Our Florida Community

Osceola County, Florida, the gateway to Orlando, attracts vacationing families year-round to this subtropical paradise.  Founded in 1887, Osceola County was named in honor of a local Native American tribe leader, whose name meant "Singer of the Black Drink".  Located in central Florida, this pro-business region continues to globalize as a growing number of multinational residents diversify the workforce. 

In 2006, Florida's Agency for Workforce Innovation reported Osceola County's workforce at more than 120,000.  Osceola County's major employers include Wal-Mart Stores, Orange Lake Resort & Country Club, and Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center.  Those doing business in Osceola County, FL also have access to an intricate transportation network that includes efficient highway systems, rail lines, two full-service airports, and Port Canaveral, the world's second busiest cruise port.  This state-of-the-art seaport is home to Carnival Cruise Lines, Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean International.

Visitors from all over the world make Osceola County, FL and the surrounding region one of the nation's  strongest tourist industries.  In addition to Osceola County's own attractions, visitors have access to all the amenities in the Orlando area.  Popular sites in Orlando include Sea World, Universal Studios, Walt Disney World, and Wet N Wild.  Located a short distance westward, Tampa is home to the Busch Gardens, the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, and Lowry Park Zoo, recently named America's most family friendly zoo.  This vibrant region of central FL also abounds with golf courses, numerous opportunities for shopping, and an impressive selection of sporting and entertainment venues.

The population in Osceola County, Florida grew from 172,493 (2000 Census data) to 244,045 in 2006.  This 41.5% population increase ranks Osceola County as the nation's 17^th fastest growing county.  Comprised of 1,506 square miles, this Central FL county includes the cities of Kissimmee and St. Cloud.

Kissimmee, the county seat, has a population of 47,814 and ranks as Osceola County's largest town.  A scenic historic district and the revitalization of the area's older homes and businesses prove that this dynamic little community takes pride in its heritage.  Those seeking accommodations that are more modern also have plenty of newer housing choices in addition to the more established neighborhoods.  Kissimmee is home to a branch of Valencia Community College and to such popular destinations as Old Town, the Osceola Center for the Arts, and Osceola County Stadium, which serves the spring training needs of the Houston Astros.

St. Cloud, population 20,074, remains a smaller, more colonial town than its sister city, Kissimmee.  Founded by soldiers following the Civil War, St. Cloud donned the nickname of "Soldier City".  This patriotic community features homes and businesses dating from as far back as the 1920's, where the streets in the downtown district take their names from U.S. states. Popular tourist destinations in St. Cloud include numerous scenic parks, the Reptile World Serpentarium, St. Cloud Heritage Museum, and more than 2.5 miles of scenic lakefront property.

Osceola County, Florida offers visitors an unforgettable vacation, while residents enjoy a well-rounded lifestyle in this cultural and recreational rich region.  Osceola County's communities offer a blend of diversity and heritage that enhance the quality of life found here.

If you're heading to court in Osceola County, the Florida State Court system includes a two-tiered trial court system. Most jury trials in Florida involve one judge sitting as judge of the circuit court. Circuit Courts are courts of general jurisdiction. Almost all criminal and civil cases, including personal injury, originate at this level. There are 20 Circuit Courts. Osceola County is in the 9th Circuit. The Clerk's Office is at Courthouse Square, Suite 2000, in Kissimmee. The Osceola Courthouse is the oldest one in Florida.

The Constitution also establishes a county court in each of Florida's 67 counties. The jurisdiction of county courts extends to civil disputes involving $15,000 or less. Most non-jury trials in Florida take place before one judge sitting as a judge of the county court.

The state's highest appellate court is the Supreme Court, but there are also five district courts of appeal, headquartered in Tallahassee, Lakeland, Miami, West Palm Beach and Daytona Beach. These courts, using three-judge panels, hear most cases appealed from the trial courts.

Florida offers Self-Help Centers and Family Law Forms as well as interpretive services to those with legal problems. A dictionary of common legal terms may also prove helpful.