Leon County, Florida

{{main|History of Leon County}}

Originally part of Escambia and later Gadsden County, Leon County was created in 1824.{{cite book|title=Publications of the Florida Historical Society|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WZQ-AAAAYAAJ&pg=RA2-PA32|year=1908|publisher=Florida Historical Society.|page=32}} It was named after Juan Ponce de León, the Spanish explorer who was the first European to reach Florida.{{cite book|last=Gannett|first=Henry|title=The Origin of Certain Place Names in the United States|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9V1IAAAAMAAJ&pg=PA185|year=1905|publisher=U.S. Government Printing Office|page=185}}

The United States finally acquired this territory in the 19th century. In the 1830s, it attempted to conduct Indian Removal of the Seminole and Creek peoples, who had migrated south to escape European-American encroachment in Georgia and Alabama. After many Seminole were forcibly removed from the area or moved south to the Everglades during the Seminole Wars, planters developed cotton plantations based on enslaved labor.

By the 1850s and 1860s, Leon County had become part of the Deep South's "cotton kingdom". It ranked fifth of all Florida and Georgia counties in cotton production from the 20 major plantations. Uniquely among Confederate capitals east of the Mississippi River, in the American Civil War Tallahassee was never captured by Union forces. No Union soldiers set foot in Leon County until the Reconstruction Era.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has an area of {{convert|702|sqmi}}, of which {{convert|667|sqmi}} are land and {{convert|35|sqmi}} (5.0%) are water.{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geographies/reference-files/time-series/geo/gazetteer-files.html|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=April 23, 2011|date=February 12, 2011|title=US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990}} Unlike much of Florida, most of Leon County has rolling hills, as part of Florida's Red Hills Region. The highest point is {{convert|280|ft|m}}, in the northern part of the county.

File:Leon County Florida geological.png

Leon County encompasses basement rock composed of basalts of the Triassic and Jurassic from ~251 to 145 million years ago interlayered with Mesozoic sedimentary rocks. The layers above the basement are carbonate rock created from dying foraminifera, bryozoa, mollusks, and corals from as early as the Paleocene, a period of ~66—55.8 Ma.{{Cite web|url=http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/guerry/GLY4155/sp35/Fgs35.HTM|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091228042634/http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/guerry/GLY4155/sp35/Fgs35.HTM|url-status=dead|title=Geology of Florida, University of Florida|archive-date=December 28, 2009}}

During the Eocene (~55.8—33.9 Ma) and Oligocene (~33.9—23 Ma), the Appalachian Mountains began to uplift and the erosion rate increased enough to fill the Gulf Trough with quartz sands, silts, and clays via rivers and streams. The first sedimentation layer in Leon County is the Oligocene Suwannee Limestone in the southeastern part of the county as stated by the United States Geological Survey and Florida Geological Survey.{{Cite web|url=https://archive.usgs.gov/archive/sites/sofia.usgs.gov/|title=South Florida Information Access (SOFIA) -- USGS Greater Everglades Ecosystems Science|website=archive.usgs.gov|access-date=October 2, 2019}}

The Early Miocene (~23.03—15.7 Ma) sedimentation in Leon County is Hawthorn Group, Torreya Formation and St. Marks Formation and is found in the northern two-thirds of the county.

The Pliocene (~5.332—2.588 Ma) is represented by the Miccosukee Formation scattered within the Torreya Formation.

Sediments were laid down from the Pleistocene epoch (~2.588 million—12 000 years ago) through the Holocene epoch (~12,000—present) and are designated Beach ridge and trail and undifferentiated sediments.

During the Pleistocene, what would be Leon County emerged and submerged with each glacial and interglacial period. Interglacials created the county's topography.

Also See Leon County Pleistocene coastal terraces

Also see: Florida Platform and Lithostratigraphy

• Red Hills Region (North)
• Cody Scarp (central)
• Woodville Karst Plain (South)

Three sites in Leon County have yielded fossil remnants of the Miocene epoch.

