Marion County, Florida

Marion County is located in the north-central portion of the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2010 census, the population was 331,298. Its county seat is Ocala. Today, Marion County is a major world thoroughbred center with more than 1200 horse farms. There are about 900 thoroughbred farms, totaling some 77,000 acres (310 km2). Ocala is well known as the “horse capital of the world.” Home to Silver Springs State Park (featured on many Hollywood movies) and all that the park holds: Canyon River Zip Lines, horseback riding trails, glass-bottom boat tours, tubing, kayaking, and canoeing – this county has something for everyone! The county boasts hundreds of ‘pick your own’ fruit farms in season, from strawberries in the spring to apples in the fall.