Newcomer Information

NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

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) 355-2996. For more information, visit www.mypalmbeachclerk.com.

VOTER REGISTRATION

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 at least 16 years old). 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.

Voter registration applications are available at the Supervisor of Elections offices located at:

240 S. Military Trail, West Palm Beach, (561) 656-6200 345 S. Congress Ave. #103, Delray Beach, (561) 276-1226 3188 PGA Blvd. #2401, Palm Beach Gardens, (561) 624-6555 2976 State Road #15, Second Floor, Belle Glade, (561) 992-1114

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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 Palm Beach County Tax Collector serves as the agent for the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (DHSMV) 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 person parking permits.

New residents should register their vehicle(s) and obtain a Florida license plate within 30 days of establishing legal residency, accepting employment or upon placement of a child in school. Automobiles and trucks must have at least $10,000 in personal injury protection (PIP) insurance and at least $10,000 property damage liability (PDL) insurance.

Registrations of privately owned vehicles and long-term leased vehicles are valid until midnight on the first registered owner’s birthday. You can renew up to three months before the expiration date. A delinquent fee is charged if the registration is not renewed by the 10th of the following month.

The DHSMV may send a courtesy reminder notice a month before your birthday. Nonreceipt of the notice does not relieve registrants from their responsibility to renew on time or exempt them from paying the delinquent fee upon renewal. Current Florida residents can renew their motor vehicle registration online up to three months in advance. Nonresidents of Florida must take their proof of valid Florida insurance, along with the title, to the Palm Beach County Tax Collector office. Visit www.pbctax.com for locations, hours and more information.

DRIVER LICENSE/ID CARDS

Federal law now requires you to bring specific and original documentation when obtaining or renewing a driver license or ID card. You must come in person to prove identity, social security and residential address. If you recently moved to Palm Beach County, the law requires you to update your driver license/ID card within 30 days.

You can renew your driver license up to 18 months in advance. Visit www.pbctax.com for a list of accepted documents, to make an appointment or to view wait times. You can also text ‘waitpbc’ to 41411 for up-to-date driver license wait times.

The following tests are given at driver license service centers and may or may not be required for the driver license or ID card you seek. The testing chart located in this information will help you determine the test(s) you will be required to complete.

n Hearing – Drivers applying for a license who are deaf or cannot hear conversation spoken in a normal tone of voice are restricted to driving with an outside rearview mirror which should be mounted on the left side of the vehicle, or wearing of a hearing aid.

n Vision – Vision testing, using an eye machine located on the counter, is conducted in all driver license service centers. Individuals with visual acuity readings below 20/40 are referred to an eye specialist. Color blindness will not cause any special condition for licensing.

n Knowledge Exam – 50 multiple choice questions about traffic laws and traffic signs. To prepare, review the Florida Driver License Handbook and take the Class E Knowledge Practice Test. Class E knowledge examinations are available in Arabic, Chinese, English, Haitian Creole, Russian and Spanish.

Important: Customers with Class E driver licenses that have been expired for more than one year will be required to complete the Class E knowledge exam and vision exam prior to obtaining a valid Class E driver license. The Class E knowledge exam may be completed up to one year before applying for a Class E driver license. If the period between completion of the Class E knowledge exam and application for a Class E driver license exceeds one year, retesting of the knowledge exam will be required prior to issuance.

n Driving Test – You must provide a vehicle for the driving test. The vehicle must have a valid tag, proof of insurance and pass a vehicle inspection. During the driving test, the examiner will observe your ability to control the vehicle and how well you obey traffic laws.

Driver license handbooks, motorcycle handbooks and commercial driver license handbooks are available at local driver license service centers. There is no charge for handbooks and they may be returned for re-use. Additional information is available at www.flhsmv.gov.

Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles Service Centers in Palm Beach County: n Belle Glade: 2976 State Road 15 (M-F 8:15 – 4:30) n Delray Beach: 501 S. Congress Ave. (M-F 8:15 – 4:30)

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n Greenacres: 4215 S. Military Trail (M-F 8:15 – 4:30) n Palm Beach Gardens: 3188 PGA Blvd. (M-F 8:15 – 4:30) n Westlake: 16440 Town Center Parkway South (M-F 8:15 – 4:30) n West Palm Beach: 301 N. Olive Ave. (M-F 8:15 – 4:30)

Seat Belts

The law states that the front seat passengers must wear seat belts. This law applies to any car manufactured since 1968. In addition, all passengers under 18 years old must wear a seat belt or be otherwise restrained by a child car seat. It is against the law to operate a vehicle if all the passengers do not meet these standards. The cost for a seat belt violation is $30. For a child that is not properly restrained, the violation is $60. For more information, visit www.dmvflorida.org.

Texting and Driving

Texting while driving is a primary offense in the state of Florida, which means you can be pulled over by law enforcement and fined. Here are fines and penalties of the new Texting Law: n First-offense drivers will be fined $30, and no points will be assessed to their driving record n Second Texting and Driving offense within five years will be considered a moving violation and carry a $60 fine and three points on your driving record n Texting in a School Zone: Two points added to the primary offense n Texting resulting in a crash: Six points added to the primary offense

VESSEL REGISTRATION

Motorized vessels used in freshwater or saltwater must be registered at the Palm Beach County Tax Collector’s office. You need to provide a Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO), title or its equivalent when you register the vessel. Florida recognizes valid registration certificates and numbers issued to nonresident 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. Visit www.pbctax.com or call (561) 355-2264.

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 or older can obtain a complimentary hunting and fishing license when they show a valid Florida driver license or ID card.

Fishing 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.pbctax.com, or call the Constitutional Tax Collector’s office at (561) 355-2264.

Hunting

A valid hunting 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) 355-2264 for additional information, or visit www.pbctax.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 $86. 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 the site, www.mypalmbeachclerk.com.

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 months of age; or within 30 calendar days of acquiring a dog or cat; or within 30 calendar days after a dog or cat resides in Palm Beach County, pursuant to PBC Ordinance 98-22. The non-sterilized rabies license tag is $75, and the sterilized rabies license tag is $15. Tags are available at Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control, 7100 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach or from participating private veterinary offices. 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 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 (800) 738-3463.

NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

Animal Care and Control encourages pet owners to have a permanent electronic identification chip implanted in their animals. For further information, call (561) 233-1200. To review the Palm Beach County Animal Ordinance 98-22 in its entirety, visit www.pbcgov.com/ publicsafety/animalcare.

PROPERTY APPRAISER’S OFFICE

Florida’s Constitution mandates that all property values must 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— what a property is worth to a willing buyer and willing seller. By Florida law, only sales transactions that occurred during the previous year can be used to establish values as of January 1 of the current year. For 2023 values we look at 2022 sales to estimate values for the 2022 tax roll. For example, if you sold your residence in 2022 for $150,000, that selling price would be used together with other comparable sales in our analysis of the market.

Homestead Exemption Services

In the state of Florida, a $25,000 exemption is applied to the first $50,000 of your property’s assessed value if your property is your permanent residence and you owned the property on January 1 of the tax year. This exemption applies to all taxes, including school district taxes. An additional exemption of up to $25,000 will be applied if your property’s assessed value is between at least $50,000 and $75,000. This exemption is not applied to school district taxes.

When qualifying for the Homestead Exemption, you will need the following documents for all property owners applying: n Florida Driver’s License or Florida ID if you do not drive n Florida car registration

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NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

n Florida Voter’s ID (if you vote) n Immigration documents if not a U.S. citizen

Documents should reflect the address of your homesteaded property. For more information about the available exemptions, visit the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser’s website, pbcgov.com/papa, or call Exemption Services at (561) 355-2866. Residential property owners with an existing Homestead Exemption can transfer a portion of their tax savings to a new residence. You can apply for portability when you apply for the standard Homestead Exemption on your new property. The deadline to apply for all new exemptions is March 1 of the qualifying year. Owners of nonhomesteaded proper-ties, such as second homes, may qualify for a 10 percent exemption benefit on the market value.

