About Lake County Florida

From the 1840's when Capt. Melton Haynes trekked through Central Florida to settle in the heart of Lake County, many of those who have visited Lake County since that time have decided to stay — and make Lake County their retirement home.
Lake County was formed from a portion of Orange and Sumter counties in 1887. Many called for the 1,156-square-mile county to be named after one of its founding fathers, H.H. Duncan, a former state representative and County Clerk of the Court. However, with hundreds of pristine lakes gracing its countryside, Lake County was the natural choice.

Lake County is known for its diverse landscape and terrain ranging from 0 to 315 feet above sea level. With rolling hills dotted by orange groves in the south to the pristine flora of “Old Florida” in the north, the striking physical beauty of Lake County has captured the hearts and imagination of many. With an array of dynamic features that includes more than 1,000 lakes and rivers, Lake County continues to attract visitors for many of the same reasons that captivated Capt. Haynes.

In Lake County's earliest beginnings, pioneers looked to the earth for their livelihood. It grew into a place rich in agriculture. The County was home to Florida's largest peach orchard in the 1920's and was second in the world for citrus production in the 1960's. Mother Nature took a toll on those citrus crops during a series of freezes in the 1980's. Because of the permanent damage to many citrus groves, the growers moved south.

Today, Lake County is a different place. Expansive parks and recreational facilities, and higher paying jobs are the key reasons. A booming population has led to a surge of new housing construction. Tourism is at an all-time high. Visitors flock to antique shopping areas and cruise on the many lakes. Sports enthusiasts experience the adrenaline rush found at several competition water-ski schools and a nationally recognized triathlon training center.  Central Florida boasts some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world.

For all these reasons, Lake County is a different kind of community.  A place that you should call home.