Marion County, named in honor of General Francis Marion, a fighter during the American Revolutionary War, was established in 1844 from portions of Alachua, Orange and Hillsborough Counties. The first settlers in the area were drawn by the free land that was offered during the Armed Occupation Act during the 1840's. The act was created as an effort to populate the state, it granted 160 acres of land to any head of a family, in turn the head of the family agreed that they were a resident of Florida, has a permit from the Lands office, that he will reside for five years on the grant, will cultivate at least 5 acres and build a house within the first year and bear arms, for his own protection. The county constructed itself around Fort King, six military roads joined at this fort making it a "hub" within the county. Although, a store, post office and the courthouse were built around the fort, the provision in the Armed Occupation Act that stated that no homes were to be built within two miles of the fort, forced residents to build log cabins scattered throughout the forests.

Today Marion County is home to cities such as Belleview, Citra, Dunnellon, Eureka, Fort McCoy, McIntosh, Ocala, Ocklawaha, Orange Springs, Reddick, Romeo, Salt Springs, Summerfield and Weirsdale. Water recreation is abound in Marion County, with Orange Lake near the Alachua County border, Lake Kerr in the northern part of the county and Lake Weir in southern portion of the county, fishing, swimming, boating, paddling and water skiing is a way of life for the residents in the area. Marion County is known for breeding champion race horses, such as the 11th Triple Crown Winner; Affirmed and 1956 Kentucky Derby Winner; Needles. Known as the "Treasure of Florida's Nature Coast", Dunnellon is the home of the breathtaking Rainbow Springs, the second largest artesian spring in the state of Florida. Pumping nearly 500 million gallons of fresh, crystal clear water daily, Rainbow Springs is a haven for paddlers, swimmers and folks that enjoy a good tube ride! With is many rolling hills, live oaks and crystal clear springs, Marion County has brought visitors from all over the country to take in the natural beauty of the area.

Centrally located between the beautiful Gulf of Mexico and the pristine Atlantic Ocean, relocating to Marion County provides quick access to both of these incredible bodies of water. Waterfront property is easy to gain with Marion County's many lakes and rivers. Whether you are looking to raise a family or to retire, Marion County provides a little something for everyone.