A free local resource for anyone settling into a new home around Tampa Bay. Start with your county below — who provides your electric, water, gas, and internet, and where the courthouse is — then open the Top Cities guide for a closer look at the communities, parks, and neighborhoods inside it.
County seat: Brooksville
Hernando County sits on Florida's Nature Coast along the Gulf of America, at the northern edge of the greater Tampa Bay region. It is a largely suburban-to-rural county known for its freshwater springs, the historic Weeki Wachee mermaid attraction, and natural areas such as the Withlacoochee State Forest. Brooksville is the historic county seat.
Plan your visitFlorida's Adventure Coast (Hernando County) ↗
County seat: Tampa
Hillsborough County is the urban core of the Tampa Bay metropolitan area on Florida's central Gulf Coast, anchored by the City of Tampa. One of Florida's most populous counties, it is home to the Port of Tampa, MacDill Air Force Base, the University of South Florida, and a diverse mix of dense urban, suburban, and eastern agricultural communities. Tampa is the county seat.
Plan your visitVisit Tampa Bay ↗
County seat: Bradenton
Manatee County is on Florida's central Gulf Coast at the southern end of the Tampa Bay region, just north of Sarasota. It blends Gulf-front communities — including Anna Maria Island and Bradenton Beach — with the city of Bradenton and fast-growing inland master-planned areas such as Lakewood Ranch. Bradenton is the county seat.
Plan your visitBradenton Gulf Islands (Manatee County) ↗
County seat: Dade City
Pasco County is on Florida's Gulf Coast just north of the Tampa Bay metro, part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater region. It runs from coastal communities on the west (New Port Richey, Hudson) to rural and agricultural areas in the east (Dade City, Zephyrhills), and is one of Florida's fastest-growing counties thanks to suburban expansion in Wesley Chapel and Land O' Lakes. Dade City is the county seat.
Plan your visitFlorida's Sports Coast (Pasco County) ↗
County seat: Clearwater
Pinellas County is a densely populated peninsula on the west side of Tampa Bay, between the bay and the Gulf of America, and part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metro. It is Florida's most densely populated county, famous for its Gulf beaches (Clearwater Beach, St. Pete Beach) and the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Clearwater is the county seat.
Plan your visitVisit St. Pete / Clearwater ↗
County seat: Sarasota
Sarasota County is on Florida's Gulf Coast just south of the Tampa Bay region, in the Sarasota–Bradenton metro. It is known for its beaches — notably Siesta Key — its arts and cultural institutions, and the coastal cities of Sarasota, Venice, and North Port. The county draws a large retiree and seasonal population and is known for its affluent coastal communities. Sarasota is the county seat.
Plan your visitVisit Sarasota County ↗
About this information: utility availability and provider service areas vary by exact address — please confirm coverage for your specific property directly with each provider. Government offices, courthouse locations, and contact details are checked on a regular schedule; if you spot anything out of date, let us know. This page is a free courtesy resource and is not affiliated with the utilities or government offices listed.
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