What a Tampa Bay Times subscription includes

A Tampa Bay Times subscription gives you access to news, sports, and opinion coverage of the Tampa Bay area. The newspaper offers two main subscription types: digital-only and print-plus-digital. Digital subscriptions let you read on your phone, tablet, or computer. Print subscriptions deliver the physical newspaper to your home and also include digital access.

The digital edition includes the same stories as the print edition, plus breaking news updates throughout the day. You can search past articles, save stories to read later, and customize which sections appear first when you open the app or website. Print subscribers receive the newspaper on the days it publishes — typically seven days a week, though some plans offer fewer delivery days at lower cost.

Both subscription types include access to the Tampa Bay Times archives, which go back several decades. Subscribers can also access the newspaper's mobile apps for iOS and Android devices without additional cost.

Key Takeaways

  • Digital subscriptions cost less than print subscriptions but do not include the physical newspaper.
  • Print subscriptions include both the physical newspaper and full digital access at the same website and apps.
  • The Tampa Bay Times offers introductory rates for new subscribers, usually lower than the standard monthly price.
  • You can pause or cancel your subscription at any time through your account settings or by contacting customer service.
  • Delivery and pricing vary by location within the Tampa Bay area.

Digital subscription pricing and what you get

Digital-only subscriptions are the least expensive option. The introductory rate for new subscribers is typically $1 per week for the first four weeks, then the standard rate applies. Standard rates vary but generally range from $10 to $15 per month, depending on current promotions. You pay monthly, and the charge appears on your credit card or debit card on the same day each month.

With a digital subscription, you get unlimited access to all stories on tampabay.com, the Tampa Bay Times mobile apps, and the digital replica of the print edition. The digital replica shows the newspaper exactly as it appears in print, page by page. You can search articles, create a personalized news feed, and read offline by downloading articles to your device.

Digital subscribers do not receive the printed newspaper. If you want to read the physical paper, you need a print subscription or a print-plus-digital plan.

Print subscription pricing and delivery options

Print subscriptions cost more than digital-only because they include the physical newspaper delivered to your address. Introductory rates for new print subscribers typically start around $2 to $3 per week for the first four weeks, then move to the standard rate. Standard rates depend on how many days per week you want delivery and your location within the Tampa Bay area. Seven-day delivery (Monday through Sunday) costs more than plans that deliver only on weekdays or weekends.

Print subscriptions automatically include digital access at no extra charge. You get the same digital features as a digital-only subscriber — the website, apps, and digital replica — plus the physical newspaper. Delivery usually happens before 7 a.m. on the days your subscription covers, though timing can vary by neighborhood.

The Tampa Bay Times delivers to most addresses in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, and Polk counties. Some rural or remote areas may not have delivery available. You can check whether your address qualifies for delivery by entering your zip code on the subscription page.

How to start a subscription

To start a subscription, go to tampabay.com/subscribe or call the customer service number listed on the Tampa Bay Times website. Online, you choose your subscription type (digital or print), select your plan length (usually monthly or annual), and enter your payment information. The system will show you the introductory rate and the price after the introductory period ends.

If you choose print delivery, you will enter your delivery address. The system checks whether your address is in the delivery area. If it is, delivery typically begins within two to three business days. If your address is outside the delivery zone, you can still purchase a digital-only subscription.

You will receive a confirmation email with your account details and login information. You can then download the mobile apps and log in with the email and password you created during signup.

Pausing, canceling, or changing your subscription

You can pause your print delivery temporarily without canceling your subscription. This is useful if you are traveling or do not want the newspaper for a few weeks. Pauses typically last up to 30 days. To pause, log into your account on tampabay.com, go to your subscription settings, and select the pause option. You can also call customer service to pause by phone.

To cancel a subscription, log into your account and select the cancel option, or call customer service. Cancellations take effect at the end of your current billing period. If you cancel mid-month, you will not receive a refund for the unused portion of that month, but you will not be charged again.

You can upgrade from digital-only to print, or downgrade from print to digital, at any time. Changes usually take effect on your next billing date. If you upgrade mid-month, you may be charged a prorated amount for the remainder of that month.

Payment methods and billing

The Tampa Bay Times accepts credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards for subscription payments. You can also pay by bank account transfer in some cases. Charges appear on your statement as "Tampa Bay Times" or a similar descriptor.

Billing happens on the same day each month. If your payment method fails, the newspaper will attempt to charge it again. If the second attempt fails, your account may be suspended until you update your payment information. You can update your card or bank account details in your account settings at any time.

Annual subscriptions cost less per month than paying month-to-month, but you pay the full year upfront. If you cancel an annual subscription before the year is up, you will not receive a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I read Tampa Bay Times articles without a subscription?

The Tampa Bay Times allows a limited number of free articles per month for non-subscribers. Once you reach the limit, you will see a message asking you to subscribe. Subscribers have unlimited access to all articles.

What happens if I move out of the Tampa Bay area?

If you move outside the delivery zone, your print subscription will be canceled automatically, but you can keep your digital subscription. Digital subscriptions work anywhere in the United States and internationally. Contact customer service if you move and want to switch from print to digital.

Is there a student or senior discount?

The Tampa Bay Times occasionally offers discounted rates for students and seniors, but these are not always available. Check the subscription page or call customer service to ask about current discounts for your situation.

Can I gift a subscription to someone else?

The Tampa Bay Times does offer gift subscriptions. You can purchase a gift subscription for a specific length of time (usually three months, six months, or one year) and have it sent to the recipient's email address. The recipient can then activate the subscription and create their own account.

What if I do not receive my newspaper on a delivery day?

Contact customer service to report a missed delivery. They can redeliver the newspaper or credit your account. Most customer service lines accept reports through the website, phone, or email. Response times vary but typically happen within one business day.