The Association of Poinciana Villages (APV), the largest homeowner’s association in the state of Florida, and one of the largest in the country, is marking its 50th Anniversary milestone this year. APV, which serves more than 70,000 residents across a 47,000-acre community, was formally established in 1972. Located just outside of Orlando, Florida, this long-standing HOA encompasses two counties: Polk and Osceola.

“Our homeowner’s association was officially established on May 26, 1972, and throughout 2022 we will honor and celebrate our history, and the extraordinary men and women who, together, shaped and formed this community into what is today,” said Mark Maldonado, APV General Manager. “Since our inception five decades ago, we have continued to make history. APV is now the fastest growing community in Central Florida, and the largest HOA in the entire state of Florida.”

“The Association of Poinciana Villages is a remarkable place to live, work, and play. It’s no surprise that we often hear of residents who are proud to be raising their second and third generations here,” said Amy Sanchez, the Central Florida President of FirstService Residential, which manages APV. “From the Mary Jane Arrington Aquatic and Fitness Centers to the pools and parks of Poinciana, APV is better than ever. We are honored to serve such a thriving community and look forward celebrating this momentous occasion.”

When Poinciana was formally established in 1972, it became the largest, unincorporated, master-planned community in the United States. Here are a few facts about the rich history of the community:

  • The nine villages that make up APV across roughly 47,000 acres are split between Polk and Osceola Counties.
  • The original developer was Gulf American Corporation, a company that conceived Poinciana as a retirement destination. Since the mid-1980s however, the developer has been AV Homes.
  • In 1973, the first family moved into Poinciana.
    The first Poinciana library was a small portable building that arrived in the community in 1987 when the population had reached around 6,000 people. It wouldn’t be until 1998 that the first real library would open.
  • In 1992, 20 years after being established, APV had its first Poinciana Christmas Parade, a tradition that continues to this day.
  • In 1994, Poinciana got its first grocery store, a Winn Dixie.
  • In December 2014, the community broke ground on the APV Community Activity Campus. The $4.1 million renovation and construction project included renovating the existing Community Center building, expanding the APV Recreation Center and constructing a third building to house the community/recreation pool. APV celebrated the official grand opening of this incredible new facility in November 2015.
  • In April 2016, the Poinciana Parkway (State Road 538) opened to connect Poinciana more directly to I-4, a big win for the area’s many commuters!\
  • In May 2017, after more than four years of planning and construction, Phase 1 of the Vance Harmon Park renovation opened with the Mary Jane Arrington Gym and Aquatic Center. A ribbon cutting ceremony for Phase 2 was held in March 2018.

“We continue to be inspired by the success of Poinciana to date, and we look forward to our continued growth and the ability to offer families a safe, affordable and inclusive place to call home,” added Maldonado.