Collier County was divided from the Southern tip of Lee County in 1923 and designated its own entity with "Everglade City" named as the county seat. The county was named in honor of Barron Gift Collier, as a trade for building the Tamiami Trail. Collier was an advertising entrepreneur and real estate developer, from New York City, who relocated to Southwest Florida for the sole purpose of developing the land in the area; he soon became the largest landowner and developer in the state of Florida. Collier not only made his money through land dealings but was the owner of a chain of hotels, busses, several different banks, the newspaper, a telephone company, and a line of steamships. He couldn't stop there! Collier established an exclusive sporting club that he named in honor of the author of The Compleat Angler, Izaak Walton! He then established golf courses and hunting clubs over the next decade. One such club, the Rod and Gun Club in Everglades City, still operates today! In 1972 the Rod and Gun Club was purchased by the Bowen family, who has continued to maintain its old Florida rustic charm! Collier continued to streamline his millions back into the local economy of Collier County until the day that he died in 1939.

Today more than 315,000 people reside in Collier County, attracted by its beautiful sandy beaches, breathtaking sunsets and the mystery of the Everglades! Naples, the present county seat, with miles of white sandy beaches provides opportunities to enjoy fishing, boating, water skiing, jet skiing, swimming and gazing at some of the most pristine sunsets in the country! Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens boasts some of the most exotic animals from Australia to Zimbabwe; they appear on a rotating basis so everyday can be different! Alligators, Dingo�s, Kangaroo's and Spider Monkey's are among the incredible animals on display at this nationally accredited establishment. Everglades City, located in the heart of the Everglades provides museums, air boat tours and many opportunities enjoying the Florida sun! Florida Everglades National Park is the home to the Florida Alligators, Florida Panther and the Florida Black Bear, making nature watching in the Everglades like no other in the world! Marco Island is just that; an Island! The Marco Island Bridge is only one way on and off the island, although, staying on the island is probably the better choice! Wave running, parasailing, windsurfing, fishing, swimming, sailing and boating is just another day to the residents of Marco Island!

The real estate options in Collier County are as diverse as the county itself! From a cozy cottage in the privacy of the Everglades to the luxury waterfront homes on Doctors Pass, purchasing a home in Collier County suits the needs of every potential home owner. During the winter season the area is filled by many northern visitors that come for a taste of the vibrant Collier County lifestyle, only to return to make this paradise their home!