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Polk County, Florida
Genealogy, History & Facts

County Vital Records ∣ County Census Records ∣ County Courthouse and Government Records ∣
County Societies, Family History Resources and County Genealogy Links

Polk County, Florida Facts

When was Polk County, FL Created?
Polk County was created on February 8, 1861 from Brevard County and Hillsborough County. This county was named for James K. Polk (1795–1849), the 11th President of the United States.

What is the County Seat of Polk County, FL?
The County Seat is located in Bartow also, the county government website is www.polk-county.net/.

What counties are adjacent to Polks County, FL?
Bordering Counties are Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, Okeechobee County, Highlands County, Hardee County, Manatee County, Hillsborough County, Sumter County, Pasco County.

What cities and towns are in Polk County, FL?
Cities and towns located in the County include Auburndale, Bartow, Davenport, Eagle Lake, Fort Meade, Frostproof, Haines City, Lake Alfred, Lakeland, Lake Wales, Mulberry, Polk City, Winter Haven Dundee, Hillcrest Heights, Lake Hamilton. Villages Include Highland Park.

Polk County, FL Vital Records

Where can find Polk County Birth, marriage, Divorce and Death Records?
Polk County vital records can be found at the Florida Office of Vital Records which has copies of Birth & Deaths reported 1917 to present and Divorce & Marriages since June 6, 1927. There is a fee for each copy requested. Please refer to the information to the Statewide Vital Records in Florida for current fees and application process.

You can search online for Polk County Birth, Marriage, Divorce or Death Records. You can also Order Electronically Online or can download an application for Florida Birth Certificate, Marriage Certificate, Divorce Certificate, Death Certificate Applications to mail.

Vital Records can also be found in the Polk County Health Department has copies of Birth & Death certificates. Also has computer access from 1917 to present for birth records for the entire state as well as births that occurred in this county.

Polk County, FL Census Records


What Polk County, FL census records are available?
There are many types of census records for Polk County guide you in researching your family tree. Federal Population Schedules are available for 1870, 1880 (free index), 1890 (fragment), 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940.

Polk Co. Mortality Schedules can be found for 1870 and 1880. Polk Co. Industry and Agriculture can be obtained for 1870 and 1880. Polk Co. Union Veterans Schedules is available for 1890.

There are Florida State censuses from 1867, 1875, 1885, 1935, 1945. You can get free downloadable and also printable census forms to help you with your research. See Also Florida Census Records Research Guide

Polk County, FL Courthouse and Government Records

Polk County Courthouse

What genealogical records can I find in the Polk County Courthouse?
The below facts shows exactly what death, marriage, birth, property, wills, and court records are typically in Polk County. The years listed below are the first noted records with this county. See Also Florida Corthouse Records Research Guide.

PLEASE READ FIRST!!! Please call the clerk’s department to confirm hours, mailing address, fees and other specifics before visiting or requesting information because of sometimes changing contact information. The Department Offices DO NOT DO RESEARCH. The files are available to interested parties, barring private issues. Many staff will guide individuals in locating the materials, however it’s up to the person to carry out the research.

Old Polk County Courthouse
  • Polk County Courthouse (all departments listed below are located here, unless otherwise noted)
    • Address: P.O. Box 9000, Drawer CC-1, Bartow, FL 33831 or 255 N. Broadway, Bartow, FL 33830
  • Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court / County Clerk is custodian of all records of all predecessor courts, whether justice of the peace, city, county, probate, civil, or criminal.
    • Phone: (863) 534-4000
    • Marriage Records: 1862
    • Land Records: 1862
    • Probate Records: 1861
    • Court Records: 1867
  • Polk County Tax Collector collects all real estate taxes including postponed and delinquent, all county revenues in addition to the research and issue tax deed applications. Our department is the holder of tax records and assessed values.
  • Florida Land Records
  • BLM Land Records

Polk County, FL Societies and Family History Resources

What genealogical and historical societies, archives, museums, associations and libraries are available for Polk County, FL?
A list of Polk County Historical  and Genealogical Societies, Libraries, Archives. See also list of Statewide Florida Archives, Historical & Genealogical Societies.

Where can I connect with other Polk County, FL Researchers through message boards and forums?

What other genealogical resources are available in Polk County, FL?
The following are web links to Genealogy, Records and Resources pertaining to Polk County. A lot of these genealogy links fall into 3 categories: Business oriented Sites, Private Sites or Organization Sites. Some have free access some require a fee. This is just a directory which has been collected or submitted. I do not endorse or promote one genealogy site over another.

Polk Co. FL Books, Newspapers & Publications

Polk Co. FL Cemeteries & Church Records

Polk Co. FL Family Websites, Pictures & Histories

Polk Co. FL General and History Websites

Polk Co. FL Immigration & Naturalization

Polk Co. FL Maps, Atlases & Gazetteers

Polk Co. FL Military Records

Polk Co. FL Schools & Directories