A novel polymeric sensor of the poly(sodium-4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS)-modified rhodamine B derivative (Rho) was synthesized using 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide (EDC)/N,N 0 -dimethylpyridin-4-amine (DMAP) as coupling reagents to obtain PSS-Rho4 in 21% yield. The characterization and "Off-On" sensing phenomena were established through UV-Vis, fluorescence, NMR, and FTIR techniques. The PSS-Rho4 showed high selectivity and sensitivity for Au 3+ over other metal ions. Upon the addition of Au 3+ , significant color change and "Off-On" fluorescence were observed due to a cation Au 3+ induced spirolactam ring-opening process with detection limit down to micromolar values (1.2 μM). In addition, spray coating thin polymeric sensor films were produced onto the surface of material (PSS-Rho4-ITO and PSS-Rho4-filtered paper) providing a fast, portable, and easy-to-use molecular device for the detection of Au 3+ in the real system. Reversibility was evaluated by rinsing with EDTA solution under basic condition. We believe that, this approach provides a sensitive and accurate method for the detection of Au 3+ in environmental and biological applications.