Demographics

2009 Fast Facts - City of Haines City
City population 18,916
Within 10 mile radius 110,000
Average age 35.6
Average household income $40,782
January average high 72 degrees
August average high 92 degrees
Average annual rainfall 51 inches
Median home price $78,000

Sunshine
Our weather is one of our greatest assets, with average temperatures ranging from 70 to 90 and rain falling mostly during short afternoon showers between May and September. Central Florida’s 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
Residents and visitors have several choices for staying informed. Radio, television and newspaper services from both Tampa and Orlando provide the big city news, while the Ledger and News Chief cover local and regional happenings. The PolkVoice provides residents with an online forum to share news, some of which is also printed in a hard copy version. Landmark Baptist Church and College operates a local radio station.

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. (caption for picture)

Healthcare
Residents have an outstanding variety of health care choices, including two major hospitals within ten miles, family physicians, specialists, and testing and diagnostic centers.
Heart of Florida Regional Medical Center’s northeast Polk County location is convenient for both residents and visitors. The hospital has grown substantially since constructing its first phase on Highway 27 in 1996. Winter Haven Hospital provides local access to its range of services through doctor partnerships and a family medical center.

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.

Utilities
Haines City provides water and wastewater services to its residents and several thousand more within the City’s service area. City residents are provided refuse pick-up and recycling along with their City water service. Outside the city limits, Polk County provides refuse pick up to county residents within the city’s service area. Call 863-421-3600 for City utility information.

Progress Energy provides the community’s electric service. Bright House Networks, Verizon and Comcast offer a variety of communication services, including high speed internet access, cable television, and telephone connections.

Taxes
Florida is one of the few states with no personal income tax. The state provides residents with a Homestead Exemption on the first $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, with Haines City’s rate currently at 6.99 mills. The County’s rate varies between 7 and 10 mills.

Florida also has a corporate income tax and a county-wide sales tax of 7%. Most food, medicine and some professional services are not taxed.

Auto Licensing & Insurance
Persons setting up business, becoming employed, or enrolling children in public school must secure a Florida auto plate immediately. For other new residents, out-of-state plates are valid until expiration. Auto plates are renewed annually on the registered owner’s birthday. Florida also requires legal residents to secure a Title Certificate in addition to car registration and auto plate. Florida is a No-Fault Insurance state. All vehicle owners are required by law to carry basic PIP coverage.

New residents are required to obtain a Florida driver’s license within 30 days of becoming a legal resident, taking employment, or entering a child in pubic school. The Division of Driver’s License is located at 930 Lily Avenue in Haines City. Save the wait time by making reservations, 863-421-3202.

Vote
Sign up to vote in Florida when obtaining a Florida Driver’s License or pick up a form at City Hall, the Chamber office, the public library, or at a local bank 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, a citizen of the U.S., and a permanent resident for at least 60 days in the Florida county you are registering in.

Contact election headquarters by calling 863-534-5888, emailing to loriedwards@polkelections.com or by mail at P.O. Box 1460, Bartow, Fl 33831.

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 Road, Winter Haven, FL 33881.