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Have you ever gone on vacation and realized you forgot to pack something important? It’s happened to the best of us. Whether you’re traveling to Florida from another state, or you’re a local taking an overnight trip within the state, having a detailed Florida packing list can help you avoid that problem.
In this post, I’m sharing some of the most important items to add to your Florida packing list. Traveling in Florida comes with its own set of challenges. A good Florida packing list ensures you don’t forget essential items for your trip.
This list isn’t about clothes; it’s about the practical items that’ll help your Florida trip run more smoothly. From keeping your body and belongings in good shape to dealing with Florida’s heat and humidity, these Florida packing list essentials can make your trip easier and more enjoyable.
Along the way, I’ll also share some of my travel favorites. So let’s dive into the must-haves for your Florida adventure!
1. Sunscreen
Florida is called the Sunshine State for a reason—the sun here can be brutal. And few things can ruin your vacation faster than a nasty red sunburn. So make sure sunscreen is on your Florida packing list.
If you’re going to be in the sun for an extended period (and especially if you’re pale like me), you’ll need a high SPF. Dermatologists recommend an SPF of at least 30.
Also make sure to re-apply it every couple of hours. If you’re sweating or swimming, your sunscreen wears off faster.
I’ve worn sunscreen regularly for most of my adult life, so I’ve tried many brands over the years. The Coppertone Pure and Simple line is my go-to. It’s budget friendly and free of phthalates and other toxic ingredients you often find in sunscreens.
2. Hat
While sunscreen goes a long way toward protecting you from the sun, it can’t do the job alone. Adding a hat to your Florida packing list can provide additional protection from sun damage.
A hat also keeps the sun out of your eyes and provides shade when that Florida sun is blazing. It’s a useful addition to your Florida packing list, especially if you’re going somewhere unshaded, like the beach.
I wear a basic baseball cap when I’m trying to avoid the sun. But if you’re looking for something a little fancier, try a baseball cap with UV protection or a wide-brimmed beach hat.
3. Sunglasses
When packing for a Florida trip, be sure to throw a pair of sunglasses in your bag. The sun’s pretty bright here. Wearing sunglasses helps protect your eyes from damaging UV rays.
Sunglasses can also help keep you comfortable on sunny days. The sun can create some pretty harsh glare, especially when reflecting off the water or sand. This can lead to squinting, which can cause eye strain and headaches. Sunglasses with polarized lenses help cut down on the glare.
4. Umbrella or poncho
Don’t let our cutesy state nickname fool you: Florida rains a lot, especially in the summer afternoons.
If you’re unlucky enough to get caught in a Florida thunderstorm, expect to get drenched. That’s why adding an umbrella to your Florida packing list is a smart move. It’ll help you stay dry during those heavy downpours.
I carry a mini Totes umbrella similar to this one. If I’m going to Disney World and the forecast calls for rain, I throw it in my bag. It’s lightweight and doesn’t take up much space.
For something even lighter, a poncho can keep you dry without weighing you down. While they sell them in the theme parks, they’re crazy expensive there. For a more affordable option, this set of five ponchos has many positive reviews from Disney visitors.
5. Portable Fan
If you’re visiting the theme parks or hiking outdoors, you’re probably going to spend a lot of time in the Florida heat. Our summer temperatures can climb above 90°F, and it’s pretty uncomfortable if you’re not used to it.
(And even if you are, it’s still uncomfortable. Us locals don’t want to do anything outside during the summer.)
A portable fan can make being outdoors more bearable. It offers instant relief from the heat and helps avoid heat exhaustion.
I bought this portable USB fan last year, and it’s exceeded my expectations. I’ve taken this fan to the theme parks and Bok Tower Gardens, and I used it as a desk fan when I was having A/C issues at home. It has 5 speed settings to keep you cool, and the battery lasts a long time.
6. Portable Charger
One of the top essentials for any Florida packing list is a portable charger.
Traveling around Florida is fun, but it can quickly drain your phone’s battery. If you’re using Google Maps to get around, looking up local restaurants and activities, taking photos and videos, and posting on social media about your trip, your phone might need a recharge sooner than expected.
Your phone battery becomes an even bigger issue if you’re visiting Disney World. The My Disney Experience app, which is key for navigating the park, eats your battery. You just might find your phone running low by the time the 3 o’clock parade rolls around.
Any charger will do the trick, but Anker is known for making high-quality power banks. Years ago, my dad gave me an Anker charger similar to this one. I’ve taken it all over Florida and even to Ireland, and it still charges quickly and reliably.
7. Waterproof Phone Case
A waterproof phone case is a must-have for your Florida packing list if you’ll be spending any time in or near the water. Whether you’re hitting the beach, visiting a water park, or enjoying water activities such as kayaking, a waterproof case protects your phone from water damage.
It also adds an extra layer of security. With a waterproof case, you can keep your phone on you while in the water, reducing the risk of theft.
This waterproof phone case has over 79,000 positive reviews on Amazon. It comes in a two-pack, so you can share one with a friend or family member.
8. Insect Repellent
Florida’s humid climate is a magnet for mosquitos. If you’re outdoors at night or near the water, you may get menaced by these pesky insects.
Wearing insect repellent can help protect you from mosquito bites and other biting insects we have here, like no-see-ums.
If you’re not a fan of the smell of insect repellent, I recommend trying a picaridin-based brand such as Ranger Ready. It’s odorless, and Amazon reviewers have praised its effectiveness against mosquitos and no-see-ums.
9. Medications and Supplements
Are you on any medications? If so, it’s essential to make sure you’ve filled and packed all your prescriptions before you leave town. You don’t want to get to your destination and realize you’ve run out of an important medication.
