Free guide
Your Polk County relocation checklist
Thinking about trading high costs for a brand-new, low-maintenance home in central Florida? Here's everything to plan, step by step — no state income tax, single-story living, and homes from about $240k to $400k.
6+ months before
- ✓Get a home value estimate on your current home
- ✓Set your budget — new single-story homes in Polk run about $240k–$400k
- ✓Pick a few towns to explore: Lakeland, Winter Haven, Lake Wales, Bartow, Davenport
- ✓Decide if a 55+ community or an all-ages neighborhood fits you best
3–6 months before
- ✓Visit model homes and ask builders about incentives and closing-cost help
- ✓Ask about HOA fees, CDD fees, and what they cover
- ✓Get homeowner's insurance and flood-zone quotes early
- ✓Check nearby doctors, hospitals and your Medicare plan network
1–3 months before
- ✓Schedule your home inspection — yes, even on new construction
- ✓Plan your move and downsize what won't fit
- ✓Line up utilities, internet and mail forwarding
After you move
- ✓File for the Florida homestead exemption (by March 1)
- ✓Get your Florida driver's license, car registration and voter registration
- ✓Update your will and estate documents for Florida
General guidance only — confirm taxes, insurance and legal steps with a licensed professional.