The Historical Society of Avon ParkAVON PARK, FL · EST. 1886
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Highlands County Satellite Government Offices and Annex in Avon Park

When Highlands County was created from DeSoto County under Chapter 8513 on 23 April 1921, Sebring was designated as the temporary county seat.[lof-1921-8513] In the special county-seat election held on 21 November 1922 and canvassed on 23 November 1922, Sebring secured the permanent county seat by a margin of 67 votes over Avon Park (844 to 777).[hrs-1939-sketch] As a result, the primary Highlands County Courthouse, county jail, and central constitutional offices were constructed in Sebring.

Satellite County Infrastructure in Avon Park

To maintain administrative services for residents, businesses, and citrus growers in northern Highlands County without requiring a round trip to Sebring, county officials established satellite branch operations in Avon Park.

1. Highlands County Tax Collector Satellite Office (116 East Main Street)

The principal county government facility in Avon Park is situated at 116 East Main Street, immediately adjacent to the historic Avon Park City Hall (110 East Main Street).[hctax-web] Commonly referred to locally as the county annex or north county service center, this facility provides:

  • Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) licensing and driver examinations.
  • Motor vehicle tag, title, and registration renewals.
  • County and municipal real property and tangible personal property tax collections.
  • Hunting and fishing licensing and local business tax receipt administration.[hctax-web]

2. Highlands County Misdemeanor Probation Office

County judicial and correctional supervision for northern Highlands County is maintained at 47 Wilhite Street in Avon Park, functioning alongside county law enforcement dispatch and municipal policing coordination.[hctax-web]

Historical Context

While the central Highlands County Courthouse Annex building (housing engineering, planning, zoning, and development services) is situated at 501 South Commerce Avenue in Sebring, the satellite presence on East Main Street in Avon Park has functioned continuously as the primary northern administrative link between Highlands County government and Avon Park citizens since the mid-20th century.[maxwell-1976][hctax-web]

References

Where this comes from

Evidence
corroborated — More than one independent source agrees.
Review
unverified — Drafted from sources but not yet checked by a volunteer.
Rights
society

Sources

  1. Leoma Bradshaw Maxwell, The First Hundred Years of Avon Park, Florida (references/the-first-hundred-years-of-avon-park_leoma-bradshaw-maxwell_1976.md) (1976)
  2. Highlands County Tax Collector, Highlands County Tax Collector: Locations and Services (2026)
  3. Legislature of the State of Florida, Chapter 8513, Laws of Florida 1921: An Act Creating Highlands County (references/laws-of-florida-chapter-8513-1921.md) (1921)
  4. Works Progress Administration, Historical Records Survey, Historical Sketch of Highlands County, Florida Historical Records Survey, WPA (Series S 1284, Box 2) (references/laws-of-florida-chapter-8513-1921.md) (1939)

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