Florida Cities by Population 2025

Florida’s municipal governance reflects the state’s diverse geography, large population, and blend of urban and rural regions. The state comprises 67 counties and 411 municipalities—a mix of cities, towns, and villages. Florida has a unique distinction between “charter” and “non-charter” counties, affecting local governance and the extent of home rule authority.

Some counties, like Miami-Dade County and Orange County, operate under charters, giving them greater control over land use, taxes, and public services. Non-charter counties, like Baker County and Citrus County, have more limited authority and follow state laws more closely.

Florida’s municipalities can be cities, towns, or villages, with no legal distinction between them beyond their titles. Major cities like Jacksonville, with a population exceeding 950,000, function under a consolidated government system, meaning the city and Duval County share the same government.

Tallahassee, Florida‘s capital (population around 200,000), is a more conventional municipal government, providing typical city services such as the Tallahassee Police Department, waste management, and public infrastructure. Its government follows the council-manager system, with an elected city commission appointing a city manager to oversee daily operations.

In addition to incorporated municipalities, Florida has large unincorporated areas—regions managed by counties instead of city governments. Many of these areas are known as Census-Designated Places (CDPs), which don’t have their own governments but are important for tracking population and services. Hillsborough County, for example, oversees unincorporated communities like Apollo Beach and Riverview, both CDPs. The county handles key services like law enforcement through the Sheriff’s Office, fire protection, and road maintenance. However, residents in these areas don’t have the same level of local control as those in incorporated cities or towns.