What To Pack For Florida: Essentials You’ll Need

Are you heading to the Sunshine State for vacation? Make sure you pack everything you need with this handy beach vacation packing list! From clothes and toiletries to sunscreen and insect repellent, I created a list of what to pack for Florida to help make your trip as stress-free as possible. So read more, grab the printable version of this checklist, check off each item as you pack, and you’ll be ready for a fun-filled beach getaway!

Florida is a really unique state with two national parks, the Kennedy Space Center, theme parks galore, an epic coral reef system and over 1,300 miles of coastline. It’s a fantastic place to vacation! 

Whether you’re exploring one of the 400 Florida islands, the Everglades, or just looking for a tropical getaway on the beach, Florida has something for everyone.

Because of ALL the things to do in Florida and the tropical climate, packing for your trip means taking things into consideration like weather, season, the things you’ll be doing on your trip and more.

You don’t want to be caught in Florida in August wearing jeans or at the beach without your sunscreen! Living as a local in northwest Florida, I’ve put together this list of what to pack for Florida (and all the must haves!) so you can be prepared and enjoy your trip to the sunshine state.

What To Pack For Florida: Things To Consider

First things first – which part of Florida are you traveling to? When most people picture Florida,  they think of hot, sunny weather at the beach, which is a good assessment! But it’s also important to remember that Florida is a really large state and there is a seasonality to the weather patterns and also fluctuations based on if you’re in the northern or southern Florida.

For example Northern and Central Florida tends to be a little cooler than South Florida, which is much more tropical and warmer in the winter months. Anywhere near the coastline you can also expect more warmth than Central, inland areas. And it’s no secret that Florida is known for thunderstorms and hurricanes!

Be sure to check the weather when you’re planning and booking your trip and again before you pack up. I also recommend downloading an app for the ocean tides so you aren’t out for a walk/run when the tide is coming in! (this is the free one I use).

What To Pack For Florida: The Checklist

Let’s start packing! Here are my recommendations for what to pack for Florida – all the items in blue are linked to some of my favorites for the hot Florida weather. Be sure to read to the bottom and enter your email to get the FREE printable version of this list!

Clothing For Florida:

• Short sleeved shirts and tank tops – the lighter and more breathable the fabric, the better! On super hot days you may want to freshen up and change outfits, depending on how sweaty you get so bring a few extra pieces. Tip: Look for fabrics that wick moisture away, instead of absorbing it. For me that means cute crop tops like this one that you can wear with a skirt/shorts or even on a hike! Activewear fabrics are your friend in Florida.
• Shorts and skirts – this is Florida, after all! Especially during summertime you’ll regret not bring these pieces because they will help you stay cool in the heat. I’m a jeans kinda girl but… shorts and skirts are better in Florida 100%.
• Dresses – an absolute must to look cute and feel comfortable in Florida weather! So easy to pack and can be dressed up or down with your accessories. I look for lightweight, flowy fabrics (as a bonus, they look great in pictures when you catch the breeze!)
• Lightweight layers – if you’re like me and always cold indoors in summertime when the A/C is turned up! A lightweight cardigan is always a good choice to have just in case. It’s one item I travel with year round, to any destination I’m headed to.
• Rain jacket with a hood – unless you’re traveling during the dry season, it’s extremely likely you will encounter a rain shower. A lightweight rain jacket is easy to pack and you’ll be glad you have it! Also comes in handy if you’re on the water and need an additional layer for warmth
• Undergarments – goes without saying!
• Sleepwear/loungewear – it’s always nice to have some comfy, casual clothes for lounging around the hotel or resort. I never travel without a great pair of black leggings – these ones are amazing and affordable!
• Activewear – if you want to go for a run on the beach, explore a nature preserve, etc. it’s nice to have at least one pair of clothes for that. If you’re someone that sweats a lot, activewear fabrics are definitely Florida friendly too!
• Swimsuits – I recommend at least 2 suits, so you have choices (and a backup just in case). By all means, bring more if you are going to be at the beach the majority of the time. I like to bring a bikini and a one-piece just for options.
• Coverup – Another must for the beach and pool (and the boardwalk… the tiki bar… you get the picture) You can’t leave this one at home, it will come in so handy. My sister wore one like this one when she came to visit me in Florida and I just love the style!

