Mulberry, Florida may be one of Polk County’s smaller cities, but few places its size have a story this distinct. Built on phosphate mining, named for a single tree beside a railroad stop, and still home to businesses that have served it for more than a century, Mulberry is a place where people put down roots and stay.
Quick Takeaways
- Local Reality: Incorporated in 1901, Mulberry sits at the “Crossroads of Florida,” where State Road 60 and State Road 37 meet between Lakeland and Bartow.
- What Makes Mulberry Different: It grew up around phosphate mining in Bone Valley and proudly calls itself the “phosphate capital of the world.”
- Who Lives Here: A community of established homeowners, with about 78% of homes owner-occupied, from downtown and Mulberry Heights to Willow Oak and Imperialakes.
- The Independent Advantage: We’re an independent, locally licensed agency that compares auto, home, and flood coverage from multiple carriers for Mulberry families.
Mulberry at a Glance
Mulberry is a small city in south-central Polk County, located between Lakeland and Bartow, with easy access to the greater Tampa Bay area. The city recorded 3,952 residents in the 2020 Census. Known locally as the “Crossroads of Florida,” Mulberry sits where State Road 60 and State Road 37 meet, near the center of the peninsula.
Its long association with mining remains central to local identity, and the city proudly uses the “phosphate capital of the world” name. It’s a community built by working families, local businesses, schools, and institutions that have served Mulberry for generations.
History and Community Identity
Mulberry sits in Bone Valley, a rich phosphate deposit that stretches across Central Florida. Land-pebble phosphate mining began in the Mulberry area around 1890, and the town grew around a railroad stop near a large mulberry tree, which gave the community its name. The tree itself survived until the late 1960s. Mulberry was incorporated as the Town of Mulberry on February 12, 1901.
Early milestones included the arrival of Mulberry’s first doctor in 1895 and the opening of the Juanita Hotel in 1899. W.S. Badcock opened its first store in Mulberry in 1904, and the Mine & Mill Supply Company, founded in 1909, is recognized as one of the oldest continually operating companies in Polk County. Throughout the 20th century, mining shaped local jobs, commerce, and the land itself, and reclaimed mining land is still part of the landscape around the city today.
Landmarks and Local Life
The Mulberry Phosphate Museum, housed in the city’s historic train depot, preserves the area’s phosphate history and fossil collection, helping residents and visitors understand the industry that shaped the city.
The Mulberry Cultural Center offers exhibit and classroom space for arts and humanities programs for all ages, and the Gem Theater in downtown Mulberry hosts performances and community events. Badcock’s headquarters remains in Mulberry, continuing a connection to the city that began with its first store here more than a century ago.
Living in Mulberry
Mulberry is a community of homeowners. About 78% of homes are owner-occupied, a high rate for a small Florida city, and many families have lived here for years. Homes range from older houses near downtown and in Mulberry Heights to newer planned communities like Imperialakes and The Preserves at Sundance, with ranch homes and manufactured homes in areas like Willow Oak and Bradley Junction.
Families are served by schools including Mulberry Middle School and Mulberry High School, both part of Polk County Public Schools, and Lakeland and Bartow are a short drive for shopping, healthcare, and work. Like most of Polk County, it’s a driving community, with State Roads 60 and 37 carrying much of the local traffic.
Insurance Considerations for Mulberry Residents
Your insurance should protect the things that support your daily life here: your vehicle, your home, your savings, and your family. Living in Mulberry comes with a few local realities worth planning for.
Driving: Polk County recorded more than 13,600 traffic crashes in 2023, and about one in five Florida drivers is uninsured. Strong liability limits and uninsured motorist coverage matter. Learn more about auto insurance for Mulberry drivers.
Your home: Being inland doesn’t keep Mulberry out of a hurricane’s path. Hurricanes Ian and Milton both brought damaging winds to Polk County, and the county has documented sinkhole activity. Your roof, hurricane deductible, and sinkhole coverage all deserve a close look. Learn more about home insurance for Mulberry homeowners.
Flooding: Mulberry sits on the North Prong of the Alafia River, and many neighborhoods are built around lakes, ponds, and wetlands. Standard homeowners policies don’t cover flood damage. Learn more about flood insurance for Mulberry properties.
Policies, endorsements, and eligibility vary by carrier. As an independent agency, we compare coverage from multiple carriers and explain your options in plain English, so you can make informed decisions before your next renewal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mulberry, Florida known for?
Mulberry is known for its phosphate-mining heritage and its identity as the “phosphate capital of the world.” The city grew around mining in the Bone Valley region and was incorporated in 1901. The Mulberry Phosphate Museum preserves that history, and Badcock’s, which opened its first store here in 1904, still keeps its headquarters in the city.
Where is Mulberry, FL located?
Mulberry is in south-central Polk County, between Lakeland and Bartow. It sits where State Road 60 and State Road 37 meet, which is why it’s known as the “Crossroads of Florida,” with easy access to both the Tampa Bay area and Orlando.
Does Think Safe Insurance serve Mulberry residents?
Yes. We help Mulberry residents with auto, home, and flood insurance. As an independent agency, we compare options from multiple carriers to help you find coverage that fits your needs.
Why work with an independent insurance agency instead of a single-company agent?
An independent agency can compare coverage from more than one carrier instead of offering policies from only one company. That gives you a clearer view of your options, and a licensed agent helps you understand the coverage protecting your family, home, and vehicles.
Get Insurance Quotes in Mulberry
Whether you’ve lived in Mulberry for decades or are just making it your new home, a licensed local agent in your corner can help you protect what matters most.
Think Safe Insurance compares auto, home, and flood coverage from multiple carriers and explains every option clearly. Call us at 863-356-4600, book a time to talk, or request a quote online.
When you think insurance… Think Safe!
 | Reviewed by Greg Martin Greg Martin has over 18 years of experience helping Florida families understand and protect their homes, vehicles, and other assets through homeowners, auto, flood, and specialty insurance. He is the owner of Think Safe Insurance, an independent Florida insurance agency. |
Last Reviewed: October 2026