Polk County Property Tax Rate
Florida
Polk County, Florida has an effective property tax rate of 0.73%, which is 21% lower than the national average of 0.92%. On a home valued at $266,500, homeowners pay approximately $1,933 per year in property taxes. Polk County ranks #33 out of 67 counties in Florida for property tax rates. Since 2020, the median bill has risen 49.4% while home values gained 64.1%. The county's largest city with its own tax profile is Lakeland, where the median annual bill is $1,669.
$1,933
Per year
$266,500
2024 estimate
2.93%
Median income: $65,978
#33
of 67 counties in FL
Tax Breakdown
With Mortgage
$2,291
median annual tax
Without Mortgage
$1,417
median annual tax
Homeowners with a mortgage in Polk County pay on average $874 more per year than those without. This difference often reflects how property tax escrow accounts in mortgaged homes capture the full tax obligation.
How Polk County Compares
Top Counties in Florida
Historical Property Tax Trends
Between 2020 and 2024, the median property tax bill in Polk County rose 49.4% (from $1,294 to $1,933), while the median home value climbed 64.1%. The effective tax rate fell from 0.80% to 0.73% over the same period.
| Year | Median Tax | Median Home Value | Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $1,294 | $162,400 | 0.80% |
| 2021 | $1,398 | $177,900 | 0.79% |
| 2022 | $1,579 | $215,700 | 0.73% |
| 2023 | $1,769 | $240,000 | 0.74% |
| 2024 | $1,933 | $266,500 | 0.73% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates
Florida Property Tax Exemptions
Available to Polk County homeowners
General Homestead
Up to $50,000 ($25,000 applies to all taxes; additional $25,000 applies to non-school taxes for values between $50,000-$75,000)
Primary residence owners with Florida residency as of January 1
Over 65 (Low Income)
Up to $50,000 additional exemption from county or city taxes
Homeowners age 65+ with household income below $36,614 (adjusted annually); must have homestead exemption
Save Our Homes (SOH) Cap
Assessment increases capped at 3% or CPI, whichever is lower
All homestead property owners; applies automatically
Disabled Veteran
Up to 100% exemption; $5,000 reduction for partial disability; full exemption for 100% disabled veterans who are permanently and totally disabled
Veterans with service-connected disability; combat-disabled veterans age 65+ may qualify for additional discounts
Disability
$500 reduction in assessed value
Persons who are totally and permanently disabled
Not sure which exemption applies to you? See our full homestead exemption guide for all 50 states, including amounts and application deadlines.
Property Tax Calculator
Estimate your annual property tax in Polk County
Estimated Annual Property Tax
$2,190
$183/month · Rate: 0.73%
Compare other counties with the Florida Property Tax Calculator.
Pay Your Polk County Property Tax
Due: March 31 (discounts Nov-Feb)
Pay online or view your bill through the official Polk County tax office.
Go to Official Payment Site →Opens the county's official website in a new tab.
Nearby Counties
Quick Facts
Think your property tax is too high?
Homeowners save an average of $1,148/year by appealing their assessment.
Learn How to Appeal →Cities in Polk County
Explore property tax data for 4 cities in Polk County, Florida.
| City | Annual Tax | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Lakeland | $1,669 | 0.73% |
| Poinciana | $2,059 | 0.77% |
| Winter Haven | $2,121 | 0.85% |
| Haines City | $2,416 | 0.96% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Data Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2024 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Effective tax rates are calculated by dividing median real estate taxes paid by median home value. Actual property tax rates may vary based on local taxing jurisdictions, exemptions, and assessment practices. This information is for general reference only and should not be used as a substitute for professional tax advice.