Walton County is a county located in the state of Florida. As of 2000, the population was 40,601. The U.S. Census Bureau 2005 estimate for the county is 50,324. Its county seat is De Funiak Springs, Florida. The county is home to the highest point in Florida: Britton Hill, at 345 feet. Walton County was created in 1824. It was named for George Walton, Secretary of the Florida territory from 1821 to 1826.

As of the census² of 2000, there were 40,601 people, 16,548 households, and 11,120 families residing in the county. The population density was 15/km² (38/mi²). There were 29,083 housing units at an average density of 11/km² (28/mi²). The racial makeup of the county was 88.41% White, 6.98% Black or African American, 1.28% Native American, 0.45% Asian, 0.04% Pacific Islander, 0.75% from other races, and 2.09% from two or more races. 2.17% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.