The Ultimate Florida Packing List for 2024 - The Florida Travel Girl (2024)

ByAmyUpdated onJanuary 4, 2023

Whether you are taking a quick weekend trip or a long vacation to Florida, it can be a challenge to know what to pack. Though it is likely to be warm, the weather can be very unpredictable in the not-always-Sunshine State.

I am a Florida resident and still find myself obsessively checking the weather and making lists before packing for travels within the state. That is why I finally made this ultimate Florida packing list to have on hand for Florida vacations!

This packing guide walks through everything you could want to pack for a trip to Florida. I will start with clothes and accessories and then move on to toiletries and other necessities that come in handy to bring to Florida.

I even have a Florida Packing List printable for you to keep handy and check things off! If you need help packing for Florida, you have come to the right place, so read on to find out my essentials!

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1. Florida Travel Essentials to Pack

This next category looks at some items that most Florida vacations require. Though these are not all necessary, I have covered any kind of resource you may want on your vacation. Here are some travel essentials to add to your Florida packing list.

• Waterproof Phone Holder: This is a must for me when I travel. If you plan to take any water excursions, a waterproof phone holder, makes it so you do not have to worry about your phone getting wet. I also like bringing this to the beach, so I can bring my phone in the water with me and not worry about it getting stolen.

• A Turkish Towel: A lot of people don’t pack beach towels and just use them from the hotel. However, I find hotel towels to be small and uncomfortable. I recommend bringing a Turkish Towel, as these can fold up small and also repel sand.
• Sunscreen: I can’t emphasize sun protection and the need for sunscreen enough on this Florida packing list! I always bring spray and lotion of varying SPF’s so I am ready for any activity.
• Portable Fan: If you are going to a theme park or on a boat, a portable fan can be a lifesaver. These will generate airflow and give you a refreshing breeze during Florida summers.
• Refillable Water Bottle: You will definitely want to stay hydrated in the Florida heat, so bringing a water bottle is a must. Most hotels have places to fill up your water bottles, so you will always have some water for the beach or theme parks.

• Book/Entertainment: If you plan to spend some time by the pool, I always love bringing a good book to read. Any type of entertainment like an iPad or a Switch, can be good for travel time or downtime.
• Underwater Camera: The waterproof phone holder can help get decent pictures in the water, but an underwater camera works 100 times better. I recommend getting a GoPro and a GoPro pole if you want to get awesome action shots.
• DSLR Camera: If you are a serious photographer, you may want to bring along a high-performing camera like a DSLR. We have a Canon Rebel that you can get here.
• Phone or Camera Tripod: Another photography essential I always pack is a tripod! We have one for our phone that is easy to carry around and one for our camera. This way you can take pictures without having to use selfie mode!

• Neck Pillow: This is a personal preference, but I like having a neck pillow for air travel! This one is comfortable and easy to transport.
• Packing Cubes: Another travel helper is packing cubes, which always make packing easier for me. By getting some of these for your suitcases, you can stay organized and fit more stuff!
• Umbrella: For rainy days, I prefer a raincoat, but it can be convenient to bring a small travel umbrella as well. This is good to use for quick bursts of rain, or even to protect you from the sun!
• Headphones: Whether you are working out or want to listen to music on your travels, headphones are always smart to bring. I love the Apple AirPod Pros, but if you are worried about losing them, this is a good brand for a cheap pair.
• Portable Speaker: On a similar note, if you want to listen to music at the beach or in your room, bring a portable speaker! We love bringing our UE Boom, especially for Airbnb stays.

• Cellphone: I am sure this goes without saying for most people, but do not forget your cellphone! Whether you use it for calls, photos, maps, or internet browsing, a smartphone really does come in handy.
• Chargers: Don’t forget your phone charger! Or for that matter, your watch, headphones, camera, laptop, or any other technology chargers you made need for the trip!

2. Clothes to Pack for Florida

What clothes you will need does depend on what time of year you are visiting in Florida. Personally, I am comfortable in shorts year-round, with the exception of cold snaps that can occur from November – to February.

If you are coming during the winter months, you will definitely want to bring some warmer clothes in the case of that occurring, especially if you plan to be out at night.

However, in the summer, bring as many lightweight items as possible, as it does get really hot here, especially from June through September! This first part of the Florida packing list will walk through exactly what clothes to bring.

• T-Shirts and Tank Tops: Pack at least one top per day, especially for in the summer if you get too sweaty. I like lightweight shirts like these tops or this tank, and I can always layer them with a cardigan if I get chilly. My husband likes to wear t-shirts like these or button-up wovens like this
• Shorts: I usually pack one pair of shorts per day as well, but you can pack less if you prefer pants or dresses. I tend to pack a mix of denim shorts, linen shorts, and chino shorts like these in the links. Andrew gets most of his shorts from J. Crew, but here are some similar chino shorts on Amazon that would be good.
• Sundresses or Skirts: I usually bring 2 casual sundress or skirt outfits and then one fancier outfit for going out to a nice dinner. Florida is very casual, so you can get away with a sundress at most places. A lot of people prefer dresses to shorts on hot days, so keep this in mind if you are in that camp!

