As the same with many counties during the late 1800's early 1900's, Okeechobee county Florida formed out of a need for County seat that is more conveniently located. The county was created in 1917, from a portion of Osceola, St. Lucie and Palm Beach counties. Okeechobee County was named in honor of the Okeechobee Lake on which the city was built; the name itself was derived from a Hitchiti word meaning big water. The Hitchiti Indians were a tribe of Creek Indians who lived in both Florida and Georgia. Livestock has always been the driving force of the economy in Okeechobee County. The Okeechobee Livestock Market was purchased in 1948, after repairs the first auction was held the following month with 784 head sold. Nearly 30 years later, during the auction in the year of 1976, 153,349 head were sold. The dairy industry also thrived during this time, by 1972 Okeechobee County became the leading dairy production county in the Southeastern portion of the country.

Okeechobee County attracts anglers from around the world in search of the Speckled Perch. Lake Okeechobee, the second largest freshwater lake in the country, is famous for bream, catfish, crappie and large mouth bass; however it is known as the Speckled Perch Capital! Arnolds Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is a non-profit wildlife care facility that has dedicated itself to melding people and wildlife together in an effort to educate humans of the value of Florida's wildlife. Recently, Arnolds Wildlife Rehabilitation Center has created an extension to its cause, by creating Arnold's Butterfly Haven! A full 1/2 acre, created in the shape of Florida's State butterfly, the Zebra Longwing, is open to the public for everyone to enjoy the metamorphosis within each stage of the butterfly's life. The Okeechobee Cattlemen’s' Association has been sponsoring two rodeos each year for over half a century, one in the spring and one on Labor Day. These rodeos have served to entertain the residents and tourists alike, bringing the life of a cowboy into your own life for many years.

Relocating to Okeechobee County brings opportunities to live in harmony with the sub-tropical wildlife of Southern Florida. Located only 60 miles west of Palm Beach, Okeechobee County provides ample opportunities to enjoy the laid back lifestyle offered in the area with big city amenities only a few miles away. Residents and tourists alike, enjoy the experiences of nature, agriculture and heritage that are offered by the unique and diverse Okeechobee County.