• Apalachicola National Forest (part)

• Lake Miccosukee
• Black Creek
• Lake Bradford
• Lake Ella
• Lake Hall
• Lake Iamonia
• Lake Jackson
• Lake Lafayette
• Lake Talquin
• Ochlockonee River
• Lake Munson

• Grady County, Georgia - north
• Thomas County, Georgia - northeast
• Jefferson County - east
• Wakulla County - south
• Gadsden County - west
• Liberty County - west

{{US Census population

|1830= 6494

|1840= 10713

|1850= 11442

|1860= 12343

|1870= 15236

|1880= 19662

|1890= 17752

|1900= 19887

|1910= 19427

|1920= 18059

|1930= 23476

|1940= 31646

|1950= 51590

|1960= 74225

|1970= 103047

|1980= 148655

|1990= 192493

|2000= 239452

|2010= 275487

|2020= 292198

|estyear=2023

|estimate=296913

|estref={{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/popest/data/tables.html|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for Counties: April 1, 2020 to July 1, 2023|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=March 31, 2024}}

|align-fn=center

|footnote=U.S. Decennial Census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census.html|title=U.S. Decennial Census|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 14, 2014}}
1790-1960{{cite web|url=http://mapserver.lib.virginia.edu|title=Historical Census Browser|publisher=University of Virginia Library|access-date=June 14, 2014}} 1900-1990{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/cencounts/fl190090.txt|title=Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 14, 2014}}
1990-2000{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/cen2000/briefs/phc-t4/tables/tab02.pdf|title=Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=June 14, 2014}} 2010-2019

}}

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 292,198 people, 116,530 households, and 61,961 families residing in the county.

As of the census{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=May 14, 2011|title=U.S. Census website}} of 2010, there were 275,487 people, and 108,592 households residing in the county. The population density was {{convert|413.2|PD/sqmi|PD/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. There were 123,423 housing units at an average density of {{convert|185|/sqmi|/km2|sp=us|adj=off}}. The racial makeup of the county was 63.0% White, 30.3% Black or African American, 0.3% Native American, 2.9% Asian, 0.1% Pacific Islander, and 2.2% from two or more races. 5.6% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 108,592 households, out of which 24.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 36.9% were married couples living together, 13.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 45.8% were non-families. 31.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.92.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 20.0% under the age of 18, 26.3% from 18 to 24, 22.7% from 25 to 44, 22.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 27.8 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.57 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.03 males.

At 70.2%, Leon County enjoys the highest level of post-secondary education in the state of Florida, followed by Alachua County with a total of 67.8%.

Source of above:{{Cite web|url=http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/educLevel.php?locIndex=8672|title=Leon County, FL - county education levels - ePodunk|website=www.epodunk.com|access-date=October 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609134350/http://www.epodunk.com/cgi-bin/educLevel.php?locIndex=8672|archive-date=June 9, 2011|url-status=dead}}

The median income for a household in the county was $37,517, and the median income for a family was $52,962. Males had a median income of $35,235 versus $28,110 for females. The per capita income for the county was $21,024. About 9.40% of families and 18.20% of the population were below the poverty line, including 16.20% of those under age 18 and 8.20% of those age 65 or over.

Leon County has {{convert|1300|acre|km2}} of open space, forest and woodlands between the Miccosukee Canopy Road Greenway and J.R. Alford Greenway. In 2007 the [http://www.nacpro.org/ National Association of County Park and Recreation Officials] recognized the county with its Environmental and Conservation Award for exceptional effort to reclaim, restore, preserve, acquire or develop unique and natural areas.

Image:LeonCoCrtHs2-16Sep2007.JPG; 2007]]

Leon County is governed by an elected seven-member board of county commissioners.

Following Reconstruction, white Democrats regained power in Leon County and voters have historically voted for Democratic candidates at the national level. Tallahassee is one of the few cities in the South known for progressive activism.

The county has voted Democratic in 24 of the past 29 presidential elections since 1904.

|title=In Tallahassee

|magazine=Journal of Hispanic Philology

|volume=10

|number=2

|first=Daniel

|last=Eisenberg

|year=1986

|pages=97–101

|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141006090302/http://users.ipfw.edu/jehle/deisenbe/JHPcolumn/jhp102.pdf |archive-date=October 6, 2014}} Its political affiliations likely draw from the high number of students, staff, and faculty associated with Florida State University, Florida A&M University, and Tallahassee State College in Tallahassee, as well as the concentration of government employees.