• Jeans: When I pack, I bring one pair of jeans, like these, and only wear them if it gets cold at night. If you prefer jeans in 70–80-degree weather, then you may want to bring a couple of pairs if it is not the summer. Andrew usually brings a couple of pairs, similar to these.
• Light Pants: I almost always pack a pair of white pants to wear out to dinner, as Florida travels are a great excuse to wear white pants all year! Andrew brings at least one pair of chinos, similar to these, for a nice dinner out.
• Leggings or Yoga Pants: If you are flying to Florida, I definitely recommend packing comfy pants for the plane! I love leggings like these. This comes in handy if you plan to do yoga or be comfy during your trip.
• Swimsuits: This wouldn’t be a Florida packing list if it didn’t include a swimsuit of some kind! I usually bring two bikinis, so I always have one dry to wear. Andrew packs a couple of pairs of board shorts and can often wear them around even not on the beach.
• A Cover-Up: This is not a mandatory item, but I often like to wear a cover-up to the beach or pool, instead of worrying about getting my clothes sandy or wet. There are some great options online like this one.
• Workout Clothes: If you plan to work out on your trip, don’t forget workout bottoms, tops, sports bras, extra underwear, and socks! Most hotels have a gym and Florida has lots of running trails, so packing the right gear can be good motivation for your trip.
• Raincoat: A raincoat is essential for Florida packing! It rains frequently here from June through October and still, there is always a chance for the rest of the year. Andrew and I both have Northface raincoats we love, similar to this.
• Sweater: Even during the summer months, it is smart to pack a sweater for your Florida vacation. This is because most restaurants and indoor areas have the AC cranking all year! I like to bring a cardigan and a zip-up hoodie, so I always have the option to layer. Andrew brings this trusty Patagonia pullover most places.
• Jacket: A sweater may cover you for this, but if you are visiting in the winter, it does not hurt to bring a light jacket. If you are going to theme parks at night, definitely bring a comfortable jacket for if the temperature drops! I love my jean jacket like this one and Andrew has a cargo jacket like this.

• Pajamas: Make sure to bring whatever you like to sleep in on your trip! Pretty much everywhere in Florida has AC, so you do not have to worry about being too hot at night. I get most of my PJ’s from Aerie and Andrew likes these PJ pants.
• Underwear, Bras, and Socks: You can never pack enough underwater and socks for a trip! I bring at least one pair per day, again I prefer Aerie.
• A Belt: If you always wear a belt with your pants or shorts like Andrew does, don’t forget this one! Andrew likes this style and has struggled to find a good one if he forgets to pack it. We may or may not have used some twine once 😛
• A Tie: If you are getting dressed up for a dinner or an event, make sure you bring a cute tie to wear!
• Laundry Bag: This is one item I have learned to always bring after too many times forgetting it. Definitely bring a bag like this one, to keep dirty clothes in and away from any clean clothes.

3. Florida Packing List Accessories

Now that we have covered the clothes portion of this Florida packing list, I want to mention some of the accessories you will want to bring! A lot of these are common, but others are Florida-centric items you may not think of.

This should cover any items that you may want to wear or bring with you during the day. Here are all the accessories I recommend packing for Florida!

• Shoes: Obviously comfortable shoes are an essential packing item, and I often struggle with minimizing the amount I bring. At a minimum, you should bring walking shoes and sandals. I also like flip-flops for going to the beach or pool, but also heels or wedges for going out. It is not hard to overpack in this category! Andrew usually just brings sneakers, Sperry’s, and flip flops and that covers him.
• Hat: It is smart to pack a hat for going to Florida, as the sun is intense here! Whether you pack a baseball hat or a sun hat for the beach, this is one of the best ways to protect your face from getting sunburnt.

• Sunglasses: Another must-have for Florida packing is sunglasses. I never leave anywhere without mine! I often bring two pairs, so I have a less nice pair to wear to the beach and not worry about losing. Our absolute favorite brand of sunglasses is Knockaround and I cannot recommend them enough!
• Jewelry: Though things are casual here, I like to wear some cute necklaces and earrings to accessorize my outfits. I never bring anything too expensive when traveling because I do not want to worry about losing it somewhere! Andrew and I both wear our Apple watches daily while traveling too, so we can see how many steps we walk!
• Beach Bag: Whenever I forget to pack a beach bag on a trip, I always regret it! Even if you don’t plan to go to the beach for long, it is wise to bring a bag you don’t mind getting sandy to put your beach stuff in. This is also good for using the hotel pool too. I have many totes to choose from and like ones similar to this.
• Backpack: Andrew is into photography, so he almost always brings a backpack to carry his camera and other gear. If you are going to the theme parks, I recommend bringing a small backpack, like this, for the day. It is much easier than having to lug a tote bag around and usually keeps things more organized..

