Santa Rosa County is a county located in the U.S. state of Florida . As of 2000, the population is 117,743. Its county seat is Milton, Florida6. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 3,040 km² (1,174 mi²). 2,634 km² (1,017 mi²) of it is land and 406 km² (157 mi²) of it is water. The total area is 13.35% water.

As of the census2 of 2000, there are 117,743 people, 43,793 households, and 33,326 families residing in the county. The population density is 45/km² (116/mi²). There are 49,119 housing units at an average density of 19/km² (48/mi²). The racial makeup of the county is 90.72% White, 4.25% Black or African American, 1.01% Native American, 1.30% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 0.67% from other races, and 1.98% from two or more races. 2.52% of the population is Hispanic or Latino.

The median income for a household in the county is $41,881, and the median income for a family is $46,929. Males have a median income of $34,878 versus $22,304 for females. The per capita income for the county is $20,089. 9.80% of the population and 7.90% of families are below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 12.60% of those under the age of 18 and 7.50% of those 65 and older are living below the poverty line.

Neighboring areas of Santa Rosa County include: Escambia County , Ala., Okaloosa County , Gulf of Mexico , and Escambia County .