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Marion County, Florida

Marion County, Florida
County
Marion County
Ocala, FL, Courthouse, Marion County, South Side, 06-26-2010 (2).JPG
Marion County Courthouse in Ocala
Seal of Marion County, Florida
Seal
Map of Florida highlighting Marion County
Location in the U.S. state of Florida
Map of the United States highlighting Florida
Florida's location in the U.S.
Founded March 14, 1844
Named for Francis Marion
Seat Ocala
Largest city Ocala
Area
 • Total 1,663 sq mi (4,307 km2)
 • Land 1,585 sq mi (4,105 km2)
 • Water 78 sq mi (202 km2), 4.7%
Population (est.)
 • (2015) 343,254
 • Density 209/sq mi (81/km²)
Congressional districts 3rd, 5th, 11th
Time zone Eastern: UTC-5/-4
Website www.marioncountyfl.org

Marion County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2010 census, the population was 331,298. Its county seat is Ocala.

Marion County comprises the Ocala, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Marion County was created in 1844 from portions of Alachua, Mosquito (Orange), and Hillsborough counties. Until 1853, Marion County included most of what are now Lake and Sumter counties. In 1849, Putnam County was created and took the northeast portion of Marion. Levy County’s creation took some of the western portion of Marion in 1877. The county is named after General Francis Marion of South Carolina, a guerilla fighter and hero of the American Revolutionary War. A large share of the early settlers being natives of South Carolina likely caused the name to be selected. The Act creating the county of Marion of the Territory of Florida was signed on March 14, 1844, by the territorial governor, R. K. Call. Many of the early settlers of Marion County were from South Carolina. The county motto is "Kingdom of the Sun." Farms in the county are known for breeding champion race horses such as Affirmed and Needles.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 1,663 square miles (4,310 km2), of which 1,585 square miles (4,110 km2) is land and 78 square miles (200 km2) (4.7%) is water.

Marion County is generally composed of rolling hills, some high and some low. The majority of its trees consist of live oaks, pine, and palm trees. Marion County is considered the southernmost county in North Central Florida, and the northernmost county in Central Florida.


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