Tampa, Florida sits at just 9 meters (30 ft) above sea level on the shores of Tampa Bay. Like most of Florida, Tampa's terrain is extremely flat, making it one of the lowest-lying major cities in the United States.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Lowest point (Tampa Bay shoreline) | 0 m (sea level) |
|---|---|
| Highest point | ~30 m |
| Coordinates | 27.9506° N, 82.4572° W |
| Country / Region | Florida, USA |
Elevations by District
| District / Area | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Downtown / Waterfront | 2–8 m |
| Ybor City | 5–12 m |
| Hyde Park | 5–15 m |
| Westshore | 3–12 m |
| Carrollwood / North Tampa | 15–30 m |
| Brandon (east) | 15–25 m |
Compare: Tampa and Nearby Cities
| City | Elevation |
|---|---|
| Miami, FL | 2 m |
| Orlando, FL | 58 m |
| Jacksonville, FL | 10 m |
| Tallahassee, FL | 61 m |
Interesting Facts About Tampa's Elevation
- Tampa Bay is one of the largest open-water estuaries in Florida – and the city's very low elevation makes it especially vulnerable to hurricane storm surge.
- Ybor City, Tampa's historic Latin Quarter, was founded by Cuban cigar makers in the 1880s at about 5 m above sea level.
- Tampa International Airport sits at only 6 m above sea level, making it one of the lowest-elevation major US airports.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Elevation of Tampa
What is the elevation of Tampa, Florida?
Tampa sits at approximately 9 metres (30 feet) above sea level. Much of the city is at 5 metres or below, making it vulnerable to sea-level rise and storm surge.
Is Tampa at risk of flooding?
Yes, Tampa Bay is considered one of the most vulnerable major metro areas in the US to hurricane storm surge. A major hurricane making landfall nearby could flood large parts of the city.
Why is Florida so flat?
Florida's flatness is the result of its geological history as a shallow limestone platform that was covered by sea water for millions of years. The state has no significant mountains or hills.