Planting zones in Florida range from 8b to 11b. North Florida planting zones are 8b to 9b, Central Florida planting zones are 9a to 10a, and South Florida planting zones are 9b to 11b.
Most of North Florida, including Jacksonville, Pensacola, and Panama City, is in Zone 9a and 9b. Most of Central Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, and Clearwater, is in zone 10a. Most of South Florida, including Fort Myers, Miami, and Ft. Lauderdale, is in zone 10b or 11a. The Keys are in Zone 11b.
North Florida USDA hardiness zones
The USDA hardiness zones for northern Florida range from 8b to 9b. The northern Florida area covers the panhandle to the coast and as far south as Ocala. An area’s average extreme low temperatures, which a plant needs to survive to reemerge in the spring, determine the USDA hardiness zone map. Northern Florida can drop as low as 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
| City | USDA Hardiness Zone | Average Minimum Winter Temperature |
| Gainesville | 9a | 20 to 25° F |
| Ocala | 9a to 9b | 20 to 30° F |
| Jacksonville | 9b | 25 to 30° F |
| Pensacola | 9a | 20 to 25° F |
| Tallahassee | 9a | 20 to 25° F |
| Panama City | 9b | 25 to 30° F |
Northern Florida’s average temperatures are about 70 degrees. It receives about 48 inches of rainfall, except the panhandle, which can see over 64 inches of rain. Northern Florida has a relatively long growing season. Here are the average first and last frosts.
| Zone | Average first frost | Average last frost |
| 8 | November 7 to 28 | March 13 to 28 |
| 9 | November 25 to December 13 | February 6 to 28 |
For more guidance or a helping hand, Lawn Love has local lawn care experts all over northern Florida, including Gainesville, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Tallahassee, and Panama City.
Central Florida USDA hardiness zones
The USDA hardiness zone for central Florida is primarily 9b to 10a, with a little bit of 9a in Citrus and Sumter counties. Central Florida is approximately from Daytona Beach down to Tampa and includes Orlando. The extreme low temperature ranges from 20 to 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
| City | USDA Hardiness Zone | Average Minimum Winter Temperature |
| Orlando | 10a | 30 to 35° F |
| Tampa | 10a | 30 to 35° F |
| Clearwater | 10a | 30 to 35° F |
| Lakeland | 9b | 25 to 30° F |
| Daytona Beach | 9b to 10a | 25 to 35° F |
| Palm Bay | 10a | 30 to 35° F |
Central Florida’s average temperature is 72 degrees Fahrenheit. It receives about 48 inches of rainfall yearly, except near the coast, which sees about 52 inches of rain yearly. The growing season is long growing season, averaging 330 days. Here’s the typical first and last frost dates
| Zone | Average first frost | Average last frost |
| 9 | November 25 to December 13 | February 6 to 28 |
| 10 | December 15 to 31 | January 1 to 15 |
For more information or help with your turf, Lawn Love has local lawn care experts throughout central Florida, including Orlando, Tampa, Clearwater, and Lakeland.
South Florida USDA hardiness zones
The USDA hardiness zone for southern Florida is 9b to 11b. Southern Florida includes Bradenton and Vero Beach down to the Keys. The extreme low temperature ranges from 25 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
| City | USDA Hardiness Zone | Minimum Winter Temperature |
| Fort Myers | 10b | 35 to 40° F |
| Miami | 11a | 40 to 45° F |
| Key West | 11b | 45 to 50° F |
| West Palm Beach | 10b | 35 to 40° F |
| Sarasota | 10a | 30 to 35° F |
| Ft. Lauderdale | 11a | 40 to 45° F |
Zone 10 may freeze, but not often, and Zone 11 typically doesn’t freeze. Here are the average first and last frost dates.
| Zone | Average first frost | Average last frost |
| 10 | December 15 to 31 | January 1 to 15 |
| 11 | No usual frost | No usual frost |
For more expert information and guidance, Lawn Love has lawn care professionals all across southern Florida, including Fort Myers.
Should I hire a professional for my landscaping and lawn care?
Lawn care and landscaping are relatively easy but time-consuming and labor-intensive. If you don’t have the time, energy, or desire, Lawn Love can help. We’ll connect you with a researched and vetted local lawn care pro. We ensure they’re right for you, your yard, and your wallet. Enjoy a gorgeous, green lawn without breaking a sweat or the bank.
Main Image Credit: DeusXFlorida (12,841,275 views) – Wow – thanks guy | Flickr | CC BY 2.0
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