Our Namesake

Madison County was named in 1827 in honor of the fourth President of the United State, James Madison, when it was chartered as Florida's largest county. This took place long before Florida was admitted to the Union, in 1845. Since then, the county has "surrendered" land masses that now constitute Taylor, Lafayette and Dixie Counties. Madison County today consist of 716 square miles of forests, rivers, lakes and gently rolling hills filled with beautiful vistas, teaming wildlife and birdlife, and an extraordinary example to the natural beauty of untouched land.

Madison County's largest town, also named Madison, has a quite different namesake. Madison C. Livingston donated the first parcel of land to create the city on May 2, 1838. Livingston Street, located on the north side of the city of Madison's Historic District, still bears his name to this day.

Our Location

Madison County, Florida is a faraway place that's not far away, a real treasure for visitors of all ages. Madison County is located on Interstate 10 just 90 minutes west of Jacksonville and only a short drive from Tallahassee. Nestled against the Georgia border just south of Valdosta and Interstate 75, Madison County offers an unexpected wealth of pleasures to our visitors. For the history minded, there are centuries old landmarks, homes, communities and unique well-stocked antique shops. For the nature lover, every imaginable recreation is available in our broad expanses of forests, rivers, lakes and springs, where bike trails, canoe trails, equestrian paths and hiking trails abound.

The city of Madison, with a population of just over 3,000, is designated as one of the "Best Little Towns in Florida" by VISIT FLORIDA, and serves as the county seat for county government offices.