You’re driving through Central Florida, past the sprawling, golf-cart-filled streets of The Villages and the generic highway exits of I-75. Suddenly, the landscape shifts. The neon signs fade, replaced by rolling pastures and signs for fresh citrus. You’ve hit Webster.
It’s a place that feels like a time capsule. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what county is Webster Florida in, you aren't alone. This tiny town is a heavy hitter for its size, but it often gets lost in the shuffle of Florida’s rapid development.
The short answer is: Webster is in Sumter County.
But honestly, just knowing the county name doesn't really tell you what this place is about. Webster is the oldest incorporated town in Sumter County. It’s a spot where "Rustic, Rural, Real" isn’t just a marketing slogan; it’s a way of life for the roughly 1,600 people who call it home.
The Heart of Sumter County
Webster sits in the southern part of Sumter County, tucked away from the frantic pace of Orlando or Tampa. While it’s only about an hour’s drive from those metro giants, it feels worlds apart.
Sumter County itself is a bit of a contradiction. On one hand, you have The Villages, which is technically the largest community in the county and one of the fastest-growing spots in the country. On the other hand, you have Webster.
Webster is the grounding force of the county. While the northern end of Sumter is becoming a retirement mecca, Webster remains rooted in agriculture and commerce that dates back to the 1800s.
It was settled in 1855. Back then, it wasn't about golf courses. It was about survival and soil. The area was famous for the "Parson Brown" orange and eventually became known as the "Cucumber Capital." People around here still take pride in that heritage. You’ll see it in the architecture and the way folks talk about the land.
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Why Webster Matters to the Region
Most people discover Webster because of one thing: The Market.
If you ask a local "what county is Webster Florida in," they might just point you toward the Sumter County Farmers Market. This isn't your average neighborhood stand with three types of kale and some overpriced honey.
This is a 40-acre monster of a market. It started in 1937 as a way for farmers to sell cattle and vegetables. Today, it’s one of the largest flea markets in the state. On a busy Monday, the town’s population basically triples as thousands of people descend upon the stalls.
- You can find everything from vintage farm equipment to handmade leather goods.
- The livestock auction is still a massive deal here, occurring every Tuesday.
- It’s one of the few surviving cattle markets in the United States.
It’s pretty wild to see a town of fewer than 2,000 people host an event that's regularly cited as a top tourist attraction in Florida. It keeps the local economy humming and ensures that Sumter County stays connected to its agricultural roots even as other parts of the county pave over the pastures.
A Quick Geography Check
If you're trying to find it on a map, Webster is roughly:
- 10 minutes south of Bushnell (the county seat).
- 50 miles west of Orlando.
- 60 miles northeast of Tampa.
It’s basically the bullseye of the state’s central corridor.
Living the Rural Life
Honestly, living in Webster is a specific choice. You aren't moving here for the nightlife or the high-end shopping malls. You’re moving here for space.
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The demographics tell an interesting story. According to recent 2024 and 2025 estimates, the population is hovering around 1,600. It’s a diverse community, with a large Hispanic population and a significant number of residents with deep-seated ties to the land.
Interestingly, while the median age in Sumter County is famously high (around 68, thanks to The Villages), Webster is much younger. The median age here is closer to 39. It’s a place for working families, people in the trades, and those managing the local agriculture.
Housing and Costs
Real estate in this part of Sumter County is still relatively affordable compared to the Florida coast.
- You’ll see a lot of mobile homes—nearly 44% of the housing stock.
- The median home value is significantly lower than the state average.
- Rental prices are some of the lowest you’ll find in Florida.
It’s a "bootstrap" kind of town. People work hard, drive trucks, and spend their weekends outdoors.
The Historical Weight of the Area
Webster isn't just about flea markets and cucumbers. It’s surrounded by some of the most significant history in the state.
Just a few minutes up the road in Bushnell is the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park. This is the site of the battle that kicked off the Second Seminole War in 1835. Major Francis Dade and his troops were ambushed here while traveling from Tampa to Ocala.
Every year, they do a massive reenactment. People from all over Sumter County show up to see the history come alive. It reminds you that this land was a frontier long before it was a vacation destination.
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Beyond the Town Limits
When you’re in Webster, you have easy access to the Withlacoochee State Forest.
This isn't a manicured park. It’s 150,000 acres of raw Florida. The World Wildlife Fund once called it one of the "10 Coolest Places You've Never Been in North America."
If you like to hike, bike, or ride horses, this is your playground. The Richloam Wildlife Management Area is also nearby, offering thousands of acres for hunting and exploring. It’s the kind of place where you can get lost in the cypress swamps and pine woods and forget that the 21st century exists.
Actionable Tips for Visiting Webster
If you're planning to head into Sumter County to see Webster for yourself, don't just wing it.
- Monday is the Day: If you go to Webster on a Thursday, you’ll find a sleepy little town. If you go on a Monday, you get the full flea market experience. Arrive by 8:00 AM if you want the good stuff.
- Cash is King: While some vendors at the market take cards, you’ll have a much easier time with a wad of five-dollar bills.
- Eat Local: Skip the fast food on the way in. Look for the local stalls selling boiled peanuts or the concessions inside the market.
- Check the Weather: The market is mostly outdoors. Florida humidity is no joke, especially in the "Cucumber Capital" during the summer.
- Explore Bushnell Too: Since you're already in the county, stop by the Florida National Cemetery or the Dade Battlefield. It rounds out the trip and gives you a sense of why this area matters.
Webster is a reminder that the "Real Florida" is still out there. It’s not just a theme park or a beach. It’s a place of dirt, hard work, and deep history. Next time someone asks what county is Webster Florida in, you can tell them it’s Sumter—and then tell them why they actually need to go see it.
To get the most out of your visit, plan your trip for a Monday morning to experience the legendary flea market, then head ten minutes north to Bushnell to explore the Dade Battlefield Historic State Park.