The Polk County Kids Tax Art scholarship contest is an exciting new initiative launched in 2025! The Tax Collector’s Office is encouraging creativity in art, by joining with Southern Homes of Polk County to create Kids Tax Art!
High school students submit wonderful works of art as part of a competition to be featured on tax bill envelopes and receive a scholarship prize. This comes at no cost to taxpayers, as there is no additional printing cost, and the scholarship prize is graciously funded through a donation from program sponsor Southern Homes of Polk County.
This program was inspired by a touching story on CBS Mornings. Famed broadcaster Steve Hartman told the story of human connection through a billing statement, when a medical clerk’s original art on a patient’s bill’s envelope was so moving. Kids Tax Art was born, as Tax Collector Joe G. Tedder realized the same concept – and talent – could be applied to the Tax Bill his office sends to hundreds of thousands of property owners in Polk County annually, at no cost! Kids Tax Art goes a step further, by involving amazing high school artists.
“This fun program brings a personal touch to public service! It inspires creativity, encourages artful expression, and displays such talent. We’re happy to partner with Southern Homes of Polk County, the Polk County School Board, and Polk Education Foundation to make it happen.”
~ Joe Tedder, CFC Tax Collector for Polk County, Florida
“This fun program brings a personal touch to public service! It inspires creativity, encourages artful expression, and displays such talent. We’re happy to partner with Southern Homes of Polk County, the Polk County School Board, and Polk Education Foundation to make it happen.”
~ Austin Evans & Caroline Sharpe, Southern Homes of Polk County
