Geography

Located midway along the west coast of Florida, Hillsborough County has 1,048 square miles of land and 24 square miles of inland water area for a total of 1,072 square miles. The unincorporated area encompasses 909 square miles, or more than 84 percent of the total county area. Municipalities account for 163 square miles.

Municipalities
Incorporated cities are Tampa, Temple Terrace, and Plant City. Tampa is the largest city and serves as the county seat.

Plant City Information: (813) 659-4200
Tampa City Information: (813) 506-6420
Temple Terrace Information: (813) 989-7100

Population

Plant City	34,250
Tampa	342,100
Temple Terrace	24,080
Unincorporated Area	804,340
Total Hillsborough County	1,204,770

*2008 Planning Commission Estimates

A Home Rule Charter for Hillsborough County was approved by voters in a countywide referendum held in September 1983, and the first County Commissioners elected under this new charter took office on May 28, 1985.

The Home Rule Charter divides the power of county government between legislative and executive branches. The Board of County Commissioners, which composes the legislative branch, sets overall policy by means of ordinances, resolutions and motions.

The executive powers of county government are vested in the County Administrator, appointed by County Commissioners and charged by the charter to faithfully implement the powers of the Board. The charter contains a provision for a Charter Review Board appointed by County Commissioners every five years to conduct a study of county government and propose amendments to the charter. These amendments must be presented to voters for approval. The most recent amendment was approved in 2004 and it provides that the County Attorney report directly to the Board of County Commissioners.

Copies of the charter are available at County Center, Communications Department, 1st Floor, by calling (813) 272-5314, or on the Charter website.