About Jefferson County

Jefferson County is located in the Big Bend region of North Florida, with its county seat in the city of Monticello. Established in 1827 and named after President Thomas Jefferson, the county covers approximately 598 square miles of rolling hills, canopy roads, forests, and spring-fed waterways.

Known as “The Keystone County” for its geographic position as the link between East and West Florida, Jefferson County is one of the most rural and naturally preserved counties in the state. The 2020 Census recorded a population of approximately 14,700 residents.

The county is renowned for its canopy roads, historic plantations, the Wacissa River springs system, and the Letchworth-Love Mounds archaeological site. Agriculture, timber, and government are the primary economic drivers, and the county is increasingly recognized as a nature-based tourism destination.