Population (2025 estimate)1,575,637 — April 1, 2025 estimate
Waterfront Energy Beyond The City Skyline
Hillsborough County, FloridaHillsborough County brings together Tampa Bay waterfronts, historic Ybor City and Plant City agriculture. Tampa connects waterfront attractions, museums and historic Ybor City. Plant City offers another side of the county, associated with agriculture and its own downtown. Temple Terrace and communities such as Brandon make it useful to organize a visit by neighborhood rather than countywide distance. Use this guide to connect a day out with the practical resources that make local plans easier.
Hillsborough County at a Glance
Population (2025 estimate)1,575,637 — April 1, 2025 estimate
County SeatTampa
Largest MunicipalityTampa — largest municipality, 2025 estimate
Established1834
ZIP CodeLook up by address
Total Area1,333.6 square miles, land and water (2025 Census geography)
Selected Major RoutesI-4, I-75, I-275, US 301, SR 60
Common Area Codes813 / 656
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County
Established in 1834, Hillsborough County has its county seat in Tampa. Tampa connects waterfront attractions, museums and historic Ybor City. Plant City offers another side of the county, associated with agriculture and its own downtown. Temple Terrace and communities such as Brandon make it useful to organize a visit by neighborhood rather than countywide distance. These places give the county more than one center of activity. Exploring the communities separately makes room for local character, instead of treating every destination as part of a single visitor district.
Everyday life in Hillsborough County spans Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace. Planning around the community you are actually visiting helps with travel, shopping and appointments. This guide connects local discoveries with county government, school information, library services and public resources. Use the linked agencies for current service arrangements, and check individual venues before setting out. County boundaries, municipal services and business service areas are not interchangeable.
What Shapes Us
Waterfront Culture
Begin with Tampa Bay waterfronts, historic Ybor City and Plant City agriculture. Choose one part of the county to explore, then follow the official visitor resources for access and practical details.
Local Neighborhoods
Get to know Tampa and the surrounding communities through their public spaces, local destinations and everyday services. Let the place itself shape your next stop.
Everyday Connections
Pair a local outing with the practical information you need. Agency links, visitor resources and direct business contacts help turn an idea into a workable plan.
Find your own pace among these local places.
A Sense of Place
Hillsborough County in View
Community scenes, landscapes and local details.
WUSF — Florida and Tampa Bay
Rays celebrate sweeping Yankees, advancing to AL Championship Series
Victor Mesa Jr. hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the sixth inning as the Rays beat the Yankees…
Read the Story Oct 8, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Hillsborough County
Stories from every corner of Hillsborough County.
Rays celebrate sweeping Yankees, advancing to AL Championship Series
Victor Mesa Jr. hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the sixth inning as the Rays beat the Yankees…
Oct 8, 2026 • 2 min read
The highwayman: Doug Gray of the Marshall Tucker Band
The band, which includes its founding lead singer, plays the BayCare Sound Sunday at 6 p.m.
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
Florida's ex-surgeon general warns of 'great harm to children' if vaccine rules change
The state department of health is holding a hearing on the rule change Thursday, Oct. 8 in Orlando.…
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
'Alternative' Largo city budget anticipates cuts if Amendment 3 passes next month
Backers of Amendment 3 say it would force local governments to cut bloated budgets and eliminate unneeded positions.
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
Five pieces of music for Halloween that might just curdle your guts
Whether the composers meant for this music to be scary is debatable. But, it still is.
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Everyday Connections
Find the right local resource
Use these direct agency links to plan visits, locate services and confirm current requirements.
Government
Hillsborough County — Board of County Commissioners
Official office information and local public services.
Hillsborough County Property Appraiser
Property assessment records, exemptions and the local appraiser’s contacts.
Hillsborough County Tax Collector
Local tax-collector services and office contacts.
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court
County public records and clerk services.
County Supervisor of Elections Contact Lookup
Select Hillsborough for the local election office’s official contact information; state directory updated September 24, 2026.
Hillsborough County Government
County departments, public notices and public services.
Schools
Florida School District Contacts
Select this county for the district website and enrollment contacts.
Florida Department of Education
State education programs and school information.
Florida School Accountability Reports
Compare published school and district information.
Florida Virtual School
Explore statewide online public-school options.
Federal Student Aid
College financial aid information and applications.
Hospitals and Health Care
Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County
Local public-health services and clinic contacts; confirm which services are offered at each location.
County Health Department Locator
Select this county for public-health service locations; this is not a hospital directory.
Florida Health Finder
State healthcare facility information; search by county.
