History of Walton County, Florida in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 17, 2025

Walton County, Florida, situated on the Emerald Coast with a Gulf of Mexico border, had a population of 75,305 in 2020. DeFuniak Springs serves as its county seat. Notably, it's home to Britton Hill, the highest natural point in Florida, reaching 345 feet. The county is a component of the Crestview–Fort Walton Beach–Destin Metropolitan Statistical Area.

1980: Walton County supported the Republican candidate

Since 1980, Walton County has consistently supported the Republican candidate in each presidential election.

1985: Completion of the final plan for Seaside

Around 1985, the final plan for Seaside was completed.

1995: Founding of planned communities in 1995

In 1995, Alys Beach, Seaside, and Rosemary Beach were founded. These communities were designed by Andrés Duany and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk, and they exemplify the New Urbanism style of urban planning.

1998: The Truman Show Filming in Seaside

In 1998, Seaside served as the primary filming location for the film "The Truman Show".

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2000: Census of 2000

In 2000, the census recorded 40,601 people, 16,548 households, and 11,120 families residing in the county. The population density was 38 people per square mile. There were 29,083 housing units at an average density of 28 per square mile.