This page helps you complete a property search in Palm Beach County, Florida using the main public tools from the Palm Beach County Property Appraiser. It points you to the search screens, map view, and the offices that handle ownership, deed, and data questions.

For most searches, start with PAPA and then use the countywide map if you need parcel location, aerial views, or nearby parcel context. If you need ownership updates, deed processing help, or a custom report, the Property Appraiser also lists staff contacts and service counters.

PAPA property search options

The main starting point for Palm Beach County property records is open PAPA More Search Options. This search area is built for broader parcel lookups and shows results with fields such as Master PCN, name, book and page, court document link, buildings, units, and year close.

If you already know the parcel location or want to search visually, use the open the PAPA Countywide Map. The map includes parcel layers, aerial views, property reports, measurements, school zone information after a property is selected, and filters such as property use, homestead, and time since last sale.

  • Run the property search in PAPA when you want parcel details tied to an owner, parcel number, or recorded property information.
  • Switch to the countywide map when you need to confirm the parcel on the map, check nearby parcels, or view location-based details.
  • Open the property detail page to review tax-related information, sale history, and linked property data.

PAPA information is for ad valorem tax assessment purposes only. Some transactions may not appear right away.

PCN and map-based searching

Palm Beach County assigns each parcel or living unit a unique 17-digit Property Control Number, or PCN. This number is one of the most useful ways to identify the exact parcel when you are comparing search results, checking tax details, or moving between the record view and the map.

The countywide map is especially useful when you need parcel boundaries, aerial imagery, property reports, and on-screen measuring tools. It also supports school zone information after you search for or select a property.

Ownership, deed, and search update timing

If a recent closing is not showing yet in the property search, the Property Appraiser explains that deed transfers move through the Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller before reaching deed processing. After recording, the full process usually takes about 1 to 3 weeks before the new owner name appears on the Property Appraiser’s website.

For location address issues, the situs address shown on the property detail page is tied to the building permit agency for the city or county. Mailing address changes follow a different process than situs corrections.

Sales, tax roll, and expanded property data

If your property search turns into a sales comparison search, Palm Beach County also provides PAPA Sales Search and PAPA - Advanced Sales Search. The nearby sales tool searches close proximity sales within the last 2 years, while the advanced sales search adds filters such as subdivision, municipality, street name, zip code, range-township-section, sale price, square footage, property use type, and sales type.

For tax information tied to a parcel, the Tax Roll Information page explains that millage rates are listed from the property detail page under Taxes and Property Tax Detail. That page also includes current tax roll charts and final versus proposed millage rate information.

If you need bulk parcel data, ownership files, situs files, or custom reports and maps, Public Services offers free download flat files and paid formatted reports.

Property search contacts

Use these contacts when your search turns into a map question, deed issue, custom data request, or general property records question.

  • Palm Beach County Property Appraiser General Questions
    Phone: (561) 355-3230
  • Main Office & Downtown Service Center 301 North Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
    Office hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    Phone: (561) 355-2866
  • Geographical Information Systems (GIS) / Ownership Records — Deed Processing 301 N. Olive Ave., 5th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
    Phone: (561) 355-1558
    Map inquiries: mymap@pbcpao.gov
    Deed inquiries: mydeed@pbcpao.gov
  • Public Services Support 301 N. Olive Ave., 1st Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
    Phone: (561) 355-2881)
    Email: pa-pubsvc@pbcpao.gov
  • Help Desk
    Phone: (561) 355-3292
  • Records Custodian 301 N. Olive Ave., 5th Floor, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
    Email: pa-publicrecords@pbcpao.gov

Common questions

Start with PAPA More Search Options for parcel records and then use the countywide map if you need to confirm the parcel location, view aerials, or work from the map.

What is a PCN in Palm Beach County?

A PCN is the Property Control Number. It is a unique 17-digit identifier assigned to each parcel of land and each condominium or cooperative unit in Palm Beach County.

What if a recent sale or ownership change is not showing yet?

Ownership changes usually appear after the deed is recorded and processed. The Property Appraiser states that this process typically takes about 1 to 3 weeks from recording to website update.

Can I search nearby sales from a property?

Yes. Palm Beach County provides a nearby sales search tool for sales in close proximity to a subject property. It covers sales within the last 2 years and supports distances from 1/8 mile to 1 mile.

Where do I find millage rate information for a property?

Open the property detail page, go to the Taxes area, and select Property Tax Detail. That page shows the certified millage rate information tied to the parcel.

Who handles map questions or parcel split and combination requests?

GIS/Mapping handles map inquiries and parcel combination or split requests. You can contact that office at (561) 355-1558 or use mymap@pbcpao.gov.

How do I get custom property data or reports?

Public Services provides flat files, ownership files, situs files, variance reports, and custom reports. For help, contact Public Services at (561) 355-2881 or pa-pubsvc@pbcpao.gov.