Highlands County is situated in the Florida Heartland, approximately 80 miles southwest of Tampa and 80 miles south of Orlando. The region is primarily rural in nature, with Highlands County being the most populous of the six-county Heartland region.

Highlands County residents enjoy a diverse and balanced lifestyle. The county is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream with 253 days of sunshine, an average temperature of 83 degrees, 113 idyllic lakes, world-renown Sebring International Raceway, and 14 golf courses that attract visitors from across the globe.

Highlands is also home to two state parks, more than 20 community parks, and the revered Archbold Biological Station, a leader in environmental research. Enchanting landscapes include scrub habitat and 14 endangered species. The Avon Park Air Force Range offers 82,000 acres of pristine and peaceful recreational lands, open to hunters, hikers and birdwatchers.