Build a Balanced Life

In Central Florida, professionals strike a sweet balance between work and play.

With career development and entrepreneurship opportunities across industries, you’ll sharpen your skills while sporting an endless summer. Learn why these local professionals, entrepreneurs and community members choose to put down roots in Polk.

Senior Project Specialist makes time for what matters

1:55
Matt’s biggest priority is his family. In Polk County, he’s able to care for them well while being proud of his career in environmental safety.

Graphic Designer at creative studio builds community

2:05
Georgia chose Central Florida for career growth and connectivity—see how she finds creativity in every corner of her life in Lakeland.

IT Supervisor at Nucor Steel explores the outdoors

2:05
Nick’s an avid hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman. Learn why he and his family call the Central Florida community “home.”

Construction Project Manager finds opportunity

2:02
On a typical day, you’ll find Kait raising her 3-year-old daughter, wrangling construction projects, and rollerblading the lakes here in Central Florida.

Nurse Manager lives with passion and purpose

2:08
Whether she’s caring for patients on their hardest days, playing pickleball, or strolling Bok Tower Gardens, Yiliam finds fulfillment in Lake Wales.

WHY CHOOSE CENTRAL FLORIDA?

There’s more to explore in Central Florida than ideal weather and sprawling orange groves. You’ll find thriving businesses. Inspiring arts and culture. Ambitious entrepreneurship. And—most importantly—a friendly, down-to-earth community that looks out for each other in every season.

#1

Fastest growing
county in the state

88

People moving to
Polk County per day

50+

Parks and green
spaces

A Day in the Life

Sunny days, laid-back nights, boundless career growth opportunities… And a quick commute to sandy beaches, world-class art museums, and metros like Tampa Bay and Orlando. It doesn’t get any better than this.

An afternoon walk at Circle B Bar Reserve

An afternoon walk at Circle B Bar Reserve

Create Your Dream Career Here

Thanks to our 2,000 miles of prime landscape, diverse industries like healthcare, logistics, and technology set up shop in Polk County. You’ll recognize some of our top employers: like Amazon, BayCare, Coca-Cola, and our famous Publix headquarters. And in case you were wondering, job opportunities won’t run dry. We’re home to the Central Florida Innovation District—so we’re projected to create more high-skill, high wage jobs across major industries than anywhere else in the nation.

5,000+

New and retained
jobs in the past
five years

$50,600

Average annual wage

6.1%

Average annual wage
increase

About Polk County

You know what pairs well with affordable small-town charm? Big-city access. Nestled between Tampa Bay and Orlando, Polk County is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.