Planning a trip to the Sunshine State but not sure what to pack? Then check out this packing list for Florida to ensure you don’t leave anything behind!
We know how exciting it is to plan a trip to the Sunshine State, with its stunning beaches, world-class theme parks, and diverse attractions. But when it comes to packing for Florida, it’s essential to be well-prepared!
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Though it’s famous for its warm weather all year round, temperatures vary depending on the time of the year, which means that it’s not as easy as just packing beach essentials, and that’s why we’ve created this Florida vacation packing list! To ensure that you have everything you need for a memorable and hassle-free vacation.
In this Florida vacation checklist, we’ll cover all the essentials, from clothing and beach gear to travel documents and electronics. Let’s dive in!
Packing List For Florida Vacation: What To Pack For Florida
We’ve categorized this post into; clothes to pack for Florida, beach essentials to pack for Florida, toiletries, electronic items to add to your Florida packing list, travel documents, medication, and miscellaneous items to make sure you find everything with ease!
What to Pack For Florida: Clothing Essentials
When packing for Florida, you need to put the weather into consideration. Florida’s warm and humid climate calls for lightweight and breathable clothing that will keep you cool and comfortable, but since it gets sudden rain showers, make sure you pack jackets and warm clothes too!
Daytime clothing To Pack for Florida
To give you an idea of what to wear to Florida, you should know how locals dress. The dress code in Florida is mainly casual with light and airy clothes like shorts, t-shirts, and tank tops during the day but when it gets chilly, light sweaters and jackets come out. Here are the clothes to add to your packing list for a vacation to Florida.
Tank tops: You can’t go wrong with these ones.
T-shirts: You can carry 2-3 T-shirts like these ones.
Crop tops: If you’re a crop top kind of girl, you’ll love this crop top and this one!
Cute floral tops: This vibrant floral top will add a pop of color to your Florida wardrobe.
Shorts: Shorts are a must-have when packing for a trip to Florida! We’re currently obsessing over these shorts but guys will love these ones instead. You can also pack a few jean shorts like these ones but these biker shorts with pockets are also a great choice for those morning beach runs.
Cute skirts: If you’re a skirt person, this one, this, or this one will do well in Florida. You can also opt for this maxi version instead.
Short-sleeved shirts: Men will love these lightweight and breathable short-sleeved shirts or these t-shirts when packing for Florida.
Playsuits/Rompers: Is it even a packing list for Florida without fun and colorful playsuits or rompers? Certainly not! You can choose from this one, this one, or even this.
Leggings: A pair of leggings like this one will do wonders, especially when visiting theme parks.
Summer dresses: You can’t travel to Florida without a couple of summer dresses! Options like this one, this one, or this one are perfect for Florida’s sunny weather.
Maxi airy dresses: If you’re all about taking stunning Instagram photos in Florida, then pack a few maxi dresses. You can choose from this floral one, or this neutral-colored one depending on your taste.
Rain poncho or lightweight rain jacket: Florida’s weather can be unpredictable, and afternoon rain showers are common, so make sure you pack a rain poncho like this one or this lightweight waterproof rain jacket to stay dry during sudden downpours. Here is the men’s version.
Rash Guard: If you have sensitive skin and are planning on participating in water activities like surfing, snorkeling, or even swimming, you may want to pack this rash guard to prevent skin irritation. It also offers some UV protection. You can check out the men’s version here.
Other items not to forget: Underwear, pajamas, socks, and Bras.
Evening Clothes to Pack for Florida
Evenings in Florida are generally relaxed, with a casual dress code at most establishments though, in places like Miami, people go all out, especially when dining at Miami’s best rooftop restaurants or at its bars.
Also, Pack a light jacket or sweater for cooler nights and bring versatile outfits that can transition from day to night.
Leather jacket/Sweater: For chilly evenings, there is nothing a leather jacket like this one can’t fix. You can also opt for this lightweight sweater instead.
Cute Evening dress: If you plan to go out at night or dine at a fancy restaurant, you may want to pack at least one dressy outfit and we can’t think of anything else other than this little black dress (it also comes in other colors if black is not your thing)! Every girl needs one on their Florida packing list.
Footwear
When creating your Florida trip packing list, make sure that it doesn’t miss comfortable shoes that cater to different activities.
Sneakers: For your comfortable pair of shoes, we recommend taking sneakers. They’ll be a godsend when visiting either theme parks or national parks. Since Florida is hot and humid, make sure they’re breathable. This is the pair of breathable and lightweight shoes we recommend and here is the men’s version! If you’d rather go for a cheaper alternative, then we recommend this one!
Flip flops: This pair of flip-flops is all you need for a beach day.
Sandals: If you’d rather wear sandals for your day-to-day exploration, then you can’t go with this pair of sandals. They’re very sturdy and comfortable to walk in even for long hours.
