Palm Beach Post, The (FL)
December 1, 2005
Author: S.V. DATE, Palm Beach Post Capital Bureau

Two Palm Beach County legislators have filed a bill for the upcoming special session to let hurricane-stricken counties extend the deadlines for early payment discounts on property taxes. Sen. Jeff Atwater, R-North Palm Beach, and Rep. Adam Hasner, R-Delray Beach, have filed proposals in their chambers to enable property owners to get two extra months to file their taxes and still receive discounts. Property owners can normally receive as much as 4 percent off their tax bill - if they pay it by Nov. 30 of the year before it is technically due. Smaller discounts are available over the following three months.

The bills, which will be heard during next week’s special session to consider proposals privatizing Medicaid administration and implementing slot machine gambling in Broward County, would affect only those counties that have been declared major disaster areas during the 2005 hurricane season, including Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties.
If passed by lawmakers and approved by Gov. Jeb Bush, the proposal would let affected counties allow the 4 percent discount if payment is received by Jan. 31, a 3 percent discount if the payment is made by Feb. 28, and a 2 percent discount if payment is made by March 31.