Which areas are designated, and how does designation happen?
The city lists five historic districts on its Local Register of Historic Places: Old School Square, Del-Ida Park, Marina, Nassau Park and West Settlers. Two of the five are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Under the city's criteria, a property is considered historic if it is at least 50 years old and significant for its historical associations or architectural merit. Individual properties can be nominated by the owner, the Historic Preservation Board or the City Commission; districts can be nominated by the Board or the Commission. The Board reviews nominations, the City Commission gives final approval, and designated properties are listed on the Delray Beach Register of Historic Places.[2][1]
What work needs a Certificate of Appropriateness?
Depending on the scope of work, either the Historic Preservation Board or the city's Historic Preservation Division staff reviews applications, using the Delray Beach Historic Preservation Design Guidelines, Land Development Regulations (LDR) Section 4.5.1 and the Secretary of the Interior's Standards.
- Exterior alterations or additions to historic structures or properties
- Changing an exterior color (file the Certificate of Appropriateness with the Building Materials and Color Sample Form)
- Demolishing any structure in a historic district, contributing or non-contributing, which requires Board approval under LDR Section 4.5.1(F); demolition cannot proceed until a building permit is issued for the approved alterations or redevelopment
- Not required: general maintenance and interior work, which are at the owner's discretion[1]
Are there tax incentives for historic properties?
Delray Beach offers a Historic Property Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for improvements to historic properties. Florida law (section 196.1997, Florida Statutes) lets a city or county exempt up to 100% of the assessed value of qualifying restoration, renovation or rehabilitation improvements for up to 10 years. The exemption covers only the granting government's taxes and requires a covenant that binds later owners, with back taxes plus interest due if the covenant is violated.
Federal Historic Tax Credits can cover up to 20% of rehabilitation costs for non-owner-occupied properties in a nationally listed historic district or on the National Register. Ask a CPA how these programs apply to your property before you start work.[1][3]
Key takeaways
- Delray Beach lists five local historic districts: Old School Square, Del-Ida Park, Marina, Nassau Park and West Settlers.
- Exterior alterations, additions and exterior color changes need a Certificate of Appropriateness.
- Any demolition in a historic district needs Historic Preservation Board approval.
- Interior work and routine maintenance are left to the owner.
- A city ad valorem exemption and federal credits may apply to qualifying work, so confirm the details with a CPA.
Sources
- [1]City of Delray Beach — Historic Preservation Frequently Asked Questions
- [2]City of Delray Beach — Historic Districts & Walking Tours
- [3]Florida Legislature — Florida Statutes s. 196.1997, Ad valorem tax exemptions for historic properties
Reviewed October 11, 2026. General real-estate information for Florida, not legal, tax, lending or insurance advice. Laws, rates and deadlines change — confirm property-specific facts with the agency cited, a Florida real-estate attorney, CPA or licensed insurance agent.