Lakeland / Winter Haven, Florida
Polk County
Central Florida growth corridor — Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow.
280,000
Residential properties
23,240
Estimated missing homestead exemption
~$950
Average annual savings
$22.1M
Total addressable savings per year
Polk County Homestead Exemption
What is it?
Florida's Homestead Exemption removes up to $50,000 from your property's taxable value. In Polk County, with a combined millage rate of approximately 19 mills, that saves you roughly $950/year.
Who qualifies?
- You own the property (your name is on the deed)
- It's your permanent, primary residence
- You're a Florida resident (FL driver's license or ID)
- You haven't already filed for this property
How to file
- Deadline: March 1 of the tax year
- File with the Polk County Property Appraiser
- Need: Signed DR-501 form, FL ID, and deed/closing docs
- Can file online, by mail, or in person
Flood insurance
Polk County has an estimated 30,000 NFIP flood insurance policies. Based on statewide data, approximately 29% of policyholders may save by switching to private flood insurance. We check this too — for free.
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