Fruitland Park predates the Civil War, although the name of the town didn't come until later. The earliest settler was M. Calvin Lee, of the Evander Lee family of Leesburg, who planted a citrus grove. After the war, a son-in-law of the Lee family, P.S. Bouknight, homesteaded 40 acres near Mirror Lake.

Horticulturist Major Orlando P. Rooks and his wife built their first home on Crystal Lake in 1877. It was here that the first white child, Frederic Rooks was born in 1882. The Fruitland Nurseries of Augusta, Georgia, was owned by J. P. Berckmann, friend of Major Rook. Major Rook named the town Fruitland Park for the nurseries, and the main street Berckmann Street for this friend.

Today whether you are a current city resident or business owner or are looking to relocate your family or business, the City of Fruitland Park can offer you all of the amenities of a big city while maintaining the friendliness and charm of a small community in the heart of Central Florida. Despite being located only 30 miles from downtown Orlando and surrounded by The Villages and Leesburg, Fruitland Park has been able to hold onto its small southern town charm and historic beauty. The city parks attract many people with its municipal pool, upcoming skate park, interactive library, baseball fields, soccer, and walking paths. Lake Griffin State Park borders the city and is home to many lakes and ponds.