As its name suggests, it was intended to run from Central Florida southwest to the Gulf of Mexico near Fort Myers but it never made it that far.

Construction began on July 15, 1885, from Ellsworth Junction and 12 miles of the line was complete (to a point near Double Run) in 1886.

The Seaboard continued to operate the Tavares and Gulf Railroad as a separate entity.

The only remaining track still in service today is a short stretch from Ocoee to Winter Garden.

A portion of the Lake Apopka Loop Trail runs on the former right of way as part of the Green Mountain Scenic Overlook and Trailhead near Ferndale.