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Funding Jupiter Fire Rescue: What a Non-Ad Valorem Assessment Means for You
The Town of Jupiter is undertaking a feasibility study to explore using a non-ad valorem (NAV) assessment as a potential funding option for fire protection services. The study evaluates properties in Jupiter in order to develop an assessment model that fairly distributes the cost of fire rescue services based on the level of benefit each property receives. This study will help the Town identify the most cost-effective and sustainable way to fund the Jupiter Fire Rescue Department (JFRD) when it officially begins operations in October 2026. Currently, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) is funded by just millage, which is labelled “Jupiter Fire/Rescue” on a property tax bill in Jupiter. PBCFR’s line item will no longer be charged, and could be replaced by the non-ad valorem assessment, which will be less than the current charge.
| Date | What is Occuring |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, April 7 | Town Council to vote on the first reading of the NAV assessment ordinance |
| Tuesday, April 21 | Town Council to vote on the second reading of the NAV assessment ordinance |
| Tuesday, May 5 | Town Council to vote on adoption of the preliminary NAV assessment resolution |
| Tuesday, May 26 | Notices about NAV assessment public hearing mailed to property owners |
| Tuesday, June 16 | Town Council to vote on adoption of final NAV assessment resolution |
| Thursday, June 18 | Town holds Operating Budget Workshop |
| Tuesday, July 21 | Town Council to vote on approving Truth in Millage (TRIM) |
| Thursday, August 13 | Town holds second Budget Workshop (CIP and updated Operating Budgets) |
| August 2026 | TRIM notices are mailed to property owners |
| September 2026 | Town holds first Budget Hearing (date TBD) |
| September 2026 | Town holds second Budget Hearing; Town Council approves FY27 budget (date TBD) |
| November 2026 | Property tax bills mailed to property owners (NAV replaces the current Jupiter MSTU Fire/Rescue line) |
To ensure residents are fully informed and engaged, the Town has prepared the following Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to explain a non-ad valorem assessment, how it works, and what it could mean for Jupiter taxpayers.
FAQs
Browse the categories below to find answers to common questions about the non-ad valorem assessment.
- Why is the Town of Jupiter exploring the viability of a non-ad valorem assessment?
- What benefits will a non-ad valorem assessment program provide to property owners in Jupiter?
- How is the Town determining whether to use the non-ad valorem assessment or property taxes to help fund the JFRD?
- If the Town hasn't determined if it will use the non-ad valorem assessment as a funding source for JFRD, why did the Town Council approve an intent to adopt a uniform method of collection at its October 21 meeting?
- Will the non-ad valorem assessment mean I am paying more for fire rescue services?
- What other funding sources will be used to support Jupiter Fire Rescue services?
- What will JFRD's budget be when it goes in service, and what are residents currently paying for fire rescue services?
- How much money can the Town collect using a non-ad valorem assessment?
- How much money does the Town plan to collect through a non-ad valorem assessment?
- Why is the Town only seeking to collect 15% of the total amount allowable to fund the annual assessment?
- Why is the Town using the total square footage of my dwelling to determine my fire assessment fee?
- Where is the Town getting the data to compute my assessment?
- Why is the Town using the "total" square footage of my home instead of "under air"?
- Can residential property be based on under air square footage and other properties be based on total square footage?
- What happens if call volume shifts away from residential?
- How often will the Town review the annual assessment?
- If I don’t pay taxes now due to homestead exemption, will I have to pay the special assessments?
- What if I cannot pay the full assessment amount at one time?
- Should the tenant pay the assessment if I rent my house, or will I have to pay it as the property owner?
- Are residential and commercial the only two property categories that will pay the non-ad valorem assessment?
- I have a question that isn’t addressed in this FAQ. Where can I find out more information?