Florida Packing List
Come rain or shine, our Florida packing list guide helps to make light work of packing for your travels.
The Ultimate Florida Packing List
Our guide to the ultimate Florida packing list helps take the hassle out of your upcoming trip. By tailoring your Florida packing list to your season and destination, you’ll be ready for anything Florida has to offer, from sunny beaches to thrilling theme parks.
So first things first, ask yourself these two fundamental Florida packing list questions:
Where are you traveling to in Florida?
Whilst some will be looking to experience a Florida road trip, the majority of travelers come to Florida for a beach vacation, theme park trip or multi centre stay. Once you've pinned down where you'll be staying you'll have a better idea of what activities you'd like to dive into - making what to pack less of a mystery!
When are you traveling to Florida?
The season in which you visit will have a direct influence on what to pack. If you're not sure yet which time of year suits you then our guide of the best time to visit Florida will help.
Florida’s humid subtropical climate brings two main distinct seasons: summer (June to September) and winter (December to March) with a short spring and fall shoulder season either side. Summers are hot and rainy, while winters are mild and drier. Packing for Florida is all about preparation and versatility, so knowing which season you'll be traveling in will help greatly in your travel prep.
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Florida Packing List Essentials
No matter the season or destination, these essentials should always make it onto your Florida packing list:
Travel documents: Passport, tickets, travel insurance, travel itinerary and cash/cards.
Electronics: Phone, chargers, battery packs, travel adapters, shavers, toothbrushes, headphones, and a camera.
Toiletries: Travel-sized containers of shampoo, sunscreen, and hand sanitizer.
Emergency kit: Medications, plasters, mosquito repellent and antihistamines.
Miscellaneous: Sunglasses, hat, reusable water bottle, guidebook and backpack.
What to Pack for Florida’s Summer Season
Florida’s summer season, from June to September, is hot, humid, and rainy, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 80°F to 95°F. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, and humidity levels can make it feel even warmer. Packing lightweight, breathable clothing, rain protection, and sun essentials therefore is really key to staying comfortable during your trip.
Essential summertime Florida packing list
Clothing: Aside from the usual essentials, pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen and don't forget t-shirts, tank tops, shorts, sundresses, a light layer for the evenings and swimwear.
Footwear: Pack a variety, including comfortable walking shoes, trainers, sandals, evening shoes and flip-flops.
Sun Protection: Include water-resistant sunscreen (SPF 30+), a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, and lip balm with SPF.
Rain Gear: Don't forget a compact umbrella, rain jacket, or poncho for those sudden downpours.
Essentials: Pack a reusable water bottle, mosquito repellent, handheld fan, toiletries, backpack and a small first-aid kit.
Beach Extras: Pack a quick-dry towel, waterproof bag, and snorkeling gear if heading to the beach.
What to Pack for Florida’s Winter Season
Florida’s winter season, from December to March, is mild and pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 60°F to 75°F. While generally dry, occasional cold fronts can bring cooler evenings and mornings. The best advice is to pack layers, light jackets, and versatile clothing to stay comfortable in varying conditions - for instance when you want to go whale watching!
Essential Wintertime Florida packing list
Layered Clothing: Pack light sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, thicker socks and thicker tops for layering.
Outerwear: A light jacket or windbreaker is ideal for those cooler mornings and evenings.
Footwear: Pack a variety of closed-toe shoes, like sneakers or ankle boots - for warmth and comfort. Bring evening shoes, walking shoes too, as well as flip flops for indoor pool play.
Swimwear: Heated pools and warm sunny days still call for a swimsuit!
Accessories: Bring gloves, scarves, and hats in case of a rare chilly day. Pack your sunglasses for the Florida rays and travel binoculars for wildlife spotting and whale watching.
Rain Gear: Florida’s winter still brings occasional rain, so a poncho or light-weight umbrella will keep you dry.
Essential Florida Packing List for Family Trips
Planning a family getaway in Florida? Once the usual packing's been done, here’s what to pack for comfort and fun during your family break in the Sunshine State!
