Living in Tavares, FL
Tavares sits at the center of Lake County, surrounded by Lake Dora, Lake Eustis, and Lake Harris. Known as America's Seaplane City and the county seat, Tavares combines a small-town pace with a working waterfront and easy access to the rest of the Harris Chain of Lakes.
Tavares at a Glance
| Founded | 1880 |
| County Seat Since | 1887 |
| Population | 22,490 (U.S. Census Bureau, 2025 estimate) |
| Main Lakes | Lake Dora, Lake Eustis, Lake Harris |
| Lake System | Harris Chain of Lakes |
| Distance to Orlando | Approximately 45 minutes |
| Nearby Cities | Mount Dora, Eustis, Leesburg |
| Known For | Seaplane base, downtown waterfront, county government |
What Tavares Is Known For
Tavares earned its "Seaplane City" nickname from the public seaplane base on Lake Dora, where pilots fly in from across the country. Beyond downtown, Tavares offers:
- Lake Jem Park & Boat Ramp — a launch point for boaters and anglers heading out onto the Harris Chain
- The Dora Canal — a historic, tree-lined waterway connecting Lake Dora and Lake Eustis, popular for kayaking and paddleboarding
- The Tavares Air Show — an annual event held at the seaplane base
- Wooton Park — the city's signature waterfront park, covered in detail in our Downtown Tavares guide
Living in Tavares
Tavares combines its walkable downtown with residential neighborhoods spread across the city, from historic homes near the water to newer construction and 55+ communities on the outskirts. See our full Tavares homes for sale guide for housing options by type.
Explore More of Tavares
Frequently Asked Questions About Tavares
What is Tavares, FL known for?
Tavares is known as America's Seaplane City, home to a public seaplane base on Lake Dora. It's also the Lake County seat and sits at the center of the Harris Chain of Lakes.
Is Tavares a good place to live?
Tavares offers small-town character, direct access to the Harris Chain of Lakes, and a walkable historic downtown, all within about 45 minutes of Orlando.
How far is Tavares from Orlando?
Tavares is approximately 45 minutes from Orlando by car.