Located in Northeast Florida, Okaloosa County was created in 1915 from portions of both Santa Rosa County and Walton County. During this year, a bill to the Florida House of Representatives was presented by William Mapoles describing the importance of this new county. Mapoles named the new county in honor of a passenger steamboat that traveled down the Blackwater River from Milton to Pensacola named "The Okaloosa". Okaloosa is a Choctaw Indian word that translates into "black water". The lumber, turpentine and fishing industries were the economic means during this time and were supported by the Pensacola & Atlantic Railroad. This railway system ran from Pensacola to Jacksonville transporting goods and commodities from the west coast to the east coast of Florida. After the Civil War, Florida was just a wilderness state, dotted with handfuls of homesteaders. The pioneers of this history enriched county built trading posts that served as gathering places for swapping ideas, news and goods. These trading posts ultimately transformed into cities and towns.

Extending from the Gulf of Mexico to the Alabama State line, Okaloosa County is home to cities such as Baker, Cinco Bayou, Crestview, Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Laurel Hill, Mary Esther, Niceville, Shalimar, and Valparaiso. Destin is the home of the Destin History and Fishing Museum, a place where the history of Destin comes back to life. Catch a glimpse of the antique rods and reels once used by Ernest Hemmingway, tour the original Destin Post Office building and see the seine fishing boat that is still in existence today. These are only a few of the vintage collectibles that line the halls of this unique museum. The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida is located in Valparaiso in the original Valparaiso State Bank. Opening its doors in 1971, the Heritage Museum serves to collect and preserve history to share with the public for research purposes. Although, Okaloosa County is rich in history entertainment for the here and now is in abundance throughout the area. Located on the Gulf of Mexico provides access to many species of fish for inexperienced anglers as well as the most talented of fishermen! Sailfish, kingfish, barracuda, snapper, cobia and Spanish mackerel are only a few of the species that swim freely through our waters, especially close to our artificial reefs. Fishing, boating, swimming, sailing, jet skiing and gazing at some of the most beautiful sunsets in the country are all part of daily life in Okaloosa County.

Miles of beaches, golf courses, world class shopping, incredible fishing and the perfect weather are the things that tempt many into relocating to Okaloosa County. But it's the incredible home prices that allow an opportunity for everyone to own property in Okaloosa County, from luxury waterfront homes to single family gated communities, there is a little something for everyone.