What to pack for a family Florida trip
Clothing: Aside from the everyday clothing essentails why not pack themed PJs for fun nights in your Florida vacation rental. You'll also want to pack the kids' favorite costumes, for unforgettable character meets and family trips to the parks!
Snacks & Drinks: Non-perishable snacks and refillable water bottles will always come in handy.
The Kids’ must-haves: Don't forget the kids' favorite teddies, blanket toys, tablets with earphones and books!
First Aid: Pack a basic family medicine kit, including band-aids, child-safe pain relief, bite cream, sunburn lotion and travel wipes.
When booking with Top Villas, you'll be able to leave the bulky strollers, baby carriers, car seats and travel cribs behind, thanks to our family-friendly rental equipment services.
Disney Packing List for Families
When you're looking to plan a trip to Disney World, working out what to bring will be on your list of to dos.
If you're heading to Disney World, you'll want to make sure you pack these these additional items for a hassle-free park day. Pack these following items in a lightweight & water-resistance backpack and wear comfortable walking shoes. Kids (and big kids) may want to bring their favorite Disney Loungefly bags too!
What to pack for a Disney Day in Orlando for family
Travel & Park documents: Disney tickets, park apps, wallet and travel documents.
Character meet accessories: Autograph book, disney ears, or themed clothing to add to the magic!
Accessories: Sunglasses, hat, a portable phone charger & battery pack.
Weather wear: Pack a poncho, compact umbrella, extra layer and a handheld fan (in the summer).
Toiletries: Sunscreen, SPF lip balm, wet wipes & hand sanitizer.
Baby bits: Baby changing bag & milk bottles (if needed), stroller rentals or toddler/baby carriers (subject to the park's own guidelines).
Waterpark extras: Beach towel, swimsuits, plastic bag & beach shoes (if heading to Disney's Typhoon Lagoon or Blizzard Beach).
Light bites: Bring snacks & refillable water bottles to save on park expenses.
Florida Packing List for Beach Stays
With 1,350 miles of coastline, chances are if you're heading to Florida you'll be looking to soak up and enjoy one of the state's best beaches!
If you're heading to the Florida or Mexico Gulf, Atlantic coast or the Florida Keys, remembering the essential items will ensure your classic beach day is as effortless and dreamy as can be.
What to pack for a Florida beach day
Clothing: Swimwear, beach cover-ups, and flip-flops.
Accessories: Hairband, a good book, swimming goggles, snorkeling gear and kids' armbands.
Sun Protection: High-SPF sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
Beach Gear: Towels, waterproof phone cases, beach games and sand toys.
Extras: Cooler bags, plastic bags, bottles of water and snacks.
What to Pack for the Everglades Florida
Visiting the Everglades is an unforgettable adventure, but it requires thoughtful packing to ensure your comfort and safety. The Everglades, best visited between December and April, offers cooler, drier weather perfect for exploring its unique landscapes. With daytime temperatures averaging 70°F to 80°F, you'll want to pack layers for early mornings and evenings, along with essentials to protect against sun and insects.
Essential Florida packing list for the Everglades
Clothing: Pack loose-fitting, breathable clothing to stay cool, and include long pants and a long-sleeved shirt for protection against the sun and insects. For cooler mornings or airboat tours, a sweater, jacket, or windbreaker is a must.
Footwear: Bring breathable hiking boots or sneakers with solid support and good tread for exploring dry trails. If you anticipate getting wet, opt for snug water shoes with proper drainage to stay comfortable.
Sun Protection: Bring a wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin and eyes whilst out on the water or sun-baked trails.
Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes and other bugs thrive in this subtropical environment. Pack a high-quality mosquito repellent and consider a head net or bug jacket for added protection.
Concierge to help with your Florida Packing List
From pool toy packs to baby equipment rental, our optional Concierge Services make packing for your Florida vacation a breeze - enabling you to travel as light as possible and keep the baggier and heavier items at home. That doesn't include the kids!
We also offer dedicated villa kashering and kosher-friendly services, enabling you to leave the worry of what to bring, at home.
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