Monroe County, named in honor of James Monroe, the fifth President of the United States of America, was created in 1823 and consists of nearly 800 islands, known as "the keys". Named the sixth county in the state, Monroe County spanned the state from the Dry Tortugas to the south shore of Lake Okeechobee. It was in 1825 that the Federal Wrecking Act stated that all property in the US waters must be taken to a US port of entry. Key West became one of these ports, while St. Augustine became the next closest port, this made Key West an important and powerful region. Three years later Key West became the county seat of Monroe County. In 1836 county borders were re-arranged taking the eastern portion of Monroe County, from Bahia Honda to Lake Okeechobee, and creating Dade County. By 1887, Lee County, Collier County and Hendry County were carved out of Monroe County and became their own entities, leaving the current total of square miles that make up Monroe County to be 3,737 and 73% of that is water! There is not one place on the keys that is 4 miles away from water. Henry Flagler was a railroad developer that was largely responsible for the growth of Florida's east coast by founding the Florida East Coast Railway, which eventually ran from Jacksonville down to Key West, connecting the state.

Today Monroe County is home to cities such as, Big Pine, Islamorada, Key Colony Beach, Key Largo, Key West, Layton, Marathon, Sugarloaf Key and Tavernier. The Florida Keys are islands of rock, finding a sandy beach is not impossible but not common. On the Atlantic Ocean side of the keys, lies the only living coral reef in the Continental United States, which makes scuba diving one of the most popular sports in Monroe County. It was due, in part, to Flagler's railroad that the once remote beach of Bahia Honda Key turned into a tropical destination for many visitors. Known for it's beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunsets and remarkable snorkeling, Bahia Honda State Park has become a place for visitors and residents alike to enjoy a day of fun in the sun on one of the Keys only beaches. From swimming with the dolphins to bathing in the sun, Monroe County has become a place for those looking for an island paradise to spend their winters. Bahia Honda Key on Big Pine Key, John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park on Key Largo, Long Key State Recreation Area on Marathon are only a few of the state parks located in Monroe County.

Relocating to Monroe County is like relocating to paradise! Water front property is abounding in this area and the recreation is never ending. Living in Monroe County is like being on vacation all year long.