Madison County, Florida

Madison County is a rural county in north Florida, located along the Georgia border. Madison serves as the county seat and is known for its charming historic district. Agriculture remains an important part of local life, with farms, cattle, and timberlands covering much of the county.

The Withlacoochee River forms part of the eastern border, while Cherry Lake offers opportunities for fishing and boating. The county has deep agricultural roots and a quiet, rural atmosphere. With few tourist attractions or nightlife options, residents enjoy a slower pace of life away from Florida’s major destinations.

The Four Freedoms Monument in downtown Madison is an important local landmark and point of pride. Madison County has no beaches or major theme parks, but its peaceful countryside, open skies, and close-knit communities give it a distinct character. The county feels more like the Deep South than the busy tourist regions of Florida.

CategoryDetails
County NameMadison County
County SeatMadison
EtymologyNamed after James Madison, fourth President of the United States
Cities, Towns, and CommunitiesMadison, Greenville, Cherry Lake, and a few unincorporated communities
Interstates and HighwaysU.S. 90, U.S. 221
FIPS Code12-079
Total Area (Land and Water)716 square miles (land: 711 sq mi, water: 5 sq mi)
Adjacent Counties (and Direction) Brooks County, Georgia (North), Lowndes County, Georgia (Northeast), Hamilton County (East), Suwannee County (Southeast), Lafayette County (Southeast), Taylor County (Southwest), Jefferson County (West)
Time ZoneEastern Time Zone (ET)
StateFlorida
Coordinates30.4721° N, 83.4004° W
Major LandmarksLake Frances, Four Freedoms Monument
PopulationApproximately 18,000
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