Florida and Texas both skip the state income tax, so Dallas buyers come to Palm Beach County for the ocean, the Intracoastal, a winter season that draws friends from across the country, and a property tax structure that treats long-term homeowners differently. For families from Highland Park, University Park, and Preston Hollow, the comparison comes down to a handful of practical questions.
With no income tax in either state, property tax is the main financial comparison. In Dallas, the combined rate from city, county, school district, and special districts often lands near or above 2% of assessed value, and Texas caps homestead appraisal increases at 10% a year.
In Palm Beach County, your first bill is based on your purchase price and the local millage. Florida's homestead rules are also changing. Voters approved Amendment 3 on November 3, 2026, raising the non-school homestead exemption to $150,000 in 2027 and $250,000 in 2028, on top of the $25,000 school exemption. Buyers who don't have a permanent Florida residence on December 31, 2026 receive a $50,000 non-school exemption until their fifth year of residency, and the Legislature is setting the details in its 2027 session. Save Our Homes still caps annual increases in assessed value at 3% or inflation, whichever is lower. File for homestead with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser by March 1 of the year after you move in, and use its property tax and Amendment 3 calculators to model a specific price. Our Amendment 3 guide for people moving to Florida and Florida tax guide for new residents go deeper.
Highland Park and University Park families who want established neighborhoods, mature trees, and walkable streets often compare Palm Beach, the older waterfront streets of North Palm Beach, and Tequesta.
Preston Hollow buyers who want acreage, privacy, and gates look at Jupiter Island, Admirals Cove, and the private golf communities of Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens.
Golf families have plenty to choose from. Jack Nicklaus designed The Bears Club in Jupiter, Old Palm and BallenIsles are in Palm Beach Gardens, and PGA National hosts the Cognizant Classic. Jupiter is home to a long list of tour pros and pro athletes, which we wrote about in why the world's top athletes call Jupiter home.
Dallas families accustomed to Hockaday, St. Mark's, and Highland Park ISD tend to start with private schools here: The Benjamin School in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens, The King's Academy in West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Day Academy, and Jupiter Christian School. Many have waitlists, so apply before you close. Palm Beach County public schools are zoned by address, with application-based choice academies at several high schools.
Dallas homeowners know hail and tornado claims. Florida's risk is wind and water, and the house determines the premium: roof age, impact glass, wind mitigation features, elevation, and flood zone. The market has steadied since the 2022 and 2023 reforms, and Citizens and several private carriers filed rate decreases for 2026. Get quotes during inspection. Our homeowners insurance guide has the details.
American Airlines flies nonstop between PBI and DFW, and Southwest has offered seasonal nonstops to Love Field. Many Dallas clients keep a foot in both cities for a few years, spending winter in Florida before making the full move. If that's your plan, ask us how homestead and residency rules apply before you buy.
Dallas summers are hotter; Palm Beach County summers are more humid, with a sea breeze and afternoon storms from June through September. Winter is the high season, when the social calendar fills with charity galas in Palm Beach, polo in Wellington, and dinners on the water. The finance community in West Palm Beach has grown quickly, which we covered in Wall Street South, so Dallas executives and investors will find a familiar professional network.
We start Dallas clients with a side-by-side property tax estimate and an insurance pre-check on every serious contender, then book a focused tour around the clubs and schools that matter to the family.
The Meyer Lucas Team serves buyers, sellers, relocators, and investors throughout Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Tequesta, West Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach County, and Martin County.
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Mon - Fri, 9 am - 6 pm 1515 South Cypress Dr Jupiter FL 33469
Mon - Fri, 9 am - 6 pm 1515 South Cypress Dr Jupiter FL 33469
