Page 22 - Abacoa Community News- August '24

Page 22, Abacoa BW
Professional Firefighters/Paramedics

Of Palm Beach County

August 2024 flooded area. High levels of standing water can make it so far this summer. It is vitally important to keep well
Use extreme caution if you inadvertently drive into a
We have been experiencing significant heat and humidity
As we move closer into the difficult to tell the difference between where the standing hydrated when doing any outdoor activities. Whether working
heart of hurricane season and water and pavement ends, and the canal or retention pond or even just enjoying some leisure time, dehydration can
the months of strong afternoon begins. A car can sink very quickly and, if not witnessed, occur rapidly.
thunderstorms, we all need to be may not be seen until the water recedes. If you, or anyone you are with, start experiencing severe
aware of the dangers local flooding Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control reports that headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing or simply do not
can create. over half of all flood-related deaths occur when a vehicle is feel well, get into shade or air conditioning, and drink plenty
Even relatively minor flooding driven into hazardous flood water. It only takes 18 inches of of rehydrating fluids. Do not hesitate to call for Fire Rescue
or pooling of water on our water to carry away most vehicles, including SUVs. if symptoms persist.
roadways can be deceiving in the depth of standing water or Pooling water in neighborhood swales can look very Please remember these tips to help keep you and your
the force of moving water. If you are walking or driving in inviting to children, and the first thought is to want to play family safe and healthy.
an area that you are not familiar with, you may not be aware in it. Please keep in mind, however, that the standing water Steen Eriksson,
of the normal landscape and therefore not know if there is is typically full of contaminants from lawn fertilizer, weed Community Relations,
typically water in that location. killer, pet feces and anything else that may have been washed Professional Firefighters/Paramedics of Palm Beach
The best practice is to not walk into water if you are even out of the neighbors’ yards. This can be a significant health County,
slightly unsure about how deep it is. A mere six inches of hazard if the water is ingested, splashed in the eyes, or enters IAFF Local 2928
fast-moving water can knock over and carry away an adult. the ears, nose or an open cut or sore. HOAN@iaff2928.com
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser

