Leon County was named after the Spanish explorer, or conquistador, Juan Ponce de Leon. He was the first European to explore Florida in 1513 in search of the “Fountain of Youth” and named the state after the Spanish word for “flowery.”

Leon County is home to Florida’s capital, Tallahassee, which was established in 1824. Legislative and executive offices and the State House and Senate chambers are located here.

As a political subdivision of the state, the County is guided by an elected, seven-member Board of County Commissioners.  Five members of the Board are elected to serve specific commission districts, and two members are elected at-large.  The County Administrator is appointed by the Board to oversee all functions, directives and policies. 

Florida Statutes, Chapter 125, establish the powers and duties of the County Commission and the County Administrator.  Also, as of November 12, 2002, Leon County is governed by a Home Rule Charter.

Statistics

Other elected officials of Leon County include the Judiciary, State Attorney, Public Defender and five Constitutional Officers:

Clerk of the Court
Property Appraiser
Sheriff
Supervisor of Elections
Tax Collector