Explore Hardee County

Suspension Bridge at the Paynes Creek Historic State Park

Hardee County was established in 1921 and named for Florida’s 23rd governor, Cary A. Hardee. In Hardee County there are opportunities to visit great sites that represent the great heritage of this area such as the Alafia River Rendezvous, the Southeast’s largest pre-1840 interpretive encampment. Hardee County is also home to Paynes Creek Historic State Park where you gain knowledge of the history of this interior Florida region and are guided through a unique set of marked trails designed to introduce visitors to a variety of ecosystems as well as stroll through an interpretive museum which helps transport visitors to the 1840’s.