Dear Taxpayer: 2024 TRIM – Your Notice Of Petitions must be filed with the VAB on or before
Welcome August! Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.
My office is preparing Proposed Property Taxes
the 2024 Truth in Millage Filing For A Homestead
or TRIM notices. These The front of your TRIM notice shows the market,
notices of proposed property assessed and taxable values of your property, plus Exemption
taxes will be mailed to every information about qualified exemptions and assessment
property owner in Palm caps. Florida law requires our office to value property *If you already have a homestead exemption on your
Beach County on Aug. 22. based on the status of the real estate market and the property and you have not purchased a new home in the
TRIM is: personal property market as of Jan. 1. Our office welcomes past year, you do not need to reapply.
• Your notification of any questions regarding your notice, property value and If you are a permanent Florida resident, you may be
property value exemption amounts at (561) 355-2866 or MyExemption@ eligible for a homestead exemption, which can save you
This notice shows the change in market, assessed and pbcpao.gov. generally $750 to $1,000 in property taxes each year.
taxable values of your property. The other side of your notice highlights the proposed A $25,000 exemption is applied to the first $50,000
• An explanation of any exemptions millage, or tax rate, by taxing authority. These tax of your property’s assessed value if your property is your
Any exemptions or assessment reductions are spelled out rates are set by your county, city, or other agency with permanent residence and you owned the property as of
on the front of your notice. taxing authority. While state law requires the Property Jan. 1. This exemption applies to all taxes, including
• Your chance to have a say in your tax rates Appraiser’s Office to value property based on the status of school district taxes. An additional exemption of up to
The notice shows proposed millages, or tax rates, for each the market, your tax rate is set by taxing authorities who $25,000 will be applied if your property’s assessed value
taxing authority, as well information about each authority’s answer to you, the voter. Every resident has the right to is between $50,000 and $75,000. This exemption is not
budget hearing, so that you are empowered to participate in speak to the elected officials who levy taxes at the public applied to school district taxes.
the process of setting your tax rates. meetings listed in your notice. If you have questions about In addition, a homestead exemption limits any increase
We are always available to help you make sense of this your tax rates, contact the specific taxing authority listed to your assessed value to a maximum of 3 percent each
notice and property appraisals, exemptions, and assessment in the TRIM. year or the amount of change in the Consumer Price Index,
caps. An interactive TRIM guide will be live at pbcpao.gov/ If you have questions about tax collection, contact the whichever is lower. For 2024, the maximum increase will
trim this month, but please always feel free to contact us. Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s Office. be 3 percent.
As you review your notice, I invite you to contact my The deadline to file for homestead exemption is March
office at (561) 355-2866 if you feel that the market value Filing A Petition 1 of the qualifying year.
of your property is inaccurate or missing an exemption. Three Ways To Apply
Additionally, you have the right to file a petition through the If you feel that the market value of your property listed • E-file at pbcpao.gov. The fastest way to file, you can
Value Adjustment Board. in your TRIM notice is inaccurate or does not reflect fair E-file without the deed the day you close on a home in
Your tax bill will be mailed by the Palm Beach County market value as of Jan. 1, 2024, or you are entitled to an Palm Beach County.
Tax Collector in November. exemption or classification that is not reflected on your • Complete the application online, print it out, and mail
In this month’s newsletter, a brief overview of the TRIM notice, contact the Property Appraiser’s Office for an it to: Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s Office,
notice and an important reminder for those property owners informal review at (561) 355-2866. Exemption Services, 1st Floor, 301 N. Olive Ave., West
who are permanent Florida residents but have not yet filed If we are unable to resolve the matter, you have the right Palm Beach, FL 33401.
for a homestead exemption. to file a petition for adjustment with the Value Adjustment • Visit one of our five service centers to file in person.
I hope you find this information beneficial and wish you Board (VAB) through the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Visit pbcpao.gov for information on other available
a wonderful month. Respectfully, Comptroller. They can be reached at (561) 355-6289. exemptions for seniors, families, veterans and more.
Palm Beach County Property Appraiser Tax Talk
Dorothy Jacks, CFA, FIAAO, AAS,

NEED A/C? We’ve Got You Covered! Dear Friends: Time To Save $$!

Well, August is here, and
you know what that means Did you know that there
– the start of the annual are four sales tax holidays
property tax season. Yes, in Florida this year? There
“WE SHOW my office is gearing up for are opportunities to save
the 2024 tax season and it
on school supplies, goods
UP!” all begins with the arrival of to help prepare your family
the annual Truth-In-Millage
for a storm, recreational
(TRIM) Notice, which is items and tools.
mailed out in August by the This year’s back to school sales tax holiday runs from
Property Appraiser to each July 29 to Aug. 11, so you have plenty of time to stock
property owner in Palm Beach County. The TRIM notice up on school supplies, clothing, footwear, computers
contains information about your property’s value, proposed and other accessories. Visit www.floridarevenue.com/
millage rates and proposed property taxes. This TRIM notice backtoschool to see the complete list.
is strictly informational. Then, my office will prepare and Now that hurricane season is underway, you have a
mail the more than 600,000 tax bills by Nov. 1 and begin to second chance to purchase disaster preparedness supplies
collect tax payments which are due by March 31, 2025. exempt from tax from Aug. 24 through Sept. 6. Learn
For more information about the TRIM notice, visit the more at www.floridarevenue.com/disasterprep.
Call Today for a FREE estimate! Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s website at https:// And finally, there will be a seven-day “tool time” tax
561.575.2173 pbcpao.gov/trim/. Watch for your TRIM notice as we once holiday for certain tools from Sept. 1 to 7. For a list of
231 Jupiter St., Jupiter, FL again start the annual tax season here in Palm Beach County. qualifying items, visit www.floridarevenue.com/tooltime.
www.MiklosAir.com Anne M. Gannon,
Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County Tax Talk on page 24