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Orange County, Florida, founded in 1845, originally donned the name “Mosquito County”; however, when the orange crop dominated the region’s early economy, the name changed.  Fewer commercial groves remain today, and many of the areas once dedicated to oranges are now residential developments.  At the time of the 2000 Census, Orange County reported a population of 896,344 residents; however, estimates in 2006 indicate a 16.4% increase to 1,043,500. 

Orange County, FL, along with six surrounding counties, comprise the vivacious region known as Central Florida.  Orange County also lies within the Orlando-Kissimmee metropolitan area, which is home to more than one million residents.  This massive region ranks as Florida’s third largest metropolitan area, behind the cities of Miami and Tampa.  A combination of small towns and large urban areas make up Orange County, the largest of which include Apopka, Ocoee, Orlando, Pine Hills, Winter Garden, and Winter Park. 

Orlando, population 227,907, is the seat and center of commerce of Orange County, FL, as well as the principal city of the Greater Orlando region.  This innovative patchwork of communities abounds with year round cultural and recreational activities, attracting more than 52 million tourists a year.  Visitors enjoy golfing, unique restaurants, shopping opportunities at sites such as the Florida Mall and the Mall at Millenia.  Orlando features a wealth of fascinating museums that include the Orlando Museum of Art, Orlando Science Center, Harry P. Leu Gardens, and The Holocaust Memorial Resource and Education Center of Central Florida.  Local sports enthusiasts enjoy the exciting home games of the Orlando Magic, a pro basketball franchise.

The Greater Orlando area, in particular, remains most popular for the Walt Disney World Resorts in Lake Buena Vista.  CityWalk, Islands of Adventure, Sea World, Universal Studios Florida, and Wet N Wild also rank high on the must-see attractions in Orlando.  Those visiting the area have easy access to all notable theme parks via Interstate 4.  In addition, Orlando boasts the second largest concentration of hotel rooms in the nation.  Such a pleasant recreational scene, coupled with the mass availability of overnight accommodations poise Orlando as an ideal location for business conferences and conventions.

While tourism remains the lifeblood of the local economy, Orange County, FL also offers a pro-business environment, with an established base of industry.  The region’s top employers include The Air Force Agency for Modeling and Simulation (AFAMS), Army Simulation Training and Instrumentation Command (STRICOM), Boeing, GE, and Lockheed-Martin.  With the presence of entertainment companies such as Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the Full Sail School, the sectors of film and television also play a significant economic role.  Orange County boasts a 3.1% rate of unemployment, which falls well below the national average.

Educational opportunities abound in Orange County, Florida.  Students at the primary and secondary levels enjoy outstanding options for public and private education, while those seeking post-secondary education have an impressive selection from which to choose.  Higher learning facilities in Orange County include DeVry University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Florida A&M University School of Law, Nova Southeastern University, and the University of Central Florida.  UCF ranks as FL’s second largest university, boasting the sixth largest enrollment in the United States.

Orange County, Florida consists of small Southern towns and cosmopolitan cities with options to suit most everyone.  The unparalleled amenities in this premier locale provide an idyllic setting in which to live, work, and play.

If you're heading to court in Orange County, the Florida State Court system includes a two-tiered trial court system. Most jury trials in Florida involve one judge sitting as judge of the circuit court. Circuit Courts are courts of general jurisdiction. Almost all criminal and civil cases, including personal injury, originate at this level. There are 20 Circuit Courts, and Orange County is in the 9th Circuit.

The Constitution also establishes a county court in each of Florida's 67 counties. The jurisdiction of county courts extends to civil disputes involving $15,000 or less. Most non-jury trials in Florida take place before one judge sitting as a judge of the county court. Here is information on the Orange County Courthouse.

The state's highest appellate court is the Supreme Court, but there are also five district courts of appeal, headquartered in Tallahassee, Lakeland, Miami, West Palm Beach and Daytona Beach. These courts, using three-judge panels, hear most cases appealed from the trial courts.

Florida offers Self-Help Centers and Family Law Forms as well as interpretive services to those with legal problems. A dictionary of common legal terms may also prove helpful.