Polk County, Florida Property Taxes
Property Taxes in Polk County, Florida
Median Polk County effective property tax rate: 1.19%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%.
Median Polk County home value: $230,615
Median annual Polk County tax bill: $2,218, lower than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.
How are property taxes in Polk County calculated?
Property taxes in Polk County are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.
Understanding your county's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Whether you live in Polk County or another part of Polk County, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.
Last Updated April 13, 2026
Polk County, Florida Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Median Effective Tax Rate
1.19%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,744
$2,547
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
How Does the Polk County Property Tax Calculator Work?
Use this Polk County property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Polk County's median effective tax rate of 1.19% — drawn from real transactions across the county — to generate your estimate.
Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the value the appraisal district assigns to your property, typically lower than market value after exemptions. Our calculator uses the median effective rate (actual bills divided by market value), which accounts for typical exemptions and is more accurate than applying the statutory millage rate directly.
Note: your assessed value reflects any exemptions you currently have. Rates vary across Polk County — scroll down to explore city-level trends and find the rate specific to your area.
Polk County's median effective tax rate is higher than Florida's 1.10% median, and the county's $2,218 median tax bill is $182 lower than the state median. If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can protest your Polk County assessment.
Property Tax Rates Across Polk County, Florida
What Are Effective Property Tax Rates Across Polk County?
Local government entities set tax rates, which vary widely across Polk County. Each year, the county estimates its budget for public services and divides that total by the assessed value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction.
Below, compare Polk County's effective property tax rate to other counties in Florida or the U.S. median of 1.02%.
Polk County's median effective rate stands at 1.19%, which is higher than the national median of 1.02%. Within Polk County, the highest rate is found in Lakeshore at 1.70%, while Lithia has the lowest at 0.67%.
These variations reflect differences in local school district levies, Municipal Service Benefit Units (MSBUs) assessments, and special district bonds — which compound the base county rate.
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Polk County Tax Rate
1.19%
Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.
Median Effective Florida Tax Rate
1.10%
Median Effective United States Tax Rate
1.02%
Property Tax Rates Across Polk County, Florida
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alturas | 0.64% | 1.08% | 1.38% | 1.55% | 1.88% |
| Auburndale | 0.34% | 0.60% | 1.04% | 1.46% | 1.65% |
| Avon Park | 0.71% | 0.88% | 1.19% | 1.52% | 2.16% |
| Babson Park | 0.50% | 0.65% | 1.05% | 1.40% | 1.60% |
| Bartow | 0.37% | 0.56% | 1.03% | 1.64% | 2.01% |
| Bowling Green | 0.49% | 0.61% | 1.18% | 1.72% | 2.22% |
| Bradley | 0.48% | 0.76% | 1.08% | 1.70% | 1.97% |
| Clermont | 0.65% | 0.99% | 1.56% | 1.60% | 1.69% |
| Davenport | 0.62% | 0.93% | 1.32% | 1.61% | 2.44% |
