Located midway along the west coast of Florida, Hillsborough County has 1,048 square miles of land and 24 square miles of inland water area for a total of 1,072 square miles. Hillsborough County, as chartered in 1834 was named in honor of the Earl of Hillsborough, a titled Englishman with huge land holdings in Florida. For many years, the history of Hillsborough County was primarily the history of Tampa. Hillsborough County is home of the Tampa Bay Bucanneers, Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and the Tampa Bay Lightning. Whether you're a sports aficionado, beach lover, or love amusement parks, Hillsborough County is the right place to be in Florida.