Medicare Care Compare
Find and compare hospitals and other care providers.
HRSA Find a Health Center
Locate federally supported health centers by address.
Public Safety
Hillsborough County — Emergency Management
Local public-safety preparedness and official incident information; use 911 for emergencies.
Hillsborough County Sheriff
Official local law-enforcement contacts, reporting information and public-safety updates. Call 911 for emergencies.
Florida Highway Patrol
State highway law enforcement information.
Florida 511
Check road incidents and travel conditions.
Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Wildlife concerns and agency contacts.
Emergency Services
Hillsborough County — Emergency Management
County-specific emergency-management contact, linked by Florida’s emergency agency; check active local notices.
Florida Division of Emergency Management
State preparedness and disaster updates.
National Hurricane Center
Official tropical weather forecasts and advisories.
National Weather Service
Local forecasts, watches and warnings.
Disaster Assistance
Check federal assistance options after a declared disaster.
State Parks
Alafia River State Park
Mountain-bike and other trails near Lithia. Gravitron, Lost Meadow and Meadows bike trails are closed for repairs in the current notice. Enter from County Road 39.
Hillsborough River State Park
River recreation and trails near Thonotosassa. Seminole Trail and portions of Rapids Trail, plus some facilities, remain closed; check the current closure map and rental arrangements.
Little Manatee River State Park
River recreation and trails near Wimauma. The 6.5-mile North Trail is temporarily closed; verify available routes before traveling.
Florida State Parks
Find state parks and review official park notices.
State Park Reservations
Check campsite and cabin availability.
Trails
Tampa Riverwalk
Walk the public waterfront path; parking and nearby attractions may cost extra.
Alafia River State Park — Trails and Access
Mountain-bike and other trails near Lithia. Gravitron, Lost Meadow and Meadows bike trails are closed for repairs in the current notice. Enter from County Road 39.
Hillsborough River State Park — Trails and Access
River recreation and trails near Thonotosassa. Seminole Trail and portions of Rapids Trail, plus some facilities, remain closed; check the current closure map and rental arrangements.
Little Manatee River State Park — Trails and Access
River recreation and trails near Wimauma. The 6.5-mile North Trail is temporarily closed; verify available routes before traveling.
Florida Greenways and Trails
State trails planning and recreation resources.
Florida Trail Association
Trail information and hiking resources.
Utilities
Find Your Utility Service Territory
Select Hillsborough in the state map to identify potential electric, gas, water and wastewater providers; confirm address-level coverage.
Local Home Energy Assistance Provider
Find the agency serving Hillsborough and ask about eligibility and available home-energy bill assistance.
Drinking Water Consumer Confidence Reports
Learn how to obtain and understand the annual quality report from your own drinking-water supplier.
Florida Public Service Commission
Information about regulated utility service and assistance.
Florida 811
Arrange underground utility marking before digging.
Libraries
Hillsborough County Public Library Cooperative
County library system, catalog and branch information; verify local branch hours.
Florida Memory — State Library and Archives
Search historical photographs, documents and oral histories for local research; digital statewide collection.
Florida Electronic Library
Statewide digital research resources.
Ask a Librarian
Online reference assistance through Florida libraries.
Florida Braille and Talking Book Library
Accessible library services and eligibility information.
Courts
Hillsborough County Clerk of Court
Local court records, filing information and clerk office contacts.
Florida Courts
State court information and court locator.
Florida Courts Help
Self-help information and court resources.
Florida Courts E-Filing Portal
Electronic filing portal; review applicable requirements.
Florida Legal Services
Civil legal assistance information.
DMV
Hillsborough County — Motor Vehicle Office Directory
County-specific office addresses, transactions and appointment links maintained by FLHSMV.
Driver Licenses and ID Cards
Official Florida licensing and identification requirements.
Motor Vehicles, Tags and Titles
Registration and vehicle-title information.
MyDMV Portal
Online services offered by the state motor vehicle agency.
Motor Vehicle Service Locations
Find the appropriate office and check services before traveling.
Transportation
Hillsborough County — Community Transportation Coordinator
Find Hillsborough in FDOT’s county directory for the local provider, ride-booking number and eligibility contact.
Florida 511
Statewide traffic conditions and incidents.
Florida Department of Transportation
State road projects and transportation information.
SunPass
Toll account information and service.
Florida Commission for the Transportation Disadvantaged
Transportation coordination and eligibility resources.
Postal Services
USPS Location Finder
Find local post offices and available services by ZIP Code.
USPS Tracking
Track a mailed item.
USPS ZIP Code Lookup
Confirm an address ZIP Code; county boundaries are not postal boundaries.
