It runs 1.5 miles (2.4 km) through the downtown of Winter Haven as 1st Street N, the north–south axis of the city's grid plan.

The signage of SR 549 begins at its intersection with SR 542 (Central Avenue) in the heart of downtown Winter Haven, near the post office.

From Central Avenue, 1st Street heads northward, bypassing the Winter Haven Hospital, skirting Lake Silver, and paralleling U.S. Route 17.

The entire route is in Winter Haven, Polk County.

Media related to Florida State Road 549 at Wikimedia Commons