Taylorville/Groveland History

As early as 1895, brothers C. C. and B. M. Taylor settled here with African American workers in hopes of establishing a business harvesting the area’s lucrative turpentine resources. The Taylor brothers built a turpentine still just north of Lake David, and that area became known as Taylorville, until it was renamed Groveland after a city council meeting in 1922. 

Today, Groveland is well known for its beautiful lakes, of which Lake County has more than five hundred, with many located in this southern region. Our community has experienced many changes since it was first settled, from a name change, to changes in the industry, beginning with perfume, then lumber, citrus, and tourism. Our continued success is in large part due to our perfect location. Groveland is located in sunny Central Florida at the crossroads of State Road 50, State Road 19, and State Road 33, located only a few minutes from the Florida Turnpike. The city is located 27 miles west of Downtown Orlando, 35 miles from Walt Disney World, and 70 miles from Tampa. Groveland is located only 9 miles from South Lake Hospital, the National Training Center, and the Special Olympics Florida year-round training facility. Lake-Sumter Community College is only 11 short miles away, offering the University of Central Florida and Saint Leo University extended campuses.

With a current population of over 21,000, our City with Natural Charm is projected to grow steadily into the next decade. Our community has expanded over the last few years, with many new residents coming from the Metropolitan Orlando area.  Groveland prides itself on being one of the safest growing cities in Florida, with one of the most diverse communities sought after by families of all ages. 

Groveland is currently Celebrating its 100th birthday with a series of family-friendly community events. Groveland may be expanding, but the community still maintains its charming small-town appeal.