Hardee County, named in honor of Cary A. Hardee, Florida's Governor from 1921 to 1925, was created in 1921 from a portion of DeSoto County, Florida. The county seat of Wauchula, was established in 1902, and the City Hall was constructed in 1926. The name was given by the Florida Southern Railway and is said to have derived from the Miccosoukee Indian word Wa tu la ha kee, which means "call of the sand hill crane." During the 1840's, while Florida was in disarray over the Seminole Indian Wars, military forts were being constructed all over the state. One such fort, Fort Hartsuff was the landmark that the city of Wauchula was built around. The town prospered, as many towns that grew along the banks of the Peace River, from the citrus groves, cattle and the phosphate boom.

Today Hardee County is home to cities such as Bowling Green, Wauchula and Zolfo Springs. There is much to do in the vibrant county of Hardee. Annually, during the month of March, Zolfo Springs celebrates Pioneer Park Days. This celebration is one of the largest and oldest antique tractors, steam engine and farm equipment shows in the southeast. Demonstrations on Dutch oven cooking, wood burning and basket weaving are a few highlights that are conducted daily. During the festival, an antique tractor parade takes place every afternoon. Live music, vendors and many exhibits carry on all day long. Hardee Lakes Park contains four lakes within its 1200 acre boundaries. Complete with horse trails, hiking trails, picnic area and an observation tower, Hardee Lakes Park provides ample opportunities for some of the most pristine nature-watching. Payne's Creek adjoins with the serene Peace River, magnifying the Payne's creek experience. Multiple nature trails guide you through some of the most pristinely preserved natural ecosystems, by canoe, kayak, bicycle or foot, the wonders encompassing Payne's Creek promise to be fulfilling.

Relocating to Hardee County offers nothing short of paradise to those that are seeking peaceful, relaxing, wide open spaces that are full of natural beauty and good ol' Florida charm.