Palm Beach County

 The Property Appraiser's Office is now accepting preliminary applications from property owners who have installed a renewable energy device such as solar panels, windmills or storage tanks. The new exemption benefit goes into effect Jan. 1, 2010.
"We are happy to give property owners in Palm Beach County a jump-start on this new exemption," said Property Appraiser Gary Nikolits.

A property owner who installs a renewable energy device this year can apply for the benefit now, to take effect for the 2010 tax year. The exemption amount is based on the device's cost and installation. The device has to be installed and operating throughout a 12-month period preceding January 1 of the application date. If a newly installed device was operative for a portion of the 12-month period, the exemption amount will be reduced proportionally.

"Keep in mind that costs associated with replacing a previous device are not exempt," said Nikolits. The energy exemption benefit, which Florida voters passed in 2008, is good for 10 years. "The new exemption benefit applies to all property owners, residential, commercial or industrial."

The property owner is required to submit the application and a copy of the receipts for the device and installation to the Property Appraiser's Office.
The preliminary application and a complete list of acceptable energy devices is available at any of our five Service Centers. You can also download the application form here.