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Florida Sports

Florida is a veritable sportsperson's vacation paradise.  The warm summers and mild winters make this an ideal state for boating, camping, diving, snorkeling, fishing, jetskiing, golfing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, skiing (water skiing that is!), beach combing, swimming, parasailing or just plain sunning!


Generally the east coast has higher surf than the west coast.  For activities involving surf such as surf boarding, body surfing and wave boarding the east coast is a better choice.  Where calmer waters are preferred the west coast, panhandle and keys are a good choice. The water along the west coast is warmer than that of the Atlantic coast.  Here the water remains at a comfortable swimming temperature longer into the fall and winter where a beach vacation can be enjoyed far into the season.


Excellent snorkeling and diving can be found in the keys.  he water clarity and color rivals that of many Caribbean islands.  The sea life is abundant and beautiful.

Golfing is very popular in here.  There are more golf courses in Florida than in any other state.  It is estimated that there are over 1,000 public, private and semiprivate courses.  In some areas more than a dozen courses are within a short driving distance.   Many plan their vacations around golfing.

Florida offers a phenomenal range of fishing. At times the action is nothing less than spectacular.  With its thousands of lakes, numerous rivers, hundreds of miles of coastline, the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean an angler has many choices.  Whether its from the shore of a quiet lake, a spring-fed river, along the Gulf or Atlantic coast, casting into the surf, from a pier or bridge, on a boat near shore, or deep sea offshore, one can certainly find the type of fishing that suites their tastes.  About the only kind of fishing not offered is ice fishing!  Find the latest regulations at Saltwater Fishing Regulations .

Inland fishing can bring bass, perch, bluegill and shad.  Largemouth bass are particularly sought after and range among the largest in the country.  Near shore along the coasts may bring trout, sea bass, mackerel, redfish, pompano and snook.  Offshore deep sea fishing can be especially exciting when engaging sail fish, tarpon, kingfish, dolphin, snapper, grouper, wahoo, marlin, barracuda and shark.  Many locations offer half and full day "party boat" trips as well as more private charter boats with prices that range from $35 to $250 per person depending on type of fishing, distance offshore and duration.

Freshwater Regulations

Both fresh and saltwater fishing require licenses. Generally this is provided for on commercial charter vessels.  Current information concerning regulations and rates can be found at the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission web site.  Licenses can be purchased online, at many tackle shops, sports and recreation stores, and discount department stores such as Kmart, Walmart and Target.


Florida is also well known for its motorsports.  Numerous auto and motorcycle racing events are held at various times of the year.  One of the most celebrated of these is the Daytona 500.


For those who prefer spectator sports, there are many professional sports venues in a number of major metropolitan areas.



Professional Sports

Team Sport/League City Venue
Jacksonville Jaguars Football/NFL Jacksonville ALLTEL Stadium
Miami Dolphins Football/NFL Miami Pro Player Stadium
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Football/NFL Tampa Raymond James Stadium
Florida Marlins Baseball/MLB Miami Pro Player Stadium
Tampa Bay Rays Baseball/MLB St. Petersburg Tropicana Field
Florida Panthers Hockey/NHL Sunrise National Car Rental Center
Tampa Bay Lightning Hockey/NHL Tampa Ice Palace Arena
Miami Heat Basketball/NBA Miami American Airlines Arena
Orlando Magic Basketball/NBA Orlando TD Waterhouse Centre

St. Augustine pier
St. Augustine pier

Daytona 500
Daytona 500

Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg
Tropicana Field, St. Petersburg

Sea kayaker
Sea kayaker

One of a 1,000 golf courses
One of a thousand
golf courses

Wave Boarder
Surf's Up!

Diver
Diver

Sailboat on the Intracoastal Waterway
Sailing on the ICW

Fisherman
Junior Fisherman


Tampa Bay Rays baseball
Tampa Bay Rays


Windsurfer
Windsurfing