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Central Florida Business Expo 2024 Breakout Session

PANEL: Navigating Business Taxes in Polk County: Insights and Innovations

Presented By:
Joe Tedder, Polk County Tax Collector and Panel

About This Session & What To Expect

Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, this session will focus on the tax topics essential to those who do business in Polk County in any capacity. Attendees will learn tips for understanding and navigating

  • Tourist Development Tax
  • Business Tax Receipt
  • Property Tax
  • Many other topics, including the various DMV services tailored specifically to serve the needs of businesses and entrepreneurs.
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About Your Speaker

Moderator: Ashleigh Mills, Public Engagement Specialist for the Polk County Tax Collector

Joe G. Tedder

Joe G. Tedder serves as the Tax Collector for Polk County, Florida, a position he has held since 1997. A dedicated public servant, Tedder first entered politics as a Florida State Representative from 1992 to 1996, where he was instrumental in the creation of the Public Charter Schools Law. Tedder is a graduate of Florida Southern College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting by attending night classes while working full-time.

Apart from his professional commitments, Tedder has been actively involved in community service. He has held leadership roles in various organizations, including the United Way of Central Florida, Polk Vision, and the American Heart Association’s “Heart Walk” Campaign. His efforts extend into education, where he spearheaded the Kids Tag Art program, raising significant funds for local schools through arts funding​

Tedder has been elected multiple times since his first election, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to serving Polk County residents. His office emphasizes customer service, striving to earn public trust through efficient and effective service​

Additional Panelists:

Dr. Chris Rudolph

Chris joined the Tax Collector’s Office in December 1996. Christopher currently directs leadership in the areas of Administration, Business Process Analysis, Safety & Security, and Public Communications. Before joining the Tax Collector’s Office, Christopher served as Senior Legislative Assistant in the State Representative Office of Joe G. Tedder. Previously, he served as Licensing Administrator to the Board for Contractors at the Virginia Department of Commerce and prior to that was employed in the defense industry. Christopher has earned a Doctorate in Education from Florida Southern College. Moreover, he holds Master of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science from the University of West Florida. Christopher is a Certified Florida Collector Assistant (CFCA), a Certified Business Tax Official (CBTO), and a Certified Public Manager (CPM).
Tineshia Morris
Tineshia joined the Tax Collector’s Office in October 2016. Tineshia directs leadership in Legal Affairs, Tax Programs and Technical Processing. Tineshia handles all legal and litigation matters including public records requests, contracts, general civil cases, eminent domain, and foreclosure. Before joining the Tax Collector’s Office, Tineshia was an Assistant Attorney General handling death penalty appeals litigation at the Attorney General’s office in Tallahassee, Florida, and prior to that Tineshia was a prosecutor in Orlando, Florida, with a focus on prosecuting White Collar Crime. Tineshia received her Master of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown University, her Juris Doctor degree from the University of Florida, and her Bachelor and Master’s degree in Accounting from the University of Florida. Tineshia is licensed to practice in the State of Florida, the State of New York, and the District of Columbia.
Elizabeth Santos
Elizabeth joined the Tax Collector’s Office in July of 2005. She currently serves as the Lake Wales Service Center Manager where she ensures the daily operations are run efficiently and adheres to the Mission and Vision of the Tax Collector’s Office. She provides leadership in her role which includes the processing and collection of funds for motor vehicle title and registration transactions, property taxes, county local business taxes, driver licensing, hunting and fishing licensing, and concealed weapon licensing. Previously, Elizabeth served as Manager in the Call Center, and Assistant Manager in both the Call Center and Davenport Service Center. Elizabeth is a Certified Public Manager (CPM).
Shawn Wyatt
Shawn serves as Compliance Specialist for the Tax Collector’s Office. Shawn joined the Tax Collector’s Office in October 2014, specializing in enforcement of delinquent Business Tax, Tangible Personal Property, and Tourist Development Tax accounts. Before joining the Tax Collector’s Office Shawn worked as a Duty Officer for the Florida Highway Patrol in Tampa, and a Communications Supervisor for the North Carolina Highway Patrol in Asheville, North Carolina.

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