Polk County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Polk County is 1.16%, which is slightly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and Florida's state median of 1.14%. With a median home value of $203,226 in Polk County, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $1,931, which is below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Polk County are calculated based on the assessed value, which often falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions, such as those for primary residences and agricultural properties. Understanding Polk County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in Lakeland or another part of Polk County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Polk County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.16%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,357
$2,229
$1,148
Average Polk County Tax Savings
Ownwell’s Polk County Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in Polk County with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in Polk County to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool not only helps you understand potential tax liabilities but also highlights how Ownwell can help lower property taxes in Polk County. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.
Property Tax Rates Across Polk County, Florida
Property taxes in Polk County play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Polk County is 1.16%, which is higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Polk County set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, Polk County estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. The following data compares Polk County's effective property tax rate with other counties in Florida and the national median. For comparison, the city of Eloise has one of the higher property tax rates in Florida at 1.95%, while the city of Lithia boasts one of the lowest at 0.61%. Analyzing how Polk County's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average Polk County Tax Rate
1.16%
Average Florida Tax Rate
1.14%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Polk County, Florida
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alturas | 0.57% | 0.84% | 1.42% | 1.66% | 2.02% |
| Auburndale | 0.36% | 0.60% | 1.02% | 1.46% | 1.67% |
| Avon Park | 0.77% | 0.95% | 1.31% | 1.75% | 2.15% |
| Babson Park | 0.53% | 0.66% | 1.00% | 1.44% | 1.61% |
| Bartow | 0.35% | 0.53% | 0.92% | 1.48% | 1.78% |
| Bowling Green | 0.48% | 0.68% | 1.06% | 1.63% | 2.08% |
| Bradley | 0.57% | 1.08% | 1.38% | 1.77% | 2.05% |
| Champions Gate | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Clermont | 0.73% | 1.02% | 1.68% | 1.82% | 1.86% |
| Davenport | 0.61% | 0.97% | 1.36% | 1.53% | 2.19% |
| Dundee | 0.37% | 0.71% | 1.31% | 1.85% | 2.10% |
| Eagle Lake | 0.48% | 0.63% | 1.12% | 1.69% | 2.01% |
| Eaton Park | 0.40% | 0.80% | 1.39% | 1.76% | 2.27% |
| Eloise | 0.87% | 1.14% | 1.95% | 2.47% | 3.17% |
| Fort Meade | 0.43% | 0.56% | 0.93% | 1.61% | 2.07% |
| Frostproof | 0.51% | 0.74% | 1.30% | 1.68% | 2.01% |
| Haines City | 0.55% | 0.93% | 1.54% | 2.03% | 2.61% |
| Highland City | 0.46% | 0.68% | 1.22% | 1.59% | 2.00% |
| Homeland | 0.60% | 0.73% | 1.36% | 1.56% | 2.21% |
| Indian Lake Estates | 0.55% | 0.69% | 1.01% | 1.46% | 1.57% |
| Kathleen | 0.54% | 0.68% | 0.96% | 1.43% | 1.81% |
| Kissimmee | 0.44% | 0.93% | 1.28% | 1.46% | 1.64% |
| Lake Alfred | 0.38% | 0.68% | 1.08% | 1.73% | 1.98% |
| Lake Hamilton | 0.55% | 0.68% | 1.12% | 1.83% | 2.15% |
| Lakeland | 0.40% | 0.60% | 0.96% | 1.45% | 1.75% |
| Lakeshore | 0.61% | 0.89% | 1.69% | 1.70% | 1.70% |
| Lake Wales | 0.47% | 0.72% | 1.23% | 1.69% | 2.05% |
| Lithia | 0.49% | 0.54% | 0.61% | 0.81% | 1.22% |
| Loughman | 1.33% | 1.41% | 1.53% | 1.87% | 2.12% |
| Mulberry | 0.46% | 0.61% | 0.92% | 1.41% | 1.74% |
| Nichols | 0.75% | 0.83% | 0.97% | 1.11% | 1.19% |
| Poinciana | 0.80% | 1.33% | 1.50% | 1.55% | 1.92% |
| Polk City | 0.46% | 0.64% | 1.09% | 1.51% | 1.78% |
| River Ranch | 1.07% | 1.28% | 1.33% | 1.38% | 1.52% |
| Waverly | 1.09% | 1.48% | 1.91% | 2.36% | 2.86% |
| Winter Haven | 0.43% | 0.66% | 1.12% | 1.61% | 1.94% |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Polk County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Polk County, Florida
Understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes in Polk County, FL. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the Polk County Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. Assessment notices in Polk County are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. Notably, Davenport has the highest median tax bill at $3,008, while Poinciana has the lowest at $628. Being aware of these valuation processes will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.
