So you’ve planned a trip to the Sunshine State (yay!) but now you’re wondering what the heck to pack. Packing is hands down my least favourite part of travel but thankfully I’ve done it more than enough times that I’ve gotten it down to (somewhat) of a science. To help make things easier for you I’ve compiled a Florida packing list with everything you’ll need to get the most out of your Florida trip – plus I have a free printable Florida packing checklist available below!
Your Florida packing list will be pretty similar year round as it is hot most of the time, however if you’re heading there during the colder months make sure to add a pair of pants and a light coat to you Florida packing list!
Of course this Florida packing guide is just a guideline and you may want to tailor it a bit to your own personal needs, but hopefully it makes things a little easier for you!
You may also want to check out:
- The best things to do in Miami, Florida
- Most instagrammable places in Miami
- The Perfect 3 Days in Miami Itinerary
- Best Restaurants in South Beach, Miami
- The perfect 1 day itinerary for Little Havana
- Where to stay in South Beach, Miami
- 21 Fun Things to do in Key West Florida
- 13 Most Instagrammable Places in Palm Beach
- Disney World Photography Guide
Now onto our Florida packing list!
What to Pack for Florida – Outfits
Let’s start with the apparel goods… All the different types of clothing you’ll want to pack for your Florida vacation. From sundresses to beach cover ups we’ve got you covered!
1 – Sundresses
Sundresses are my favourite clothing items to wear when I’m on vacation, and Florida is no exception. Not only do they take up next to no room, but they’re really an entire outfit in one which takes all the planning out of it! Plus you can easily dress them down or up for day or night.
2 – Maxi skirt
Throw this over your bathing suit or wear it with a crop top for an easy and perfectly put together outfit!
3 – Evening/Cocktail dress
Although you can easily dress up a sundress or maxi from day to night I always like to bring a couple of fancier options for dinners and evenings out.
4 – Matching Sets (short/skirt & crop top)
Rather than packing separates get the most bang out of your vacation wardrobe by packing a couple matching sets. You’ll be able to mix and match them, wear them separate or together for tons of outfit options. Matching sets are so in right now and it’s so easy to find affordable options.
5 – Jumpsuit
Jumpsuits are perfect for vacation and I always pack a couple on every sunny destination trip I go on. They’re great worn day or night and also make great beach cover-ups to throw over your bikini. Just make sure you stick to breathable, light fabrics like cotton and linen.
6 – Romper
Not only are rompers ultra adorable, they take up next to no space so they’re perfect to add to your Florida packing list.
7 – Vacation Pants
I love me a pair of wide leg vacation/beach pants and they look great paired with a crop top or thrown over a bathing suit! Opt for a fun print or stripes.
8 – Activewear
Although I am not the *most* active gal myself I do enjoy hiking while traveling. Whether you plan on getting some hikes in yourself or just prefer being comfy on the plane make sure you have at least one pair of leggings and a comfy top packed for your trip to Florida.
9 – Swimsuits (don’t forget this in your packing list for Florida!)
Whether you’re more of a one piece or bikini gal, you’re going to want to add a few swimsuits to your Florida packing list. Looking for some more swimwear inspiration? Check out my post on ultra-affordable and flattering swimsuits for any beach vacation!
10 – Cover Up
You’re going to need a cover up for when you hit the beach or pool. Whether you opt for a full body cover up, sarong or kimono I’ve linked tons of cute styles for you to peruse below.
What to Pack for Florida – Accessories Packing List
From sun protection to the less practical bits & bobbles, here are the accessories you’ll want to add to your Florida packing list.
11 – Sun hat
If you’re going to Florida that means you’ll be getting a lot of sun and you need to protect your face! I love wide brim sun hats for the beach, plus they make chic accessories too.
12 – Sunglasses
The Florida sun can be very harsh and if you don’t protect your eyes you’re in serious trouble. I always bring a few pairs of sunglasses with me whenever I’m headed to Florida.
13 – Beach Bag
Don’t leave for Florida without packing a beach bag or tote to use during the day! You’ll want something big enough to tote your towel, a book, snacks, and anything else you may want with you at the beach/pool. I always opt for something foldable so that it doesn’t take up much room in my bag.
14 – Straw Bag
Straw bags immediately make me think of sunny destinations and summer… Plus they go with everything! Whether opting for the traditional circular Bali bag or a more modern clutch, bring along a straw bag that will go with all your outfits.
15 – Jewelry
Whether you prefer delicate and subtle jewelry or over the top bling you’ll definitely want to pack a few options for your trip to Florida. My favourite way to dress up my outfits while away is to throw on a pair of fun earrings!