Leon County has had the highest voter turnout of any Florida county. In the 2008 general election, it had a record-setting voter turnout of 85%, including early voting and voting by mail.{{Cite web|url=https://www.leonvotes.org/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140810152722/http://www.leoncountyfl.gov/elect/|url-status=dead|title=Home - Leon County Supervisor of Elections|archive-date=August 10, 2014|website=www.leonvotes.org|access-date=October 2, 2019}}

As of March 31, 2024, there were 98,612 Democrats, 54,464 Republicans, and 43,600 voters with other affiliations in Leon County.{{Cite web|url=https://dos.myflorida.com/elections/data-statistics/voter-registration-statistics/voter-registration-reportsxlsx/voter-registration-by-party-affiliation/|title=Voter Registration—By Party Affiliation|publisher=Florida Department of State|access-date=March 2, 2023|archive-date= September 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210908113635/https://www.dos.myflorida.com/elections/data-statistics/voter-registration-statistics/voter-registration-reportsxlsx/voter-registration-by-party-affiliation/|url-status=live}}

{{PresHead|place=Leon County, Florida|whig=no|source1={{Cite web|url=http://uselectionatlas.org/RESULTS|title=Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections|last=Leip|first=David|website=uselectionatlas.org|access-date=June 15, 2018}}}}

{{PresRow|2024|Democratic|60,397|94,520|2,810|Florida}}

{{PresRow|2020|Democratic|57,453|103,517|2,506|Florida}}

{{PresRow|2016|Democratic|53,821|92,068|7,992|Florida}}

{{PresRow|2012|Democratic|55,805|90,881|1,985|Florida}}

{{PresRow|2008|Democratic|55,705|91,747|1,483|Florida}}

{{PresRow|2004|Democratic|51,615|83,873|891|Florida}}

{{PresRow|2000|Democratic|39,073|61,444|2,637|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1996|Democratic|33,930|50,072|7,715|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1992|Democratic|31,983|47,791|17,520|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1988|Republican|36,055|33,472|631|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1984|Republican|36,325|29,683|38|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1980|Democratic|24,919|28,450|3,957|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1976|Democratic|23,739|28,729|975|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1972|Republican|27,479|15,555|92|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1968|American Independent|9,288|10,440|12,878|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1964|Republican|15,181|10,927|0|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1960|Democratic|9,079|10,433|0|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1956|Democratic|6,828|7,022|0|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1952|Democratic|5,604|8,000|0|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1948|Democratic|1,149|3,607|1,405|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1944|Democratic|835|4,505|0|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1940|Democratic|583|5,459|0|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1936|Democratic|277|3,770|0|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1932|Democratic|252|2,950|0|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1928|Democratic|630|1,888|31|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1924|Democratic|92|947|71|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1920|Democratic|452|1,412|104|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1916|Democratic|191|875|104|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1912|Democratic|56|546|64|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1908|Democratic|143|698|117|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1904|Democratic|84|649|6|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1900|Democratic|162|932|67|Florida}}

{{PresRow|1896|Democratic|247|1,298|47|Florida}}

{{PresFoot|1892|Democratic|0|634|0|Florida}}

• [http://www.co.leon.fl.us/MAP/maps.asp Map of County Commission Districts]

Allison Tant (D), District 9, represents Leon County's northern half, including most of Tallahassee. Jason Shoaf (R), District 7, represents the county's southern portion. He won office in a special election.{{Cite web|url=https://floridapolitics.com/archives/299049-shoaf-wins-house-district-7|title=Republican Jason Shoaf wins House District 7 special election|date=June 19, 2019|website=Florida Politics|access-date=October 15, 2019}} Gallop Franklin (D), District 8, represents a west-central portion of the county.

All of Leon County is represented by Corey Simon (R), District 3, in the Florida Senate.

Leon County is located in the 2nd congressional district after the 2020 census redistricting process was completed. It is currently represented by Neal Dunn (R).

Leon County voters have gone to the polls four times to vote on consolidation of the Tallahassee and Leon County governments into one jurisdiction.{{cite web|url=http://www.leonvotes.org/Portals/Leon/Documents/Elections%20and%20Results/PDFs_XLSs/Consolidation_City_County_Government.pdf|title=Consolidation of City (Tallahassee) & County (Leon) Government|publisher=Leon County Supervisor of Elections|access-date=November 2, 2017}} This proposal would combine police and other city services with the already shared (consolidated) Tallahassee Fire Department, Tallahassee/Leon County Planning Department, and Leon County Emergency Medical Services. Tallahassee's city limits would (at current size) increase from {{convert|98.2|sqmi|km2}} to {{convert|702|sqmi|km2}}. Roughly 36 percent of Leon County's 250,000 residents live outside the Tallahassee city limits.

