News Flash

The Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller is changing our website address from PolkCountyClerk.net to PolkClerkFL.gov.

This change is driven by recent legislation encouraging local governments to adopt .gov domains to help combat scams, email “spoofing,” cyberattacks, and other fraudulent activity.

What you need to know:

• Our previous website address (PolkCountyClerk.net) will temporarily redirect visitors to PolkClerkFL.gov.
• We encourage customers to update any saved bookmarks and links to ensure continued access to our services.

Our mission is to safeguard the public's records, funds, and trust while providing exceptional service. This update is one step toward providing secure, reliable, and easy access to Clerk services online.

Save time and apply for a U.S. passport at Polk County's upcoming Saturday Passport Application Event, hosted by Stacy M. Butterfield, Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller.

The event is held on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the  

Clerk's branch offices:

• Lakeland Branch: 930 E. Parker St., Lakeland, FL
• Northeast Branch: 200 Government Center Blvd., Lake Alfred, FL 33850

Instant passport photos are available on-site to help streamline the process. 

We know that busy weekdays make it challenging for many people to apply for a passport, said Clerk Butterfield. The Saturday event provides a convenient option for residents to complete their applications without disrupting their workweek.

Our goal is to make the passport application process simple and efficient, Clerk Butterfield added. By dedicating a Saturday to applications, we hope to help people get ready for their next trip with ease.

Please note: To provide the quickest service possible, the Clerk's office is not available by telephone during the event.

Suggested Time Savers:

1. Visit our passports page to review passport application requirements, required documentation, and fees.

2. Complete the preparation checklist to make sure you have everything needed to successfully complete the application. Not having all of the required documentation will result in an additional trip, which we want you to avoid. 

3. Make sure to bring:

• • A check or money order for the correct amount 
  • AND cash or credit card
  • A separate check or money order is required for each application. Both forms of payment are required as there are two separate fees for every application that are distributed to different agencies.
  • Proof of citizenship and identification.
  • Customers requesting overnight shipping must bring an overnight stamp with the application.  

4. Please note, this event is only for new passport applications. Renewals must be completed through the Department of State.

Love takes center stage this Valentine’s Day as the Polk County Clerk & Comptroller invites couples to say “I do” in a free, unforgettable group wedding.

On Valentine’s Day at noon, Clerk & Comptroller Stacy M. Butterfield is officiating the 13th annual group wedding on the storied front steps of the Polk County History Center, 100 E. Main St., Bartow, FL 33830.

This event has become such a special tradition for our community, said Clerk Butterfield. Valentine’s Day is all about love, and this event lets couples focus on what matters most—each other—while we take care of the rest.

The free ceremony is limited to 30 couples, so early registration is encouraged.

Couples may register when applying for a marriage license at any of the three Clerk’s office locations—the Bartow Courthouse, Lakeland Government Center, or the Northeast Government Center in Lake Alfred. To register, they simply need to state they would like to participate in the event. 

All couples must apply for a marriage license and register for the event by Wednesday, Feb. 11. 

Couples must submit the first part of the marriage license application online before visiting any of the three Clerk’s offices to complete the application.

Both partners must be present to complete their marriage license and each must bring a valid photo ID. Couples should also know their Social Security number. While the Clerk is waiving the $30 ceremony fee, standard marriage license fees still apply.

For more information or to register for the wedding, call the Official Records Department at 863-534-4000 or visit our marriage services page. 

In recognition of Veterans Day, Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Stacy Butterfield is offering free passport photos to veterans and active-duty military members throughout November.

Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor the service and sacrifices of our nation’s heroes, said Clerk Butterfield. Providing complimentary passport photos is a small way our office can show appreciation and give back to those who have given so much for our country. We are proud to support our veterans and active-duty personnel this month.

The standard cost for a passport photo at the Clerk’s office is $15. Eligible participants may present a DD-214, military ID, or a driver’s license with a veteran designation to receive the complimentary service. 

Passport photos and applications are available at all three office locations: Bartow, Lakeland, and the Northeast Government Center in Lake Alfred.

You can view our checklist to know what to bring. 

For one week only, Polk County Clerk of the Circuit Court & Comptroller Stacy Butterfield is putting the brakes on collection fees and getting drivers back on the road during Operation Green Light.

During the special event, outside collection agency fees applied to unpaid court fines and traffic tickets are waived when customers pay in full. Once paid, customers can proceed with the reinstatement of their driver’s license.

Operation Green Light takes place Monday, Nov. 3, through Friday, Nov. 7, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with extended hours until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4.

Customers can conveniently pay by phone at 863-534-4000 or in person only at any of the Clerk’s three locations: 

*Bartow, 255 N. Broadway Ave., Bartow, FL 33830; Lakeland Branch, 930 E. Parker St., Room 240, Lakeland, FL 33801-1929; and Northeast Branch, 200 Government Center Blvd., Lake Alfred, FL 33850.

This event provides a critical opportunity for residents to resolve their overdue fines and regain their ability to drive legally, said Clerk Butterfield. A suspended license can create major obstacles, from financial strain to limiting job opportunities. Operation Green Light is one way our office supports the community while helping people get back on the road safely and responsibly.

 During the 2024 event, over 400 drivers were made eligible to have their licenses reinstated. 

 Additional Details:

• Customers must pay the fine in the county where they received the fine.
• Payment methods include cash, money order, credit card, Apple Pay and Google Pay, or checks. *A 3.5 percent processing fee is applied to credit card purchases.
• Late fees and reinstatement fees still apply, if applicable.

Follow and like the Polk County Clerk Facebook and Polk County Clerk Instagram page for updates and announcements.