An upcoming vote by the Polk County Board of County Commissioners could shift the terms of a major tax incentive tied to the expansion of Publix Super Markets’ information technology headquarters.
Here is a breakdown of the proposed changes, the requirements Publix must meet, and the scope of the project.
The Proposed Incentive Amendment
The original economic development ad valorem tax exemption was approved in 2022 for Project Horizon, which centers on the expansion of a Publix technology campus in downtown Lakeland.
On May 5, 2026, county commissioners are scheduled to vote on an amendment that would adjust the exemption’s timeline and wage requirements to align with current hiring plans and economic conditions.
New Requirements for Publix
Under the revised terms of the incentive, Publix must meet specific benchmarks to qualify for the tax relief:
- Job Creation: Create at least 100 new full-time jobs in Polk County by the end of the third year of the exemption period.
- Higher Wages: Pay an average annual wage equal to at least 115% of the county’s average annual wage.
- Capital Investment: The incentive is linked to the company’s continuous investments in building renovations and equipment for its IT expansion.
Scope of the Expansion
The project focuses on developing a large-scale technology campus where Publix is renovating two buildings totaling more than 260,000 square feet.
- Target Workforce: Once completed, the campus is expected to support an estimated 1,400 employees.
- Timeline Extension: If the amendment passes, the 10-year property tax exemption period will shift to run from tax years 2027 through 2036.
While the exact total value of the tax savings has not been publicly disclosed by the county, the updated timeline ensures the incentive remains strictly tied to actual job creation and local economic impact.