Polish Community in Florida
Florida is home to one of the largest Polish communities in the United States, with estimates suggesting over 500,000 Polish-Americans living in the state. Polish communities are particularly strong in Miami, Tampa Bay, Orlando, and Jacksonville.
Miami and South Florida
Polish Cultural Center of Miami
A nonprofit organization hosting cultural events, language courses, and social gatherings to foster community and preserve Polish traditions.
Polish American Club of Miami
Location: 1250 NW 22nd Ave, Miami, FL 33125
Open most Sundays with live entertainment, serving as a social and cultural hub for South Florida’s Polish community.
American Institute of Polish Culture (AIPC)
Established: 1972 Location: Miami Website: ampolinstitute.com
Promotes Polish culture through educational programs, exhibitions, and scholarly research, collaborating with universities and cultural institutions.
Tampa Bay Area
Polish American Social Club
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
Serves as a hub for Polish-Americans in the Tampa Bay region, offering:
- Social events and cultural programs
- Language classes
- Popular Polish restaurant
- Community gatherings
Polski Centrum Jana Pawła II (Polish Center)
Location: Clearwater area
Large Polish Center hosting:
- Zabawy (Polish dances/parties)
- Weddings and birthdays
- Polish Saturday school
- Community events
American Institute of Polish Culture - Tampa Bay
Website: aipctampabay.org
Enriches American and Polish cultures through events, exhibits, and the annual Polonaise Ball.
Orlando Area
Polish Organizations
Two active Polish organizations serve the Orlando Polish community.
Polish Catholic Services
St. Joseph Church Location: Alefaya Trail, Orlando (just south of E. Colonial Dr.)
Celebrates Mass in Polish, serving the spiritual needs of the Polish Catholic community.
Jacksonville
Polish Club of Jacksonville
Location: 5850 Collins Road, Jacksonville, FL 32244
Community center for Polish-Americans in Northeast Florida.
Polish Population Centers
Major concentrations of Polish-Americans in Florida:
- Miami-Dade County - Large Polish population
- Broward County (Fort Lauderdale area)
- Palm Beach County
- Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metro area
- Orlando and Central Florida
- Jacksonville and Northeast Florida
Religious Communities
Polish Catholic Churches and Services
Les messes en polonais sont disponibles à:
- St. Joseph Church, Orlando
- Various parishes in Miami area
- Churches in Tampa Bay area
- Polish Catholic communities statewide
Many churches offer Polish-language services to serve the growing Polish population.
Cultural Organizations
Educational and Cultural Groups
- Polish Saturday schools (Clearwater and other locations)
- Polish language classes
- Cultural preservation organizations
- Heritage societies
Social Organizations
- Polish American clubs throughout Florida
- Professional networking groups
- Social clubs and fraternal organizations
Annual Events and Celebrations
- Polonaise Ball - Tampa Bay (annual formal event)
- Polish Constitution Day (May 3)
- Pulaski Day celebrations
- Polish Heritage Month (October)
- Dyngus Day (Easter Monday)
- Pączki Day (Fat Tuesday)
- Parish and club festivals throughout the year
Polish Business Community
Florida’s Polish community includes:
- Polish restaurants and delis
- Polish bakeries
- Polish import shops
- Polish professional services
- Polish travel agencies
- Polish-owned businesses
Online Resources
- Floryda.eu - Polish Florida Biz directory
- PolishFlorida.Biz - Community resources
- Local Polish business directories
Polish Media in Florida
- Polish-language newspapers
- Online Polish publications
- Polish radio programs
- Community newsletters
- Social media groups
Why Polish Americans Choose Florida
Florida attracts Polish Americans due to:
- Warm climate (especially appealing to retirees)
- Growing economy and job opportunities
- No state income tax
- Large existing Polish communities
- Cultural organizations and support networks
- Polish churches and services
Resources
- American Institute of Polish Culture - Miami
- American Institute of Polish Culture - Tampa Bay
- Floryda.eu - Polish Florida
- Wikipedia: Polish Americans
Connect with Polish Communities in Other States
Southern States:
- Georgia - Atlanta area
- South Carolina - Charleston area
- North Carolina - Charlotte and Raleigh
Nearby States:
Major Polish Communities:
- Illinois - Chicago’s huge Polish population
- New York - NYC and Buffalo
- Pennsylvania - Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
- Texas - Houston and Dallas
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