Proponents of consolidation have claimed that the new jurisdiction would attract business by its very size. Merging of governments would cut government waste, duplication of services, etc. Professor Richard Feiock of Florida State University found in a 2007 study that he could not conclude that consolidation would benefit the local economy.{{cite web

|url=http://www.fsu.edu/~localgov/publication_files/Feiock&Park&Kang_Consolidation_K3.pdf|title=City County Consolidation Efforts: Selective Incentives and Institutional Choice|website=www.fsu.edu |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070614150850/http://www.fsu.edu/~localgov/publication_files/Feiock%26Park%26Kang_Consolidation_K3.pdf |archive-date=June 14, 2007}}

• The Leon County Sheriff's Office provides police patrol and detective service for the unincorporated part of the county. The sheriff's office also provides court protection and operates the county jail.
• The Tallahassee Police Department provides policing for residents within the city limits of Tallahassee. Established in 1826, TPD is the country's third-longest-accredited law enforcement agency.TPD web site

• The Tallahassee Fire Department provides fire protection and emergency response for Tallahassee, as well as all unincorporated areas of Leon County.{{cite web |title=Group portrait of women in the Tallahassee Fire Department. |url=https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/254108 |website=floridamemory.com |publisher=State Library & Archives of Florida}} Six volunteer fire departments within unincorporated areas of Leon County supplement the response of Leon County EMS and the TFD{{cite web |title=Volunteer Fire Departments |url=https://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Government/Departments/Public-Safety/Leon-County-Emergency-Medical-Services/Volunteer-Fire-Departments |website=leoncountyfl.gov |publisher=Leon County, Florida |access-date=10 March 2025}} and exist to provide more timely responses.
• Leon County Emergency Medical Services provides emergency response and transport using Advanced life support for all areas of Leon County including Tallahassee.

• The Leon County Emergency Operations Center is located in the Public Safety Complex. They prepare for and coordinate response to disasters.

The Florida Department of Health{{Cite web |last=Bush |first=Janice |date=2024-01-05 |title=MyAccessFlorida – New Portal Apply Online {{!}} Florida DCF |url=https://www.myaccessflorida.com.co/ |access-date=2024-01-15 |website=MyAccessFlorida |language=en-US}} operates county health departments in all 67 of the state's counties.

The Florida Department of Children and Families provides social services in all 67 of the state's counties.

• Operations: drainage systems along county rights-of-way and easements, Maintaining road shoulders, Traffic Signal and Lighting Maintenance, Mosquito Control
• Transportation Maintenance: Asphalt repairs, Maintenance of Private Roads & dirt roads, Street signs, pavement markings
• Right of Way: Litter control and roadside mowing
• Fleet management: Vehicle Repair & Preventative Maintenance

Note: Road construction and resurfacing is handled by private contractors

The City of Tallahassee Utilities department is responsible for water delivery, wastewater treatment, and stormwater management within the city limits. In unincorporated areas of Leon County, residents utilize private wells and septic systems.

File:FSUWestcottBuilding-2.jpg at Florida State University]]

Florida State University (commonly called Florida State or FSU) is an American public space-grant and sea-grant research university. It has a 1,391.54-acre (5.631-km²) campus in Tallahassee. In 2017, it had nearly 42,000 students. It is a senior member of the State University System of Florida. Founded in 1851, it is on Florida's oldest continuous site of higher education.{{cite web | last = Meginniss| first = Benjamin A. |author2=Winthrop, Francis B. |author3=Ames, Henrietta O. |author4=Belcher, Burton E. |author5=Paret, Blanche |author6=Holliday, Roderick M. |author7=Crawford, William B. |author8= Belcher, Irving J. | title = The Argo of the Florida State College | volume = II | publisher = The Franklin Printing & Publishing Co., Atlanta | year = 1902 | url = https://archive.org/stream/argo219011902flor#page/114/mode/2up | access-date = April 26, 2013}}{{cite news|title=FSU's age change: history or one-upmanship? |first=Barry |last=Klein |newspaper=St. Petersburg Times |date=July 29, 2000 |url=http://www.sptimes.com/News/072900/State/FSU_s_age_change__his.shtml |access-date=July 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121017154646/http://www.sptimes.com/News/072900/State/FSU_s_age_change__his.shtml |archive-date=October 17, 2012 }}

