbc.com. Call the Tax Collector’s office at (561) 355-2622 with any questions. Driver’s License New state residents who wish to drive in Florida must obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of moving. U.S. citizens, take your driver’s license, social security card and proof of United States citizenship (U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport or U.S. Naturalization Certificate). You may be able to convert without taking a written or road test. You will be required to take a vision screening. Non-U.S. citizens must have proof of legal presence from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and identification.
Canadians without USCIS documents must provide two forms of Canadian citizenship. Additional information is available at www.flhsmv.gov.
Many transactions such as license renewal and address changes can now be made online at www.gorenew.com. Seat Belts Florida law requires all drivers and passengers in the front seat of a vehicle to wear seat belts. Effective July 1, 2005, Florida law now allows law enforcement officials to stop any vehicle if the driver or occupants under 18 are not wearing seat belts. The driver will be held responsible for passengers under 18 found not wearing their seat belts. Seat belt violations for those 18 and older are handled as secondary violations. For information on child-restraint devices and requirements or updates on Florida law, please visit the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s Web site at www.hsmv.state.fl.us.
Vessel Registration Motorized vessels used in freshwater or saltwater must be registered at the Tax Collector’s office. You need to bring a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or its equivalent when you register the vessel. Florida recognizes valid registration certificates and numbers issued to non-resident vessel owners by other states for 90 days. If you plan to use the vessel in Florida longer than 90 days, you need to register in Florida. Bring your out-of-state title and registration with you when you come to the Tax Collector’s office. You may visit the home page at www.taxcollectorpbc.com, call (561) 355-2329 or visit the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s Web site at www.hsmv.state.fl.us. Licensing Fishing In Florida, both freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses may be required. To protect our natural resources, there are some legal minimum lengths and limits on the number of fish you may possess. There is also closed season on some shellfish and snook. To obtain a resident license for fishing and hunting, you must be a resident of Florida for six months. Residents 65 years of age or older can obtain a complimentary hunting and fishing license when they show a valid Florida driver’s license. Licenses and information may be obtained at the Tax Collector’s office or at any state agent (bait shops, sporting goods stores, etc.).
Additional information is available at www.taxcollectorpbc.com, or call the Tax Collector’s office at (561) 355-2329. Hunting A valid license is required for anyone taking or attempting to take game or furbearing animals. Hunters must also pay a fee to the owner of commercial shooting preserves for the privilege of hunting game. There are many special seasons, legal methods, bag limits, requirements and regulations that affect hunters in Florida. Call (561) 355-2329 for additional information, or visit www.taxcollector pbc.com.
Marriage Main Courthouse 205 N. Dixie Highway West Palm Beach Both individuals must present photo identification (driver’s license, passport or identification card) to receive a marriage license. There is a three-day waiting period between the date the license is issued and the date the ceremony is performed, unless the couple has attended a pre-marital course or both are from out of state. The license fee is $93.50. If previously married, the date of divorce must be provided. For more information, call the Clerk & Comptroller’s West Palm Beach office at (561) 355-2996 or visit www.pbcountyclerk.com. Houses of Worship The Palm Beaches provide a sanctum for most major religious denominations, and newcomers will almost certainly find one compatible with their beliefs. Area clergy and religious leaders are continually engaged in community activities and are eager to help families settle into their new homes. For further information about places of worship in Palm Beach County, consult the local telephone directory.
Pet Regulations & Vaccinations All dogs and cats are required to wear a rabies license tag on or before the date a dog or cat is six (6) months of age; or within thirty (30) calendar days of acquiring a dog or cat; or within thirty (30) calendar days after a dog or cat resides in Palm Beach County, PBC Ordinance 98—22. The non—sterilized rabies license tag is $75 and the sterilized rabies license tag is $15. Senior citizens 65+ receive a 25% discount. Tags are available at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach or from any private veterinary office. All dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies at four months of age in accordance to Florida State Statute 828.30. Ask your veterinarian about the three—year vaccine. Animals must have a one year history of a rabies vaccination before a three—year rabies vaccination can be administered. The purchase of a non—sterilized tag without a hobby breeder permit number certifies the pet will not be used for breeding. Breeding dogs and cats is prohibited in Palm Beach County without a special permit. For more information, call (561) 233-1209 or 1227. Animal Care and Control encourages pet owners to have a permanent electronic identification chip implanted in their animals. For further information, call (561) 233—1272 or 1271. To review the Palm Beach County Animal Ordinance 98—22 in its entirety, visit www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/animal. Tax Information Palm Beach County Property Tax The Palm Beach County Tax Collector collects property taxes for every government agency in Palm Beach County that has the authority to levy taxes.
