Florida homeowners affected by last week's flooding may qualify for a partial property tax refund if their residences are uninhabitable for at least 30 consecutive days. Florida law allows the refunds when a catastrophic event leaves a residence uninhabitable for that period, according to Palm Beach County Appraiser Dorothy Jacks.
Homeowners seeking the refund must submit an Application for Catastrophic Event Tax Refund, Form DR-465, along with supporting documentation by March 1, 2027. The application and documentation are required for homeowners seeking a refund for damage.
Damage from this flooding will not change a property's 2026 assessment. It may affect the property's 2027 assessment if repairs remain incomplete as of Jan. 1, 2027. That assessment date is separate from the March 1 deadline to apply for a catastrophic event tax refund.
Flooding from last week's heavy rains persists in some areas of South Florida and the Treasure Coast. At the Grand Isles condos off Haverhill Road in West Palm Beach, water around resident Jesse Cabral's condo remains more than ankle-deep and reaches his garage. Cabral said the flooding caused extensive damage inside the garage. “It's been a definite challenge,” he said.