Snowbird season is almost here, and with it comes the busiest, most fun stretch of the year in Palm Beach County. Season runs roughly from November through April, with the biggest crowds from January through March. Seasonal residents start rolling in after Thanksgiving, and the winter builds through spring training, the Cognizant Classic and the boat show before things quiet down after Easter. Discover The Palm Beaches counted about 10.7 million visitors to the county in 2025, and a big share of them come in these months.
For what peak season feels like day to day in Jupiter, from restaurant reservations to time outdoors, see our guide to peak season in Jupiter.
Here's how to enjoy the 2026–27 season like a local, for year-round residents and returning snowbirds alike: the dates to put on your calendar, how to time dinner and errands, and what seasonal renters and second-home buyers should know about taxes and homestead.
Most seasonal residents arrive between November and early January and head north between Easter and early May. January through March is peak season, when restaurant waits, beach parking and traffic on US-1, Indiantown Road, PGA Boulevard and I-95 hit their high. November, December and April are the sweet spot, with lighter crowds and nearly everything open.
Dates come from each organizer and can shift, so confirm before you book.
Get to the sand before 10 a.m. or after 3 p.m. for easier parking at favorites like Jupiter Beach Park, Carlin Park and Juno Beach Park. The smaller public access points along A1A in Jupiter, Juno Beach and Tequesta tend to fill later in the day.
Renting for six months or less in Palm Beach County counts as a transient rental. The county's tourist development tax is 6%, and state and county sales tax is 6.5%, so plan on a combined 12.5% on top of the rent. The best January-through-March rentals often book by late summer. Our guide to seasonal rentals in Jupiter walks you through finding one.
Florida's homestead exemption applies only to a permanent residence. To claim it for a tax year, you need to own the home and live in it as your permanent residence on January 1, then apply with the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser by March 1. A second home used for the season doesn't qualify, and its assessed value isn't protected by the homestead cap. Florida voters will also decide Amendment 3, a proposed change to homestead property taxes, on the November 3, 2026 ballot; the Property Appraiser has an Amendment 3 calculator if you want to run the numbers. Check the result and talk with a tax professional before you decide how to title or use a Florida home.
Seasonal buyers often start in Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens and Tequesta. If golf and club life are the draw, compare Admirals Cove, Jonathan's Landing and Jupiter Country Club. Looking for privacy on the water? Jupiter Island and Jupiter Inlet Colony are worth a look.
What months are snowbird season in Palm Beach County?
Roughly November through April. January through March is the busiest stretch, and crowds thin after Easter.
What is the tax on a seasonal rental in Palm Beach County?
Rentals of six months or less carry the 6% tourist development tax plus 6.5% sales tax, for a combined 12.5%.
Can a seasonal resident claim the Florida homestead exemption?
Only if the Florida home is your permanent residence on January 1 and you apply by March 1. A second home used part of the year does not qualify.
When is spring training in Jupiter?
The Cardinals and Marlins open spring training games at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium in Abacoa on February 19, 2027, subject to MLB's labor negotiations.
Plenty of our buyers rented for a winter or two before they bought, and those months are when they figured out which town and which commute felt like home. If you're down for the season and starting to think about staying longer, let's grab a coffee and compare neighborhoods while you're here.
The Meyer Lucas Team serves buyers, sellers, relocators, renters and investors throughout Jupiter, Palm Beach Gardens, North Palm Beach, Juno Beach, Tequesta, Palm Beach, West Palm Beach, Stuart, Hobe Sound and Palm City.
📞 Call or Text: 561-406-5228
📩 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Learn more and meet the team: meyerlucas.com
🔍 See homes for sale: Home Search
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
