Osceola Historic Courthouse receives state $108K grant for preservation

The Osceola County Historic Courthouse, build in 1889 and put into use a year later, is the oldest operating courthouse in the state, and listed on the National Registry of Historic Buildings.

Old things, like buildings, need care. That building will be the recipient of a state grant to preserve it for many years to come.

As part of the state Legislature’s Local Support Grant program, which provides a one-time amount of funding for local governments, education entities, or privately-operated programs to support local initiatives, Osceola County will receive $108,000 for inspection and analysis by a preservation architect. This analysis will detail the current condition of historic brick, glass, and wood, and prescribe a scope of work for preservation. County officials say the work is to be completed in the next year.

The building, which is the centerpiece of the county’s administrative and court complex that includes the current Jon B. Morgan Courthouse and the Osceola County Administrative Building, still has a working courtroom, now used for things like swearing-ins and other official business. County administrative offices are housed inside, and its iconic steps are often used as a backdrop for gatherings and press events under some old, majestic shade trees.

"I'm thrilled that we were able to deliver funding through this new grant program for our district. This money will help address some important restorations to the oldest Courthouse in continuous use in the State of Florida," said state Rep. Kristen Arrington (D-Kissimmee). “Osceola County’s government affairs team brough the request for me to submit.”

A total of 971 grants were filled by the Legislature during this cycle.