| Dundee | 0.34% | 0.73% | 1.26% | 1.81% | 2.08% |
| Eagle Lake | 0.49% | 0.77% | 1.47% | 2.10% | 6.29% |
| Eaton Park | 0.42% | 0.89% | 1.36% | 1.67% | 2.00% |
| Eloise | 0.67% | 0.78% | 1.55% | 1.93% | 1.99% |
| Fort Meade | 0.41% | 0.55% | 0.96% | 1.63% | 2.13% |
| Frostproof | 0.48% | 0.71% | 1.27% | 1.61% | 1.95% |
| Haines City | 0.51% | 0.92% | 1.53% | 2.01% | 2.45% |
| Highland City | 0.51% | 0.77% | 1.30% | 1.67% | 2.05% |
| Homeland | 0.45% | 0.57% | 1.14% | 1.33% | 1.67% |
| Indian Lake Estates | 0.50% | 0.65% | 1.14% | 1.42% | 1.56% |
| Kathleen | 0.48% | 0.64% | 0.87% | 1.35% | 1.67% |
| Kissimmee | 0.42% | 0.89% | 1.25% | 1.45% | 1.57% |
| Lake Alfred | 0.39% | 0.78% | 1.52% | 1.95% | 6.54% |
| Lake Hamilton | 0.49% | 0.63% | 1.09% | 1.78% | 2.07% |
| Lakeland | 0.38% | 0.58% | 0.93% | 1.42% | 1.71% |
| Lakeshore | 0.61% | 0.91% | 1.70% | 1.71% | 1.83% |
| Lake Wales | 0.44% | 0.69% | 1.21% | 1.61% | 2.00% |
| Lithia | 0.46% | 0.59% | 0.67% | 1.03% | 1.58% |
| Mulberry | 0.44% | 0.60% | 0.91% | 1.42% | 1.69% |
| Poinciana | 0.71% | 1.14% | 1.38% | 1.51% | 1.54% |
| Polk City | 0.42% | 0.60% | 1.05% | 1.43% | 1.68% |
| River Ranch | 0.95% | 1.13% | 1.14% | 1.33% | 1.52% |
| Waverly | 0.81% | 1.20% | 1.55% | 2.11% | 2.90% |
| Winter Haven | 0.41% | 0.65% | 1.13% | 1.58% | 1.93% |
| Champions Gate | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Loughman | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nichols | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Polk County, Florida
When examining property taxes in Polk County, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial.
The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Polk County appraisal district estimates the market value for tax purposes.
The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.
Assessment notices:
In Polk County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of August.
Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in Polk County.
For example, the median tax bill in Polk County is $2,218, compared with the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Tax bills range significantly across the county, from $697 in Bradley to $3,342 in Davenport, where the median home price is $278,976.
Median Polk County Market Value
$230,615
Median Florida Market Value
$310,033
Median United States Market Value
$235,294
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Polk County, Florida
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alturas | $73,160 | $115,920 | $131,720 | $202,743 | $286,185 |
| Auburndale | $60,788 | $136,932 | $229,873 | $298,731 | $389,772 |
| Avon Park | $29,123 | $45,888 | $85,474 | $157,930 | $299,829 |
| Babson Park | $61,084 | $137,510 | $189,873 | $313,449 | $507,345 |
| Bartow | $60,000 | $118,415 | $182,309 | $260,394 | $340,033 |
| Bowling Green | $40,411 | $64,336 | $108,246 | $147,715 | $241,766 |
| Bradley | $23,594 | $56,418 | $89,797 | $138,032 | $157,611 |
| Clermont | $61,159 | $64,517 | $69,906 | $80,077 | $106,312 |
| Davenport | $62,000 | $203,000 | $278,976 | $328,046 | $392,589 |
| Dundee | $86,504 | $168,559 | $231,696 | $263,008 | $287,672 |
| Eagle Lake | $29,500 | $54,000 | $159,903 | $249,083 | $290,304 |
| Eaton Park | $47,601 | $78,340 | $118,501 | $193,579 | $224,616 |
| Eloise | $36,374 | $45,738 | $52,729 | $78,443 | $86,695 |
| Fort Meade | $54,158 | $100,149 | $147,275 | $208,102 | $301,467 |
| Frostproof | $39,806 | $72,327 | $121,329 | $187,106 | $279,079 |
| Haines City | $44,528 | $80,138 | $196,490 | $272,359 | $316,037 |
| Highland City | $35,751 | $64,289 | $120,758 | $170,733 | $230,126 |