The university is classified as a Research University with Very High Research by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.{{cite web| title=Florida State University | work=Classifications | publisher=The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching | year=2013 | url=http://carnegieclassifications.iu.edu/lookup/view_institution.php?unit_id=134097 | access-date=April 26, 2013}} It comprises 16 separate colleges and more than 110 centers, facilities, labs and institutes that offer more than 360 programs of study, including professional school programs.{{cite web| title=Colleges, Schools, Departments, Institutes, and Administrative Units | work=FSU Departments | publisher=Florida State University | date=April 26, 2013 | url=http://www.fsu.edu/departments/ | access-date=April 26, 2013}} In 2022-23 the university had an operating budget of $2.36 billion{{cite web |last1=Farnum-Patronis |first1=Amy |title=FSU Board of Trustees approves $2.36 billion operating budget for 2022-2023 |url=https://news.fsu.edu/news/university-news/2022/06/22/fsu-board-of-trustees-approves-2-36-billion-operating-budget-for-2022-2023/ |website=News.fsu.edu |publisher=Florida State University |access-date=May 21, 2023}} set by the Florida State University Board of Trustees. Florida State is home to Florida's only National Laboratory, the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory. FSU also operates the John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art, the State Art Museum of Florida and one of the nation's largest museum/university complexes.{{cite web|title=The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art |work=FSU Departments |publisher=The John & Mable Ringling Museum of Art |date=April 26, 2013 |url=http://www.ringling.org/About2.aspx?id=930 |access-date=April 26, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517163624/http://www.ringling.org/About2.aspx?id=930 |archive-date=May 17, 2013 }}

FSU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS). It is home to nationally ranked programs in many academic areas, including law, business, engineering, medicine, social policy, film, music, theater, dance, visual art, political science, psychology, social work, and the sciences.{{cite web|url=http://www.fsu.edu/highlights/rankings.html#human/ |title=Florida State University – College Highlights and Selected National Rankings |access-date=May 1, 2007}}

For 2019, U.S. News & World Report ranked Florida State the country's 26th-best public university.{{cite web | title=Florida State University - US News Best Colleges | website=Profile, Rankings and Data | date=March 10, 2016 | url=https://www.usnews.com/best-colleges/florida-state-university-1489 | access-date=June 29, 2023}}

Florida Governor Rick Scott and the state legislature designated FSU one of two "preeminent" state universities in the spring of 2013 among the 12 universities of the State University System of Florida.{{cite news|url=http://www.thefloridacurrent.com/article.cfm?id=33191813 |date=June 10, 2013 |publisher=The Florida Current |title=UF, FSU get special designation, more money |last=Call |first=James |access-date=June 12, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103114004/http://www.thefloridacurrent.com/article.cfm?id=33191813 |archive-date=November 3, 2013 }}{{cite web|title=CS/CS/SB 1076: K-20 Education|url=http://www.flsenate.gov/Session/Bill/2013/1076|website=Flsenate.gov|access-date=April 23, 2013}}{{cite news|title=Our Opinion: FSU benefits from pre-eminent status|url=http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20130423/OPINION01/304230001/Our-Opinion-FSU-benefits-from-pre-eminent-status|newspaper=The Tallahassee Democrat|access-date=April 23, 2013}}

FSU's intercollegiate sports teams, commonly called the Seminoles, compete in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).{{cite news |title= FSU Athletics Timeline|first=Jim |last=Joanos |date= June 2012 |url=http://nolefan.org/garnet/seminole72.html |access-date=April 26, 2013}}

File:FloridaAM.JPG's Lee Hall Auditorium{{cite web|url=http://www.famu.edu/index.cfm?LeeHallAuditorium|title=Lee Hall Auditorium : Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University 2017|website=Famu.edu|access-date=November 22, 2017}}]]

Founded on October 3, 1887, Florida A&M University (FAMU) is a public, historically black university that is part of the State University System of Florida and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. FAMU's main campus comprises 156 buildings spread over {{convert|422|acre|km2|sigfig=2}} on top of Tallahassee's highest geographic hill. In 2016 it had more than 9,600 students. FAMU also has several satellite campuses. Its College of Law is at its Orlando site, and its pharmacy program has sites in Miami, Jacksonville and Tampa. FAMU offers 54 bachelor's degrees and 29 master's degrees. It has 12 schools and colleges and one institute.

