Sales Tax Drop Coming to Palm Beach County—Here’s What Changes
Lower Taxes, School Funding Preserved: What’s Changing in 2026
Palm Beach County residents will see a reduction in the sales and use tax beginning January 1, 2026, as the rate drops from 7% to 6.5%. The decrease follows the expiration of the 1% Infrastructure Surtax on December 31, 2025, alongside the introduction of a new 0.5% School Capital Outlay Surtax, approved by voters in November 2024.
While the overall tax rate will be lower, the new surtax ensures continued funding for local schools. Additionally, the state ended sales tax on most commercial rentals starting October 1, 2025, providing further tax relief for many businesses. In summary, the slight decrease in taxes will help Palm Beach residents but it probably won’t be enough to curtail inflation.
New Florida Bill Could Allow Medical Marijuana Patients to Grow Their Own Plants
The Florida Senate is considering new legislation that would allow certain medical marijuana patients to grow cannabis at home. Under the proposal, individuals who are at least 21 years old and hold a valid medical marijuana card could grow up to six plants at their residence if the bill is approved. Any homegrown plants would be required to remain secured and subject to existing state regulations governing medical cannabis.
This is not the first attempt to revise Florida’s marijuana laws, and the issue remains a highly debated topic among lawmakers and regulators. Previous proposals have failed to pass, despite repeated efforts to change current restrictions. The latest bill is sponsored by Senator Carlos Smith of Orlando and is scheduled for review in January 2026.
🎉This Week’s Featured Events
Snapshots with Santa will be held on December 18th from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at One Boynton, located at 1351 S. Federal Highway, Boynton Beach. The event is sponsored by BBCRA. Get a professional picture with Santa, enjoy food samples, and browse local shops. Go to boyntonbeachcra.com for additional details.
The Kravis Center, located at 701 Okeechobee Blvd, West Palm Beach, is offering a newly opened exhibit called Jazz In Unexpected Places. It’s FREE and all about how jazz music shaped our local area. The exhibition runs daily through July 31st, 2026 from 1:00 pm-5:00 pm. See kravis.org for more details.
Delray Beach has food tours available on Friday, December 19th - Sunday, December 21st. The tour runs from 11:30 am-2:00 pm and it begins at El Camino, 15 NE 2nd Ave, Delray Beach. Reservations required. To find out costs, what dining spots are featured, and more info, click on craftfoodtours.com
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🤔 Did You Know?
Boynton Beach was once a farming and agricultural hub, known for growing pineapples, citrus, and winter vegetables.
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