DeSoto County
A Special Place to Call Your Own
Ready to feel the tension melt away? DeSoto’s county seat of Arcadia is a small, charming town with a rich history and a downtown area that features antique shops and restaurants. Become part of the city’s cattle-ranching culture and visit a rodeo, attend the county fair or visit the Watermelon Festival.
Water options are never far away.
With old-Florida attractions like Canoe Outpost-Peace River, Peace River Charters, Peace River Campground, and Horse Creek Retreat — stretched across the county and the river — there’s always a chance for peace and adventure.
County areas like Fort Ogden, Nocatee, Lake Suzy and Sunnybreeze also offer a rural lifestyle with easy access to nature and Peace River. And if a beach day suits your fancy, the Gulf Coast is located just about an hour away.
This page is part of FPLs WonderFL campaign. To learn more, go to WonderFL.com.
- Play Here
- Live Here
- Work Here
Notorious for Laid-back Fun
In the Florida Heartland, we’re big on uncovering hidden gems. DeSoto County fits the bill with plenty of fun activities and events including annual rodeo events at Mosaic Arena — including the March “Granddaddy of ’em all” Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo — as well as the Watermelon Festival and DeSoto County Fair in Arcadia.
Arcadia Main Street is also a hub of activity, with boutique shops, antique stores and restaurants, with the historic Heard Opera House being a centerpiece, offering live music and other nightly events.
For outdoor enthusiasts, canoeing along the famed Peace River offers a chance to experience the region’s natural beauty.
Amenities for Healthy Living
Stop settling for cities that make you feel like just a number. In DeSoto County, you’ll find abundant housing with acres of land at a fraction of the cost of major metropolitans. The region is also home to DeSoto Memorial Hospital, which cares for the physical health of thousands while South Florida State College’s satellite campus ensures students remain intellectually fit beyond K-12 education.
Companies that Feel Like Family
Whether you want to go into nursing, work on a farm or at a logistics center, DeSoto County is an advantageous location to build your career. The Walmart distribution center in Arcadia employs close to 1,000 while agricultural businesses like Peace River Citrus, Joshua Citrus, Bethel Farms and Better-Gro/Sun Bulb employ thousands in the agriculture industry. And if you’re looking to work in healthcare, DeSoto Memorial Hospital is another major employer in the area.
Currently, major employers like Crown Roof Tiles, Walmart Distribution Center, DeSoto Memorial Hospital and Wellpath Recovery Solutions are ALL HIRING!