Florida State Road 563 (SR 563) is a north‑south state highway located entirely within Polk County, Florida. The route serves the city of Lakeland and is maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT).
Route description
SR 563 begins at an intersection with US 98/US 92 (Barrett–Ridge Road) in the southern part of Lakeland. From its southern terminus, the highway proceeds northward as a four‑lane divided roadway known locally as Lake Avenue. It passes through predominantly commercial and residential districts, crossing several local streets before reaching its northern terminus at an intersection with US 92 (West Polk Avenue) near the downtown area of Lakeland. The entire length of the highway is approximately 5.7 mi (9.2 km).
Major intersections
| Milepost | Intersection | Destination(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0 | US 98/US 92 – Barrow Road | East‑west corridor through Lakeland |
| 2.3 | SR 540 (Bartow Road) | Westward to Bartow, eastward to Lakeland International Airport |
| 5.7 | US 92 – West Polk Avenue | Eastward to Winter Haven, westward to Tampa |
History
The designation of SR 563 appears on FDOT highway maps beginning in the early 1960s. The route has remained largely unchanged since its initial establishment, serving as a primary arterial connector between major east–west corridors in Lakeland. Minor realignments and roadway improvements have been undertaken over the decades to accommodate increasing traffic volumes, including the addition of turn lanes and signalized intersections.
Function and significance
SR 563 functions as an important urban arterial within Lakeland, facilitating the movement of commuter, commercial, and local traffic between the city’s southern and central districts. Its connection with US 98/US 92 and SR 540 provides access to regional destinations such as the Lakeland International Airport, the Florida Turnpike, and surrounding municipalities.
Maintenance
The Florida Department of Transportation is responsible for the routine maintenance, resurfacing, and signage of SR 563. Pavement condition assessments and traffic count data are periodically published in FDOT’s annual highway reports.