Florida · County profile
Hillsborough County
Hillsborough County includes Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, and a large unincorporated area. Development Services handles permitting in unincorporated Hillsborough; each city operates its own local processes.
Last updated
Permits and licenses in Hillsborough County
How county services are organized
The right office often depends on the property address and whether the service is administered countywide.
Hillsborough County includes Tampa, Plant City, Temple Terrace, and a large unincorporated area. Development Services handles permitting in unincorporated Hillsborough; each city operates its own local processes.
Address determines the office
County Development Services covers unincorporated Hillsborough. Tampa, Plant City, and Temple Terrace administer their own city permits.
Business tax is countywide
Most businesses need a Hillsborough County local business tax receipt; a city receipt may also apply inside municipal limits.
Use HillsGovHub
County building and subtrade permit applications, plans, payments, status, and inspections are managed online.
Hillsborough County facts
At a glance- County seat
- Tampa
- Largest city
- Tampa
- Municipalities
- 3
- Land area
- 1,021.89 sq mi
- 2020 Census geography
Population
Population at the 2010 and 2020 censuses and the July 2025 estimate.
- Population
- 1,574,115July 2025 estimate
- Population density
- 1,428.5 / sq mi2020 Census
- Households
- 583,1922020–2024
Income
- Median household income
- $79,5402020–2024, in 2024 dollars
- Per capita income
- $44,3422020–2024
- Poverty rate
- 11.7%2020–2024
Housing
- Owner-occupied housing
- 61.5%2020–2024
- Median home value
- $371,500Owner-occupied, 2020–2024
- Median gross rent
- $1,6672020–2024
Demographics
Selected measures from the latest available Census Bureau profile.
- Age 65 and older
- 16.5%2020–2024
- Veterans
- 86,6212020–2024
Geography and communities
- Land area
- 1,021.89 sq mi
- County seat
- Tampa
- Municipalities
- 3
Connectivity and commuting
- Mean commute
- 28.8 minutesWorkers 16+, 2020–2024
County contact information
Hillsborough County Government
(813) 272-5900
Official county website ↗
Use the county’s official directory to confirm the responsible department. Incorporated municipalities may operate separate offices for address-dependent services.