Jupiter Council Approves Preliminary FY2027 Property Tax Rate, Including New Fire Rescue Department
The Jupiter Town Council voted Tuesday evening to approve a preliminary millage rate of 3.5886 for Fiscal Year 2027, taking another step in the Town's annual budget process and establishing the maximum property tax rate that can be adopted for the coming fiscal year.
The proposed rate includes funding for the Town's new Jupiter Fire Rescue Department, which is scheduled to begin serving the community later this year.
According to Town officials, the proposed total millage rate of 3.5886 represents a decrease from the Fiscal Year 2026 total millage rate of 4.1145. The 2026 rate included the Town's operating and debt service millages, as well as Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Beginning in FY2027, fire rescue services will instead be provided by Jupiter's newly created municipal department.
Town leaders have long stated that one of the goals of creating Jupiter Fire Rescue was to provide high-quality local fire rescue services while reducing the overall tax burden on Jupiter property owners. The proposed budget reflects that commitment by funding the new department while proposing a lower overall millage rate than the previous year.
What is a millage rate?
A millage rate is the property tax rate used to calculate local property taxes. One mill equals $1 in tax for every $1,000 of a property's taxable value. The preliminary millage rate approved by the Council represents the highest rate the Town may adopt for Fiscal Year 2027, although it may be reduced before final approval.
Budget Process Continues
The preliminary vote does not finalize the Town's budget. Residents will have additional opportunities to provide input before the budget is adopted during two upcoming public hearings:
- September 8 – First Budget Hearing
- September 22 – Final Budget Hearing
The final millage rate approved during those hearings will appear on annual property tax bills mailed by the Palm Beach County Tax Collector later this year.
Town officials also noted that, if adopted, the proposed FY2027 rate would mark the 16th consecutive year that the Town has reduced its total millage paid by property owners.
As the budget process continues, additional details are expected regarding planned investments in public safety, infrastructure, parks, utilities, and other municipal services.
JupiterBrief will continue following the FY2027 budget process and provide updates following the September public hearings.