Sarasota County

The Polk County Building Division reviews applications for building and construction permits for compliance with applicable building codes. The division permits and conducts inspection of new construction sites and remodeled properties. It also inspects the repair of mobile homes and single-family residences. The division issues contractor licenses and investigates complaints against licensed contractors. It is a part of the Polk County, Fla., which also operates business development, code enforcement, community health and social services, land development and fleet management divisions. With its main office in Bartow, Fla., the Polk County Building Division maintains satellite offices in Winter Haven and Lakeland, Fla.

The Lakeland Fire Department began as a volunteer force in January 1909 following three catastrophic fires that destroyed numerous businesses, houses, hotels and offices in the downtown area. The department has grown to employ more than 145 people. It operates from six stations and an administrative building, with a response area of 91 square miles. The department responds to an average of 17,300 emergency responses a year. Its fire safety management division performs more than 3,800 inspections, reviews an average of 820 construction plans, investigates 90 fires and presents over 800 educational programs annually. The Lakeland Fire Department is located in Lakeland, Fla.