It is actually the only city in Florida to make the top 20 this year. While its pollen counts for trees, grasses, and weeds were considered “average,” it was pushed into the top tier primarily due to a lower availability of board-certified allergy specialists relative to its population.
How the Rankings Broke Down for 2026
The report evaluates the 100 most-populated U.S. cities based on three main categories:
| Category | Lakeland’s 2026 Status |
| Total Pollen Score | Average |
| Over-the-Counter Med Use | Average |
| Allergy Specialist Availability | Worse than Average |
Why the High Ranking?
- The “Specialist Gap”: Lakeland’s biggest struggle in the report is the lack of local allergists and immunologists, which makes it more “challenging” to manage symptoms compared to cities with more medical infrastructure.
- Climate Trends: AAFA noted that warmer, more humid climates in the Southeast are seeing longer and more intense pollen seasons.
- Comparison: For context, neighboring cities like Sarasota (#28) and Tampa (#29) followed shortly after, but Lakeland remains the most difficult spot in the state for allergy sufferers according to this year’s data.
Interestingly, Lakeland also ranked significantly high (#7) in the AAFA’s 2024 Asthma Capitals report, suggesting the local air quality and allergen environment are a consistent topic for health researchers.
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