The historic roots of the first city in Broward County date back to the 1880’s, when much of what is now the FEC railroad line was laid through the area. In recognition of this transportation advantage, a pioneer and developer named W. C. Valentine planned a settlement called Modello and 12 families moved from Chicago to settle there in 1898-1899. Three years later, 30 people were recruited from Oconto, Wisconsin to colonize the settlement, and the first home was built by W.C.

When the town was incorporated in November 1904, its 35 residents changed the name to Dania. By 1912, Dania was a thriving community of almost 1200 people and continued to grow through the 1920’s when the City suffered tremendous setbacks. In 1925, the Dania Hotel caught on fire, and the Bank of Dania failed due to embezzlers in the Bank’s Atlanta home office. The ‘26 hurricane with its 200 mile-per-hour winds devastated the town, and subsequent damage prompted residents to vote for annexation to the neighboring City of Hollywood.

Today Dania Beach is a progressive, vibrant community that has just entered its second century. Nestled next to the Atlantic Ocean with adjacency to international seaports and airports, it offers a mix of beautiful weather, beaches, shopping at the historic Antique Row, an established and growing marine services industry and a rich history that serves as the foundation for a future of growth. Dania Beach mixes the accessibility, charm and friendliness of small-town living with immediate access to everything a large, thriving metropolis has to offer.