Are you planning on visiting the Sunshine State? If so, then you’ll need to be prepared for what lies ahead. Florida offers plenty of excitement, but you’ll need the right travel essentials to make it through your stay comfortably and effectively.

This complete Florida packing list will help you get ready with the perfect combination of clothes, tech, accessories, cosmetics and more to make sure you stay fashionable while visiting the Sunshine State.

Which Is the Best Time to Visit Florida

Florida means more than Miami. It is a great destination to visit all year round, perfect for those searching for adventure, sunshine, sugary sand beaches, pristine nature, amusement parks, and an interesting culture.

However, the prices, crowds, and weather might differ from season to season, and choosing the right time to visit will influence your trip. According to some seasoned travelers, Spring (March – May) is the best time to visit Florida if you want to enjoy the perfect weather and fewer crowds. The temperature is pleasant, the average ranges from 21-31˚C. March and April are dry months, while May marks the beginning of the rainy season which lasts until mid-October. Summer months bring hot, humid weather and sometimes even hurricanes so be prepared for rain and get travel insurance before your vacation.

Fall, from September to November, is another great season to visit Florida for better prices.

Also, Winter is a wonderful season to visit, since Florida has the mildest winters in the continental part of the United States, with warm, sunny days and chilly nights. Also, the humidity is lower. So, leave snowshoes at home and enjoy Mickey’s Merry Christmas Party at Disneyland Florida, warm up at one of Miami’s beautiful beaches, or surf at Cocoa Beach.

Florida Packing List – the Essentials

If you’re looking for the best Florida packing list regardless the activities that you’ve planned for the Sunshine State, these are the must-haves you can’t leave home without. 

Documents & More

• Passport – make sure your passport is valid before embarking on a trip to Florida, or any other state. 
• Driver license – you will need it if you plan to rent a car and take a road trip. You should consider that traffic in Florida is usually congested so, we suggest getting a Visitor Toll Pass that allows you to pay tolls electronically when traveling on toll roads throughout the state – you will save time and money since you will pay the lowest rate. 
• Visa – Florida is a hot spot for beach lovers from around the world. Depending on your country of citizenship, you might need a visa in order to visit Florida for tourism purposes. 
• Travel Insurance – it might be called the Sunshine State for a reason, but the hurricane season that begins usually on June 1st and ends on November 30th might affect your vacation if you’re not prepared. Therefore, insurance is good to have so you can travel with peace of mind knowing that everything that might happened, you’re covered. 
• Credit cards & cash – credit cards are accepted everywhere in Florida; however, if you plan to visit some off the beaten track villages or old towns for some delightful, 100% authentic experiences, you will need cash at hand. Plus, you might want to keep some cash for tipping at restaurants; FYI, tipping is between 15-20% of the bill in a full-service restaurant. 

Florida Travel Outfits – What to Pack for the Sunshine State

Florida’s weather varies greatly depending on where in the state you are traveling to and packing the right clothing can ensure that you are comfortable no matter where you go. Whether you’re exploring the tropics of Miami Beach or the natural waters of Wakulla Springs, here’s what you need to know about packing for Florida to make your trip go as smoothly as possible.

Bring Comfortable Shoes

When considering what to wear in Florida, it is essential to bring one pair of chic and comfortable shoes to match your casual outfits. Of course, you can pack wedges or dressy shoes if you plan to dine at some fancy restaurants or hit the clubs, but you can’t go wrong with a pair of comfortable shoes that can handle any type of weather for day-to-day activities. 

Keep in mind that Florida gets humid during spring and summer, so bringing breathable shoes will ensure your comfort. Flip flops and sandals are just perfect for beach days, but for other adventures the Nordace UrbanFlex All-Weather Sneakers offer the balance and support you need with every step. Plus, they are equipped with a 3-layer waterproof construction to adapt to any weather change.

Pack Lightweight Pieces 

If you’re looking for what to wear in Florida to avoid looking like a tourist, you should consider lightweight pieces. Breezy garments crafted from linen, cotton, or Merino wool will keep you comfortable during the hot and steamy season.

Don’t forget the rain jacket 

Rainy days have their own kind of magic in Florida, but it’s always better to stay prepared with a rain jacket or umbrella. 

Layer up 

With temperatures changing from one region to another, you have to be prepared for any situation. And dressing in layers seems the perfect solution to stay stylish and comfortable. 

Florida Clothes Packing List for Her

• Comfortable T-shirt 
• Tank top
• Comfortable shorts & skirt 
• Short dress
• Maxi dress
• Long pants/Capris 
• Elegant dress
• Dressy sandals 
• Lightweight jacket 
• Rain jacket
• Leggings/Yoga Pants 
• Jeans for winter months 
• Swimsuit
• Beach cover up 
• Flip-flops/sandals 
• Sun hat 
• Beach bag
• Sunglasses 
• Underwear 
• Pyjamas 
• Socks 

Florida Clothes Packing List for Him

• T-shirt 
• Short sleeve button-down shirt
• Casual shirt 
• Short 
• Beach shorts 
• Casual long pants
• Jeans for winter months 
• Lightweight jacket
• Rain jacket 
• Sandals/Flip-flops 
• Sun hat 
• Sunglasses 
• Activewear T-shirts/pants 
• Underwear
• Socks 
• Pyjamas 

Toiletries Packing List for Florida 

These are the toiletries that we recommend packing for your Florida vacation. Can you guess which is the most important? Exactly: sunscreen. 

• Sun protection cream
• After sun lotion
• Shower gel 
• Body lotion
• Hand cream 
• Shampoo & conditioner 
• Toothpaste/Floss/Mouthwash
• Toothbrush 
• Face wash 
• Make-up
• Make-up remover
• Hair spray
• Comb/Brush
• Deodorant
• Perfume 
• Brush
• Razor 
• Tweezers
• Lip balm (with high SPF) 
• Bug spray – super necessary to keep sand flies at bay 
• Over the counter medicine – for motion sickness, upset stomach, or common aches. 

Florida Packing List – Extras 

These are some miscellaneous items that might make your trip to Florida even better:

• Fast drying beach towel
• Camera 
• Action camera
• Packing cubes 
• E-book reader 
• Reusable water bottle 
• Waterproof phone case
• Beach bag
• Wash pouch 
• Umbrella 
• Portable Fan
• Books
• Chargers 

Best Backpack for a Trip to Florida

The best backpack for traveling to Florida should be one that can match different activities – going to the beach, riding the rollercoasters at the adventure parks, or exploring the outdoors. 

The Nordace Comino Classic Backpack might be the perfect Florida travel companion from sightseeing to sunbathing thanks to its smart features like organizational pockets, sleek design, and water-resistant material (which is a must-have feature to keep up with Florida’s sudden drizzles).  Plus, it’s super chic and can match any outfit. It is spacious enough to carry everything on your Florida packing list – it fits a few changes of clothes, toiletries, your laptop, and other travel gadgets for seamless hands-free flexibility. 

In this complete Florida packing list, we’ve put together everything you need to pack in order to spend a relaxing trip in the Sunshine State.  Start planning your trip today and enjoy your paradise vacation to the fullest.