Thonotosassa FL Health Insurance Agency

Thonotosassa is a census-designated place (CDP) located in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States.

Area code: 813

Elevation: 36 ft (11 m)

Zip Codes: 33592

Population (2026): 11,893 (Projected)

GPS: Latitude: 28.1019 Longitude: -82.2832

An Overview of Thonotosassa, Florida

Thonotosassa is a historic, semi-rural community nestled in the northeast corner of Hillsborough County. Its unique name is derived from the Seminole-Creek words thlonoto and sasse, meaning “flint is there,” referring to the abundance of flint once used by Native Americans for tools and arrowheads. The area is home to Lake Thonotosassa, the largest natural lake in Hillsborough County, covering over 800 acres. Originally a major citrus-producing region—sparked inadvertently by Spanish oranges planted by soldiers in the early 1800s—Thonotosassa has evolved into a peaceful residential retreat. It offers a rare “Old Florida” landscape characterized by cypress swamps, rolling horse ranches, and expansive pine flatwoods, all while remaining less than 20 minutes from the University of South Florida and the urban corridor of Tampa.

Key Statistics and Economic Overview

Thonotosassa’s demographics reflect a stable, community-oriented population that values the area’s natural heritage and low-density lifestyle.

• Population & Demographics: With a projected population of nearly 12,000, Thonotosassa is a significant rural-suburban anchor in the county. The median age is approximately 42 years, representing a balanced mix of long-standing families and a growing number of young professionals. The community maintains a rustic, tight-knit character, with a population density much lower than neighboring Temple Terrace or Brandon.
• Economic Profile: The local economy is supported by its proximity to major regional employment hubs, including the University of South Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center, and downtown Tampa. Residents are primarily employed in management, healthcare, and retail sectors. The median household income is approximately $71,272, and the area benefits from strong sales in transportation, warehousing, and retail along the I-301 and I-75 corridors.
• Housing and Lifestyle: Thonotosassa is defined by a solid homeownership rate of approximately 67%. The housing market is diverse, featuring everything from lakeside estates and luxury gated communities to historic ranch-style homes and rural acreage. The lifestyle centers on outdoor recreation, particularly water sports on Lake Thonotosassa and trail-based activities in the surrounding wilderness preserves.

Top Places for Visitors to Explore in Thonotosassa

While Thonotosassa is cherished for its rural privacy, its landscape provides immediate access to some of the most impressive ecological and historical sites in the Tampa Bay area.

• Hillsborough River State Park: One of Florida’s oldest state parks, this 3,383-acre sanctuary features Class II river rapids, seven miles of nature trails, and the Fort Foster State Historic Site, a reconstructed 1837 fort from the Second Seminole War.
• Flatwoods Conservation Park: Famous for its seven-mile paved loop trail, this park is a premier destination for long-distance cyclists, runners, and hikers. It offers a stunning view of native pine flatwoods and cypress domes.
• John B. Sargeant Park: Located on the banks of the Hillsborough River, this park is the primary launch point for the 13-mile Hillsborough River State Canoe Trail. It offers a sprawling boardwalk that provides safe views of the swamp’s resident alligators and wading birds.
• Lake Thonotosassa: As the county’s largest lake, it is a hub for freshwater fishing and boating. Public access allows visitors to experience the vastness of the water and the historic orange groves that still dot the southern shoreline.
• Trout Creek Wilderness Park: This park serves as a peaceful rest area and trail hub for cyclists. It is highly regarded for its smooth paths and its position near the intersection of the Hillsborough River and the Hillsborough River Wilderness Preserve.
• Morris Bridge Park: Known for its boardwalks and fishing platforms, this park is part of the Lower Hillsborough Wilderness Preserve. It is a favorite for local anglers and offers unique vantage points for photographers looking to capture Florida’s diverse avian wildlife.