Property taxes on most homes are usually around 2 percent of the purchase price. Ad valorem and non-ad valorem assessments are payable on November 1, or as soon as the tax role is certified. Property taxes are payable from November 1 until March 31 and delinquent as of April 1. Discounts for early payment apply according to the following schedule: 4 percent in November, 3 percent in December, 2 percent in January and 1 percent in February. Property taxes can be paid quarterly, with the first installment due by June 30. Registration forms for the installment payment plan are available at ww.taxcollectorpbc.com or by calling (561) 355-2266, and must be received on or before May 1. Exemptions such as homestead, disability and widow/widower are filed with the Property Appraiser’s office. Call the Property Appraiser at (561) 355-2866 for filing dates. Homestead Exemption Florida’s Homestead Exemption law exempts the first $25,000 of the assessed value from ad valorem taxes for property owned and established as a permanent residence. On January 29, 2008, voters approved Amendment One, a change to Florida’s Constitution that enhances the Homestead Exemption law in three ways: • Residents with a Save Our Homes assessment cap may transfer all, or a significant portion, of their tax savings to a new property in Florida. • The Homestead Exemption doubles to $50,000 for properties valued at $75,000 or more for all tax levies except school districts. • Effective January 1, 2009, owners of non-homestead properties may file to receive a 10 percent annual assessment cap similar to Save Our Homes. Call the Property Appraiser at (561) 355-2866 for filing dates. Tangible Tax Florida’s tangible tax is applied to businesses’ personal property, with the first $25,000 in value exempt from taxation (an initial return must be filed to qualify for the exemption). A penalty of 25 percent of the value is assessed by the Property Appraiser’s office for failure to file a return.
For more information, call the Tax Collector’s office at (561) 355-2266, or the Property Appraiser at (561) 355-2896. Business Tax Receipts All businesses, professionals and professional offices are issued a Local Business Tax Receipt for the privilege of operating a business in the county. Renewed annually, business tax receipts may be obtained from the county Tax Collector’s offices. Visit the Tax Collector’s home page at www.taxcollectorpbc.com or call (561) 355-2272 for more information. Tax Collector’s Office Locations The Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s office collects and distributes over $3 billion annually in taxes and fees. There are six permanent office locations and one mobile office at convenient sites throughout the county. Call (561) 355-2264 or visit www.taxcollectorpbc.com for a complete list of office addresses and hours. State Taxes Department of Revenue Taxpayer Services The Florida Department of Revenue administers 36 taxes and fees while collecting in excess of $38 billion for the state. Free tax seminars and workshops are held throughout Palm Beach County. For more information, visit www.myflorida.com/dor, or contact the Department of Revenue’s Regional Service Center in West Palm Beach at (561) 640-2800. Sales Tax The State of Florida has a 6 percent statewide sales tax rate. The tax is due at the time of a retail sale, admission charge, storage or rental transaction as well as when certain services are performed. Some items and types of services are exempt from the tax. Palm Beach County charges an additional discretionary sales tax of .5 percent, for a total of 6.5 percent. New business owners may register to collect sales tax by contacting the Department of Revenue online at www.myflorida.com/dor or at the Regional Service Center located at 2468 Metrocentre Blvd., West Palm Beach. Use Tax This tax is a component of the state’s sales tax and is due on purchases made out of state and brought into Florida within six months where no sales tax was initially paid. This tax is also due on tax-exempt purchases that are not offered for sale at retail but consumed in the manufacturing process where such items are not part of the end product.
