Florida has more golf courses than any other US state, well over a thousand, and a winter climate that draws golfers from across North America and Europe. You can play championship resort courses, quiet municipal layouts, coastal links-style holes and everything in between, often within a short drive of beaches, theme parks and great seafood. With so much choice, the key to a great Florida golf trip is picking the right region and the right season.
Why golf in Florida?
- Choice. From world-class resort courses to inexpensive public layouts, there is golf for every budget.
- Climate. Mild, sunny winters mean golf is possible all year in most of the state.
- Easy travel. Large international airports, good roads and plenty of accommodation.
- Something for everyone. Beaches, theme parks, fishing, wildlife and nightlife for non-golfers.
The main golf regions
Northeast Florida: Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra Beach, St Augustine and Amelia Island
The Atlantic coast in the north of the state has some of Florida's most famous golf, including courses that host professional events, along with historic St Augustine and the quieter beaches of Amelia Island. Winters are cooler here than further south, which suits golfers who dislike heat.
- Best for: championship courses and a mix of history and beaches.
- Good to know: winter mornings can be chilly; pack layers.
Central Florida: Orlando and Kissimmee
Orlando is best known for theme parks, but it is also one of the country's largest golf hubs, with many resort and public courses, practice facilities and golf schools.
- Best for: family holidays where golfers and non-golfers both have plenty to do.
- Good to know: this is an inland area, so it is hot in summer and lacks sea breezes. Courses are busy in school holidays. Read golf schools and golf camps.
The Space Coast and Daytona Beach
The central Atlantic coast offers good-value golf, wide beaches and rocket launches, with a wide range of public courses.
The Gulf Coast: Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples
The west coast has calmer seas, spectacular sunsets and a high concentration of courses, many within residential golf communities. Naples and the surrounding area is often said to have more holes of golf per person than anywhere else in the country.
- Best for: a relaxed winter escape, and golfers considering a longer stay. Read living on a golf course.
- Good to know: many courses are private or semi-private, so check access for visitors before you book.
Southeast Florida: Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale and Miami
The southeast coast offers glamorous resort golf, warm winters and lively cities. It is the warmest part of mainland Florida in winter.
- Best for: golf combined with beaches, dining and nightlife.
- Good to know: prices are high in peak season, and traffic can be heavy.
The Panhandle: Pensacola, Destin and Panama City Beach
The northwest coast has white-sand beaches, emerald water and plenty of resort golf. It is more of a spring, summer and autumn destination, as winters are cooler.
The Florida Keys
The Keys are famous for fishing, diving and sunsets rather than golf, and have only a few courses. Combine them with a stay on the mainland if golf is the priority.
Comparing the regions
| Region | Best season | Golf style | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast | Autumn, spring | Coastal and championship courses | Big-name golf and history |
| Orlando | Winter, spring | Resort and public courses | Families and golf schools |
| Gulf Coast | Winter, spring | Residential and resort courses | Relaxed winter breaks |
| Southeast | Winter | Resort and city courses | Golf with nightlife |
| Panhandle | Spring, autumn | Resort courses near beaches | Beach holidays |
When to go
| Months | Weather | Prices and crowds |
|---|---|---|
| December to April | Dry, sunny and mild; cooler in the north | Peak season, highest prices, book well ahead |
| May and October to November | Warm, mostly dry | Good value and quieter |
| June to September | Hot, humid, daily thunderstorms | Lowest prices; play early in the day |
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June to November, with the highest risk from August to October. If you travel then, take out travel insurance and keep an eye on the forecast.
Playing golf in Florida
Water, water everywhere
Many Florida courses were built on flat, low-lying land, with lakes dug to provide drainage and fill for the fairways. Water comes into play on a large number of holes, so plan your target, take enough club and play to the safe side. Read golf course management.
Wind
Coastal courses can be very windy, especially in winter and spring. Practise keeping the ball low before you go.
Sand and waste areas
Expect plenty of bunkers and sandy waste areas. Florida sand can be fine and soft, so the ball can plug. Read how to hit bunker shots.
Grainy greens
Most Florida courses use warm-season grasses such as Bermuda grass, which has a strong grain. Putts running down-grain are fast; into the grain they slow down markedly. Grain usually grows towards the setting sun and towards water. Read how to read greens.
Chipping from tight lies
Bermuda fairways and fringes can produce firm, tight lies. A putter or a low chip with a less-lofted club is often the safest option around the greens. Read how to chip in golf.
Weather and wildlife safety
- Heat and humidity. Play early, drink water regularly and wear breathable clothing, a hat and sunscreen. See what to eat and drink on the golf course.
- Insects. Insect repellent is useful near water, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Snakes and fire ants. Take care when looking for balls in long grass and woods.
Costs and how to save
- Travel outside peak season. May, October and November usually offer a good balance of weather and price, and summer rates are low.
- Stay-and-play packages often include discounted rounds and carts.
- Twilight and early-bird rates can be much cheaper.
- Public and municipal courses offer good golf at a fraction of resort prices.
- Book online and compare rates directly with each course.
Read how to play golf on a budget.
Practical tips
- Carts are standard. Most courses include a cart in the green fee, and some do not allow walking at busy times.
- Book early for winter. Popular courses fill quickly from January to April.
- Bring or hire clubs. Most resorts have good hire clubs. Read travelling with golf clubs.
- Rent a car. Courses are spread out and public transport is limited.
- Dress code. Collared shirts and tailored shorts or trousers are standard. See what to wear on the golf course.
Sample trip ideas
- Orlando family week: three or four rounds and practice sessions, mixed with theme parks and pool days.
- Gulf Coast winter escape (two weeks): a relaxed round every other day, beaches and sunsets.
- Northeast coast long weekend: championship courses, St Augustine's old town and fresh seafood.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best golf in Florida?
There is excellent golf all over the state. The Northeast coast is known for championship courses, Orlando for variety and family appeal, the Gulf Coast for relaxed winter golf and the Southeast for resort golf with city life.
What is the best time of year for golf in Florida?
From December to April for weather, though it is also the most expensive. Late spring and late autumn offer good value. Summer is cheapest but hot, with afternoon storms.
Can I walk on Florida golf courses?
Some courses allow walking, but many require carts, especially at busy times. Check when you book.
Are alligators on golf courses dangerous?
Alligators are common around Florida water and generally avoid people, but they can be dangerous. Keep your distance, never feed them, and never retrieve balls from the water's edge.
Is golf in Florida expensive?
It ranges from inexpensive municipal courses to premium resort rates. Off-season travel, packages and twilight rates make it much more affordable.
The bottom line
Florida offers an enormous choice of golf, sunshine through the winter and plenty to do off the course. Pick a region that suits your group, travel in winter or spring for the best weather or in summer for the best prices, play early, respect the lightning and the wildlife, and get used to grainy greens and water on every other hole. For more sunshine destinations, read our guide to warm-weather golf destinations in the USA and how to plan a golf trip.