Florida Has 67 Counties — Here’s What Makes Them Unique (1)

Florida Has 67 Counties — Here’s What Makes Them Unique !

Florida is divided into 67 counties, each with its own local government, identity, and role in shaping the state’s culture and economy. The list ranges from sprawling Miami-Dade County — home to more than 2.7 million people — to Liberty County, the smallest by population, with fewer than 10,000 residents.

Unique structures:

• Duval County is consolidated with the City of Jacksonville, making it one of the few city-county governments in the U.S.

• Several counties — including Collier, Lee, and Monroe — encompass large swaths of protected land, from Everglades National Park to coastal preserves.

How Florida got to 67:
The county system dates back to 1821 when Florida became a U.S. territory. The state started with just two counties — Escambia and St. Johns — which covered the entire peninsula and panhandle. Over time, they were divided into smaller jurisdictions to better serve growing populations and emerging towns.

Geographic spread:

• Largest by land area: Palm Beach County (2,383 sq mi)

• Smallest by land area: Union County (240 sq mi)

• Most populous: Miami-Dade County

• Least populous: Liberty County

Why it matters:
Counties in Florida aren’t just lines on a map — they control zoning, manage schools (in most cases), oversee elections, and maintain roads. They also shape local tax rates and provide emergency services, which makes knowing your county more than just trivia — it’s key to understanding local governance.

Quick Florida County Facts

Whether you live in bustling Miami-Dade, rural Glades, or somewhere in between, Florida’s 67 counties are the backbone of its governance and identity.