Utilities Electric Electric service is provided by Florida Power and Light Company except in parts of Lake Worth where it is provided by the Lake Worth Utilities. Florida Power & Light (561) 697-8000 Lake Worth Utilities (561) 586-1666 Natural Gas Florida Public Utilities is the only supplier of natural gas and serves the county’s eastern municipalities. Florida Public Utilities (561) 832-0872 • (800) 427-7712 Telephone In order to establish residential phone service, please check the AT&T Real Yellow Pages for a complete listing of all the telephone service providers available. AT&T Residential: (888) 757-6500 Business: (866) 620-6000 Water Palm Beach County Water Utilities (561) 740-4600 South County - (561) 278-5135 Public Utilities City of West Palm Beach (561) 822-1300 Seacoast Utility Authority North County - (561) 627-2920 Village of Wellington (Wellington and surrounding areas) (561) 791-4010 Garbage & Recycling Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County collects garbage, trash and recyclable materials. Solid Waste Authority (561) 697-2700 Palm Beach Resource Recovery Corp. (561) 478-3800 Southern Waste Systems, LLC (561) 582-6688 Sunburst Sanitation (561) 478-9590 Waste Management of Palm Beach (561) 547-4000.
Newcomers and residents alike enjoy an ensemble of performing and fine arts, multicultural events, and the acclaimed Clematis by Night fountain-side concert series. If you’re a newcomer to the area, the Chamber staff is well equipped to assist you with many of your relocation needs. If you cannot find answers to your questions in this section, please call upon us anytime. Establishing Residency Under Florida law, you automatically establish residency when being employed, enrolling children in school or registering to vote.
You may document your residency by obtaining and filing a Declaration of Domicile with the office of the Clerk & Comptroller, (561) 355-2962. For more information, visit www.pbcountyclerk.com Voter Registration Supervisor of Elections You must be a U.S. Citizen, Florida resident and 18 years old to register to vote in the state of Florida (you may pre-register if you are 16 and have a Florida driver’s license). If you have been convicted of a felony or declared mentally incompetent, you must have had your civil rights or mental competency restored before you can register. Proof of residency is not required and there are no residency requirements; however you must be a legal resident of the county you are registering in the state of Florida. Voter registration applications are available at the Supervisor of Elections offices located at 345 S. Congress Ave. in Delray Beach, (561) 276-1226; 240 S. Military Trail in West Palm Beach, (561) 656-6200; 3188 PGA Blvd. in Palm Beach Gardens, (561) 624-6555; or at the County Office Building at 2976 State Road 15 in Belle Glade, (561) 992-1114. You can also obtain applications at libraries, post offices and the Department of Motor Vehicles. A copy of the application can also be downloaded at www.pbcelections.org. You will need to provide a current and valid Florida driver’s license or Florida Identification Card number. If you do not have a valid driver’s license or identification card, you must provide the last four digits of your social security number. The voter registration books close 29 days prior to each election. Motor Vehicle Registration The Tax Collector serves as the agent for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles for titling and registering all motorized vehicles, boats and mobile homes (commercial and private), including motorcycles and mopeds (registrations only).
The Tax Collector’s office also issues disabled parking placards. New residents should register their vehicle(s) and obtain a Florida license plate within 10 days of establishing legal residency, accepting employment or upon placement of a child in school. Contact the Florida Department of Financial Services’ Bureau of Consumer Services at (800) 342-2762 regarding insurance requirements. Take your proof of Florida insurance, along with the original title, to your county Tax Collector. Many transactions can be conducted online at www.taxcollectorpbc.com. Call the Tax Collector’s office at (561) 355-2622 with any questions. Driver’s License New state residents who wish to drive in Florida must obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of moving. U.S. citizens, take your driver’s license, social security card and proof of United States citizenship (U.S. Birth Certificate, U.S. Passport or U.S. Naturalization Certificate). You may be able to convert without taking a written or road test. You will be required to take a vision screening. Non-U.S. citizens must have proof of legal presence from United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and identification.
Canadians without USCIS documents must provide two forms of Canadian citizenship. Additional information is available at www.flhsmv.gov.
Many transactions such as license renewal and address changes can now be made online at www.gorenew.com. Seat Belts Florida law requires all drivers and passengers in the front seat of a vehicle to wear seat belts. Effective July 1, 2005, Florida law now allows law enforcement officials to stop any vehicle if the driver or occupants under 18 are not wearing seat belts. The driver will be held responsible for passengers under 18 found not wearing their seat belts. Seat belt violations for those 18 and older are handled as secondary violations. For information on child-restraint devices and requirements or updates on Florida law, please visit the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s Web site at www.hsmv.state.fl.us.
