Florida’s unique position, spanning humid subtropical and true tropical climate zones, allows for year-round fruit production. Unlike most of the United States, the state’s mild temperatures permit a continuous cycle of harvesting. Understanding the timing of these natural cycles helps consumers determine what fruit is at its peak freshness and locally available. Knowing the seasonality ensures the produce offers the highest flavor and nutritional value.
Understanding Florida’s Growing Climate
The state’s geographic length creates two distinct agricultural environments influencing fruit production. Northern and Central Florida are humid subtropical zones, characterized by frost risk during winter. This limits cultivation to hardier crops and those requiring a winter chill period, such as deciduous trees and berries.
South Florida, generally below Lake Okeechobee, possesses a tropical climate. The consistent warmth and high humidity are necessary conditions for highly sensitive, heat-loving tropical fruits to thrive. This climatic division means fruit availability differs significantly by region. The year is divided into a mild, dry season (November to April) and a hot, wet season (May to October), which dictates fruit development timing.
The Seasonal Fruit Availability Guide
The annual progression of seasons provides a continuous rotation of fruit harvests, with specific varieties changing throughout the year.
Winter (December–February)
Winter is the peak season for Florida’s internationally recognized citrus crops, which thrive during the cooler, dry period. Navel oranges, tangerines, and grapefruit are harvested extensively, offering their highest sugar content and flavor. Strawberries also peak during the winter, with the primary harvest occurring in Central Florida from December through March. Kumquats, a specialty citrus with a sweet rind and tart pulp, are also available.
Spring (March–May)
As temperatures rise, the winter citrus season transitions out, with Valencia oranges becoming the late-season juice variety. Blueberries become abundant, with the harvest beginning in March and peaking in April and May across central and northern regions. Peaches, requiring winter chill, are also harvested, particularly North Florida varieties bred for low-chill requirements. Early tropical fruits, such as guavas and the initial wave of mangoes, begin to appear toward the end of May in the southernmost regions.
Summer (June–August)
The hot, wet summer months are when delicate tropical fruits reach maturity in the southern part of the state. Mangoes and lychees are harvested extensively, offering a limited-window bounty. Watermelons reach peak production across the state during early summer, benefiting from the heat and rainfall. Florida avocados, which are larger and have lower oil content than California varieties, are widely available. Other exotic fruits like passion fruit and the first bananas of the season also begin to ripen.
Fall (September–November)
Fall marks a transition period, with late-season tropical harvests overlapping the start of the next citrus cycle. The late-season avocado harvest continues, alongside lingering tropical fruits like starfruit. The first of the new citrus crop, including early-maturing navel oranges and certain mandarin varieties, begins to appear in October and November. This period bridges the summer’s tropical abundance and the winter’s heavy citrus yield.
Finding Fresh Local Produce
Consumers have several reliable avenues for purchasing fruit directly from the source to ensure maximum freshness.
Farmers’ markets operate throughout the state, often on specific weekly schedules. These markets allow direct engagement with local growers and offer produce picked hours before sale.
Roadside stands and local produce markets are another resource, often found along major agricultural routes and near farms. Many vendors are run by farming families, providing a direct supply chain from the field to the consumer.
U-Pick operations offer a popular, interactive way to acquire seasonal fruit, particularly for crops like strawberries and blueberries. These farms allow visitors to harvest their own fruit, ensuring the freshest possible product. Availability at U-Pick locations depends heavily on the specific crop’s short harvest window and local weather conditions.