where is marion county in florida

Marion County is located in the north-central region of Florida. It is positioned about 75 miles northwest of Orlando, 85 miles southwest of Jacksonville, and 100 miles north of Tampa. The county seat and largest city is Ocala. Marion County is inland, bordered by counties including Alachua to the north, Levy to the northwest, Citrus to the southwest, Sumter to the south, Lake to the southeast, and Putnam to the northeast. It covers approximately 1,663 square miles, featuring rolling hills and a mix of live oaks, pine, and palm trees. Marion County is considered the southernmost county in North Central Florida and the northernmost in Central Florida.