It is unusual in that it consists of three non-contiguous areas, albeit they are in close proximity; the two largest being separated by 1,455 feet (0.443 km).

In the 1970s archeologist excavated a Tequesta burial site, with artifacts that go back to more than a thousand years, that was part of a former Everglades tree island.

As a result of this grassroots effort, the State Legislature passed a bill in the 1997 session that called for a vote of Southwest Ranches' citizens in March 2000; they could be annexed into either Pembroke Pines or Davie, or become a new city.

In 1997, its members agreed to actively promote incorporation of a new city for the area and formed a political committee to explore this option.

Moyer and Associates provided the feasibility committee and Dr. Dluhy with financial information on which to base estimates of both income and expenses.

[14] On July 3, 1999, the Southwest Ranches Homeowners Association sponsored a parade and picnic to declare the area's independence.

Speakers at the event included then-Senator Howard Forman, Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz, County Commissioner Lori Parrish, Sheriff Ken Jenne, and Weston Mayor Harry Rosen.

Leaders realized, however, that if a charter could be drawn up sooner, it could be approved in 2000 and the city formed a year earlier, which would be financially beneficial to the residents.

Southwest Ranches Homeowners Association members voted to move forward and request a local bill to allow incorporation in 2000 instead of 2001, which was approved.

When the election to approve the charter was held on June 6, 2000, the issue was put to a vote, and the majority of voters selected districts.

[22][23][24] The Broward prison formerly housed the female death row,[25] which was moved to the Lowell Correctional Institution in February 2003.

[27] From the time of its founding until 2012, the town conducted its business from a modular office at the South Broward Drainage District headquarters.

[30] In April 2019, the WSVN show Deco Drive featured a Southwest Ranches farm owned by Uncle Louie.