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Palm Beach's Property Tax Surge: A Closer Look

Palm Beach—a renowned oasis for the affluent—is witnessing skyrocketing property tax bills, reflecting its luxury real estate boom. According to a Bloomberg investigation, 31 properties now face annual tax assessments of over $1 million, up from just seven before the pandemic. This wealth surge in Palm Beach is undeniably inflating local government coffers.

The Tax Dynamics of Affluence

Property-tax collections in Palm Beach County reached $359 million last year, marking a 75% increase since 2018. Florida's absence of state income tax magnifies the importance of these revenues. The broader consequences? Substantial and eye-opening impacts are unfolding:

The influx of ultra-wealthy residents fuels municipal revenue growth. These aren't your average million-dollar homes but rather mega-mansions, secluded estates, and opulent hideaways. Some property tax bills are now exceeding $10 million, with hedge fund leader Ken Griffin shouldering one of the area's heaviest burdens.

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Pandemic-Induced Migration Boom

Pandemic-era dynamics ushered high-net-worth individuals into Palm Beach, triggering an 89% spike in home prices between 2019 and 2024, according to a report. Sales of ultra-luxury properties have surged 500%, with even those over $10 million up by 400%.

Formerly a seasonal retreat for old-money elites, Palm Beach has become a year-long haven for hedge-fund titans, crypto magnates, and tech moguls switching urban lofts for beachfront luxury. Properties are often privatized before hitting the MLS, reflecting a profound reshaping of economic tiers across zip codes.

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Enigmatic Estates & Billionaire Rivalries

Palm Beach's top-tier real estate dealings unfold like a thriller. Rumors circulate that a mysterious buyer, possibly Microsoft billionaire Charles Simonyi, is curating a $250 million oceanfront estate north of Mar-a-Lago. He even attempted to purchase Jon Bon Jovi's mansion, in an episode that read like rock-star defiance, per The Wall Street Journal.

Ken Griffin of Citadel fame continues to extend his real estate footprint in South Florida, sparking comparisons to Mar-a-Lago's scale, with his tax bill soaring past $10 million—the most considerable on record in the county.

Value Appreciation & Construction Growth

The real estate boom reaches beyond the opulent. In 2025, new projects contributed over $5 billion to tax valuations, pushing the total taxable value to $341 billion, marking a 62% rise since 2020.

The growth waves extend to West Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens with their burgeoning residential and commercial developments. This urban revival is drawing wealth from high-tax states, enhancing both cultural vibrancy and architectural flair.

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Balancing Public Benefits with Strain

Although cash-rich from rising taxes, Palm Beach County grapples with infrastructure demands. Schools, roads, and emergency services are under strain as the area now sees seasonal peaks from nine-figure tax contributors.

Local authorities walk a tightrope, balancing welcomed revenue with the risks of unrestrained luxury overshadowing everyday living.

Ultimately, Palm Beach is transforming from a seasonal escape into a perennial billionaires' hub, reflecting its tax landscape—rich in revenue yet intricate in its challenges.

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