Mayor Jim Kuretski

02/13/2026

LEGISLATIVE BILL No. HB 4071 mandates increased Ad Valorem Taxes
in Jupiter and Palm Beach Gardens


The State of Florida Government has been working to fulfill Governor, Senate and House leadership goals to reduce the amount of ad valorem taxes for homesteaded property owners. That is why it is shocking that there is currently a legislative bill being pushed that will actually increase municipal ad valorem taxes whenever a Palm Beach County municipality, with its own municipal fire department, annexes unincorporated property.

Bill No. HB 4071 was requested by Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) and is sponsored by Representative John Snyder. It is currently supported by all state representatives and senators that represent Palm Beach County. The Town of Jupiter, PBC League of Cities and most municipalities steadfastly opposed the draft legislation.

This bill has significant adverse financial impacts upon municipalities and will increase ad valorem taxes upon municipal property owners. It incentivizes bigger government by its double taxation approach.

The Town of Jupiter endeavored to help and enable PBCFR to consolidate its Fire Station footprint, and reduce historical equipment and staffing levels serving north Palm Beach County.

We offered to purchase PBCFR Station 18 in Burt Reynolds Park, before pursuing a new Fire Station across the street. The Town will be taking over more than 90% of Fire/Rescue service calls historically handled by Station 18; and offered to handle the less than one call per day to unincorporated pockets under a no cost, mutual aid agreement. PBCFR rejected our offers and vowed to keep Station 18 in operation.

The proposed bill sets no obligations upon PBCFR to act in a more fiscally responsible manner to proactively consolidate its operations and reduce costs. It does provide for six years of financial windfall revenues, and corresponding new tax burdens upon municipal property owners.

All property owners in Palm Beach County (PBC) pay the same “PBC Operating” ad valorem tax rate. Municipal property owners are already subsidizing the cost of governmental services to unincorporated areas. Why should property owners in municipalities with Fire Departments now have to also subsidize the costs for PBCFR to serve unincorporated areas? Why should PBCFR be gifted with six (6) years of impact fee collections for annexed properties that are undeveloped at the time of annexation?

It should be unconscionable for local legislators to champion this bill mandating that municipal property owners pay incremental increases in ad valorem taxes to subsidize the costs for PBCFR to serve unincorporated areas.

We are currently processing separate requests from owners of small parcels of vacant property in unincorporated Palm Beach County to annex into the Town of Jupiter. The proposed bill would gift PBCFR with the impact fees from these new developments and also financially burden our Town with having to make annual ad valorem tax payments to PBCFR for six (6) years. This would be an injustice.

The bill did not provide a municipality an opportunity to demonstrate that it could absorb any newly-annexed properties without additional cost, impact to service, or ramp-up time.

The double taxation will result in bigger government with overall increased total costs for fire rescue services within Palm Beach County.

Time is of the essence as this legislation (HB 4071) is expected to be voted upon before the end of the current legislative session.

Please consider supporting our opposition to this local bill by contacting your local state legislative representative and senator. Ask them to withdraw HB-4071 from any further consideration during the current legislative session.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

House District 86
Representative John Snyder
Office Phone: 772-510-0120
Email: [email protected]

02/06/2026

JUPITER JUBILEE is on Saturday on our Town of Jupiter Municipal Campus from 10AM to 4PM. Join us there

02/05/2026

REFLECTING UPON OUR TOWN’S FIRST 100 YEARS.

We met with “Invest” several months ago during our year long 100 years birthday celebrations, to discuss the town’s milestones, dedication to sustainability, and commitment to preserving its unique charm. Click on the link below to read the overall interview conversation.

Invest: met with Jim Kuretski, mayor of the Town of Jupiter, to discuss the town’s milestones, dedication to sustainability, and commitment to preserving its unique charm. “Our focus on ecotourism has been key to this success,” he said. Could you share some of the most significant milestones a...

11/27/2025

Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Feeling extra thankful this year for the people, places, and moments that have made Jupiter so special. Reflecting on 100 years of community reminds us how grateful we are to call Jupiter home. 🧡

Happy Thanksgiving, Jupiter. Wishing you and your families a day filled with good food, great company, and gratitude.

As a reminder, 𝘛𝘰𝘸𝘯 𝘏𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘑𝘶𝘱𝘪𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘊𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 𝘊𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝙘𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙏𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙨𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 27, 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙜𝙝 𝙎𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙙𝙖𝙮, 𝙉𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙢𝙗𝙚𝙧 29, 𝘪𝘯 𝘰𝘣𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬𝘴𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨.