TIPS: One of my favorite clothing tips is to tuck a few dryer sheets into luggage – it keeps your clothes smelling great! I also like to bring small bottles of Downy wrinkle release and Febreze. Instead of folding, try rolling your clothes to make more space! You can also tuck socks and other small items into your shoes for even more space-saving.

Accessories For Florida:

• A few pairs of shoes – I always bring flip flops for the beach, a pair of dressy sandals or heels for going out, and some type of comfortable sneaker if you’re doing a lot of walking or it’s rainy. I love these platform sandals for when you’re going to be doing lots of walking – they’re cute and comfy!
• A hat – Florida is closer to the equator, meaning the sun really is more intense here. Having a hat is key for sun protection, and for easier packing you can get one like this that rolls up – it’s SO easy to travel with! It’s literally by my side 90% of the time when I’m out exploring in Florida.
• Sunglasses – consider even bringing a second pair to mix things up. You’ll wear them constantly and it doesn’t take up much extra space in your suitcase. I love these large, retro-style ones. My husband got me a subscription to Shades Club a couple years back and I highly recommend them too!
• Jaw clips/ponytail holders/scrunchies – sometimes you just want your hair off your neck to stay cool! I recommend jaw clips the most because they are less likely to crease your hair and still look stylish. But I also love these scrunchies that have a built in pocket for keys, hotel room key etc. Genius!
• Small travel backpack – A must-have in my book for the beach, a hike, or just when you’re out for several hours and want to bring along bigger items like a camera or water bottle. I have this one and love it! I’m also a huge fan of the Dagne Dover brand – their neoprene bags are pricey but super durable and made from recycled bottles!
• Crossbody purse – a smaller, more compact option for when you’re going out and just need a few essentials like your phone/wallet etc. Besides a travel backpack, this is the #1 type of bag I love to travel with!
• Beach bag – something waterproof or beach-friendly to hold your towel, snacks, sunscreen etc. I have a few of these but love straw bags and mesh bags the best.
• Beach towel – I like big and fluffy ones, but they don’t pack great (and take up a ton of room!) So you can consider a smaller, travel beach towel like this one. This is an item you may be able to rent/borrow at your destination as another option.

Toiletries For Florida:

(I won’t list everything here, just a few things to consider for Florida):

• Dry shampoo – dry shampoo will be your BFF in Florida! It’s quicker and easier than washing and will give you a quick refresh after a sweaty day exploring. The one linked here is my favorite because it truly cleans your hair and doesn’t leave a residue.
• Deodorant/antiperspirant – definitely a must! Sometimes I’ll even bring a travel sized one along in my purse if I know I’ll be gone all day exploring. I love the brand Native because it’s aluminum free and has worked well for me (even in the Florida summer heat!) They also sell mini sizes that I always travel with and it saves space in your luggage.
  • Sunscreen – since the Florida sun is really intense, multiple forms of sunscreen are a good bet. Remember to bring something for body and another product that’s formulated for your face. I have a detailed post on biodegradable and reef safe sunscreen – check it out!
• Hair products – consider bringing smoothing/hydrating hair products since Florida is humid! Moving from dry California to humid Florida I definitely have picked up some tricks to fight back against frizz. Check out my list of Beach Makeup Essentials for more tips! My #1 favorite product for frizz is right here – I’ve seen a huge difference when I use this product on damp hair.
• Makeup – you will likely have to adapt your makeup routine to help it withstand the heat, so consider bringing a good primer, setting powder, and waterproof and sweat-proof products. In my experience, this product makes your makeup indestructible! I also give myself permission to wear less makeup on vacation, and keep it simple and lightweight. 🙂
• Aloe – always nice to have in case you get sunburned! It’s one of those products you hope you won’t need, but it’s nice to have if you do.
• Insect repellent – Florida = tropical = bugs! Be prepared just in case, and especially if you’re spending lots of time outdoors. Southern FL especially is more tropical and jungle-like, so be prepared if you’re traveling there so you aren’t miserable with bug bites. This non-toxic option I’ve heard good things about!

