If you live anywhere in South Walton, or drive Hwy 331 north of the bay, you’re hearing the buzz and seeing the progress in Freeport.
As commercial and residential land in SoWal gets gobbled up, Freeport has become more popular with open spaces and lower prices. New subdivisions, apartments, restaurants, parks, schools & churches have made Freeport among the fastest growing cities in the country. Progress is in the air with more and more families are moving to Freeport, Florida.
According to HWY331.com, a great resource for Freeport and DeFuniak Springs: You feel it in the traffic that no longer thins out mid-day. You notice it in the cranes rising beyond the tree line, the freshly staked parcels, the new signage appearing almost overnight. And you hear it—in grocery store aisles, at stoplights, over coffee—What’s going in there?
A Legacy of Free Harbor (and Free Port)
While the pace today feels unprecedented, Freeport has always been a hub of movement. Settlers first arrived around 1830, drawn to the natural harbor of LaGrange Bayou near the mouth of the Choctawhatchee River. Before it was Freeport, the area was known as Genoa and later Four Mile Landing.
The name “Freeport” took hold during the Civil War for a simple, practical reason: there was no charge to dock at the junction of Four Mile and LaFayette Creeks. Local legend offers a more festive alternative, suggesting an unclaimed shipment of wine once turned the harbor into a place where everyone could enjoy a little “free port.”
Optimistic, Vibrant, and Strong
Today, the state of the city is defined by a solid financial footing. The city has maintained a steady millage rate of 4.7302 for two years running, all while funding a surge in services. A new city-run mosquito control department is already saving taxpayers an estimated $500,000 annually, and the city has brought code enforcement in-house to keep the community beautiful.
Education remains a cornerstone of the draw to this area. Every school in Freeport currently holds an A+ rating, and Walton County now ranks #2 in the state for graduation rates. To keep up with the families moving in, the city opened a brand-new middle school in 2024.
Strengthening the Foundation
Growth requires more than just new roofs; it requires a massive investment in the “bones” of the city. A major $6 million wastewater project is currently underway for the HWY 331 South corridor, part of an interlocal agreement with the county. The city is also tackling traffic head-on with new turn lanes, red lights, and planning for a highway bypass.
Beyond the pipes and wires, the city is prioritizing the “soul” of the community. A state-of-the-art Community Center is slated for completion later this year, and the new “Anchored in Freeport” public art initiative is bringing heritage to the streets. For the kids (and the young at heart), the city has completed pickleball courts, upgraded sports complexes, and is preparing to host regional events like the 2025 USSSA Baseball World Series.
Public Art helps to create a sense of place and to build community identity. The City of Freeport has several Public Art projects underway. Please check out the links below, or better yet visit them in person!
Anchored In Freeport
Educational Interactive Signage
Wildlife Silhouettes
The Summer House Project
From Proposals to Pavement
More than two dozen major developments are currently navigating the approval process, representing a total transformation of the Freeport landscape. These projects have moved past the “abstract proposal” stage and into the realm of site work and construction schedules.
Key projects currently on the move include:
Bishop’s Landing Apartments: 162 units designed to meet the growing demand for local housing.
The Madison – 1-3 bedroom apartments at Owl’s Head, about 30 minutes from SoWal beaches.
The Oaks at Freeport: A 128-unit apartment complex.
Owl’s Head: Hundreds of homes, apartments and continued expansion of this massive multi-phase residential and commercial hub.
Big-Box Retail: Plans are moving forward for a 175,000 square‑foot Walmart with fuel station on 96 acres.
The Waters at Freeport — 226-unit luxury apartment community
Register Farm Market – Excellent health foods and cafe on Hwy 20
Longleaf — 520 new single-family homes
The Exchange at Owls Head — 300+ unit development
The Spine of the County
Today, industry giants like Gulfstream Ship Building and Murphy USA occupy the same port area where 19th-century schooners once docked. Freeport remains the essential link between North and South Walton, positioned perfectly between Eglin Air Force Base and the beaches of South Walton.
A glance at the city’s current development map reveals a clear pattern. This growth isn’t isolated to a single corner of town. It is spreading north, south, and west, using HWY 331 as its primary spine.
For those who want a seat at the table, the city encourages residents to get involved through regular surveys and public meetings at City Hall (112 Hwy 20 West). For those who remember Freeport as a quiet crossroads, the “new” 331 might feel unrecognizable. But as the city’s leadership notes, “this is a community where people take responsibility for their neighbors.” The transition from a small-town forecast to a regional hub is happening right now, one permit at a time.
Stay tuned to SoWal.com for continued updates on local growth and community news. For more information on city meetings or building permits, visit the City of Freeport official website.
0 Comments
We love thoughtful perspectives — share yours below.