If you take any supplements, be sure to add those to your Florida packing list too. In addition to supporting your overall health, supplements like Vitamin C can give your immune system a boost and help prevent illness while you’re traveling.
I take several supplements, and organizing them for trips used to be a challenge. So a couple of years ago, I bought a 7-day pill case. I highly recommend it—it separates my daytime and nighttime pills, and it takes up little space in my suitcase.
10. First Aid Kit
Accidents can happen on vacation. Along with the usual cuts, scrapes, and bruises that you could get on any trip, Florida also poses unique health risks such as mosquito bites, sunburn, and dehydration.
Adding a mini first aid kit to your Florida packing list ensures you’re ready for any minor injuries or health issues that may pop up during your trip. That way, instead of interrupting your day to visit the nearest pharmacy, you’ll already have the supplies you need.
In addition to a standard kit, consider adding some basic medications such as Benadryl and motion sickness tablets. I take Ginger Rescue tablets on my trips, and they’re effective for calming an upset stomach.
11. Hand Sanitizer
Even though the pandemic is over, Covid is still out there. So are the flu, strep throat, RSV, and a host of other illnesses you definitely want to avoid.
Whether you’re traveling through the airport, visiting a theme park, or exploring an enclosed space such as a museum, you can pick up germs just about anywhere. That’s why hand sanitizer is a necessity for your Florida packing list.
12. Small Backpack or Belt Bag
A small backpack or belt bag is a must-have for your Florida packing list, and here’s why.
First, carrying a full-sized backpack in the Florida heat can get uncomfortable after a while. The last thing you want to add when you’re already sweating is a heavy bag. A smaller bag not only avoids this but also saves you the frustration of constantly digging through a large bag to find what you need.
Having a small bag is especially important if you’re visiting Universal Orlando. Several rides, such as Revenge of the Mummy and VelociCoaster, require you to store your bags in a free locker.
However, these lockers are tiny—about the size of a mini backpack. And if your bag doesn’t fit, you’ll have to pay for a larger locker.
While Disney doesn’t have the same locker requirements, several of the rides have small pockets inside the ride vehicles to hold your bag. A mini backpack will be easier to manage than a bulky, full-sized bag.
A belt bag is an even better option for both parks. Universal doesn’t require you to store belt bags in a locker unless they interfere with the ride restraints. Something like this unisex belt bag would be allowed while still having enough room to hold the essentials.
13. Comfortable Shoes
While flip-flops are great for the beach, they’re not ideal for sightseeing or spending a day at the theme parks.
Whether you’re walking around Disney or exploring a city, you’ll likely be on your feet for hours. A pair of comfortable sneakers with good arch support will keep your feet stable and help reduce the fatigue that comes with walking all day.
Brooks Adrenaline sneakers are my go-to for sightseeing. They’re technically running shoes, but they offer good arch support and don’t rub my heels the wrong way. I pair them with Superfeet insoles for added support, which helps keep me comfortable when I’m walking for hours.
14. Hair Products
Florida can wreak havoc on your hair. The high humidity can turn even the silkiest locks into a frizzy mess. And if you get caught in one of our daily summer rainstorms, forget about it.
If you have wavy or curly hair, or if you’re prone to frizz, definitely pack some styling products from home. You can either grab a travel version of your favorite products or transfer them into smaller containers.
I also recommend bringing a compact brush and comb set. They take much less space in your suitcase than full-sized tools, and you can easily toss them in your purse or backpack when you’re on the go.
I bought a set of foldable brushes/combs a couple of years ago, and I take one on all my Florida trips. I honestly didn’t expect them to last, but they’ve proven surprisingly durable, and they work much better on my stubborn hair than my full-size brush.
15. Laundry Sheets
I discovered laundry sheets several years ago, and they’ve been a travel game-changer for me.
If you know you’ll be doing laundry during your hotel stay, throw a couple of these sheets into your luggage. They’re essentially soap sheets that dissolve when they come into contact with water.
Laundry sheets are seriously convenient. They take up almost no space in your luggage. Each package comes with a bunch of sheets, so you can save them for future trips.
I’ve used Breezeo laundry sheets to do my laundry on vacation. They were easy to use and got my clothes clean. They come in scented and fragrance-free options.
Other Florida Packing List Must-Haves
Here are some other items you might want to add to your Florida packing list. I keep an ongoing packing list in Word that I customize for each vacation, and it includes most of these items. Not all of these may apply to you, but they’re worth considering.
And if you happen to forget something you needed for your trip, don’t stress—Florida has plenty of drugstores and grocery stores where you can pick up travel-sized items.
Personal Care Items
- Reusable water bottle
- Mini pack of tissues (Trust me, having a runny nose in a theme park line is NOT fun.)
- Contact lens case, solution, and rewetting drops
- Glasses case and cleaning cloth
- Earplugs (if you have sensory issues or need them for sleep)
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Mouthwash
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products
- Razor
- Shaving cream
- Lip balm
- Moisturizer
Beauty Items
- Makeup and makeup tools
- Makeup-removing wipes
- Tweezers
- Hair ties
Electronics
- Phone charger
- Camera
Miscellaneous Items
- Small notebook and pen
- Travel laundry bag
- Snacks
Conclusion: 15 Florida Packing List Must-Haves for a Great Vacation
With these Florida packing list essentials, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy everything the Sunshine State has to offer. Whether you’re relaxing at the beach, exploring theme parks, or adventuring outdoors, the right gear can make your trip more comfortable and enjoyable. Have a great trip!