The City of Sunrise was incorporated in 1961 by Norman Johnson - an innovative developer of model homes.

Originally known as Sunrise Golf Village, the City had a modest population of 4,300. In 1971, the City, by referendum, changed its name to the City of Sunrise. Sunrise eventually expanded to its current boundaries, reaching the Everglades and dropping south of I-595/State Road 84. The City is situated approximately six miles west of Fort Lauderdale, and is adjoined by the communities of Weston, Davie, Tamarac, Lauderhill and Plantation.

By October 1984, the City had reached an estimated population of 50,000. In the mid 1980s, growth gave way to challenges, as the City was faced with financial difficulties, deteriorating facilities, limited economic opportunities and a lack of adequate civic amenities. Fortunately, the City's Commission and residents had the foresight to recognize that Sunrise could do better - that Sunrise could be better.

In the early '90s, Sunrise worked to put its financial house in order, rebuild its infrastructure and had begun to establish itself as a center for corporate headquarters, as well as a recreation and entertainment destination. By the mid 1990s, the City was recognized as one of the leading municipalities in South Florida.

Today Sunrise is home to the NHL’s Florida Panthers and is a leading destination for home owners and real estate developers looking to partake in the rapid growth of Sunrise.