Bentley Sarasota is Dimmitt’s newest Bentley location, complementing our existing location in Tampa and further enhancing our selection and service capabilities for Southwest Florida.
Our history
There’s much to be said about history. The Dimmitt family legacy is one defined by perseverance, innovation, and service.
From humble beginnings, generations of loyal customers and employees across Florida’s central Gulf Coast have helped shape the Dimmitt Automotive Group into what it is today. The story began with the late Larry Dimmitt, Sr., who entered the automobile business in Savannah, Georgia in the early 1900s, selling and servicing the Peerless car. A pioneer with entrepreneurial spirit, he became the Buick distributor for Georgia while also representing Liberty cars and White trucks. In 1924, after moving to Clearwater, he purchased a Ford dealership. By 1933, the family business had expanded to Chevrolet, Cadillac, and LaSalle.
Growth followed Clearwater’s expansion. In 1952, Larry Dimmitt, Jr. took over operations, adding a Cadillac dealership in 1965 while Chevrolet continued to thrive. The 3rd generation began when Richard Roth Dimmitt acquired the Cadillac franchise from his father, carrying forward the family’s tradition of excellence.
Through the decades, the portfolio expanded to reflect evolving customer needs. A Toyota dealership was added in 1985, followed by Cadillac and a new facility in Homosassa. Village Cadillac Toyota remains Citrus County’s volume leader today. Land Rover joined in 1987, Rolls-Royce and Bentley in 1997, Lotus in 2000, Saab in 2006, McLaren in 2010, and Aston Martin in 2011. Audi Wesley Chapel opened in 2017, followed by a state-of-the-art collision center in 2018, and Jaguar in late 2018.
In 2023, Cycle Springs Powersports became the newest addition to the group, offering a world-class lineup of powersports vehicles and watercraft, further diversifying the Dimmitt portfolio. Looking ahead, the family continues to invest in growth, with Village Powersports debut in 2025, bringing even more lifestyle and recreational offerings to the community, while Bentley Sarasota will open in 2026, expanding the Dimmitt luxury presence on Florida’s Gulf Coast.
Today, legacy, lifestyle, and luxury remain synonymous with the Dimmitt name. Under the leadership of Richard Dimmitt and with the involvement of his two sons representing the 4th generation, the organization spans from Crystal River to St. Petersburg. With numerous “Master Dealer” awards and a deep commitment to community, the Dimmitt family continues to honor its tradition while shaping the future of automotive excellence.