Lakeland, the county seat of Lanier County was incorporated August 11, 1925. Lakeland is the county's only incorporated municipality.

Throughout Lakeland's brief history, its names have related to the geographic area surrounding the city. Its original name was Alapaha Station after the Alapaha River. The name was changed to Mill Town in 1832 for its numerous mills. Finally, the current name was decided upon due to the city's close proximity to the Grand Bay Lake.