Highlands County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida. As of the 2010 census, the population was 98,786. Its county seat is Sebring.Highlands County comprises the Sebring, FL Metropolitan Statistical Area.HistoryHighlands County was created in 1921 along with Charlotte, Glades, and Hardee, when they were separated from DeSoto County. Highlands was named for the terrain of the county. Highlands County boasted the fifth-oldest population in America in 2012.GeographyAccording to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of, of which is land and (8.1%) is water. In area, it is the 14th largest county in Florida. Highlands County is bounded on the east by the Kissimmee River. Lake Istokpoga, the largest lake in the county, is connected to the Kissimmee River by two canals; the Istokpoga canal, and the C41 (outflow) canal.Adjacent countiesOsceola County, Florida - northeastOkeechobee County, Florida - eastGlades County, Florida - southCharlotte County, Florida - southwestDeSoto County, Florida - westHardee County, Florida - westPolk County, Florida - north
