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Florida Red Tide: Survival Tips & Best Florida Beaches to Visit
If you love soaking up the sun, walking barefoot in the sand, and splashing in Florida’s gorgeous turquoise waters, chances are you have heard of red tide. If not—lucky you. Let’s look into what red tide really is, when it shows up, how to avoid it, and which Florida beaches are more (or less!) likely to experience it.
What Is Red Tide?
Red tide is a natural algae bloom caused by Karenia brevis, a microscopic organism that shows up in the Gulf of Mexico. When it multiplies in large numbers, it can turn the water a reddish-brown color and is called the “red tide.”
But it is not just a color issue. Red tide releases toxins that can:
- Irritate your eyes, nose, and throat
- Cause coughing or shortness of breath (especially if you have asthma)
- Kill fish and marine life (hello, smelly beaches)
- Shut down shellfish harvesting
Is the Red Tide Harmful to Humans?
Yes, the red tide is harmful to humans, but also to animals. Especially if you have some respiratory conditions, such as asthma or allergies. Some people cant stand the smell of it. For example, I don’t mind it, but some of my friends can’t even go out during that time.
When Is Red Tide Season in Florida?
There is not an official “red tide season,” but it tends to show up more often in the late summer through fall (August to November). However, it is not uncommon to see blooms pop up in the spring or even last through winter in some years.
Here is the general pattern:
| Month | Red Tide Risk |
| January | Low (but possible) |
| February | Low to Moderate |
| March | Moderate |
| April | Low |
| May | Low |
| June | Low |
| July | Moderate |
| August | High |
| September | High |
| October | High |
| November | High |
| December | Moderate |
Keep in mind, red tide is unpredictable. It can last a few days or a few months. Always check local beach conditions before you go.
What To Do If There Is Red Tide
Okay, so there is red tide in the area. Do you cancel your beach day? Not necessarily. Here is what you can do:
✅ DO:
- Check the forecast: Use Mote Marine Laboratory’s Beach Conditions Report or Florida Fish and Wildlife Red Tide Status before you head out.
- Pick a different beach: Some beaches might be totally clear while others 10 miles away are covered in dead fish.
- Wear a mask or stay in the car if you’re sensitive to the air quality.
- Shower off immediately after swimming to remove any toxins from your skin.
- Close your windows at home or in the car near the beach.
- Keep pets away from affected areas—they can get sick too!
❌ DON’T:
- Swim if you see dead fish in the water.
- Walk barefoot where dead marine life has washed up.
- Eat shellfish harvested during a red tide event unless it’s commercially processed (and deemed safe).
- Let kids or pets dig in red tide-affected sand.
Is it Safe to Swim in Red Tide?
I would definitely not do it!! It is up to you. I see many tourists swim during the red tide, even when the signs clearly state that the red tide is present. I would not swim in it. Especially when there is tons of dead fish around.
Florida Beaches Most Affected by Red Tide
Let’s get real—some beaches get hit more often than others. Red tide mainly occurs along Florida’s Gulf Coast, especially the Southwest Gulf.
Here is a list of beaches that are frequently affected:
High Red Tide Risk Beaches:
- Siesta Key (Sarasota County) – Yes, even paradise has its off days.
- Venice Beach – Often sees moderate to heavy blooms in fall.
- Fort Myers Beach – Hard hit in past red tide years.
- Sanibel & Captiva Islands – Beautiful but can suffer from severe fish kills.
- Naples Beach – Affected on and off during season.
- Anna Maria Island – Varies, but has had several red tide events recently.
- Manasota Key – Often impacted due to nearby currents.
Florida Beaches Rarely Affected by Red Tide
Low Red Tide Risk Beaches:
- Atlantic Coast Beaches (e.g., Cocoa Beach, Daytona, Vero Beach) – Red tide blooms are super rare here.
- Panhandle Beaches (Pensacola, Destin) – It happens occasionally, but not as intense.
- St. Augustine Beach – Historically less affected due to east coast currents.
- Bahia Honda & Florida Keys Beaches – Sometimes get impacted, but usually minimally.
- Clearwater Beach – Occasionally hit, but often spared compared to nearby spots.
Red Tide Beach Survival Kit
Yes, I said it—pack a kit! Here is what you can keep in your trunk during red tide season:
- Saline spray (to rinse your nose after beach exposure)
- Bottled water
- N95 mask (helps filter the airborne toxins)
- Flip-flops (in case there’s debris or dead fish)
- Eye drops
- Towel & extra clothes
- Pet wipes (for your furry beachgoers)
- Beach chair (to sit farther from the water if needed)
How to Stay Updated on Red Tide
You don’t have to guess. There are some really helpful websites and tools to keep you informed:
Real-Time Red Tide Resources:
- VisitBeaches.org – Daily beach condition reports.
- FWC Red Tide Map – Interactive bloom map updated several times a week.
- Local Facebook Groups – Many beach communities report conditions daily.
- Coastal Watch Apps – Great for tide reports, fish kills, and weather alerts.
Why Does Red Tide Happen?
Red tide is natural, but it can be made worse by nutrient pollution—think fertilizer runoff, wastewater, and stormwater. These nutrients can “feed” the algae and make blooms stronger and last longer.
This is why it’s important for us as locals and visitors to:
- Limit use of lawn fertilizers (especially near storm drains)
- Support eco-friendly local businesses
- Pick up
pet waste and trash at the beach
Local Tip: Best Beaches Near Sarasota When Red Tide Hits
As a Sarasota local, I’ve played this game many times. Here is where I go when red tide takes over Siesta Key or Venice:
My Go-To Red Tide Escape Plan:
- Drive east to Myakka State Park – Still gorgeous nature, no red tide.
- Go north to St. Pete Beach or Clearwater – Often clearer, depending on the current.
- Explore Lido Key Lagoon or South Lido Park – Sometimes less impacted than the main beach.
- Head inland to a spring – Try Warm Mineral Springs in North Port or Rainbow Springs in Dunnellon.
Here is a great video to show example of red tide: (credit to Gulf Coast News)
Planning a Red Tide–Free Vacation? Here is How:
- Visit outside of peak bloom season (Dec–June).
- Stay flexible with your beach days—have backup activities.
- Book a place with a pool or private dock so you’re not only relying on the beach.
- Choose east coast or northern Gulf beaches when red tide is active in the southwest.
- Pack smart and check daily conditions online.
So, what do I think of red tide..
Red tide can be frustrating, especially when you have waited all year for your Florida beach trip. But don’t let it ruin your planned vacation! Maybe check beautiful Myakka State Park and all local excellent Sarasota restaurants.
Until next time, stay salty but safe!
Considering purchasing Sarasota Real Estate, I would love to help! Contact me! Considering selling your Florida home? Check your home value.
Great articles to read:
Siesta Key Beach, Sarasota, Florida: A Slice of Paradise
10 Benefits of Home Ownership in Florida
Lido Key Florida: Fun Things to Do
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means we may earn a commission should you choose to sign up for a program or make a purchase using these links. Read the disclaimer, terms & conditions, and privacy policy.