Average Polk County Assessed Value
$203,226
Average Florida Assessed Value
$276,648
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Polk County, Florida
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alturas | $32,282 | $74,513 | $100,552 | $153,610 | $189,931 |
| Auburndale | $50,000 | $110,082 | $194,118 | $262,436 | $346,797 |
| Avon Park | $30,765 | $43,071 | $69,201 | $160,041 | $271,457 |
| Babson Park | $76,990 | $127,453 | $175,694 | $288,012 | $477,255 |
| Bartow | $63,084 | $111,322 | $161,949 | $229,332 | $301,246 |
| Bowling Green | $39,270 | $59,072 | $97,190 | $130,516 | $208,345 |
| Bradley | $25,895 | $41,536 | $51,238 | $78,298 | $128,672 |
| Champions Gate | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Clermont | $45,515 | $48,355 | $56,974 | $70,650 | $98,297 |
| Davenport | $53,000 | $175,000 | $244,825 | $282,039 | $333,178 |
| Dundee | $63,644 | $140,146 | $205,704 | $230,326 | $257,482 |
| Eagle Lake | $50,000 | $126,907 | $184,537 | $243,822 | $281,641 |
| Eaton Park | $39,208 | $65,334 | $105,309 | $167,585 | $199,114 |
| Eloise | $20,020 | $25,380 | $38,712 | $57,868 | $60,772 |
| Fort Meade | $51,139 | $94,927 | $137,668 | $191,817 | $269,403 |
| Frostproof | $35,939 | $62,644 | $104,864 | $161,704 | $253,128 |
| Haines City | $44,000 | $74,414 | $165,456 | $240,466 | $276,990 |
| Highland City | $40,999 | $61,419 | $117,021 | $171,376 | $236,272 |
| Homeland | $44,023 | $56,565 | $95,806 | $163,489 | $193,035 |
| Indian Lake Estates | $110,752 | $142,927 | $175,263 | $217,057 | $261,992 |
| Kathleen | $56,774 | $87,665 | $156,618 | $227,697 | $297,589 |
| Kissimmee | $157,908 | $191,808 | $217,804 | $251,049 | $307,988 |
| Lake Alfred | $46,599 | $94,466 | $160,560 | $233,189 | $286,974 |
| Lake Hamilton | $91,114 | $136,502 | $181,932 | $233,915 | $278,960 |
| Lakeland | $81,722 | $145,495 | $214,496 | $277,613 | $367,085 |
| Lakeshore | $52,000 | $52,000 | $52,000 | $53,500 | $79,500 |
| Lake Wales | $47,443 | $81,502 | $139,280 | $210,870 | $281,958 |
| Lithia | $72,737 | $110,646 | $163,872 | $214,283 | $330,972 |
| Loughman | $46,930 | $73,306 | $149,056 | $201,790 | $277,337 |
| Mulberry | $72,084 | $120,000 | $196,202 | $247,841 | $300,633 |
| Nichols | $86,639 | $103,106 | $130,552 | $157,998 | $174,465 |
| Poinciana | $28,000 | $30,000 | $33,000 | $208,352 | $236,092 |
| Polk City | $57,267 | $98,600 | $161,745 | $240,144 | $328,563 |
| River Ranch | $54,500 | $54,500 | $60,000 | $115,000 | $131,000 |
| Waverly | $12,158 | $32,304 | $49,390 | $91,932 | $111,518 |
| Winter Haven | $61,986 | $118,495 | $188,568 | $242,370 | $310,161 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Polk County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Bills Across Polk County, Florida
In Polk County, FL, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of your home, which is determined by the county assessor. This assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine your annual property tax bill. Polk County's property tax rates can vary significantly, with the median tax bill ranging from $628 in Poinciana to $3,008 in Davenport. Factors such as property location, market conditions, and any applicable exemptions or deductions also play a crucial role in determining your final tax bill. For homeowners, a high property tax bill can be a significant financial burden. Ownwell helps homeowners in Polk County save on their property tax bills by providing expert property tax appeal and exemption services. By analyzing your property's assessed value and comparing it with market data, Ownwell identifies opportunities to contest overvaluations and secure tax reductions, potentially saving you hundreds or even thousands of dollars annually.