TAX INFORMATION

The Constitutional Tax Collector’s office collects and distributes over $3 billion annually in taxes and fees. There are six permanent office locations conveniently located throughout the county. Call (561) 355-2264 or visit www.pbctax.com for a complete list of office addresses. Hours are Monday–Friday (excluding holidays) 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Local Business Tax

The Constitutional Tax Collector is contracted by the Board of County Commissioners to collect Local Business Taxes. The tax is collected for the privilege of operating a business anywhere in the county, including municipalities. Anyone providing merchandise or services to the public, even a one-person company or home-based business, must pay the Local Business Tax. Local Business Tax Receipts are renewable annually July–September.

NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

Real Estate & Tangible Personal Property Taxes

The Constitutional Tax Collector, Serving Palm Beach County collects property taxes for every government agency in Palm Beach County that has the authority to levy taxes. Property taxes are payable from November 1 through March 31 and delinquent 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. Applications for the Installment Payment Plan are available at www.pbctax.com or by calling (561) 355-2264, and must be received on or before April 30.

Tourist Development Tax

Tourist Development Tax is collected on any unit rented or leased for six months or less, as well as on licenses granted to rent or lease a unit for six months or less. Tourist Development Tax is collected by the owners or operators of those facilities and remitted to the Constitutional Tax Collector. Tourist Development Tax is vital to our community. It strengthens our local economy by creating jobs, restoring beaches and funding art and cultural events and professional sports facilities across Palm Beach County. Tourism Promotion, the Sports Commission, the Film & Television Commission and Cultural Non-Arts (such as the museum, zoo and historical society) also benefit from Tourist Tax Revenue. The Constitutional Tax Collector is contracted by the Board of County Commissioners to collect Tourist Development Tax.

State Taxes

The Florida Department of Revenue administers more than 30 taxes and fees, including sales and use tax, reemployment (formerly unemployment) tax,

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communications services tax, corporate income tax and fuel tax. It collects the money that pays for state and local government services Floridians depend on, and the department continually improves its technology and customer service, so reporting and paying taxes is as convenient and easy as possible. For more information contact the Department of Revenue online at floridarevenue.com or at the Regional Service Center located at 2468 Metrocentre Blvd., West Palm Beach, or call (561) 640-2800.

Sales Tax

The minimum combined sales tax rate for Palm Beach County, Florida is 7%. This is the total of state and county sales tax rates. The Florida state sales tax rate is currently 6%. The Palm Beach County sales tax rate is 1%. Some counties, including Palm Beach County, impose a discretionary sales surtax in addition to the 6 percent state tax. The county tax rates can range from .25 to 2.5 percent, and are levied on the first $5,000 of the purchase price. The $5,000 limit does not apply to commercial rentals, transient rentals or services. Consumers pay sales tax and any county-imposed taxes to the seller at the time of purchase.

Tangible Personal Property Tax

Household goods are not taxed in Florida. Tangible Personal Property is assessed annually on business property such as furniture, fixtures and equipment at fair market value. The first $25,000 in value is exempt from taxation. An initial Tangible Personal Property Return must be filed to claim this exemption. Failure to file will result in the loss of the exemption and assessment of penalties. The Return DOR-405 is available to download on the website, pbcgov.com/papa. Call Tangible Services at (561) 355-2896.

Use Tax

Unless specifically exempt, merchandise purchased out of state is subject to tax when brought into Florida within six months of the purchase date. This “use tax,” as it is commonly called, is also assessed at the rate of 6 percent. Examples of such taxable purchases include purchases made by mail order or the Internet, furniture delivered from dealers located in another state, and computer equipment delivered by common carrier. Items purchased and used in another state for six months or longer are not subject to use tax when the items are later brought into Florida. No use tax is due if the out-of-state dealer charged sales tax of 6 percent or more. If the dealer charged less than 6 percent, you must pay the difference to equal 6 percent. For example, if the dealer charged 4 percent, you must pay the additional 2 percent to Florida. Complete an Outof-State Purchase Return (Form DR-15MO) to file and pay use tax. You can get this form from our website at floridarevenue.com. If the tax owed is less than $1, you do not have to file.

Other Taxes and Fees

Florida does not impose personal income, inheritance, gift taxes or intangible personal property taxes. However, there are other taxes and fees that, in certain counties or circumstances, Florida residents may be required to pay, such as: convention development tax, local option tourist tax, fuel taxes, communications services tax, gross receipts tax, lead-acid battery fee, new tire fee, motor vehicle fee (Lemon Law) or rental car surcharge.

