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Dover is an unincorporated census-designated place in Hillsborough County, Florida, United States. The population was 3,266 at the 2020 census, down from 3,702 at the 2010 census.

Population: 3,157 (2023)

Area code: 813

Elevation: 102 ft (31 m)

Of course. Dover is a perfect example of the “Old Florida” agricultural communities that still form the backbone of eastern Hillsborough County. Dover represents a completely different, yet equally important, part of our county’s identity—one rooted in the soil, the seasons, and the railroad.

Zip Codes: 33527

Latitude, Longitude: 27°59′38″N, 82°13′10″W

A Railroad Stop on the Strawberry Line 🚂

The story of Dover is intrinsically linked to the two forces that built this part of Florida: agriculture and the railroad. The community began as a small settlement in the mid-19th century, and its post office was established in 1873. Its growth, like that of its neighbor Plant City, was spurred by the arrival of Henry B. Plant’s railroad, which provided a vital link to transport produce to the rest of the country.

The origin of its name is a classic piece of Florida lore. While not definitively proven, the most widely accepted story is that an early and influential resident named the community Dover after the Straits of Dover between England and France, a place he admired.

From its very beginning, Dover’s economy was all about farming. It’s located in the heart of the region that would become the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.” While Plant City is the famous “capital,” Dover has always been one of its most important districts, with countless acres of fields dedicated to growing the berries that define the region. For over a century, Dover has been a quiet, hardworking town of farmers, growers, and packers.

A Rural Heart in a Growing Region 🌱

Today, Dover remains a distinctly rural community, a stark contrast to the sprawling suburbs of Brandon to its west and the growing logistics hub of Plant City to its east. The landscape is still dominated by strawberry fields, nurseries, U-pick farms, and large residential lots. It’s a place where you’re more likely to get stuck behind a tractor than in a traffic jam.

Like most of the surrounding communities, Dover is an unincorporated Census-Designated Place (CDP), meaning it is governed directly by Hillsborough County.

The central story of modern Dover is the immense development pressure it faces. Sandwiched between two much larger and faster-growing neighbors, the demand for new housing is constantly pushing into its farmlands. You can see this tension playing out in real-time, as new subdivisions with names that evoke the farming past are built on the very fields they’re named after. This struggle to maintain its agricultural identity in the face of relentless suburbanization is what will define Dover’s future.

Dover by the Numbers 📊

The demographic data for Dover reflects its status as a small, rural, and agriculturally focused community.

• Official Designation: Census-Designated Place (CDP)
• County: Hillsborough
• Established: Post office established in 1873.
• Named For: Believed to be named after the Straits of Dover.
• Population: Approximately 3,300 residents.
• Area: About 2.6 square miles.
• Median Age: Roughly 36 years old.
• Racial & Ethnic Composition: A community with a large Hispanic population, reflecting its agricultural workforce:
  • Hispanic or Latino: ~60%
  • White (non-Hispanic): ~28%
  • Black or African American: ~9%
• Median Household Income: Approximately $55,000, which is reflective of its rural, agricultural economy.

Local Businesses and Agricultural Gems 🍓

Dover’s most interesting spots are deeply connected to its agricultural roots and rural lifestyle.

• Hillsborough County Fairgrounds: Located in Dover, this is a major institution for the entire region. It hosts the annual county fair, livestock shows, and other community events that celebrate the area’s rich agricultural heritage.
• Strawn’s Eat-Shop: A beloved local landmark. For decades, Strawn’s has been the go-to spot for a home-cooked meal, fresh produce, and a taste of authentic, small-town Florida culture.
• Wish Farms: While their corporate headquarters are in Plant City, Wish Farms is one of the largest and most prominent berry growers in the world, and their vast fields are a defining feature of the Dover landscape. They represent the massive industry that powers the local economy.
• Edward Medard Conservation Park: A stunning 1,284-acre county park just south of Dover. Built around a large reservoir on former phosphate mining land, it’s famous for its unique topography, massive oak trees, a popular disc golf course, and a 3-mile trail that circumnavigates the lake.
• Astro Skate of Brandon: A classic piece of local nostalgia, this roller-skating rink has been a family entertainment staple for decades for residents of Dover, Brandon, and Valrico.