Mascotte is a city in southern Lake County, Florida, within the Orlando–Kissimmee–Sanford metropolitan area. The 2020 census counted 6,609 residents, a marked increase from 5,101 a decade earlier, reflecting the city's transformation from a small rural community into a growing suburban outpost. It lies along the U.S. 27 corridor immediately north of Clermont, a position that connects it to the broader Central Florida region and places Orlando's employment centers within commuting range. The community's roots are tied to the railroad. Named for the SS Mascotte, a ship that once hauled tobacco along the coast, Mascotte took shape as a railroad town during the early development of Central Florida and incorporated as a city in 1925. For much of the 20th century it remained a modest Lake County town, with a population in the low thousands, before the growth of the south Lake area brought new subdivisions and a steady influx of residents. Today Mascotte functions largely as a residential community within the orbit of Clermont and Orlando. Its economy and daily life depend on regional employment, with many residents commuting to jobs in Clermont, Orlando, and the theme-park corridor. Local services are basic, centered on city parks and schools, while fuller shopping, dining, and healthcare options sit just down U.S. 27 in Clermont. The city's small government and recreation programs keep community life close-knit despite its growth. Mascotte suits families and buyers seeking a quieter, small-town address in developing south Lake County. It offers newer and more modest housing than nearby Clermont while keeping Orlando's employment and attractions within a manageable commute, making it a practical base for those who want lake-country living with regional reach and a lower-key daily rhythm.