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Of course. Lithia is a fascinating study in the dramatic transformation of rural Florida. I’ve watched Lithia evolve from a quiet, remote town known for its phosphate mines into one of the most desirable and affluent suburban areas in all of Hillsborough County, largely through the creation of one massive, master-planned community.

Zip Codes: 33547

Latitude, Longitude: 27.8503° N, 82.1454° W

From Healing Waters to Phosphate Mines 💧

The story of Lithia begins in the mid-19th century. For years, the small, rural settlement was known as “Pelot,” named for a local postmaster. Its identity changed forever in the early 1900s when the town was renamed Lithia.

The new name came from the area’s most famous natural feature: Lithia Springs. This beautiful, natural spring was found to have a high concentration of the mineral lithium in its water. During that era, lithium was widely believed to have powerful medicinal and healing properties, and the springs became a destination for those seeking health benefits.

While the springs gave the town its name, its economy for most of the 20th century was dominated by a much rougher industry: phosphate mining. The landscape of southeastern Hillsborough County is rich in phosphate, and for decades, massive mining operations shaped the land and provided the primary source of employment. This industrial past is still visible in the reclaimed lands that have now been transformed into parks and the very subdivisions where people live today.

A Tale of Two Lithias 🌳

The modern story of Lithia is, in reality, the story of the FishHawk Ranch development. In the late 1990s, a developer began transforming thousands of acres of former pasture and mining land into one of the largest and most successful master-planned communities in the state. This single development completely redefined Lithia, bringing in tens of thousands of new, affluent residents and creating a sprawling, resort-style suburb.

This has resulted in a “tale of two Lithias.” There is the new, manicured world of FishHawk, with its A-rated schools, countless amenities, and its own town center. Then there is the “original” Lithia that still exists outside of the master-planned communities—a place of rural roads, older homes on large lots, and a quieter, more country feel. It’s this blend of a hyper-modern suburb and the remnants of its rural past that defines the area today. Like its neighbors, Lithia remains an unincorporated Census-Designated Place (CDP) governed by Hillsborough County.

Lithia by the Numbers 📊

The demographic data for the Lithia CDP is overwhelmingly influenced by the massive and affluent FishHawk Ranch community within its borders.

• Official Designation: Census-Designated Place (CDP)
• County: Hillsborough
• Established: Settled in the mid-19th century; named Lithia in the early 1900s.
• Named For: The lithium mineral found in Lithia Springs.
• Population: Approximately 26,000 residents.
• Area: A very large 56 square miles.
• Median Age: Roughly 39 years old, a prime demographic for families.
• Racial & Ethnic Composition:
  • White (non-Hispanic): ~68%
  • Hispanic or Latino: ~13%
  • Asian: ~7%
  • Black or African American: ~6%
• Median Household Income: Approximately $134,000, one of the highest in Florida.

Landmarks and Local Favorites 🚵

The most interesting places in and around Lithia reflect its unique blend of natural beauty and modern suburban life.

• Lithia Springs Park: The historic, namesake landmark. This beautiful 160-acre county park features a natural spring that stays a constant 72 degrees Fahrenheit year-round, making it a hugely popular swimming hole for local families.
• Alafia River State Park: This park is a world-class destination for outdoor recreation. Its dramatic, hilly terrain—a direct result of its former life as a phosphate mine—offers some of the most challenging and acclaimed mountain biking trails in the entire state.
• Park Square at FishHawk Ranch: The social and commercial heart of the “new” Lithia. This charming, walkable town center is home to a variety of restaurants, shops, and a central park that hosts farmers markets, concerts, and community events.
• Newsome High School: One of the top-rated public high schools in Florida. The presence of Newsome and its excellent feeder schools is the single biggest driver for families moving to the Lithia/FishHawk area.
• The Scrambled Egg: A beloved local breakfast and lunch spot. It represents the kind of friendly, non-chain restaurant that thrives by serving the thousands of families in the surrounding communities.