Water shoes: If you plan to participate in a ton of water activities (which you should since there is a ton in Florida), make sure that you pack this pair of water shoes. Besides using them while participating in water activities, they’ll also come in handy when you visit rocky shorelines.
Things To Pack For Florida: Beach and Water Activities Essential
A trip to the sunshine state will undoubtedly include a number of days on the beach and participating in water sports, so be sure to add these items below to your packing list for Florida.
Swimsuits. You can pack a pair or 2 of swimsuits. We love this one-piece swimsuit and this 2-piece set. For guys, you’ll love these swim shorts.
Swimsuit Cover-Up: As the name suggests, it covers up the swimsuit whether for modesty or sun protection reasons. If you don’t have one yet, you can opt for this one.
Sunscreen: Packing sunscreen is crucial to protecting your skin from harmful UV rays and avoiding sunburns during outdoor activities. But don’t just bring any sunscreen! Bring one that has an SPF of 50+. And since you’ll likely spend a lot of time in the water, make sure that it’s reef-friendly to protect the local marine life! This is the reef-friendly sunscreen we recommend!
Lip balm with SPF: Protect your lips too from the sun’s harsh rays with this SPF lip balm.
Sunglasses: Pack sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the intense Florida sun and prevent glare while sightseeing. If you don’t have a pair already, you can check these out to see if one suits your taste.
Sun hat: A wide-brimmed sun hat like this one will provide extra protection for your face and neck, keeping you cool and comfortable during your stay in Florida. It also adds a touch of chic to your Instagram photos if you’re into this kind of thing.
Beach towel: Another item to add to your Florida travel checklist is a beach towel! It’s essential for lounging on Florida’s pristine beaches or drying off after a refreshing swim. We recommend taking a quick dry and sand proof travel towel like this one! It’s big enough to accommodate a number of people and it comes with a pouch for easy carrying. This Turkish beach towel is also a great option.
Cooling towels: These Cooling towels are a great way to stay comfortable in Florida’s heat and humidity, providing instant relief when wet and draped around your neck or shoulders.
Beach towel chair clips: You’ll need these handy clips to keep your beach towel in place on your beach chair.
Collapsible cooler: Another item to add to your packing list for Florida is this collapsible cooler to keep your drinks and snacks chilled during beach days, picnics, or road trips. The best part is that it easily folds away when not in use.
Beach umbrella or tent: While it’s enjoyable to chill on Florida’s stunning beaches, what’s not enjoyable is the scorching sun after a while. So if you can, carry this portable beach tent for some much-needed shade and respite from the sun. It’s easy to set up, has UV Protection, and is easy and light to store.
Beach bag: To carry all your beach essentials with ease while also keeping them organized and sand-free, make sure that you take a durable and spacious beach bag like this one!
Snorkeling equipment: If you plan to snorkel, you can pack your own gear, but if you are after minimalist packing for Florida, consider renting locally to explore Florida’s vibrant marine life. If you choose to take your own, you can purchase the snorkel and mask here, and the fins here.
Inflatable toys or floaties: Most beaches in Florida allow inflatable toys, so carry some if you can. These inflatable toys and floaties will no doubt enhance your Florida beach experience.
Dry Bag: A dry bag is a must-have item for your Florida packing list, particularly if you plan on participating in water activities or spending time at the beach. This dry bag will keep your belongings, such as electronics, clothes, and valuables, safe and dry.
Waterproof phone case: With this waterproof phone case, you’ll be able to capture unforgettable underwater photos without killing your phone.
Things to Pack for a Trip to Florida: Toiletries
Below are the toiletries to add to your vacation packing list for Florida!
Shampoo and conditioner: Pack travel-size versions of your favorite shampoo and conditioner.
Body wash and soap: Bring travel-size body wash and soap.
Toothpaste and toothbrush: Don’t forget to include toothpaste and toothbrush on your packing list for Florida.
Body Glide: Body Glide is an essential item to add to your Florida packing list, especially during hot and humid weather. This anti-chafing balm will prevent friction and irritation between your skin and clothing, especially wet ones.
Deodorant: Stay fresh and odor-free in Florida’s warm climate by packing your preferred deodorant.
Razor and shaving cream: Include a razor and shaving cream in your Florida vacation packing list to maintain your grooming routine.
Makeup and makeup remover: Bring your essential makeup items and makeup remover for a polished look and easy removal at the end of the day.
Feminine Hygiene Products: Any that you use!
Other toiletries to pack for Florida: Perfume, hair ties, hair brush, and hand sanitizer.
Toiletry bag: To organize all the toiletries we’ve looked at above, make sure that you pack a toiletry bag! You can opt for this this TSA-approved transparent toilet bag but for us, we love this hanging toilet bag. It organizes everything well and you can easily hang it in a bathroom.
What to Pack For A Trip to Florida: Medications and first aid
One of the things to never skimp on when packing for Florida is medication! Below are the must-haves!