Average Polk County Tax Bill
$1,931
Average Florida Tax Bill
$2,953
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Polk County, Florida
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alturas | $633 | $978 | $1,460 | $1,960 | $2,296 |
| Auburndale | $476 | $816 | $1,597 | $2,731 | $3,879 |
| Avon Park | $451 | $522 | $898 | $1,866 | $3,428 |
| Babson Park | $698 | $977 | $1,806 | $2,800 | $4,909 |
| Bartow | $469 | $724 | $1,375 | $2,318 | $3,344 |
| Bowling Green | $444 | $650 | $876 | $1,388 | $1,988 |
| Bradley | $282 | $466 | $712 | $977 | $1,439 |
| Champions Gate | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| Clermont | $460 | $651 | $897 | $1,057 | $1,375 |
| Davenport | $884 | $1,773 | $3,008 | $3,933 | $5,210 |
| Dundee | $540 | $826 | $2,223 | $3,502 | $4,492 |
| Eagle Lake | $682 | $911 | $2,061 | $2,913 | $4,223 |
| Eaton Park | $458 | $654 | $1,250 | $1,701 | $2,420 |
| Eloise | $433 | $567 | $761 | $895 | $1,062 |
| Fort Meade | $468 | $772 | $1,140 | $1,993 | $2,962 |
| Frostproof | $444 | $676 | $1,116 | $1,773 | $2,762 |
| Haines City | $646 | $995 | $2,079 | $3,761 | $5,330 |
| Highland City | $482 | $676 | $1,009 | $1,785 | $2,607 |
| Homeland | $595 | $760 | $1,016 | $1,471 | $2,298 |
| Indian Lake Estates | $717 | $1,064 | $1,776 | $2,486 | $3,297 |
| Kathleen | $567 | $866 | $1,331 | $2,108 | $3,133 |
| Kissimmee | $829 | $1,652 | $2,659 | $3,338 | $4,103 |
| Lake Alfred | $541 | $834 | $1,668 | $2,746 | $3,912 |
| Lake Hamilton | $835 | $1,116 | $1,953 | $2,888 | $4,382 |
| Lakeland | $593 | $1,076 | $1,883 | $3,029 | $4,235 |
| Lakeshore | $337 | $583 | $884 | $898 | $959 |
| Lake Wales | $487 | $780 | $1,347 | $2,339 | $4,038 |
| Lithia | $543 | $686 | $920 | $1,398 | $2,122 |
| Loughman | $996 | $1,247 | $2,245 | $2,723 | $2,745 |
| Mulberry | $607 | $958 | $1,599 | $2,476 | $3,427 |
| Nichols | $706 | $973 | $1,420 | $1,866 | $2,134 |
| Poinciana | $251 | $426 | $628 | $3,139 | $3,582 |
| Polk City | $568 | $811 | $1,441 | $2,624 | $3,831 |
| River Ranch | $679 | $695 | $799 | $1,287 | $1,730 |
| Waverly | $214 | $632 | $948 | $1,303 | $1,761 |
| Winter Haven | $553 | $937 | $1,778 | $2,931 | $4,258 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Polk County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Want to lower your Polk County property taxes?
Looking to reduce your Polk County property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax protest company serving Polk County. We specialize in helping property owners in the Lakeland area and beyond lower their taxes by working directly with the Polk County Appraisal District. 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 protest process and identify all available property tax 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 identify strategic opportunities for reducing your tax burden. By managing the protest process from beginning to end, we not only simplify the procedure but also increase your chances of obtaining a favorable result. Let Ownwell be your trusted partner in lowering your Polk County property tax expenses through our proven strategies and expert advocacy.
Property Tax Petitions in Florida
The property tax protest process in Polk County, FL, allows homeowners to appeal their property tax assessments if they believe their property has been over-assessed. The process begins with a formal appeal to the Polk County Value Adjustment Board (VAB), the entity responsible for hearing these appeals. Homeowners need to gather evidence to support their claim, such as recent sales data of comparable properties, an independent appraisal, or evidence of discrepancies in the property’s assessed value. Once the appeal is filed, the VAB schedules a hearing where the homeowner can present their case. It's crucial to be well-prepared, as the board will review the evidence and make a determination based on the information provided. The potential outcomes of an appeal can vary: the board may agree with the homeowner and reduce the property’s assessed value, or they may uphold the original assessment if they find the evidence insufficient. Navigating this process can be complex, and that's where Ownwell can assist. Ownwell specializes in property tax appeals and exemptions, providing expert guidance to ensure homeowners have the best chance of a successful outcome. The team at Ownwell can help gather the necessary evidence, prepare the appeal, and represent the homeowner during the hearing. This professional support can significantly increase the likelihood of a favorable decision, potentially leading to a lower property tax bill. By leveraging Ownwell’s expertise, homeowners can navigate the property tax protest process more effectively, ensuring their property is assessed fairly and that they are not overpaying on their property taxes.
Exemptions in Florida
Polk County offers a variety of property tax exemption programs designed to provide financial relief to eligible homeowners. One of the most significant exemptions is the Homestead Exemption, which is available to homeowners who use the property as their primary residence. This exemption can significantly reduce the assessed value of the property, thereby lowering the annual property tax bill. To qualify, homeowners must have legal title to the property and occupy it as their primary residence as of January 1st of the tax year. Another valuable exemption is the Senior Citizen Exemption, which benefits homeowners aged 65 and older. This exemption offers additional savings for seniors who meet specific income requirements. Disabled veterans and their surviving spouses may also qualify for exemptions that provide substantial reductions in property taxes, depending on the degree of disability and other criteria. Homeowners can apply for these exemptions by submitting the required forms and documentation to the Polk County Property Appraiser's Office. The application process typically involves providing proof of residency, age, income, or disability status, depending on the exemption type. Ownwell can assist homeowners in navigating these exemption programs, ensuring that they maximize their potential savings. By leveraging our expertise, homeowners can confidently apply for the exemptions they qualify for and reduce their property tax burdens effectively.
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 10 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | November 1 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Polk Property Appraiser | |
| Website | www.polkpa.org |
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