Vessel Registration Motorized vessels used in freshwater or saltwater must be registered at the Tax Collector’s office. You need to bring a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO) or its equivalent when you register the vessel. Florida recognizes valid registration certificates and numbers issued to non-resident vessel owners by other states for 90 days. If you plan to use the vessel in Florida longer than 90 days, you need to register in Florida. Bring your out-of-state title and registration with you when you come to the Tax Collector’s office. You may visit the home page at www.taxcollectorpbc.com, call (561) 355-2329 or visit the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle’s Web site at www.hsmv.state.fl.us. Licensing Fishing In Florida, both freshwater and saltwater fishing licenses may be required. To protect our natural resources, there are some legal minimum lengths and limits on the number of fish you may possess. There is also closed season on some shellfish and snook. To obtain a resident license for fishing and hunting, you must be a resident of Florida for six months. Residents 65 years of age or older can obtain a complimentary hunting and fishing license when they show a valid Florida driver’s license. Licenses and information may be obtained at the Tax Collector’s office or at any state agent (bait shops, sporting goods stores, etc.).
Additional information is available at www.taxcollectorpbc.com, or call the Tax Collector’s office at (561) 355-2329. Hunting A valid license is required for anyone taking or attempting to take game or furbearing animals. Hunters must also pay a fee to the owner of commercial shooting preserves for the privilege of hunting game. There are many special seasons, legal methods, bag limits, requirements and regulations that affect hunters in Florida. Call (561) 355-2329 for additional information, or visit www.taxcollector pbc.com.
Marriage Main Courthouse 205 N. Dixie Highway West Palm Beach Both individuals must present photo identification (driver’s license, passport or identification card) to receive a marriage license. There is a three-day waiting period between the date the license is issued and the date the ceremony is performed, unless the couple has attended a pre-marital course or both are from out of state. The license fee is $93.50. If previously married, the date of divorce must be provided. For more information, call the Clerk & Comptroller’s West Palm Beach office at (561) 355-2996 or visit www.pbcountyclerk.com. Houses of Worship The Palm Beaches provide a sanctum for most major religious denominations, and newcomers will almost certainly find one compatible with their beliefs. Area clergy and religious leaders are continually engaged in community activities and are eager to help families settle into their new homes. For further information about places of worship in Palm Beach County, consult the local telephone directory.
Pet Regulations & Vaccinations All dogs and cats are required to wear a rabies license tag on or before the date a dog or cat is six (6) months of age; or within thirty (30) calendar days of acquiring a dog or cat; or within thirty (30) calendar days after a dog or cat resides in Palm Beach County, PBC Ordinance 98—22. The non—sterilized rabies license tag is $75 and the sterilized rabies license tag is $15. Senior citizens 65+ receive a 25% discount. Tags are available at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach or from any private veterinary office. All dogs and cats are required to be vaccinated against rabies at four months of age in accordance to Florida State Statute 828.30. Ask your veterinarian about the three—year vaccine. Animals must have a one year history of a rabies vaccination before a three—year rabies vaccination can be administered. The purchase of a non—sterilized tag without a hobby breeder permit number certifies the pet will not be used for breeding. Breeding dogs and cats is prohibited in Palm Beach County without a special permit. For more information, call (561) 233-1209 or 1227. Animal Care and Control encourages pet owners to have a permanent electronic identification chip implanted in their animals. For further information, call (561) 233—1272 or 1271. To review the Palm Beach County Animal Ordinance 98—22 in its entirety, visit www.pbcgov.com/pubsafety/animal. Tax Information Palm Beach County Property Tax The Palm Beach County Tax Collector collects property taxes for every government agency in Palm Beach County that has the authority to levy taxes.