USPS Hold Mail
Arrange eligible temporary mail holds.
USPS Change of Address
Official change-of-address service.
Veterans
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
State veterans programs and benefits information.
VA Facility Locator
Find the appropriate VA facility near your address.
VA Health Care
Eligibility, enrollment and care information.
VA Benefits
Federal veterans benefits and account services.
Veterans Crisis Line
Confidential crisis support: dial 988, then press 1.
Employment
Hillsborough County — Jobs
Current county employment information and application instructions.
CareerSource Florida
Find regional workforce services and career centers.
Employ Florida
State job search and employment tools.
Florida State Jobs
State government employment opportunities.
USAJOBS
Federal employment opportunities.
Florida Reemployment Assistance
Official information about reemployment assistance.
Make Your Next Step Easier
Useful answers for exploring and everyday life.
Hillsborough County Questions
Know Before You Go
Start with these county facts and direct links, then confirm the details that matter to your plans.
Hillsborough County is associated with Tampa Bay waterfronts, historic Ybor City and Plant City agriculture. Start with the official local visitor resource to choose a community and check the details for your visit.
Tampa is the county seat. Hillsborough County Government provides department information; check the specific office address before making a trip.
Tampa is the largest municipality in the April 1, 2025 state population estimates. This comparison uses incorporated municipalities, not census-designated places or metropolitan areas.
The April 1, 2025 estimate is 1,575,637 residents. The figure comes from Florida’s Office of Economic and Demographic Research, and is an estimate for that date rather than a live population count.
Hillsborough County was established in 1834. The county history source provides the historical reference; the establishment year does not describe the age of the communities or cultures that preceded it.
Use the Florida Department of Education district directory and select Hillsborough. Contact the district about enrollment and address-specific school assignments; a mailing city alone does not establish attendance eligibility.
Start with Hillsborough County Government and its emergency information, then consult the National Weather Service for weather alerts. Review the current notice for your location rather than relying on an older event post.
Use the Florida county health department locator and select Hillsborough for public-health services. For hospital and facility research, use Florida Health Finder. These resources help locate services; they do not confirm appointment availability.
Check the Florida motor vehicle office locator for the office serving your area. Review the offered services, required documents and appointment process before traveling; not every office handles every transaction.
Start with Tampa Riverwalk or Water Works Park. Walk the public waterfront path; parking and nearby attractions may cost extra. Enjoy the public park; check notices and any separately priced events.
Use the direct business links: Brandon Complete Dental Care; Burton Pressure Washing & Property Management Service; B&N Lenz Enterprises LLC; Pavemaster. Confirm the specific service and location directly. An advertisement in this county guide does not establish countywide service coverage.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Explore Local Places
Make room for a different kind of dayFollow the linked venues for visiting details and current availability.
Kids’ Fun
- Florida Aquarium — Use the official website for current hours, reservations and visiting details.
- ZooTampa — Use the official website for current hours, reservations and visiting details.
- Glazer Children’s Museum — Hands-on play exhibits in downtown Tampa; check tickets and current programs.
Restaurants
- Ulele — Use the official website for current hours, reservations and visiting details.
- Bern’s Steak House — Use the official website for current hours, reservations and visiting details.
- Columbia Restaurant — Ybor City — Spanish and Cuban dining; select the Ybor City location for reservations and current details.
Shopping & Retail
- Hyde Park Village — Use the official website for current hours, reservations and visiting details.
- International Plaza and Bay Street — Tampa shopping center with fashion retailers and restaurants.
- Heights Public Market at Armature Works — Food hall and scheduled markets at Tampa’s riverfront; check the calendar for retail pop-ups.
Clothing & Boutiques
- LoveShackFancy — Hyde Park Village — Apparel shopping in Hyde Park Village, Tampa.
- Ralph Lauren — Hyde Park Village — Apparel shopping in Hyde Park Village, Tampa.
- Veronica Beard — Hyde Park Village — Apparel shopping in Hyde Park Village, Tampa.
Outdoor Fun
- Tampa Riverwalk — Walk the public waterfront path; parking and nearby attractions may cost extra.
- Water Works Park — Enjoy the public park; check notices and any separately priced events.
- Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park — Riverfront public space for a walk or a pause downtown.
Free Things To Do
- Tampa Riverwalk — Walk the public waterfront path; parking and nearby attractions may cost extra.
- Water Works Park — Enjoy the public park; check notices and any separately priced events.
- Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park — Riverfront public space for a walk or a pause downtown.
Keep exploring Hillsborough CountyFind Your Next Local Stop