If you’re typing "what county is sun city florida in" into a search bar, you probably fall into one of two camps. Maybe you’re looking at retirement options and heard about a place where golf carts rule the road. Or, perhaps you’re trying to mail a package and the GPS is giving you that annoying "did you mean..." prompt.
Here is the quick answer: Sun City Center is in Hillsborough County.
But wait. There’s a twist. Florida actually has two different places with "Sun City" in the name, and they are literally right next to each other. This causes a massive amount of confusion for everyone from delivery drivers to future residents.
The Tale of Two Sun Citys (Both in Hillsborough)
Honestly, most people are actually looking for Sun City Center, which is the massive, famous 55+ community. It’s located in the southern part of Hillsborough County, tucked between Tampa and Sarasota. It’s not an official city with a mayor; it’s what the government calls a "Census Designated Place" or CDP.
Then there’s the "original" Sun City. This is a tiny, unincorporated community just a few miles down the road from the retirement giant. It’s way older—we’re talking 1920s land boom era. It’s also in Hillsborough County, sitting near the banks of the Little Manatee River. If you end up there looking for the town square and a pickleball game, you’re going to be very disappointed. You’ll mostly find quiet rural lots and a post office.
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Why the Location Matters
Geography in Florida is everything. Being in Hillsborough County means Sun City Center residents are governed by the Board of County Commissioners in Tampa. Even though the community feels like its own world, your property taxes, Sheriff’s deputies (HCSO), and trash pickup all come through the county's infrastructure.
Life in the South County Bubble
Sun City Center is basically the "golf cart capital" of the world. You’ve probably seen the videos. People don’t just use them for 18 holes; they take them to the grocery store, the bank, and the doctor’s office. It’s legal to drive them on the wide, sunny streets here as long as you follow the rules.
The lifestyle is built around the Sun City Center Community Association. They act like a pseudo-government. Since the area isn't an incorporated city, the Association manages the pools, the clubs, and the massive fitness centers. It’s a volunteer-heavy culture. In fact, the community famously runs its own emergency squad—the Sun City Center Emergency Squad—which is one of the largest all-volunteer ambulance services in the country. They’re a huge point of pride for the locals.
Nearby Neighbors in Hillsborough
If you leave the "bubble," you hit some of the fastest-growing spots in Florida. To the west, you’ve got Ruskin, which is known for its tomatoes and its old-school drive-in theater. To the east is Wimauma, an area that’s exploding with new construction.
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Hillsborough County is huge. It stretches all the way from the urban sprawl of Tampa down to these quiet, palm-lined retirement havens. Living here means you’re about 30 minutes away from a Lightning game at Amalie Arena, but you can be back home in time for the early bird special at the local diner.
Dealing with the Post Office Mess
One thing that drives people crazy is the ZIP codes. Sun City Center primarily uses 33573. The "other" Sun City (the old one) uses 33586.
If you’re moving here or visiting, double-check that address. Many people mistakenly write "Sun City" when they mean "Sun City Center." If you do that, your mail might take a scenic detour through the orange groves before finding your front door.
A Quick Reality Check on Costs
Since we’re talking about what county Sun City Florida is in, we should talk about the money side of Hillsborough.
- Taxes: Florida has no state income tax, which is the big draw.
- Sales Tax: In Hillsborough County, it’s currently 7.5% (6% state + 1.5% local option).
- HOA vs. CA: Don’t confuse the Community Association (CA) fee with an HOA fee. Most houses in Sun City Center have both. The CA fee covers the "fun" stuff like the pools, while the HOA covers your specific street’s maintenance.
Is it Pasco or Hillsborough?
I’ve heard some people ask if Sun City is in Pasco County. Nope. That’s probably because Pasco has its own massive retirement hubs (like The Villages' southern expansions or communities in Zephyrhills). But Sun City is firmly a Hillsborough thing. If you cross the county line going south, you’ll hit Manatee County and the city of Palmetto.
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How to Get There
If you're driving in, you'll likely take I-75. Use Exit 240 (State Road 674). That’s the main artery. Once you turn onto Sun City Center Boulevard, you’ll immediately see the change in scenery—more golf carts, manicured lawns, and a whole lot of sunshine.
The location is actually pretty strategic. You’re close enough to the Manatee Viewing Center in Apollo Beach to see the sea cows in the winter, and you’re a straight shot down US-301 to the Ellenton Outlet malls if you need to do some serious shopping.
Expert Insider Tip
If you’re visiting for the first time, don't rely solely on Google Maps. It sometimes gets confused by the "private" gates in some sections like Kings Point. Kings Point is a sub-section of Sun City Center that is gated and has its own separate rules and buses. If you’re trying to meet a friend there, make sure you know which gate to enter, or you'll be doing U-turns all day on Pebble Beach Blvd.
Actionable Steps for Newcomers
If you're planning a move or just exploring the area, keep these points in mind:
- Verify the ZIP: Ensure you use 33573 for Sun City Center to avoid delivery headaches.
- Check the Rules: Since it’s a 55+ community in Hillsborough County, at least one resident usually must be 55 or older. There are strict rules about how long grandkids can stay over (usually 30 days per year).
- Register Your Cart: If you plan on driving a golf cart, check the local county ordinances. You don't need a license, but you do need to follow specific safety regulations regarding mirrors and lights if you're out after dark.
- Visit the Information Center: The Community Association on Cherry Hills Drive has a great welcome center staffed by volunteers who can give you the "real" scoop on which clubs are actually active.
Sun City Center remains one of the most affordable ways to retire in Florida without sacrificing the "resort" feel, all while being anchored in the stable infrastructure of Hillsborough County.