WELCOME TO POLK COUNTY

Polk County is in a unique and enviable position – literally – that no other county in Florida can claim. Polk is the fastest growing county in the state. Why? We’re the connecting force between people, places and potential…the crossroads of opportunity. Located between the Orlando and Tampa metro regions along the I-4 corridor, Polk is a blend of rapidly urbanizing growing communities in the northern section. Yet south of State Road 60, which crosses through the midsection of the county, you will find miles of rural ranch and scrub land, left unscathed by development. In Polk, you will find the ideal combination of access, affordability and untapped opportunity for visitors, residents and prospective businesses. Visit Polk County, Florida. It is truly a great place to visit and live.

NEWS

Polk County Emergency Management Honored with 2025 Spirit of Leadership Polk Award

Bartow, Fla. (May 27, 2025) – Polk County Emergency Management team recently received the 2025 Spirit of Leadership Polk Award for their outstanding commitment to…

Polk HealthCare Plan Changes Eligibility Requirements

Bartow, Fla. (May 27, 2025) — Eligibility requirements for the Polk HealthCare Plan have changed. Now applicants will only be required to provide one form…

Polk County Approves New Ordinance Establishing Designated Swim Areas and Vessel Exclusion Zones in Three County Lakes

Bartow, Fla. (May 23, 2025) – Polk County Board of County Commissioners have approved an ordinance repealing and restating the Polk County Waterway Protection Code.…

Youth Recreational Sports League Providers Needed in Dundee, Poinciana and Wahneta

Bartow, Fla. (May 23, 2025) — Polk County Parks and Recreation staff are looking for recreational youth league providers to fill openings at three local…

Polk County Solid Waste Division Staff Launches “Uninvited Guests” PSA Campaign

Bartow, Fla. (May 22, 2025) – Polk County Solid Waste Division staff have launched a creative public safety campaign titled “Uninvited Guests” to raise awareness…

Parks and Natural Resources Receives Environmental Stewardship Award from DEP

Bartow, Fla. (May 21, 2025) — The Polk County Parks and Natural Resources Division received the 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award from the Southwest District of…

Solid Waste Disposal Fees Slated to Increase October 1

Bartow, Fla. (May 21, 2025) – Polk County Board of County Commissioners unanimously supported increasing the solid waste disposal fees at the county’s North Central…

Polk County Solid Waste 2025 Memorial Day Residential Collection Schedule

Bartow, Fla. (May 19, 2025) – In observance of the Memorial Day holiday, there will be no curbside residential collection for residents in unincorporated Polk…

Polk County Fire Rescue Invites the Public to the Grand Opening of Moore Road Fire Station

Bartow, Fla. (May 16, 2025) — Polk County Fire Rescue extends an invitation to the public for the grand opening of the new Moore Road…

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WHAT'S NEW

Hurricane Milton Recovery Resources in Polk

As Polk County embarks on recovering from Hurricane Milton, Polk County Emergency Management is working to connect residents to resources. Below you will find the…

Preservation’s Place in Florida’s Fastest Growing County

Polk County is very fortunate to be home to so many historic attractions and monuments, from the beautiful Bok Tower Gardens to several historic districts…

Save Money on Your Water Bill by Saving Water on Your Lawn

If your New Year’s resolution is to save money and lower your water bill, your lawn might be a great place to start. In Polk…

Community Kindness and Renewed Hope After the Ashes

Betty Frey, 85, faced a devastating loss on Jan. 15, 2024, when a fire in Polk County consumed almost everything she owned, including her beloved…

Where to Celebrate Holiday Events In Polk County, Florida

Looking for festive fun events this holiday season? Polk County has you covered! Whether you’re a long-time resident or visiting Polk for the first time,…

Polk Resident Traces Genealogy Back to Nobel Prize Winner

Marilyn Tucker’s journey into learning about her family history began in the 1990s when she received a message from a distant relative whom she had…

Florida’s Water Dilemma Impacts Polk County Utilities Rates

Water Conservation in Polk County Polk County Utilities Division (PCU) has been a leader in water conservation. Conserving water is important to Polk County for…

Polk County Solid Waste Division’s New “Green” Projects

The Polk County Solid Waste Division will be implementing two new “Green” projects focused on sustainability and renewable energy. The Solid Waste Division is doing…