FAMU has 11 doctoral programs, including ten Ph.D. programs: chemical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering, biomedical engineering, physics, pharmaceutical sciences, educational leadership, and environmental sciences. Top undergraduate programs are architecture, journalism, computer information sciences, and psychology. FAMU's top graduate programs include pharmaceutical sciences, public health, physical therapy, engineering, physics, master's of applied social sciences (especially history and public administration), business, and sociology.

File:Tallahassee Community College entrance and administration building.jpg]]

The Florida Legislature founded Tallahassee Junior College in 1966,{{Cite web|title=Admissions - Tallahassee Community College|url=https://www.tcc.fl.edu/admissions/|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120208094238/https://www.tcc.fl.edu/about_tcc|archive-date=February 8, 2012|access-date=October 2, 2019|website=www.tcc.fl.edu}} renamed Tallahassee Community College in 1970, then Tallahassee State College in 2024.{{cite news |last1=Jean |first1=Tarah |title=Now it’s official: TCC to become Tallahassee State College after DeSantis OKs name change |url=https://www.tallahassee.com/story/news/local/tcc-news/2024/03/27/tallahassee-community-college-renamed-tallahassee-state-college-after-governor-desantis-signs-bill/73118759007/ |access-date=24 May 2024 |work=Tallahassee Democrat |date=March 27, 2024 |ref=TSCRename}}

TSC is a member of the Florida College System. It is accredited by the Florida Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Its primary site is a 270-acre (1.092 km2) campus in Tallahassee.

TSC offers Bachelor's of Science, Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Sciences degrees. In 2013, it was 1st in the nation in graduating students with A.A. degrees.{{cite web|url=http://ccweek.com/article-3461-associate-degree-certificate-producers-2013.html|title=Associate Degree & Certificate Producers, 2013|website=Ccweek.com|access-date=November 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170517183755/http://ccweek.com/article-3461-associate-degree-certificate-producers-2013.html|archive-date=May 17, 2017|url-status=dead}} TSC is also the nation's #1 transfer school to Florida State University. As of 2015, TSC had 38,017 students.{{cite web |url=http://fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/15267/urlt/FactBook2016.pdf |title=Archived copy |access-date=April 5, 2017 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170305114913/http://fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/15267/urlt/FactBook2016.pdf |archive-date=March 5, 2017 }}

In partnership with Florida State University, TSC offers the TSC2FSU program. This program provides guaranteed admission to FSU for TSC Associate in Arts degree graduates.{{cite web|url=https://www.tcc.fl.edu/Future/GoldenGuarantee/TCC2FSU/Pages/default.aspx|title=Library - Tallahassee Community College|website=Tcc.fl.edu|access-date=November 22, 2017}}

• Barry University School of Adult and Continuing Education – Tallahassee Campus
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Flagler College – Tallahassee Campus
• Keiser University – Tallahassee Campus
• Lewis M. Lively Area Vocational-Technical School
• Saint Leo University – Tallahassee Campus

The Leon County School District administers and operates Leon County's public schools.{{cite web|url=https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st12_fl/schooldistrict_maps/c12073_leon/DC20SD_C12073.pdf|title=2020 CENSUS - SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: Leon County, FL|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|accessdate=July 31, 2022}} - [https://www2.census.gov/geo/maps/DC2020/PL20/st12_fl/schooldistrict_maps/c12073_leon/DC20SD_C12073_SD2MS.txt Text list] LCS is operated by a superintendent, 5 board members, and 1 student representative. There are 25 elementary schools, 10 middle schools, seven high schools, eight special/alternative schools, and two charter schools.

{{columns-list|colwidth=30em|

• Cobb Middle School
• Deerlake Middle School
• Fairview Middle School
• Fort Braden School K - 8
• Governor's Charter Academy (Charter K–8)
• Griffin Middle School
• Holy Comforter Episcopal School (Private PK3–8)
• Maclay School (Private PK3–12)
• Montford Middle School
• Nims Middle School
• Raa Middle School
• Success Academy of Tallahassee
• Swift Creek Middle School
• Stars Middle School (Charter)
• School of Arts and Sciences (Charter K–8)
• Tallahassee School of Math and Science (Charter K–8)
• Trinity Catholic School (Private PK3–8)
• Cornerstone Learning Community (Private PK3–8)}}

