It is unknown how Holmes County, Florida received its name. Some say that the county was named in honor of Thomas J. Holmes, an early settler in the area, others say that it was named in honor of Creek Indian, Chief Holmes; but no matter how the name came about, Holmes County has served as one of the most preserved natural counties in the state. The county seat, since 1905, is known as Bonifay, a Cherokee Indian word meaning "four hills". Bonifay is home to the Waits Mansion, constructed in 1919 for George Orkney Waits, lumber mill entrepreneur originally from Rockmart, Georgia. After Waits death in 1927, the home remained empty for 10 years when George Waits oldest son James took over the home and had it restored in 1937. Before James's death in 1948, he had the mansion divided into apartments; therefore his wife could still live in the mansion and not be alone. The mansion now serves as a place to hold weddings and special events.

During the month of October, the Annual Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo comes to Bonifay, bringing with it thousands of people from all over the state of Florida who have arranged their schedule to attend this spectacular event. Due to the fact that the Northwest Florida Championship Rodeo is a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association (PRCA) event, many of the best rodeo contestants in the nation attend, hoping to score a few extra points towards the Dodge National Circuit Finals in Pocatello, Idaho.

With much gratitude to the many conservation projects in Holmes County, the area has managed to maintain a perfect balance with nature. Native wildlife is abundant through the many rivers, lakes, clear springs and hardwood forests that encompass Holmes County, making paddling, boating, fishing and nature watching the perfect pastimes for the residents in the area.

Holmes County is home to cities such as Bonifay, Esto, Noma, Ponce De Leon and Westville. Known for its Southern hospitality and Ol' Florida Charm, Holmes County is centrally located between the two major Florida cities of Tallahassee and Pensacola, allowing for residents to enjoy quite, peaceful country living with all the amenities of big city life under an hour away. With the number of rivers, lakes, creeks and fresh water springs that flow through property that is up for sale, water front property is still within reach in Holmes County.