| Homeland | $68,455 | $94,972 | $134,813 | $228,192 | $270,797 |
| Indian Lake Estates | $12,000 | $155,618 | $200,108 | $245,278 | $300,680 |
| Kathleen | $65,604 | $98,552 | $178,258 | $265,882 | $357,571 |
| Kissimmee | $142,000 | $214,000 | $244,923 | $281,834 | $339,401 |
| Lake Alfred | $50,000 | $56,000 | $157,443 | $243,994 | $304,820 |
| Lake Hamilton | $8,484 | $14,942 | $14,947 | $218,000 | $277,726 |
| Lakeland | $99,517 | $171,052 | $242,895 | $313,024 | $413,032 |
| Lakeshore | $54,000 | $55,000 | $55,000 | $56,500 | $93,000 |
| Lake Wales | $52,047 | $93,878 | $159,816 | $236,415 | $319,006 |
| Lithia | $61,565 | $117,700 | $152,459 | $223,341 | $364,307 |
| Mulberry | $83,498 | $132,000 | $215,349 | $271,076 | $334,515 |
| Poinciana | $40,000 | $48,000 | $190,560 | $236,132 | $262,423 |
| Polk City | $75,419 | $119,145 | $189,805 | $282,389 | $389,685 |
| River Ranch | $72,500 | $72,500 | $84,000 | $119,096 | $151,000 |
| Waverly | $10,368 | $34,584 | $57,169 | $118,825 | $151,197 |
| Winter Haven | $66,714 | $135,500 | $214,016 | $272,413 | $349,961 |
| Champions Gate | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Loughman | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nichols | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Polk County, Florida
Median Polk County Tax Bill
$2,218
Median Florida Tax Bill
$3,263
Median United States Tax Bill
$2,400
Property Tax Bills Across Polk County, Florida
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alturas | $1,194 | $1,391 | $1,849 | $2,104 | $2,653 |
| Auburndale | $516 | $959 | $1,929 | $3,272 | $4,521 |
| Avon Park | $441 | $526 | $898 | $1,887 | $3,627 |
| Babson Park | $698 | $988 | $1,930 | $2,944 | $4,995 |
| Bartow | $548 | $872 | $1,742 | $2,989 | $4,034 |
| Bowling Green | $490 | $695 | $1,053 | $1,581 | $2,148 |
| Bradley | $400 | $605 | $697 | $1,124 | $1,933 |
| Clermont | $460 | $784 | $1,039 | $1,182 | $1,459 |
| Davenport | $979 | $2,030 | $3,342 | $4,510 | $6,302 |
| Dundee | $564 | $964 | $2,513 | $3,996 | $5,015 |
| Eagle Lake | $794 | $1,260 | $2,737 | $3,536 | $4,565 |
| Eaton Park | $482 | $843 | $1,408 | $1,976 | $3,006 |
| Eloise | $435 | $503 | $883 | $1,011 | $1,229 |
| Fort Meade | $476 | $779 | $1,240 | $2,226 | $3,292 |
| Frostproof | $470 | $707 | $1,235 | $2,005 | $3,133 |
| Haines City | $717 | $1,173 | $2,465 | $4,636 | $6,412 |
| Highland City | $490 | $719 | $1,117 | $2,010 | $2,842 |
| Homeland | $663 | $846 | $1,243 | $1,715 | $2,243 |
| Indian Lake Estates | $334 | $927 | $1,881 | $2,752 | $3,626 |
| Kathleen | $598 | $902 | $1,378 | $2,264 | $3,436 |
| Kissimmee | $855 | $1,795 | $2,937 | $3,670 | $4,361 |
| Lake Alfred | $585 | $957 | $1,908 | $3,475 | $4,616 |
| Lake Hamilton | $853 | $1,276 | $2,273 | $3,455 | $5,169 |
| Lakeland | $653 | $1,205 | $2,112 | $3,394 | $4,763 |
| Lakeshore | $359 | $532 | $940 | $955 | $1,005 |
| Lake Wales | $512 | $859 | $1,536 | $2,675 | $4,450 |
| Lithia | $601 | $771 | $1,009 | $1,618 | $2,892 |
| Mulberry | $656 | $1,065 | $1,782 | $2,811 | $3,885 |
| Poinciana | $341 | $455 | $1,780 | $3,478 | $3,725 |
| Polk City | $618 | $888 | $1,686 | $2,940 | $4,379 |
| River Ranch | $816 | $831 | $959 | $1,566 | $1,995 |
| Waverly | $226 | $683 | $1,027 | $1,555 | $1,935 |
| Winter Haven | $597 | $1,067 | $2,027 | $3,325 | $4,869 |
| Champions Gate | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Loughman | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Nichols | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$774
Average Annual Tax Savings
Save on Your Property Taxes and More With Ownwell
Want to lower your Polk County property taxes?