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• Amos P. Godby High School
• Atlantis Academy
• Community Christian School
• Florida A&M University Developmental Research School
• Florida State University High School
• James S. Rickards High School
• John Paul II Catholic High School
• Lawton Chiles High School
• Leon High School
• Lincoln High School
• Lively Technical Center
• Maclay School
• North Florida Christian High School
• SAIL High School
• Woodland Hall Academy

}}

Leon County operates the Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library, with 7 branches serving the county:{{Cite web|url=http://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Library|title=Leroy Collins Leon County Public Library|website=Leon County|access-date=January 9, 2020}}

• Leroy Collins Main Library
• Northeast Branch Library
• Eastside Branch Library
• Dr. B.L. Perry, Jr. Branch Library
• Lake Jackson Branch Library
• Woodville Branch Library
• Jane G. Sauls Fort Braden Branch Library

The Leon County Public Library was renamed in 1993 to honor LeRoy Collins, the 33rd governor of Florida.{{cite web|title=Governor Thomas LeRoy Collins|url=http://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Library/LibraryInformation/About-LeRoy-Collins|website=LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library|access-date=October 27, 2014}}

File:The Columns.png

The Carnegie Library of Tallahassee provided library services to the black community before desegregation. It was the first and only public library in Tallahassee until 1955. Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie offered Tallahassee money to build a public library in 1906. According to Africology: The Journal of Pan African Studies, the library was built on the FAMU campus because the city refused the donation because it would have to serve the black citizens. "The facility boasted modern amenities such as electricity, indoor plumbing and water supplied by the city. In later years, the Library served as an art gallery, religious center, and in 1976, became the founding home of the Black Archives Research Center and Museum. By functioning both as a repository for archival records and a museum for historical regalia, the center continues to render academic support to educational institutions, civic, political, religious and Museum. By functioning both as a repository for archival records and a museum for historical regalia, the center continues to render academic support to educational institutions, civic, political, religious and social groups, as well as, public and private businesses throughout Florida and the nation."{{cite journal |title=Carrie Meek - James N. Eaton, Sr. Southeastern Regional Black Archives Research Center and Museum |journal=Africology: The Journal of Pan African Studies |volume=10 |issue=2 |year=2017 |pages=263–272 |url=http://www.jpanafrican.org/docs/vol10no2/10.2-22-Carrie.pdf }} The building was designed by noted architect William Augustus Edwards and was built in 1908. On November 17, 1978, it was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places.

The Carnegie Library of Tallahassee, which served only the black community, became the only free public library in the city until 1955. According to the Leon County Public Library's website, the American Association of University Women formed the Friends of the Library organization in 1954. The formation of the Friends of the Library was in direct response to the fact that "Tallahassee was the only state capital in the United States not offering free public library service."Leon County. (2002-2016). Library History. Retrieved April 9, 2018, from Leon County Florida Government: http://cms.leoncountyfl.gov/Library/LibraryInformation/Library-History A year later, the library was established by legislative action and developed by citizens and civic groups. The first Leon County free public library opened on March 21, 1956. The first building to house the library was The Columns, one of the oldest remaining antebellum homes in the Leon County area, at Park Avenue and Adams Street (now the home of the James Madison Institute).

In order to expand library services, the Junior League of Tallahassee donated a bookmobile to the library. The vehicle was later donated to the Leon County Sheriff's Office to be used as a paddywagon for its Road Prison. In 1962, the library moved to the old Elks Club building at 127 North Monroe Street. Public transit in the city of Tallahassee had been desegregated by 1958, but the public library system was only integrated several years later.

In the early 1970s, Jefferson and Wakulla Counties joined the Leon County Public Library System, forming the Leon, Jefferson, and Wakulla County Public Library System. According to the library's website, "Leon County provided administrative and other services to the two smaller counties, while each supported the direct costs of their library services and their share of Leon's administrative costs." In 1975 the system started a branch library in Bond, a predominantly black community on the city's south side. Wakulla County left the library cooperative in 1975 to start its own library system and in 1978 the main library moved to Tallahassee's Northwood Mall. Jefferson County left the library cooperative in 1980 and the library reverted to the Leon County Public Library. In 1989, "ground breaking was held on March 4 for a new $8.5 million main library facility with 88,000 feet of space. The site was next door to the library's original home, The Columns, which had been moved in 1971 to 100 N. Duval." The new library had its grand opening in 1991 and was renamed in 1993 in honor of former Governor LeRoy Collins.

