Hot Springs in Florida | Are There Hot Springs

Are there hot springs in Florida?

No. Florida has no natural hot springs, but it has warm ones. Warm Mineral Springs Park in North Port, run by the city, is fed by a spring that averages about 85°F all year, and most of the state's other springs stay at 70 to 75°F.

Water that surfaces truly hot is far away: the nearest is Hot Springs, North Carolina, about 390 miles from Jacksonville in a straight line. Florida's springs are for swimming, snorkeling and paddling rather than soaking.

How far are hot springs from Florida?

Even from Jacksonville the nearest hot water is a long drive north into the Appalachians.

From	Nearest hot springs (straight line)	Next nearest
Jacksonville	Hot Springs, North Carolina390 miles	Bath County, Virginia, 540 milesHot Springs, Arkansas, 720 miles
Orlando	Hot Springs, North Carolina510 miles	Bath County, Virginia, 660 milesHot Springs, Arkansas, 800 miles
Miami	Hot Springs, North Carolina720 miles	Bath County, Virginia, 840 milesHot Springs, Arkansas, 980 miles

From Miami, Hot Springs, North Carolina, is about 720 miles away, and Costa Rica's hot springs at Upala are only a few hundred miles farther. For a South Florida soak, the 85°F water at North Port is far closer.

Florida's springs: clear, constant and cool

Geologists estimate that Florida has more than 1,000 springs, which may be the largest concentration of freshwater springs on Earth, and it has more first- and second-magnitude springs, the biggest by flow, than any other state. They rise from the Floridan aquifer, water held in porous limestone under much of the state.

Because the water comes from deep in the aquifer, it stays at about the same temperature all year. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection puts most springs at 70 to 75°F. In winter that feels warm next to the Gulf, and manatees move up the spring runs to keep warm when the sea cools.

Warm Mineral Springs in North Port is the exception, at about 85°F, with water that is noticeably mineral. It is the closest thing in Florida to a hot spring, and the City of North Port runs it as a park with set hours and admission.

Where they are in Florida: map

Where each of the 4 places in Florida is. Pin shapes show the type; open the larger map for more detail.

Spring site Spa Spring swimming area

The best springs in Florida

The warm spring at North Port, and three 72°F spring swims in state parks across central Florida.

Warm spring
Warm Mineral Springs Park
North Port
Florida's only natural warm spring, about 85°F year-round; city park, admission charged.
Spring swim
Wekiwa Springs State Park
Apopka
A 72°F spring swimming area near Orlando, about 4 feet deep on average; no lifeguards.
Spring swim
De Leon Springs State Park
De Leon Springs
A spring-fed swimming area at 72°F, from 18 inches to 30 feet deep.
Spring swim
Rainbow Springs State Park
Dunnellon
A swimming area at the headsprings, where the water averages 72°F.

Seasons, costs and access in Florida

Seasons

Spring swimming areas are open all year. Summer weekends fill early, and some parks close the gates when they reach capacity, so arrive early. In winter, the springs feel warm compared with the air, but parts of some runs close to protect manatees.

Entry fees

Warm Mineral Springs charges admission set by the City of North Port. The state parks charge a per-vehicle entrance fee; see each park's page for current rates.

Access and travel

Warm Mineral Springs is in North Port, south of Sarasota. Wekiwa Springs is in Apopka, just north of Orlando, De Leon Springs is north of DeLand, and Rainbow Springs is at Dunnellon, south-west of Ocala.

Questions about soaking in Florida

Are there hot springs in Florida?

No. Florida has warm springs, not hot ones. The warmest you can swim in is Warm Mineral Springs in North Port, at about 85°F.

What is the warmest spring in Florida?

Warm Mineral Springs in North Port, which averages about 85°F all year. Most other Florida springs are 70 to 75°F.

Are there hot springs near Orlando?

No. The nearest is Hot Springs, North Carolina, about 510 miles away. Near Orlando, Wekiwa Springs has 72°F spring swimming.

Why are Florida's springs cool?

They are fed by the Floridan aquifer, groundwater held in limestone that stays close to the average ground temperature, so it comes out at 70 to 75°F.

Can you swim with manatees at the springs?

Manatees move into spring runs in winter, but you must keep your distance. Some swimming areas close in winter to protect them.

Rules and good manners

How to swim in a Florida spring.

Swim where it's allowedUse the marked swimming areas; Wekiwa Springs has no lifeguards, so watch children closely.
Give manatees spaceIn winter, manatees shelter in spring runs; never touch, chase or feed them.
Skip the sunscreen in the waterRinse off before swimming; lotions and oils film the clear spring water.

Pictures of places to soak in Florida

Photos of Wekiwa Springs State Park, De Leon Springs State Park and Rainbow Springs State Park, all places to soak in this guide. We only use photos whose license allows reuse and credit the photographer under each one. The full credits are on our photo credits page.