Orchards Near Me
When Is Apple Picking Season in Florida?
Standard apples require hundreds of hours of winter temperatures below 45°F to break dormancy and produce fruit — Florida's winters simply do not provide this. However, breeders have developed low-chill varieties like Anna, Dorsett Golden, and TropicSweet that need far fewer cold hours. A small number of Florida farms grow these varieties, mostly in North Florida where winters are marginally cooler. The season is brief and the experience is unlike traditional apple picking elsewhere.
Where to Pick Apples in Florida
The best apple picking in Florida is concentrated in North Florida near the Georgia border, Ocala, and a handful of farms in the central highlands near Gainesville. These areas combine the climate, soil, and agricultural tradition that makes pick-your-own orchards viable and worthwhile as a destination.
Use the map on our apple picking near Tallahassee, Florida page to find specific orchards by ZIP code and read visitor reviews before you go.
Best Apple Varieties in Florida
Florida orchards commonly grow TropicSweet, Anna, Dorsett Golden, and other low-chill varieties. Availability varies by farm and time of season — earlier varieties like Gala and Zestar kick things off, while Honeycrisp, Fuji, and later-ripening types extend the season toward its close. When you arrive, ask the farm staff which rows are currently at peak — that guidance is worth more than any printed list.
Tips for Apple Picking in Florida
If you find a Florida orchard offering u-pick apples in early summer, it is worth the trip as a genuinely unusual experience — but call first because production can vary significantly year to year based on winter temperatures.
General tips that apply everywhere: bring a bag or use the farm's containers, wear closed-toe shoes (fallen apples make the ground soft and uneven), dress in layers since orchard mornings can be cool even in September, and bring cash — many smaller farms are not set up for card payments at the stand.
Find Apple Orchards Near You in Florida
Our interactive map pulls from hundreds of orchards across the state. Search apple picking near Tallahassee to see what is closest to you, or browse the full Apple Picking Near Me directory for the whole country.