Geographic Location
Perry sits in Florida’s Big Bend region, where the state’s panhandle curves into the peninsula. It’s located in Taylor County, about 50 miles southeast of Tallahassee. The town serves as the county seat and sits approximately 20 miles inland from the Gulf of Mexico.
The coordinates place Perry at 30°06′52″N 83°34′57″W, positioning it in North Florida’s coastal plain. This location puts it at the intersection of several major highways, making it a crossroads for travelers moving through this part of the state.
Getting There
Perry is accessible via several state highways:
- US Highway 19/27 runs north-south through town, connecting Perry to Tallahassee to the north and the Tampa Bay area to the south
- US Highway 98 cuts through Perry east-west, linking it to the coastal communities of the Big Bend and the Florida Panhandle
- State Road 30 provides additional connectivity to surrounding areas
The nearest commercial airport is Tallahassee International Airport, about an hour’s drive northwest. Jacksonville International Airport is approximately two hours away by car.
Perry doesn’t have passenger rail service. Most visitors and residents get around by car, though some local bus service is available.
Environment
Perry sits in a transitional zone between Florida’s inland pine forests and coastal wetlands. The area features:
- Extensive pine flatwoods dominated by slash and longleaf pines
- Cypress swamps and hardwood hammocks
- Numerous springs, rivers, and creeks that feed into the Gulf of Mexico
- Rich wildlife including deer, turkey, alligators, and various bird species
The Steinhatchee River flows near Perry, providing access to the Gulf of Mexico. The region is known for its natural springs, including Hampton Springs and Keaton Beach, which are popular spots for fishing, boating, and swimming.
The climate is humid subtropical with hot, wet summers and mild, drier winters. Summer temperatures typically reach the low 90s Fahrenheit, while winter daytime temperatures usually hover in the 60s.
The Name
Perry was named after Madison Starke Perry, Florida’s fourth governor who served from 1857 to 1861. Before taking his name, the settlement was known as Rosehead, reportedly due to the abundance of native roses that grew in the area.
The town was incorporated in 1903, but its history stretches back further. The name change from Rosehead to Perry came when the railroad arrived in the late 19th century, spurring development and establishing the town as a hub for the region’s timber industry.
Today, Perry retains its small-town character while serving as an important commercial center for Taylor County and surrounding rural areas. With roughly 7,000 residents, it balances its historical roots with modern amenities, making it both a waypoint for travelers and a destination in its own right.
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