How Can I Lower My Property Taxes in Polk County?
Looking to reduce your Polk County property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax appeal company serving Polk County. We specialize in helping property owners in the Lakeland area and beyond lower their tax bills by working directly with the Polk County Property Appraiser.
Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the Polk County property tax appeal process and identify all available exemptions, so you don't have to.
Whether you are a homeowner, a real estate investor, or an asset manager, our local team at Ownwell has the expertise to assess your current property tax situation and find strategic opportunities for reducing your tax burden.
Property Tax Petitions in Florida
Property tax protests in Polk County begin when a homeowner believes the assessed value of a home is too high. The first step is to review the notice from the Property Appraiser and compare the assessment with the home’s market value, condition, and similar properties nearby. If the assessment seems inaccurate, the homeowner can file an appeal before the deadline of September 12, 2026.
The appeal process typically involves submitting evidence that supports a lower assessed value. This may include recent sales of comparable homes, photos showing property issues, or records that explain why the assessment does not reflect market conditions. Once the appeal is filed, the case is reviewed and can be heard by the Value Adjustment Board, which listens to property tax appeals and considers whether the assessment should be changed.
What can happen next? The board may agree that the assessment should be reduced, keep the assessment the same, or make another adjustment based on the evidence presented. A successful appeal can lower the property tax bill, while an unsuccessful appeal leaves the original assessment in place.
Ownwell helps homeowners navigate each step of the appeal process by identifying potential savings opportunities, organizing supporting evidence, and preparing a strong case for review. With guidance on filing and documentation, Ownwell makes it easier to challenge an unfair assessment and pursue a fairer property tax outcome.
Exemptions in Florida
What property tax exemption programs are available in Polk County, Florida?
Polk County homeowners may qualify for several property tax exemptions, with the most important being the homestead exemption for a primary residence. This exemption is available to homeowners who live in the home as their permanent residence and can reduce the assessed value of that property for tax purposes. It is the key exemption for owner-occupied homes and is often the first step in lowering a property tax bill.
Who is eligible for exemptions in Polk County?
Eligibility depends on the exemption type. The homestead exemption is for a homeowner’s primary residence. Other exemptions may be available for seniors, veterans, surviving spouses, and people with disabilities, depending on the homeowner’s circumstances and the documentation they can provide. Each exemption has its own rules, so it is important to confirm which ones apply before filing.
How do homeowners apply for property tax exemptions?
Homeowners generally apply through the county property appraiser’s office and must submit the required forms and supporting documents by the deadline. Because exemption rules can be easy to overlook, Ownwell helps homeowners identify every exemption they may qualify for, prepare the application correctly, and avoid missing savings tied to their primary residence.
Available Exemptions
Senior
Disabled
Home Stead
Veteran
Solar/Wind
Non-Profit
Don't miss the deadline to petition!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
| Appeal Deadline | September 12 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | November 1 |
| Due Date #1 | March 31 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Polk Property Appraiser | |
| Website | www.polkflpa.gov |
Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Polk County, Florida
How are property taxes calculated in Polk County, Florida?
How do I appeal my property taxes in Polk County, Florida?
What property tax exemptions are available in Polk County, Florida?
When are property taxes due in Polk County, Florida?
How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Polk County, Florida?
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