4. Toiletries to Pack

Last, but not least on this Florida packing list are toiletries that I recommend bringing. Though hotels often provide some of these, I prefer to bring my own brands.

You can always get most of these things at a drug store, so do not fret about them too much! It is convenient to have them on hand though.

• Shampoo and Conditioner: Hotels usually have these, but I always pack my favorite brand of shampoo and conditioner in travel-sized bottles.
• Soap– I am less picky about soap and will just use whatever the hotel has for body wash. But if you are staying in an AirBnb or camping, you may need to pack this.
• Face Wash: A lot of hotels offer a bar of face soap, but I have a travel-size version I usually bring.
• Brush and/or Comb: Whether you use a brush or a comb or both for your hair, you will not want to forget it.
• Deodorant: Definitely do not forget deodorant when packing for Florida! Most people get sweaty in the heat here and those traveling with you will notice if you do not wear it!
• Razor and Shaving Cream: If you plan to shave your face or body while traveling, do not forget your razor and shaving cream to do so.
• Toothbrush/Tooth Paste/Floss/Mouthwash: Make sure to bring all the necessary dental hygiene items you use on your trip! I love the Quip Toothbrush and Floss.
• Makeup: If you plan to wear makeup on your trip, pack your mascara, eyeliner, foundation, blush, eye shadow, lipstick, makeup brushes, makeup remover or whatever else you need!
• Tweezers: I have found myself needing tweezers a few times when traveling and always regret not bringing them. They are small enough to pack so might as well!
• Feminine Hygiene Products: For those getting their time of the month during the trip, don’t forget to bring pads and tampons. You never want to get caught without these on a trip!
• Contact Lens Solution: Neither Andrew nor I wear contacts, but my sister does and always hates when she forgets contact lens solution. Definitely don’t forget this if you wear contacts!
• Hairstyling Tools: Most hotels have hair dryers, but they can often be weak and of low quality. If I have room in my suitcase, I pack my own hair dryer. If you need a straightener or a curling iron, make sure to pack these too.

• Hair Spray: The humidity down here can be a challenge, so bring some hair spray if you are worried about your hairstyle holding up!
• Hair Gel: Andrew always packs hair gel, especially if we are going to a nice dinner. This is his go-to brand.
• Lip Balm: On a similar note, I like to bring a lip balm with SPF to keep my lips from getting burnt. If you have chapped lips, you may want to bring some as well.
• Bug Spray: Not every Florida destination requires insect repellent, but may do. If you plan to be in nature, I would bring these bug spray wipes to keep the mosquitoes away.
• Aloe Vera: Hopefully, you pack enough sunscreen so you do not need any aloe vera! However, sunburns are common on vacation, so bring some to be safe!
• Hand Sanitizer: I used to pack hand sanitizer to use for staying clean on flights, but now I use it everywhere! With traveling, you can never have too much hand sanitizer for keeping yourself germ-free.
• Anti-Chafe Stick: This may seem odd, but on hot, humid days, chafing can be an issue. If you aren’t used to walking around in this weather, I recommend packing an anti-chafe balm to prevent it.

• Medication: If you take any medication, do not forget to pack this! I also pack Advil, Tums, Pepto-Bismol, and allergy medication just to be safe!

Know Before You Go: Florida Packing List

I hope this Florida packing list covers all of your travel needs! I have taken trips all over Florida and am used to packing, so this should include everything.

Many of these items I have learned to bring over past experiences! I am sure we all remember a trip where we forgot a very necessary item. Here are a few other things in mind to know before you finish your Florida packing.

• Plan for hot weather if you are traveling between April-October. It is almost always over 80 degrees this time of year.
• The rainy/hurricane season is July through October. Definitely make sure to have rain protection when traveling during this time! This includes shoes and accessories you do not mind getting wet.
• The weather can vary greatly from November through March, so make sure to check the weather in advance. Things can change frequently though, so be prepared for whatever Florida throws your way!
• If you are traveling to Disney World or other theme parks, you may want to pack extra clothes. Walking around in the heat and humidity all day can get sweaty and I often go back to the hotel and change before dinner.
• Conversely, it can get very chilly in the winter in Orlando, so make sure you have a sufficient jacket for the theme parks! There are some nights that get into the 30’s and with the humidity, it is not pleasant to walk around theme parks in the evening without a coat.
• If you are traveling to Florida from another country, make sure to bring some US dollars for cash on hand. However, for most of your spending, I recommend using one of my favorite travel credit cards with no foreign transaction fees!
• For those bringing their dog with them on this trip, I have a dog packing list as well, with all sorts of Florida dog essentials!

Did I miss any of your Florida packing list essentials? Let me know in the comments if I did! If you are looking for things to do on your Florida vacation, make sure to check out my 101 Things to Do in Florida guide!And for ideas of where to travel to, check out my top places to spend a Florida Spring Break!

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