Sponsored by prominent local citizens, the fair aimed to showcase livestock, winter crops, and real estate, with farmers receiving monetary prizes from Henry Flagler.

After the fair experienced growth in its early years, the Great Depression forced it to only operate a carnival midway between 1930 and 1937, before being discontinued altogether.

However, the county reversed its decision and deeded the land to PBJC instead, forcing the fair to move to John Prince Memorial Park in 1957.

[3] The acquisition of the land occurred in June via the fair organization selling $100,000 in bonds and receiving matching funds from the Florida Department of Agriculture after depositing $30,000.

Additionally, Palm Beach County donated about 100 acres (40 ha) in exchange for the property at John Prince Memorial Park, to be used to expand PBJC.

[3] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, South Florida Fair & Palm Beach County Expositions, Inc. scaled-back the January 2021 event, with all exhibits, shows, and vendors remaining outdoors, while only kiddie rides were operated.

But not only does the Fair generate a significant economic impact, it makes a substantial annual cash distribution to the youth of this area from its own resources.

This contribution was made in consideration of the fair agreeing to relocate from John Prince Park in order that the county could vie for a state university (PBCC).

During the annual South Florida Fair, the southern parking tract is utilized as the "midway" containing rides, shows, games, and concessions.

The main event on the fairgrounds is the annual South Florida Fair, which occurs over a 17-day period, generally in the last two weeks of January each year.

Over the past several years, the annual fair has incorporated a theme as a means of stimulating tourism as well as the educational and cultural interest of the residents of Palm Beach County.

Americraft (now South Florida Fair) Expo Center, there are 10 other smaller exhibit buildings along with the iThink Financial Amphitheater, Agriplex, Palm Beach Model Railroaders and Yesteryear Village.