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• Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
• Apalachicola National Forest
• Birdsong Nature Center
• Bradley's Country Store Complex
• Florida State Capitol
• Florida Supreme Court
• Florida State Archives
• Florida Vietnam War Memorial
• Lake Jackson Mounds Archaeological State Park
• Leon County Fairgrounds
• Leon County's five canopy roads
• LeRoy Collins Leon County Public Library
• Mission San Luis de Apalachee
• Museum of Florida History
• Old Fort Park
• Tall Timbers Research Station
• Tallahassee Antique Car Museum
• Tallahassee Museum
• Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad Trail State Park

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• Tallahassee Commercial Airport
• Tallahassee International Airport{{cite news|title=Tallahassee's airport goes international|url=http://www.tallahassee.com/story/money/2015/06/29/nix-regional-tallahassee-international-airport-now/29488659/|newspaper=Tallahassee Democrat|access-date=July 8, 2015}}

{{See also|List of county roads in Leon County, Florida}}

File:Leon County FL sign SR20.jpg

• 20px Interstate 10
• 20px U.S. Highway 27
• 20px U.S. Highway 90
• 25px U.S. Highway 319
• 20px State Road 20
• 20px State Road 61
• 25px State Road 155
• 25px State Road 263
• 25px State Road 267
• 25px State Road 363

• Tallahassee

• Bradfordville
• Capitola
• Chaires
• Fort Braden
• Miccosukee
• Woodville

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• Baum
• Belair
• Black Creek
• Bloxham
• Centerville
• Chaires Crossroads
• Felkel
• Gardner
• Iamonia
• Ivan
• Lafayette
• Lutterloh
• Meridian
• Ochlockonee
• Rose
• Wadesboro

{{div col end}}

• Bond-South City, a former census-designated place enumerated by the United States Census Bureau in 1950 and 1960.

• Wally Amos – founder of the "Famous Amos" chocolate chip cookie brand; actor
• Tony Hale – actor, played Byron "Buster" Bluth on Arrested Development
• Isaac Jenkins (1846-1911), politician who served in the Florida House of Representatives in the 1880s
• Jerrie Mock – aviator and first woman to fly around the world solo
• T-Pain (born Faheem Najm) – hip hop and R&B singer
• Ernest I. Thomas – raiser of the original flag at Iwo Jima

• National Register of Historic Places listings in Leon County, Florida

{{notelist}}

{{commons category}}

• [http://www.leoncountyfl.gov/ Leon County Government / Board of County Commissioners]
• [http://www.clerk.leon.fl.us Leon County Clerk of Courts]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070928150641/http://www.leoncountyfl.gov/propappr/ Leon County Property Appraiser]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20120529054611/http://lcso.leonfl.org/ Leon County Sheriff's Office]
• [http://www.leonvotes.org/ Leon County Supervisor of Elections]
• [http://www.leontaxcollector.net/ Leon County Tax Collector]

• [http://www.leon.k12.fl.us/ Leon County Public Schools]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20070927003416/http://www.localconservationboard.org/ The Ochlockonee River Soil and Water Conservation District]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20041126013721/http://sun6.dms.state.fl.us/nwfwmd/ Northwest Florida Water Management District]

• [http://www.clerk.leon.fl.us/ Leon County Clerk of Courts]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20060828233429/http://leoncountyfl.gov/PD/index.asp Public Defender, 2nd Judicial Circuit of Florida] serving Franklin, Gadsden, Jefferson, Leon, Liberty, and Wakulla counties
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20041205144935/http://www.sao2fl.org/ Office of the State Attorney, 2nd Judicial Circuit of Florida]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20041229062155/http://www.2ndcircuit.leon.fl.us/ Circuit and County Court, 2nd Judicial Circuit of Florida]

• [http://www.VisitTallahassee.com Info, Events & Things to do in Tallahassee]

{{Geographic Location

|Centre = Leon County, Florida

|North = Grady County, Georgia

|Northeast = Thomas County, Georgia

|East = Jefferson County

|Southeast =

|South = Wakulla County

|Southwest =

|West = Gadsden County
Liberty County

|Northwest =

}}

{{Leon County, Florida}}

{{Geography of Florida}}

{{North Florida}}

{{coord|30.46|-84.28|display=title|type:adm2nd_region:US-FL_source:UScensus1990}}

{{authority control}}

Category:Charter counties in Florida

Category:1824 establishments in Florida Territory

Category:Populated places established in 1824

Category:Tallahassee metropolitan area

Category:North Florida