LOOKING AT BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN FLORIDA?

Most businesses are subject to sales and use tax, discretionary sales surtax, unemployment tax and corporate income tax. If your business is required to collect sales tax, you must register as a sales and use tax dealer before you begin conducting business in Florida. You can register to collect and/or report tax through our Internet site. The site will guide you through an application interview that will help you determine your tax obligations. If you do not have Internet access, you can complete a paper Application to Collect and/or Report Tax in Florida (Form DR-1). Or contact the Department of Revenue online at floridarevenue.com or at the Regional Service Center located at 2468 Metrocentre Blvd., West Palm Beach or call (561) 640-2800.

UTILITIES

Electric

Electric service is provided by Florida Power & Light Company except in parts of Lake Worth Beach, where it is provided by the Lake Worth Utilities.

Florida Power & Light

(561) 697-8000 | fpl.com

Lake Worth Utilities

(561) 533-7300 | lakeworthbeachfl.gov

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 | fpuc.com

Telephone

In order to establish phone service, please utilize your preferred search engine to browse the complete listing of all the service providers available.

Water

The Wellington Utilities Department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to provide a reliable supply of superior quality drinking water and dependable and environmentally safe wastewater service to approximately 56,000 residents in the Wellington Utility service area.

NEWCOMERS’ GUIDE

Public Utilities Wellington

(561) 791-4010 wellingtonfl.gov (Wellington and surrounding areas)

Garbage & Recycling

Solid Waste Authority of Palm Beach County collects garbage, trash and recyclable materials.

Palm Beach Resource Recovery Corp.

(561) 478-3800

Republic Services

(561) 478-9590 republicservices.com

Solid Waste Authority

(561) 640-4000 swa.org

Waste Management of Palm Beach

(561) 547-4000 | wm.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.

Christ Community Church

10101 Barefoot Lake Drive, Wellington 793-1007 | cccpalmbeach.com

Family Church West

8401 Belvedere Road, West Palm Beach 635-1223 | gofamilychurch.org

Temple Beth Torah

900 Big Blue Trace, Wellington 793-2700 | templebethtorah.net

NUMBERS

TO KNOW

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

All Emergencies 911 PBC Division of Emergency Management712-6400 Poison Control Center (800) 222-1222

NON-EMERGENCY NUMBERS

Fire County Fire Rescue 616-7000 Wellington 616-7000 Acreage 616-7000 Greenacres 642-2146 Loxahatchee 616-7000 Royal Palm Beach 616-7000

POLICE

Sheriff’s Department Wellington Crime Stoppers Florida Highway Patrol Acreage Loxahatchee Royal Palm Beach 688-5447 (800) 458-TIPS 357-4000 688-3400 688-3400 904-8219

HOSPITALS

Bethesda Hospital East

737-7733 HCA Palms West Hospital 798-3300 Wellington Regional Medical Center 798-8500

COMMUNITY NUMBERS

Community Center Public Works Parks & Recreation Planning, Zoning & Building Utility Customer Service Village of Wellington Wastewater Services 753-2484 791-4003 791-4005 791-4000 791-4000 791-4000 791-4037

GOVERNMENT NUMBERS

Animal Care & Control Auto Tag Information Business Tax Receipts Clerk & Comptroller County Administration County Commissioners County Courthouses Central (West Palm Beach) Glades North County South County County Governmental Center County Health Department Florida Fish & Wildlife

Conservation Commission Gun Permits Internal Revenue Service Marriage Licenses Parks & Recreation 233-1200 355-2622 355-2264 355-2996 355-2712 355-2001

355-2996 996-4843 624-6650 274-1588

355-2996 840-4500

625-5122 681-2530 (800) 829-3676 355-2986 966-6600

Passports Post Office (U.S.) Property Appraiser Public Affairs

355-1586 (800) 275-8777 355-3230 355-2754 School District 434-8000 Social Security Administration (800) 772-1213 State Attorney 355-7100 Supervisor of Elections 656-6200 U.S. Coast Guard 844-4470 Veterans Services 355-4761 Voter Registration 656-6200