Jupiter Fire Rescue Adopts New Funding Model

Jupiter residents will soon experience a new funding structure for fire rescue services when the town launches Jupiter Fire Rescue (JFRD) on October 1, 2026. The new department is projected to operate with a first-year budget of approximately $25 million, saving Jupiter nearly $10 million annually compared to the current service provided by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue. Residents currently contribute to fire rescue through a dedicated tax line item on their property tax bills.

To finance JFRD, the Town Council is considering adjustments to property taxes and a potential non-ad valorem (NAV) assessment, a per-property fee. Once JFRD is operational, the current Palm Beach County Fire Rescue tax will be removed. Funding will then come from an adjusted town operating tax and, if approved, the new NAV assessment.

The Town of Jupiter has launched a JFRD Savings Calculator on its website. The tool allows property owners to compare their current fire rescue service costs with the proposed funding options for the new local department. The calculator highlights estimated savings but notes that figures may differ from the total property tax bill issued by the Palm Beach County Tax Collector in August. Mobile users should click the arrow on the right side of the pop-up box after entering their address to view results.