Property taxes on most homes are usually around 2 percent of the purchase price. Ad valorem and non-ad valorem assessments are payable on November 1, or as soon as the tax role is certified. Property taxes are payable from November 1 until March 31 and delinquent as of April 1. Discounts for early payment apply according to the following schedule: 4 percent in November, 3 percent in December, 2 percent in January and 1 percent in February. Property taxes can be paid quarterly, with the first installment due by June 30. Registration forms for the installment payment plan are available at ww.taxcollectorpbc.com or by calling (561) 355-2266, and must be received on or before May 1. Exemptions such as homestead, disability and widow/widower are filed with the Property Appraiser’s office. Call the Property Appraiser at (561) 355-2866 for filing dates. Homestead Exemption Florida’s Homestead Exemption law exempts the first $25,000 of the assessed value from ad valorem taxes for property owned and established as a permanent residence. On January 29, 2008, voters approved Amendment One, a change to Florida’s Constitution that enhances the Homestead Exemption law in three ways: • Residents with a Save Our Homes assessment cap may transfer all, or a significant portion, of their tax savings to a new property in Florida. • The Homestead Exemption doubles to $50,000 for properties valued at $75,000 or more for all tax levies except school districts. • Effective January 1, 2009, owners of non-homestead properties may file to receive a 10 percent annual assessment cap similar to Save Our Homes. Call the Property Appraiser at (561) 355-2866 for filing dates. Tangible Tax Florida’s tangible tax is applied to businesses’ personal property, with the first $25,000 in value exempt from taxation (an initial return must be filed to qualify for the exemption). A penalty of 25 percent of the value is assessed by the Property Appraiser’s office for failure to file a return.
For more information, call the Tax Collector’s office at (561) 355-2266, or the Property Appraiser at (561) 355-2896. Business Tax Receipts All businesses, professionals and professional offices are issued a Local Business Tax Receipt for the privilege of operating a business in the county. Renewed annually, business tax receipts may be obtained from the county Tax Collector’s offices. Visit the Tax Collector’s home page at www.taxcollectorpbc.com or call (561) 355-2272 for more information. Tax Collector’s Office Locations The Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s office collects and distributes over $3 billion annually in taxes and fees. There are six permanent office locations and one mobile office at convenient sites throughout the county. Call (561) 355-2264 or visit www.taxcollectorpbc.com for a complete list of office addresses and hours. State Taxes Department of Revenue Taxpayer Services The Florida Department of Revenue administers 36 taxes and fees while collecting in excess of $38 billion for the state. Free tax seminars and workshops are held throughout Palm Beach County. For more information, visit www.myflorida.com/dor, or contact the Department of Revenue’s Regional Service Center in West Palm Beach at (561) 640-2800. Sales Tax The State of Florida has a 6 percent statewide sales tax rate. The tax is due at the time of a retail sale, admission charge, storage or rental transaction as well as when certain services are performed. Some items and types of services are exempt from the tax. Palm Beach County charges an additional discretionary sales tax of .5 percent, for a total of 6.5 percent. New business owners may register to collect sales tax by contacting the Department of Revenue online at www.myflorida.com/dor or at the Regional Service Center located at 2468 Metrocentre Blvd., West Palm Beach. Use Tax This tax is a component of the state’s sales tax and is due on purchases made out of state and brought into Florida within six months where no sales tax was initially paid. This tax is also due on tax-exempt purchases that are not offered for sale at retail but consumed in the manufacturing process where such items are not part of the end product.
Utilities Electric Electric service is provided by Florida Power and Light Company except in parts of Lake Worth where it is provided by the Lake Worth Utilities. Florida Power & Light (561) 697-8000 Lake Worth Utilities (561) 586-1666 Natural Gas Florida Public Utilities is the only supplier of natural gas and serves the county’s eastern municipalities. Florida Public Utilities (561) 832-0872 • (800) 427-7712 Telephone In order to establish residential phone service, please check the AT&T Real Yellow Pages for a complete listing of all the telephone service providers available. AT&T Residential: (888) 757-6500 Business: (866) 620-6000 Water Palm Beach County Water Utilities (561) 740-4600 South County - (561) 278-5135 Public Utilities City of West Palm Beach (561) 822-1300 Seacoast Utility Authority North County - (561) 627-2920 Village of Wellington (Wellington and surrounding areas) (561) 791-4010 Garbage & Recycling Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County collects garbage, trash and recyclable materials. Solid Waste Authority (561) 697-2700 Palm Beach Resource Recovery Corp. (561) 478-3800 Southern Waste Systems, LLC (561) 582-6688 Sunburst Sanitation (561) 478-9590 Waste Management of Palm Beach (561) 547-4000.
