Glades County, Florida

Glades County is a quiet, rural community in the heart of Florida, far from the state’s famous beaches and theme parks. Much of the county is covered by ranchland, agricultural fields, and sugar cane farms, giving it a distinctly rural character.

Moore Haven, the county seat, is located along the western shore of Lake Okeechobee. The lake makes Glades County a popular destination for fishing, particularly for bass and catfish. Airboats are a familiar sight in the area, while the surrounding canals and wetlands provide opportunities to spot Florida wildlife, including alligators.

The Seminole Tribe also has a reservation in the county. With little emphasis on nightlife and urban entertainment, Glades County offers a peaceful atmosphere that many locals appreciate. Its quiet landscapes, open spaces, and dark skies make it a great place for stargazing and experiencing a more traditional side of Old Florida.

CategoryDetails
County NameGlades County
County SeatMoore Haven
EtymologyNamed for the Florida Everglades and wetlands of the area
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesMoore Haven, LaBelle, Buckhead Ridge, Ortona, Palmdale
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. 27, U.S. 41, SR 29
FIPS Code12-043
Total Area (Land and Water)1,207 square miles (land: 988 sq mi, water: 219 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction) Highlands County (North), Okeechobee County (Northeast), Martin County (East), Palm Beach County (Southeast), Hendry County (South), Lee County (Southwest), Charlotte County (West), DeSoto County (Northwest)
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
StateFlorida
Coordinates26.8224° N, 81.1264° W
Major LandmarksLake Okeechobee, Big Cypress National Preserve, Babcock Ranch
PopulationApproximately 14,000
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