Why Businesses Are Betting on Freeport and DeFuniak Springs

For decades, the pulse of Walton County has beat strongest near its sugar-white southern beaches. But a new crescendo is rising north of the bay: in Freeport and DeFuniak Springs, years of quiet are giving way to a booming rhythm of growth. These towns are evolving beyond scenic drive-throughs—they’re emerging as vibrant hubs of commerce and community.

In Freeport, mixed-use developments are blossoming along major corridors, while DeFuniak’s historic downtown is catching the eye of boutique retailers and forward-thinking entrepreneurs.

Fresh medical facilities, adaptive reuse projects, and modern flex spaces are all reshaping the commercial landscape. According to Samantha Graves, senior planner for the City of Freeport’s Planning and Zoning Department, the key ingredients fueling this growth include the city’s prime location—close to two major military bases (Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field), I-10, and two airports—as well as its scenic waterways.

In DeFuniak Springs, that growth is unfolding in concrete—and in numbers. As of late September 2024, 764 new utility accounts had been opened, reflecting both business openings and an influx of new residents. This surge underscores a tangible shift: the town isn’t just expanding—it’s actively energizing its core and outskirts.

City officials report that the recent wave of development—spanning two new emergency rooms, airport upgrades, a wastewater infrastructure project, and forthcoming housing developments—is anticipated to generate more than 500 jobs and deliver new affordable homes to the area.

The mindset shift is undeniable. A longtime Walton County broker told HWY 331, “We used to say ‘someday’ — now we’re saying ‘right now.'” That urgency is now backed by hard data and infrastructure investments are accelerating.

Beyond numbers, these developments signal a deeper transformation. Residents and business owners now view North Walton not as just a backdrop to coastal charm—but as a destination promising economic opportunity, community, and growth.