About Florida's Counties

For more than 75 years, the Florida Association of Counties has advocated on behalf of the diverse interests of Florida's counties. The Association is driven by its mission to preserve and promote democratic principles by keeping appropriate authority at the level of government closest to the people.

Today, the 67 counties of Florida constitute a dynamic state that is home to more than 17 million people. Millions more visit the state every year. As Florida has grown and changed, so too has the role of county government.

Historically, counties were merely administrative subdivisions of the state, created to perform state-related functions. With Florida's tremendous growth, the county government function has become increasingly more important and complex.

Throughout the state, Florida's counties perform vital public service functions such as public safety, fire, emergency medical services, public record-keeping, jails, parks, libraries, health care, economic development, comprehensive planning, and roads, just to name a few.