Prescription medications: Remember to pack your prescribed medications before your trip.
Over-the-counter medicine: Include over-the-counter medication for common ailments like headaches or allergies in your packing list for a trip to Florida.
Insect repellent: Ward off mosquitoes and other pesky bugs by adding this insect repellent spray to your Florida travel checklist, especially if you plan on exploring outdoor attractions like Everglades National Park which is known for mosquitos.
First Aid Kit: Packing a first aid kit is essential for any trip, including your Florida vacation. You can create your own by throwing in the items we’ve suggested above and adding other things like plasters, Antiseptic, Antibiotics, tweezers, etc. Alternatively, you can just buy this small first aid kit that already has everything you might need during your trip.
Packing List for Florida: Electronics and Accessories
Your packing checklist for Florida will not be complete without the electronics and accessories below.
Smartphone: Obviously!
Camera and accessories: You can use your phone to take photos but if you want to fully capture the stunning beauty of Florida’s landscapes, then don’t leave your camera behind. Also, don’t forget essential accessories like extra batteries, and memory cards. We’ve been using these Samsung memory cards over the years and we still love them.
Underwater GoPro: While still on the topic of cameras, we also recommend packing this underwater GoPro to capture the beauty of Florida’s underwater world fully! Spoiler alert: It’s very beautiful!
Power bank: This portable power bank will provide backup charging for your devices if you run out of battery.
Travel adapter: If you’re traveling from abroad, a travel adapter is crucial for charging your electronic devices, as it ensures compatibility with Florida’s electrical outlets. Though you can buy a US adapter, we recommend opting for this universal travel adapter instead since you can use it everywhere else around the world.
Noise-canceling earphones: Whether it’s for entertainment on the plane, at the beach, or during a morning jog, these noise-canceling earphones should not miss on your Florida packing list.
things to pack for A vacation to Florida: Travel Documents and Money
Below are the essential travel documents you’ll need while packing for Florida.
Identification card:
Passport (for international travelers):
Driver’s license: If you’re planning to rent a car while in Florida, make sure that you carry your driver’s license or an international driving license if you’re not American.
Credit and debit cards:
Cash in US Dollars: Cards are widely accepted in Florida, but always have cash on you as some places just take cash only.
Other Items to Add to Your Packing List for Florida
Travel umbrella: Add this compact and windproof travel-size umbrella to your Florida packing list. It’s perfect for both rainy and hot days.
Travel water bottle: We never travel anywhere without this reusable travel water bottle, and Florida is no exception. It will help you stay hydrated throughout your vacation, while also reducing plastic waste.
Daypack: In between day trips and city explorations, you’ll need to carry a few day’s essentials and a daypack will come in handy. You can take any you have but we love this Osprey plus daypack. It’s big enough to hold enough stuff for the day but small enough to be able to carry it all day with ease. It’s also breathable, compact, and durable!
Laundry bag: This laundry bag will help you separate dirty clothes from clean ones, making it easier to keep your luggage organized and fresh during your Florida vacation. It also makes unpacking and laundry sorting a breeze once you return home.
Handheld misting fan: This handheld misting fan will help you stay cool and refreshed amidst Florida’s heat.
Crossbody bag: To easily carry your items while exploring, make sure that you carry a crossbody bag. You can take any but this woven crossbody bag vibes so well with Florida’s warm weather.
Kindle E-reader: For those with a knack for reading, this Kindle E-reader will save the day instead of carrying heavy books! Just make sure to preload all your favorite books before you go.
National Parks Pass: Also known as the “America the Beautiful Pass,” the National Parks Pass will grant you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the United States, including national parks, national wildlife refuges, and national forests. By purchasing this pass, you’ll enjoy unlimited entry to these sites for a full year, making it an excellent investment if you plan to visit multiple parks during your Florida vacation or explore other parks throughout the country.
In Florida, the pass covers entry fees for sites like the Everglades National Park, Dry Tortugas National Park, and Canaveral National Seashore.
Packing cubes: To keep your luggage organized and make the most of limited space, we recommend using packing cubes. You can choose from this 4-piece compression set, or this 6-piece one depending on your needs!
Body Wet Wipes: Body wet wipes are a convenient solution for freshening up on the go during your Florida vacation, especially during hot and humid days or after outdoor activities. These are the ones we love and use!
Final Thoughts on what to pack for a vacation in Florida
Packing for Florida requires some careful consideration to ensure that you have everything you need for a fun and comfortable trip.
From lightweight, breathable clothing and sunscreen to insect repellent and a waterproof phone case, it’s important to be prepared for heat, humidity, and occasional rain showers.
By following our packing list for Florida, we know that you’ll have everything needed for a fun trip in the sunshine state.
But before you go, consider sharing this vacation packing list for Florida if you found the article helpful!
