Okeechobee County

Okeechobee County is an administrative division in southern Florida that contains wetlands, forests, and farmland spread across its landscape. The region's character is shaped by its location near Lake Okeechobee, a major body of water in central Florida.

The county was established in 1917 and takes its name from Lake Okeechobee, drawing from Seminole language where the words mean big water. The name reflects the region's indigenous roots and the importance of the lake to the land.

The area reflects the heritage of its early settlers through buildings and structures that remain visible throughout the county. These places tell stories of how people lived and worked when the region was first developed.

Visitors can reach this area through major highways including Florida's Turnpike and US Routes 98 and 441 that connect the region well. These main roads make it easy to travel through the county and access neighboring areas.

A scenic walking trail runs around the entire shoreline of the lake and connects to the national hiking system across the state. This path offers visitors a long-distance way to experience the landscape and water features.

Location: Florida

Inception: May 8, 1915

Capital city: Okeechobee

Shares border with: Indian River County, Martin County, St. Lucie County, Palm Beach County, Glades County, Hendry County, Highlands County, Polk County, Osceola County

Website: http://co.okeechobee.fl.us

GPS coordinates: 27.39000,-80.89000

Latest update: December 20, 2025 14:57