Florida is a veritable sportsperson's vacation paradise. The warm summers and mild winters make Florida an ideal state for boating, camping, diving, snorkeling, fishing, jetskiing, golfing, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, surfing, skiing (water skiing that is!), beach combing, swimming, parasailing (gasp!) 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 of Florida 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 Florida beach vacation can be enjoyed far into the season.

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

Golfing is very popular in Florida. 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 Florida. 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 fishing in Florida 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 fishing 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 fishing offshore, one can certainly find the type of fishing that suites their tastes. About the only kind of fishing not offered in Florida is ice fishing!  Find the latest fishing regulations at marinefisheries.org/regulation.htm.

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 fishing 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.

Florida 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 Florida 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, Florida has many professional sports venues in a number of major metropolitan areas.