Santa Rosa County

Santa Rosa County is an administrative county spanning the northwestern corner of Florida, with distinct areas ranging from coastal zones in the south to forested land in the north. These three regions—southern coast, central areas around Milton, and northern woodlands—create different landscapes and communities throughout the territory.

The county was created in 1842 through separation from Escambia County, with its name derived from a barrier island honoring Saint Rose of Viterbo. This administrative division marked a significant reorganization of northwestern Florida's boundaries.

The Santa Rosa County Library System maintains five branches serving different communities, offering educational resources to residents in Navarre, Gulf Breeze, Jay, Milton, and Pace.

The territory is served by Interstate 10, U.S. Highways 90 and 98, plus several state roads that link different communities and areas. These major routes make it easy to travel between the coastal areas and inland regions.

The area contains significant water bodies including Santa Rosa Sound, Pensacola Bay, and East Bay, which shape daily life in southern communities. These waterways are essential to the character and economy of coastal settlements.

Location: Florida

Inception: February 18, 1842

Capital city: Milton

Reference: 12-113

Shares border with: Escambia County, Okaloosa County

Website: http://santarosa.fl.gov

GPS coordinates: 30.70000,-87.02000

Latest update: December 14, 2025 19:34