16 – Evening Clutch
I always pack one small evening clutch/bag on all my trips to use when I go out for dinners or evenings out. They are super easy to pack (just slide it into one of your bigger bags) and you’ll appreciate having an evening bag when you don’t want to lug around a daytime bag.
What to Pack for Florida – Shoes
It can be pretty easy to get carried away in the shoe department when packing. To make things easier for you I suggest adding one of each of the following categories in neutral colours to your Florida packing list. If you stick with neutral colours you will be able to mix and match your footwear with all of the clothing you packed.
17 – Flip flops/slides
For the beach you will definitely want a pair of flip flops or slides so you don’t ruin your nice sandals. A cheap pair like one of the below will do the trick!
18 – Daytime sandals
There is a big difference between daytime and nighttime sandals! Here you want to think of bringing a pair of no heel or kitten heel sandals that you can walk in all day.
19 – Heels or wedges
You’ll definitely want a pair of fancier heels or wedges for dinners and nights out. I usually pack a neutral (think nude, white, or metallic) pair that will go with all the dresses I’ve packed. I love the below!
20 – Sneakers
A pair of sneakers is an absolute must for your Florida packing list. Whether you’ll be spending the day walking around Disney or hiking, you’ll want a pair of comfortable sneakers with you.
What to Pack for Florida – Toiletries
Although everyone has their own list of must-haves when it comes to toiletries, here is a short list of some essentials you will definitely need to pack with you for Florida.
21 – Sunscreen (non negotiable for your florida packing list!)
Do not ever forgot the sunscreen! The sun can get very hot in Florida and the rays are very strong. I highly recommend you bring both a face and body sunscreen with you and reapply multiple times during the day.
Recommended for Body:
Recommended for Face:
22 – Bug Spray
If you’ll be heading out and spending time in the Everglades or anywhere else in Florida that may be full of bugs then definitely bring a good bug spray with you.
23 – Setting Spray
Setting spray is an absolute godsend for warmer climates and will keep your makeup from melting off in they heat. There’s only one setting spray I use religiously and trust 100% and that’s Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray linked below!
24 – Blotting Papers
Another makeup essential I can’t survive without when I am traveling to somewhere hot is blotting papers. These are perfect for getting rid of that mid-day shininess caused by the sweltering Florida sun.
25 – Blister Stick
Since I first discovered blister sticks I’ve been absolutely obsessed with them. They look like a small deodorant stick and you rub it along your feet where sandal straps and shoes may rub and cause blisters. The stick prevents sticking and chaffing and ultimately saves you from blisters.
Other Essentials to pack for your trip to Florida
Lastly we have some non-categorized essentials you won’t want to forget to add to your Florida packing list.
26 – Beach reads
A few good books for time spent on the beach (or by the pool) are an absolute must. Here are some I’ve read lately that I’ve really enjoyed:
- The House by the Sea – Santa Montefiore
- The Island – Elin Hilderbrand
- The Rome Affair – Karen Swan
- The Girl You Left Behind – Jojo Moyes
27 – Waterproof Phone Pouch
I didn’t know this was a necessity until I got one but now I’ll never go back! These waterproof phone pouches are super affordable and protect your phone while you’re swimming. They’re great for snapping photos in the water or just for protecting your phone from water/sand on the beach.
28 – Portable Charger
You’ll likely be out and about for hours on end so having a backup battery with you is definitely smart.
29 – Refillable Water Bottle
Being a sustainable and eco-conscious traveler is becoming more and more important these days. One of the easiest things you can do to make yourself more conscious is to bring your own refillable water bottle. I absolutely love this one from Healthish because it’s not only super light but it helps me keep track of how much water I’m drinking throughout the day.
30 – Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are a game changer when it comes to helping you not only pack more into your suitcase, but keeping it organized. I recently started using them and I would never go back! Grab yourself a set of packing cubes like to ensure all your travel necessities are organized and you’ll see why I rave about them. Unfortunately the ones I use (pictured above by Poppy & Peonies) are sold out but here’s another great set available in quite a few colours:
I hope this post helped to make packing for your upcoming Florida trip a little easier. You may also want to check out these posts before your trip!
- The best things to do in Miami, Florida
- The most instagrammable places in Miami
- The Perfect 3 Days in Miami Itinerary
- Best Restaurants in South Beach, Miami
- The perfect 1 day itinerary for Little Havana
- Where to stay in South Beach, Miami
- 13 Most Instagrammable Places in Palm Beach
- 21 Fun Things to do in Key West Florida
- Disney World Photography Guide
I’ve also created the below free printable PDF checklist that will hopefully take all the stress out of packing for you.
With love, Kirsten