Indian River County, previously a part of St. Lucie County, is located on the east coast of Florida on the Atlantic Ocean in the Sebastian-Vero Beach Metropolitan statistical area. Indian River County has a population of about 129,000 people and spans a total of 617 square miles, 114 of which are water. Adjacent counties to Indian River include Brevard County, Okeechobee County, Osceola County and St. Lucie County. The incorporated cities of Indian River County include Indian River Shores, Sebastian, Fellsmere, Orchid, and Vero Beach.

Indian River County falls under the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit of Florida. Other counties in the Nineteenth Judicial Circuit include Martin County, Okeechobee County and St. Lucie County. The Chief Judge of the Circuit is Judge Steven J. Levin, presiding in Martin County. One of the county's courthouses is located at 2000 16th Avenue in Vero Beach. Another is located at 11604 U.S. Highway 1 in Sebastian.

The Tenth and current sheriff is Sherriff Deryl Loar. The main Law Enforcement Agencies of Indian River County are located in Indian River Shores, Sebastian and Vero Beach. Others include the Florida Highway Patrol and the Fellsmere City Police. These Law Enforcement Agencies are responsible for more than 25,000 traffic tickets annually.