About Florida
The sunshine state boasts the largest number of freshwater springs on earth. Aquifers fill over 700 springs with over 8 million gallons of water each day. The constant water temperature of 72 degrees welcomes snorkeling, scuba diving in underwater caves, ample kayaking and world-class fishing opportunities.
Lake Okeechobee, Florida's largest lake, and 8,000 other lakes give anglers 3 million acres of fresh waterways. Add to that 12,000 miles of rivers and canals, many with no closed fishing season, and Florida becomes a fishing dreamland. Multiple species of bass from largemouth to sunshine, striped and butterfly peacock bass give even the most journeyed fisherman a unique opportunity for memorable experiences on the water.
The word "florida" in Spanish means "full of flowers." The state's many waters sustain a mosaic of tropical plants, woodlands and agriculture that display the colors and aromas of this magical place. Oranges and yellows dot groves and backyards and remind us that Florida produces 70% of the nation's citrus and 90% of America's orange juice.
Farms in this sub-tropical climate produce sugar cane and tomatoes year-round as well as being one of the nation’s best cattle producers. A vast amount of America’s nursery products result in a lucrative industry that adds to investment opportunities of Florida land.
It may surprise you that a state with 663 miles of beaches on the Gulf and Atlantic also has incredible hunting inland. When we think of Florida, many picture sailfish or Spanish mackerel before we think of whitetail deer. From the Panhandles’ thousands of acres of low land river beds and hardwood forests in the north, all the way to the forests at Florida's southern tip, hunters find ample opportunity and thousands of acres to pursue savvy southern bucks, hogs, gators and the highly-regarded Osceola wild turkey we’re all after.
The Big Cypress region, 45 miles west of Miami, offers plenty of elbow room with 730,000 forested acres of public land. With the sunshine warming your back and the wind in your face, you might even find yourself cruising through the majestic Everglades on an airboat. Temps and humidity can soar at times, but fun encounters and the whitetail rut in 70-degree days are something you won’t forget as you sit in your treestand October through February.
The 1,500 mile Suwanee River National Scenic Trail will call your name and have you breaking in a new pair of hiking boots as you enjoy every step on one of the most beautiful hikes in the Southeast. Whatever your water, land and cultural pleasures are, Florida always delivers.
State Profile
- Big Game
- Alligator, Whitetail Deer, Turkeys
- Small Game
- Rabbits, Coyotes, Bobcats, Dove, Quail, Duck, Geese, Hog
- Hunting Regulations and Seasons
- https://myfwc.com/hunting/
- Total Public Land Acreage
- 12,670,324 Acres
- Average Annual Rainfall
- 54 inches
- Farmland by Acre
- 8,417,200
- Woodlands by Acre
- 17,000,000
- Protected in Conservation Programs
- 10,000,000
- Agricultural Commodities
- Greenhouse Products, Sugar Cane, Oranges