Miami-Dade County

Miami-Dade County, located in southeastern Florida, is the state’s most populous county, home to over 2.7 million residents as of the 2020 census. Covering nearly 2,000 square miles, it is Florida’s third-largest county by land area and the seventh-most populous in the U.S. The county seat, Miami, serves as the heart of the ninth-largest metropolitan area in the country, surpassing the population of many U.S. states.

Economically, Miami-Dade is a powerhouse, boasting a GDP of $184.5 billion as of 2022, the largest of any Florida county. It is home to the Port of Miami, the world’s busiest passenger port, and Miami International Airport, a key hub for international travel and cargo. The county also hosts prestigious institutions like Florida International University and the University of Miami, the latter being one of its largest employers.

Known for its rich cultural diversity, Miami-Dade is the most populous majority-Hispanic county in the nation. It consists of 34 incorporated cities and numerous unincorporated areas. The northern and eastern sections are highly urbanized, featuring a skyline of high-rises, while the southern region, including Redland and Homestead, remains primarily agricultural.

Miami-Dade is home to stunning natural landscapes, including portions of Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park. The Everglades, largely uninhabited except for a Miccosukee tribal village, showcases Florida’s unique wetlands, while Biscayne National Park protects the bay’s crystal-clear waters and marine life.=

The area has been inhabited for over 12,000 years, with the Tequesta people as the dominant tribe at the time of European contact. They lived along the Miami River, relying on fishing, hunting, and gathering for sustenance. Spanish explorers, including Juan Ponce de León and Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, made early visits in the 16th century, establishing brief settlements before disease and conflict led to the decline of the Tequesta population.

European settlement expanded in the early 19th century as Bahamians and Seminoles moved into the region. Fort Dallas, built during the Seminole Wars, played a significant role in conflicts between settlers and Native Americans. By 1844, Miami became the county seat, though growth remained slow until the late 19th century.

Miami-Dade County was originally named Dade County in 1836, honoring Major Francis L. Dade, who died in the Second Seminole War. The county’s boundaries initially included what is now Palm Beach and Broward counties, as well as the upper Florida Keys. Over time, the area was divided, with Broward County forming in 1915.

In 1997, voters officially changed the county’s name to Miami-Dade to reflect Miami’s international recognition. This made it the only hyphenated county name in the U.S.

Miami-Dade spans 2,431 square miles, with 1,898 square miles of land and 533 square miles of water. Its elevation is low, averaging about six feet above sea level. The region is geologically young, with eastern areas composed of Oolite limestone and western parts made of Bryozoa formations.

The county’s coastline features barrier islands, including Miami Beach, home to the iconic Art Deco district of South Beach. The Florida Keys, accessible via Miami-Dade, extend southward, though most belong to Monroe County. The county is strategically located, just 30 miles from Fort Lauderdale and 68 miles from West Palm Beach.

With its vibrant culture, economic strength, and natural beauty, Miami-Dade County stands as a dynamic and influential part of Florida and the U.S.