POLK COUNTY, Fla. – As Tax Collector service demands spike over the holiday season, Polk County Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder is urging customers not to wait in long lines when they don’t have to. Many convenient, time-saving alternatives are available.
Skip wasting time waiting in a Tax Collector lobby! Take advantage of time-saving service options.
Last November and December, Tax Collector Service Centers handled roughly 300 more transactions per day than usual. With similar or even higher demand expected this year, citizens are encouraged to take advantage of the alternatives available which allow them to skip the crowds and get their motor vehicle services done quickly and efficiently!
The Tax Collector’s private tag agency partners Express Auto Tags of North Lakeland, First Lakeland Tag Agency, and Express Auto Tags of Winter Haven offer services like vehicle registration renewals, title transfers, and parking placards. These locations bring extended weekday hours, Saturday hours, and will remain open on Christmas Eve and on December 26!
“We’re all about providing options, and our private tag agency partners do that with extended hours and additional locations and appointments. They do charge additional fees, but it’s worth it to some customers,” Joe G. Tedder said.
Governor Ron DeSantis has designated Wednesday, November 26, as a holiday for state employees, in addition to the existing Thanksgiving Day and day-after holidays; however, the Tax Collector’s staff will not follow suit and close to the public on November 26, due to anticipated customer needs.
“We constantly evaluate our holiday closure days and always base our decisions on the customer service we strive to provide, the workload we’re faced with, and the work-life balance for our valuable staff,” Tedder explained.
“Although Governor DeSantis will close the state offices on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, we will be open because of the demand for customer services we tend to see,” he added.
The Tax Collector’s Office will be closed on:
- Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving Day)
- Friday, November 28
- Wednesday, December 24 (Christmas Eve)
- Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day)
- Friday, December 26
- Thursday, January 1 (New Year’s Day)
Partner tag agencies will remain open for regularly scheduled Saturday hours throughout the holidays and on Wednesday, December 24, and Friday, December 26, 2025.
Express Auto Tags of North Lakeland is located at 4933 US Highway 98 N, Lakeland, FL, 33809.
Many services can be secured online! Visit PolkTaxes.com to:
- Renew a driver license/ID online
- Renew a vehicle registration online
- Utilize same-day services through the EXPRESS PICKUP option online
- Pay property taxes online
- and more!
Additionally, KIOSK services are available in each of the five Tax Collector Service Center lobbies and in Lakeland at the Grove Park Publix store. Visit www.PolkTaxes.com for more information on Tax Collector and partner agency locations and hours.