Davie’s Origin Story

Davie’s story begins in the early 1900s when the area was little more than Everglades wetland. The community was originally settled under the name “Zona” before being renamed Davie in honor of R.P. Davie, a developer who helped drain the land and establish the farming community that would define the town’s character for the next century.

What set Davie apart from the rest of South Florida’s rapid coastal development was its deliberate commitment to an agricultural and equestrian identity. While Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Miami grew vertically and densely, Davie held onto its rural roots. Cattle ranches, citrus groves, and horse properties defined the landscape. That western character was not accidental—it was a conscious choice by residents and town leadership that continues to shape zoning, land use, and community culture today.

The Town of Davie was officially incorporated in 1925. Through decades of South Florida growth, it has managed to maintain a balance between modern suburban development and the agricultural heritage that makes it unlike any other community in Broward County.

The Old Davie School Historical Museum

The Old Davie School, built in 1918, is the oldest surviving school building in Broward County and serves as the centerpiece of Davie’s historical identity. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1988, recognizing its architectural and historical significance to the region.

The Davie School Foundation, established in 1984, operates the museum in partnership with the Town of Davie. The foundation rescued the building from demolition and has spent four decades preserving and expanding the site into a living history campus. You can learn more and plan a visit at olddavieschool.org.

The museum offers a window into early 20th-century pioneer life in the Florida Everglades, with exhibits covering the drainage of the Everglades, early farming practices, Seminole interactions, and the development of the town’s western identity. It is a genuine piece of living history—not a tourist attraction manufactured for visitors, but a community resource that Davie residents actively support and maintain.

The Broward County Historic Preservation office maintains additional documentation on the school’s significance within the county’s broader historical context.

Pioneer Village

Adjacent to the Old Davie School, the Pioneer Village occupies a five-acre site that recreates what life looked like in early Davie. The village includes several historically significant structures:

The 1918 School Building — The original one-room schoolhouse, fully restored, with period furnishings and educational exhibits.

The 1912 Viele House — One of the oldest surviving residential structures in the area, relocated to the village site and restored to its original condition.

The 1912 Walsh-Osterhoudt House — Another early pioneer home that offers insight into domestic life during Davie’s formative years.

Replica 1908 Pioneer House — A reconstruction based on historical records that demonstrates the building techniques and living conditions of Davie’s earliest settlers.

Seminole Chickee — An authentic Seminole dwelling structure that represents the indigenous presence in the area long before European settlement and the ongoing connection between the Seminole people and the Davie region.

Pioneer Village hosts educational programs, school field trips, and community events throughout the year. It is one of the most underappreciated historical resources in all of Broward County.

Equestrian Heritage

Davie is the equestrian capital of Broward County. Unlike most South Florida communities that have entirely transitioned to suburban development, Davie still maintains active agricultural zoning in its western areas, allowing residents to keep horses, livestock, and agricultural operations on their properties.

Horse trails run through portions of the town. Properties in neighborhoods like Western Davie, Flamingo Groves, and Seminole Estates regularly feature barns, paddocks, and riding arenas. It is not uncommon to see riders on horseback along Davie’s western roads—a sight you will not find anywhere else in the Fort Lauderdale metro area.

This equestrian character is not just cultural flavor. It has real implications for real estate. Properties with agricultural zoning often carry different lot size requirements, setback rules, and permitted uses than those in standard residential zones. Buyers interested in horse properties or acreage living will find opportunities in Davie that simply do not exist elsewhere in Broward County.

Bergeron Rodeo Grounds

The Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, located on Davie Road, is the town’s premier event venue and one of the most visible symbols of Davie’s western identity. The facility hosts professional rodeos, community events, concerts, and festivals throughout the year.

The rodeo grounds have been a gathering place for the Davie community for decades. Professional rodeo events draw competitors and spectators from across the region, while the venue also serves as the backdrop for some of Davie’s most beloved annual traditions.

For homebuyers, proximity to the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds is a consideration worth noting. Neighborhoods like Rolling Hills and Oak Park are within easy reach of events and activities held at the venue.

Annual Events and Traditions

Davie’s cultural calendar reflects a community that values gathering, tradition, and celebration. Several annual events define life in Davie:

The Orange Blossom Festival and Parade is Davie’s longest-running tradition. In 2026, the festival celebrates its 89th year—a remarkable streak that underscores how deeply rooted this event is in the community’s identity. The parade winds through town, featuring floats, local organizations, equestrian units, and community groups. It is the single event that most visibly connects modern Davie to its agricultural past.

The Davie Jazz Festival brings live music to the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, drawing performers and audiences from across South Florida. The festival has grown into one of the area’s respected music events, offering an evening of jazz in a uniquely Davie setting.

Sounds of the Town is a monthly concert series running from January through May at Bamford Sports Complex. These free community concerts bring families together on the lawn with food trucks, local vendors, and live music. It is one of the best ways to experience Davie’s community spirit firsthand.

These events matter for real estate because they demonstrate something that data alone cannot capture: Davie is a community where people know their neighbors, show up for local events, and actively participate in town life. That sense of belonging is a significant draw for families considering a move to the area.

The Seminole Connection

Davie’s history is intertwined with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The Big Cypress Reservation, one of the Seminole Tribe’s major reservations, is located just west of Davie’s borders. The Seminole people have maintained a presence in this region for centuries, long before European settlement began.

The Chickee structure at Pioneer Village is a tangible reminder of this connection. The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino, located in neighboring Hollywood but easily accessible from Davie, is one of the Tribe’s most prominent economic enterprises and a major employer and entertainment destination for Davie residents.

The Town of Davie’s Historic Preservation Board is an active town committee that works to identify, protect, and promote historically significant sites and structures throughout Davie. This includes properties and locations tied to Seminole history, pioneer settlement, and the town’s agricultural development.

How History Shapes Today’s Real Estate

Davie’s history is not just an interesting backstory—it directly influences the real estate market and the experience of living here. Several key connections are worth understanding:

Agricultural zoning persists. Western Davie still permits agricultural uses, horses, and livestock on appropriately zoned properties. This is a direct legacy of the town’s ranching origins and is actively protected by the community. Neighborhoods like Flamingo Groves and Western Davie acreage homes reflect this heritage.

Larger lot sizes are the norm. Compared to neighboring Plantation, Weston, or Pembroke Pines, Davie properties tend to offer more land. Even in newer developments like Marigold or Riverstone, lot sizes are generally more generous than what you find in comparable Broward communities.

Community character attracts a specific buyer. People who choose Davie over nearby cities often do so because they value space, privacy, and a slower pace—qualities that trace directly to the town’s rural roots. That self-selecting buyer pool helps maintain property values and neighborhood stability.

Historic preservation adds value. Neighborhoods adjacent to historical sites, the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds, and the town center benefit from the character and identity these landmarks provide. Buyers increasingly value authenticity, and Davie has it in abundance.