As the number of COVID-19 cases increases {yet again}, more people in our community are seeking out testing, whether for existing symptoms or known exposure to COVID. Two types of tests are available – rapid antigen testing (fast results – 15 minute COVID test) and PCR testing (can take up to 48 hours for results). If you’re wondering where you can get a COVID Test in Lakeland or Polk County, check the list below for a list of community testing sites offering PCR testing and rapid COVID testing near you.
Some sites are permanent, such as walk-in clinics, urgent care centers, and hospitals. Others are pop-up sites that may only have a single day of COVID testing planned.
**Check directly with testing providers listed below – some may have stopped offering testing since the date of publication.**
A few things to keep in mind if you want to get tested for COVID-19:
- If you have life-threatening COVID-19 symptoms including trouble breathing, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
- GO EARLY – We are hearing reports of 2+ hour waits at many of these locations. You may be able to shorten your wait by arriving early.
- Some testing sites may not have a specific type of test available (rapid or PCR) or may run out of supplies. Call first to inquire on availability.
- Some testing sites may not test you without symptoms, call first to inquire.
- Some general practitioners, pediatricians, and other medical centers are also testing in their offices, check with your doctor for details.
- Looking for free COVID testing near you? Insurance covers the cost of testing for most patients with symptoms, and most locations offer testing free to everyone with no out of pocket cost.
**This list is for informational purposes only. Lakeland Mom is not a source of medical advice. Information subject to change without notice. Call or check the testing website first for any last-minute changes, especially testing requirements.**
COVID Testing Sites in Lakeland
RP Funding Center COVID Testing – Nomi Health
The Florida Department of Health also offers drive-through COVID-19 testing at multiple sites in Polk County in partnership with Nomi Health. The Lakeland location is at the RP Funding Center in the parking lot across the street from the main building. At last check testing is walk-up/drive-up only. You can pre-register on their website but that does not provide you with an appointment time.
More information: Nomi Health Website
Location: RP Funding Center – 701 W Lime St , Lakeland, FL, 33815
Lakeland Regional Health Rapid Testing
Lakeland Regional Health offers COVID-19 rapid testing at their Urgent Care locations. Testing is available for both symptomatic patients and non-symptomatic patients, including those looking for rapid antigen “travel testing.” (If you would like a PCR Travel Test instead, the LRH Drive-Thru Testing Center performs this test – details below). Based on our experience, you will also see a doctor and have an urgent care visit, this is not a walk-up test site.
More information: LRH Website
Urgent Care locations offer rapid antigen testing:
Lake Miriam – 4710 S. Florida Avenue, Lakeland
Pablo Campus – 130 Pablo Street, Lakeland
Lakeland Regional Health Children’s COVID Testing Site
Lakeland Regional Health offers a child-friendly COVID Testing Site in Lakeland, located in the Triage Area of the Children’s Emergency Department at the Carol Jenkins Barnett Pavilion for Women and Children. A doctor’s order is needed to be tested and can be emailed to PedsCOVIDTesting@myLRH.org with patient’s name and date of birth in the subject line. A paper order is not necessary. LRH clinicians have extensive experience working with children. Accompanied by our Certified Child Life Specialists, your child will be quickly and conveniently tested in a comfortable atmosphere. Park in the D-E Garage or the surface parking lot outside the Children’s Emergency Department. An appointment is not needed.
**This is different from a regular emergency visit. Children with emergency COVID-19 or respiratory symptoms will continue to be treated as an emergency visit, with no doctor’s order necessary beforehand.
Children’s COVID Testing Location: 1324 Lakeland Hills Boulevard, Lakeland, Florida 33805
More information: LRH Website
Watson Clinic Urgent Care COVID Testing
Watson Clinic offers COVID Testing at the office locations listed below. In addition, your doctor may offer in-office testing during a visit.
Urgent Care Main at 1600 Lakeland Hills Blvd. in Lakeland
Urgent Care South at 1033 North Parkway Frontage Rd. in South Lakeland
XpressCare Highlands at 2300 E. County Rd. 540A in Lakeland
More information: Watson Clinic Website
COVID Testing Site in Winter Haven
Gil Jones Center COVID Testing – Nomi Health
The Florida Department of Health also offers drive-through COVID-19 testing at multiple sites in Polk County in partnership with Nomi Health. The Winter Haven location is at the Gill Jones Center. At last check, testing is walk-up/drive-up only. You can pre-register on their website but that does not provide you with an appointment time.
More information: Nomi Health Website
Location: Gil Jones Center – 3425 US-17 N, Winter Haven, FL 33881
COVID Testing Site in Bartow
Bartow Regional Medical Center COVID Testing – Nomi Health
The Florida Department of Health also offers drive-through COVID-19 testing at multiple sites in Polk County in partnership with Nomi Health. The Bartow location is at the Bartow Regional Medical Center. At last check, testing is walk-up/drive-up only. You can pre-register on their website but that does not provide you with an appointment time. Open 7 days a week from 8am – 6pm.
More information: Nomi Health Website
Location: Bartow Regional Medical Center – 2200 Osprey Blvd, Bartow, FL 33830
COVID Testing Site in Auburndale
Auburndale COVID Testing – Polk Department of Health
The Florida Department of Health – Polk has a COVID Test site located in Auburndale. As of Feb 14, 2022, the testing site has relocated to 245 E Lake Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823. Appointments are recommended at the Auburndale Testing Center, to schedule an appointment please call (863) 519-7911.
More information: Polk Department of Health
Location: 245 E Lake Ave, Auburndale, FL 33823
COVID Testing Sites in Polk County
CFHC Temporary Testing Locations – COVID Testing
Central Florida Health Care will be providing FREE walk up / drive-thru COVID-19 screening and testing for all who qualify (based on the CDC criteria) at the locations listed below. These pop-up testing locations are NOT daily – be sure to check the CFHC Website for available test dates and times at these locations. You can also call for an appointment – 866.234.8534.
- St. Luke’s Ministries – 910 Quincy St, Lakeland, FL 33815
- Pilgrim Rest Free Will – 1047 N Ohio Ave, Lakeland, FL 33805
- First Missionary Baptist Church – 200 Avenue R NW, Winter Haven, FL 33881
- Oakland Neighborhood Center – 915 Ave E, Haines City, FL 33844
- Bethel Missionary Baptist Church – 640 East Midway Ave, Lake Alfred, FL 33850
- Wahneta Baseball Park – 113 Rifle Range Rd, Wahneta, FL 33880
- Additional locations may be added – check the website calendar for upcoming dates.
More COVID Test Options
CVS COVID Testing
COVID Testing is available by appointment only at select CVS locations. Start with a COVID Assessment on the CVS Website and then it will take you to a page to search for appointment times.
More information: CVS Website
Walgreens COVID Testing
COVID Testing is available by appointment only at select Walgreens locations. Check the Walgreens website for appointment times.
More information: Walgreens Website
At-Home Rapid COVID Tests
Many pharmacies and stores sell at-home rapid COVID self tests, but they have become extremely hard to find with the Omicron surge. While these can help you know if you are positive and should quarantine, they are often not accepted to return to school or work, or for other situations requiring proof of a negative COVID test.
Map – Find COVID Testing Near You
Websites for additional information:
- Polk County Health Department
- Florida Department of Health – Find a COVID Testing Site Near You
- Central Florida Health Care Temporary Testing Locations
- Coronavirus Testing Basics from the FDA (Explains the types of tests)
Health + Wellness Guide
Check out our Health and Wellness Guide for Lakeland + Polk County to find dentists, orthodontists, doctors, hospitals, mental health, and learn more about health care options in our community.