TIP: The last thing you want is to open your luggage and discover a gooey mess! One idea to avoid this is to tape bottle lids closed and as a backup, pack toiletries in plastic bags or containers. You can also pick up some leak-proof travel bottles like these, that are guaranteed not to spill and are TSA approved.

Travel Documents For Florida:

• Wallet
• Identification
• Transportation tickets/e-tickets
• Itineraries and confirmation #s

Other Must-Haves For Florida:

• Luggage – great luggage is everything! I think the Solgaard luggage is so cool! They have a “carry on closet” bag that is award-winning and made from plastic bottles.
• Charging cables – I like to bring an extra charging cord (one for the hotel/resort and another for if you’re using navigation in your rental car). It’s much easier to buy these ahead of time online and pay less.
• Portable power bank – you’ll be taking tons of photos, looking up things on Google maps, and your phone battery will be drained so fast! So bring along a portable power source to make your life easier. I love this 2-pack that’s very reasonably priced.
• Waterproof phone case – you just never know! It would be such a bummer to ruin your expensive device when you’re out on the water, and these are cheap and effective.
• Floating gopro handle – this is another cool item to have if you use a gopro for snorkeling or diving. Gopros are waterproof but also heavy, and since they won’t float on their own this is a handy item to have.
• E-books – for those relaxing times at the pool or beach where you can indulge in a good read. I’m looking forward to reading this book at the beach!
• Earbuds – music sets the mood! I use earbuds on every trip I take, especially on flights.
• Waterproof bluetooth speaker – these are so nice to have as part of your beach day setup! A waterproof one is essential if you’ll be near the beach or pool.
• Camera and accessories – I love looking back on past vacation photos and relive the good memories! What I use currently for photography: my Apple iPhone 11 camera, a remote shutter (easy and much better than a selfie stick), and inexpensive travel tripod. For video, I love GoPro! You can get free 2-day shipping on all orders over $50 at GoPro.com.
• Packing cubes – to help you stay organized! These are amazing to keep items separate in your luggage, makes things easier to find and your life easier.
• Laundry bag – to keep everything tucked away, I always travel with one because the plastic hotel ones aren’t great and they break easily. If your trip is longer than a few days, you’ll need a better option. These mesh ones are nice and means you can use less plastic!
• Dry bag – if you’re planning to camp, hike, go boating, or explore one of FL’s gorgeous natural springs, it’s smart to protect your belongings from water. A dry bag is super effective, and I love that this one comes in lots of different colors and includes a waterproof phone case!

TIP: When packing, look for “holes” or gaps in between items- that’s where your small items can go and it will help you to pack for efficiently. Your goal is to fill every nook and cranny! When your belongings are packed snug inside your luggage there’s less potential for items shifting around. To protect jewelry or anything fragile, wrap it in a t-shirt or scarf.

TIP: You can also pack an empty duffle bag, backpack, or tote bag in your luggage. It’s your insurance policy against overweight bag fees. Depending on how many souvenirs you picked up on your trip, you may need that extra space!

What To Pack For Florida: Printable Version

To make things even EASIER, grab a free printable copy of this checklist for what to pack for Florida! Enter your email below to get access now, and I’ll also add you to my email list where I send a once-weekly update about what’s new on the blog:

Now that you know what to pack for Florida, here are a few additional resources that I think you’ll find helpful in planning your trip:

• The Road Trip Checklist You’ll Be Happy You Used
• Best Gulf Coast Beach Towns
• How To Get A Tan: Everything You Need For Your Beach Vacay
• Florida 30A: Prettiest Beach Towns