Fast Facts 

2016 Fast Facts

• Population:  110,000 within 10 mile radius of the Chamber office.
• Population: City of Haines City limits:  2018 -  23,847
• January average high 72 degrees
• August average high 92 degrees
• Average annual rainfall 51 inches

​Neighborhoods

Condos and apartments, new subdivisions, classic lake-front homes, ranch estates, and quiet downtown neighborhoods offer a wide range of housing options, including affordable housing opportunities, for residents in the greater Haines City area.

Along Highway 27 the new residential neighborhoods have attracted strip malls and services to locate nearby.

Worship

The area’s 60-plus churches represent most major denominations. The variety of new church facilities and renovation projects attests to the community’s spirit and generosity. Community outreach and support are coordinated through the Heart of Florida Ministerial Association. A list of churches can be found on the Chamber’s website or by calling the Chamber office.

Taxes

Florida is one of the few states with no personal income tax.  The state provides residents with a Homestead Exemption on the 1st and 3rd $25,000 of property value on their primary residence.  Real estate taxes are a combination of city, county, public school and special assessments.  Millage rates for property taxes are set by each municipality.  Florida also has a corporate income tax and county-wide sales tax of 7%. 

Vote 

Sign up to vote in Florida when obtaining a Florida Driver’s License or pick up a form at the public library or Chamber office to register by mail.  Use the same form to change your name, address or party affiliation.  Voter I.D. card and precinct information will be mailed to you within a couple of weeks. Registered voters must be at least 18 years old and a citizen of the U.S.  Contact election headquarters by calling 863-534-5888 or visit their website to register online or for other information – polkelections.com
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​Sunshine

Being in the “Heart of Florida”, our resilient, sunny atmosphere keeps visitors coming back and residents smiling!

​Population

Centered in the fast growing northeast section of Polk County, Haines City is now Polk’s third largest city. Residents share the beautiful lakes and scenic hills with an additional 25,000 part-time residents during our winter tourist season.​

News

Radio, television and newspaper services from both Tampa and Orlando provide big city news, while the Ledger and the News Chief cover local and regional happenings.  Landmark Baptist Church and College operates a local radio station, WLVF 90.3 and Hall Communications provides several genres of music through WONN, WPCV, WLKF & WWRZ Radio.

​Healthcare

Residents have an outstanding variety of health care choices, including three major hospitals within fifteen miles – Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center, Poinciana Medical Center and Winter Haven Hospital.  The area is also home to numerous family physicians, specialists, and state-of-the-art testing and diagnostic centers. 

​Utilities

Our city provides water and wastewater services to residents within its service area.  Haines City also provides refuse pick-up and recycling.   Duke Energy provides the community’s electric service.  Spectrum, Verizon and AT&T offer a variety of communication services, including high speed Internet access, cable television and telephone services.

​Auto Licensing & Insurance

When you move to Florida and become a resident you have 10 days to register your out of state vehicle. You are considered a Florida resident when you place your children in public schools, become employed, or otherwise establish Florida residency.  By Florida law, if you have a drivers license from another state you need to obtain a Florida drivers license within 30 days of residency at a local Tax Collector’s office.  The Polk County Tax Collector’s Office recently opened their newest location, The North Ridge (Davenport) Service Center at 2000 Deer Creek Commerce Lane, Davenport, and can be reached at 863-534-4700.  Florida's minimum coverage for Auto Insurance is $10,000 personal injury protection (PIP) and $10,000 property damage liability (PDL) as long as you have a valid Florida license plate.

​Residency 

Establish legal residency by registering to vote or by filing a Declaration of Residency with the Clerk of Circuit Court, located at 3425 Lake Alfred Rd., Winter Haven, FL  33881 – 863-401-2400.