11/26/2025

BELIEVE in the Spirit of Christmas

Our family Christmas Outdoor Decorations Display has been completed for 2025 and is now fully lighted thru after Christmas.

View the photos below and consider visiting it, in the evening hours and/or during the daylight hours, to experience it in person. The decoration items show well when lighted as well as during daylight hours.

We hope that the Light of Christmas helps to spread joy throughout our uniquely special Town of Jupiter and beyond.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

Jim & Terri Kuretski

08/29/2025

This under-development Countywide Transportation Master Plan will establish a shared vision for mobility across all modes — driving, walking, biking, transit, freight, and emerging technologies. It is designed to address near-term needs and prepare Palm Beach County for growth through 2050.

“Public input is vital to building a plan that reflects the needs of residents, businesses and communities,” said Palm Beach County Administrator Joseph Abruzzo. “These meetings and the survey give everyone a voice in shaping the County’s transportation future.”

🚗 ✨ Share your voice on the future of transportation in Palm Beach County!

Palm Beach County is developing a Transportation Master Plan to guide how people and goods move through our community through 2050—and they want your input.

📍 Public Input Meeting – Jupiter / Palm Beach Gardens Area
📅 Wednesday, September 10
🕛 Noon–2:00 pm

📌 Palm Beach County Library, Palm Beach Gardens Branch (11303 Campus Drive)

💻 Can’t make it? Take the online survey through October 18 at 👉 https://hubs.ly/Q03G4Mxm0

Your feedback will help shape a safe, efficient, and resilient transportation network for years to come. 🚦

05/15/2025

This year’s Law Enforcement Memorial Day was observed today (5/15/25) by a special service held by the Town of Jupiter at Riverside Memorial Park. It is a solemn day dedicated to honoring law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. We never forget them or the families.

“Ed and Bruce were much more than just protectors of our community; they were friends, parents, siblings, spouses, and neighbors. They were men who believed in justice and answered the call to serve and protect, no matter the hour, and who stood between danger and safety so that others could rest peacefully and feel secure. In uniform, they were a symbol of strength and order, but behind the badge, they were human - full of kindness, humor, and love. They knew the risks of the job, and yet each day, they chose to face those risks for the sake of others.

Let us continue to honor them, not only with words, but also with action – in how we support one another, how we serve our communities, and in how we uphold the principles that make our society strong and just.”

Officer Robert Volpe (Ret.)
Jupiter Police Department
May 15, 2025

Major Edward K. Humphrey
End of Watch: September 8, 1995

Police Officer First Class Bruce St. Laurent
End of Watch: September 9, 2012

05/12/2025

This week, the Town of Jupiter proudly honors the men and women of the Jupiter Police Department who serve our community with integrity, compassion and unwavering commitment.

Every day, our officers work to protect what makes Jupiter so special—our families, our neighborhoods and our small-town charm. From responding to emergencies to building relationships with residents and local businesses, their service goes far beyond the badge.

We are deeply proud of our officers and the professionalism they bring to their work. And we remain committed to supporting them with the tools, training and resources they need to continue serving with excellence.

To all who wear the uniform: thank you for your courage, your sacrifice and your dedication to the people of Jupiter. We are grateful today and every day. 💙

🎖️ During National Police Week, we pay tribute to the traditions, service and sacrifice that define law enforcement — and few units embody that more than our Honor Guard.

Representing the highest standards of professionalism and respect, the Honor Guard serves at ceremonies, memorials and public events — honoring those who have served and those we've lost.

Their presence is a powerful reminder of the deep respect we hold for the profession and the importance of honoring those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.

04/14/2025

THANK YOU FDOT! Local residents and businesses: Let’s celebrate this noteworthy milestone achievement.

Two lanes in each direction with designated bicycle lanes and sidewalks. This represents a significant improvement versus the old bridge.

04/09/2025

Lowest ad valorem tax rate as compared to 10 other north Palm Beach County municipalities. Excellent Bond Rating. Responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.

🌟 Strong Finances, Bright Future: Jupiter’s AAA Bond Rating! 💰

The Town takes great pride in being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars, and our AAA bond rating from Standard & Poor’s and Fitch and our Aaa bond rating from Moody’s reflects our strong fiscal management, financial stability, and commitment to excellence.

This top-tier rating means lower borrowing costs, smart investments in infrastructure, and a secure financial future for our community. ✅🏡

02/09/2025

We officially celebrate our beloved Town of Jupiter’s 100th years birthday today - February 9, 2025!!