Printable packing list for Florida vacation

Packing for a trip to Florida isnt as simple as throwing your clothes into a suitcase; youll need to take into account the climate and current season, as well as where you are traveling and by what means. Driving down to Florida is much different than taking a plane regarding space and item restrictions. Planning to go the beach is different than spending the day at a theme park. Read on for advice on how to pack your bags for your trip, as well as what you cannot pack on an airplane.

Year-Round Essentials

Regardless of the occasion or time of year, you'll want to bring these key items on any trip to Florida:

• sunscreen
• sunglasses
• sun hat or visor
• flip-flops or sandals
• comfy walking shoes [preferably water-proof]
• loose, light-weight clothing
• umbrella or poncho
• swimsuit[s]
• camera

What Clothes to Pack for Each Season

Spring and Summer

Temperature lows are around 7580°F, while highs tend to sit in the lower 90s. Visiting Florida during the summer calls for much lighter, more breathable clothing than when traveling in the winter, along with other accessories.

Summers in Florida are very sunny and humid, so expect to be out in high heat during the day. Sunscreen is a must, as well as a good pair of sunglasses. If you plan on going to a beach, pool or water park, dont forget your swimsuit!

While long sleeves might be the last thing you think to pack for 90-degree weather, bring a light jacket for chilly indoor spaces. Restaurants, hotels, and movie theaters put the AC on full-blast in the summer, so you might need to warm up again after cooling off!

Fall and Winter

The temperatures in Florida are fairly favorable all year round; however, during the winter, lows range around 3965°F [depending on the region of the state] to daytime highs between 6577°F. This warmer winter weather makes Florida a popular winter vacation spot, as it isnt too hot or too cold.

With the mild temperatures, you wont need a heavy winter jacket unless Florida goes through a rare cold spell. Even in the winter, it is usually very sunny outsunscreen is still a must! Be sure to have one pair of pants for a particularly cold day; otherwise, shorts or capris should be just fine. Especially if you're staying in South Florida, you may still break a sweat in December!

Check the Weather

While Florida is famous for being warm and sunny year-round, check the weather a week before your trip as well as each day of your vacation. The sky may change from sunny to storming to sunny again in no time flat!

Clothes for Spring or Summer

Clothes for Fall or Winter

Dress in Layers

For summer, a light cardigan or button-down shirt can turn your beachwear into a night outfit for chilly air-conditioned spaces. In the winter, wear a tank top underneath a long-sleeve pullover so you can easily transition from sunny afternoons to cool evenings.

What to Bring for the Pool or Beach

Can't Fit Beach Gear in Your Suitcase?

If you're driving down to Florida, it might be easy enough to pack everything in the trunk of your car, but if you're flying or working with tight space, consider buying or renting beach items around your vacation spot. Tourist shops offer hourly deals for water sport items such as boogie boards, snorkels, and flippers. For essentials like aloe vera gel, beach towels, and sand toys, head to a local supermarket like Publix or Walmart for inexpensive conveniences.

What to Pack for a Day at a Theme Park

• Draw-string bag or small light-weight backpack
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Visor or sun hat
• Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes
• Paper fan or water mister
• Ponchos for intermittent rain and/or splashing water rides
• Refillable water bottle
• Non-perishable snacks like pretzels, pb&js, fruit, or energy bars
• Cash

Amusement Park Hacks

• Wear a comfortable pair of walking shoes and appropriate clothing for going on rides. Save your flip-flops, skirts, and dresses for another day.
• When going on attractions, you are often required to leave your bags with the operators of the ride until you are finished. Most theme parks offer lockers for this purpose, but it's still better to carry as few valuables as possible.
• Personally, I prefer wearing boys cargo shorts with huge, button or velcro pockets; that way, I dont have to worry about carrying around a bag for my wallet, phone, and other loose objects. If there is someone in your party that doesnt enjoy rides, however, valuables can be left with them while they wait.
• When at a theme park, it is easy to drop your wallet or lose track of a debit or credit card. By the time you finally realize your card is gone, it could have already been used by someone else, making cash a much better option.
• While fun and character-themed, amusement park food items are outrageously priced! Save money by packing your own food and refillable water bottles. Be sure to check the official policies of the theme park you're going to, but both Disney and Universal allow outside food items.
• If traveling with young children, plan your day based on age-appropriate rides and activities.

More Useful Items for the Sunshine State

Traveling by Airplane

If you plan on flying to Florida to visit, your luggage will be limited to carry-on and check-in space, as well as what TSA allows you to bring. If you are close enough to drive down, you can bring as many items as you can fit into your vehicle, as well as your own food and drink. Airplanes, on the other hand, restrict certain items in your carry-ons and other luggage due to safety concerns. Some examples of this include:

• sharp objects; box cutters, knives, and scissors
• sporting goods; baseball bats, hockey sticks
• guns and firearms; ammunition, guns
• tools; hammers, drills, wrenches
• self-defense items; nightsticks, throwing stars
• explosive materials; fireworks, flares
• disabling chemicals; chlorine, liquid bleach

A full list of items prohibited on airplanes and carry-ons can be found on the TSA government website. Some of the items listed, while not allowed on the airplane itself, can be stored in checked luggage for the duration of the flight. Also, keep in mind the amount of extra space in your bags; youll want to leave some room for souvenirs!

TSA Review

For each question, choose the best answer. The answer key is below.

1. You are allowed to bring certain sharp objects on your trip if they are in your checked bag.
   • True
   • False
2. Chemicals like bleach are allowed in your carry-on bag.
   • True
   • False
3. Fireworks are allowed onboard, as long as they are in your checked luggage.
   • True
   • False
4. You can bring food and drink onboard as long as it is purchased past the airport's checkpoint.
   • True
   • False
5. All flammable items are prohibited on an airplane in carry-ons or checked luggage.
   • True
   • False

Answer Key

1. True
2. False
3. False
4. True
5. True

10 Hot Florida Attractions

Questions & Answers

Question: What can you bring in a carry-on to Florida?

Answer: You can bring a lot of things, as long as they fit in the bag or luggage and don't go against TSA rules. Sharp or flammable objects may not be allowed, for example.

Question: I'm thirteen, and we are moving to Florida. I was wondering what to bring to Florida like on the plane and the likes. What would you suggest?

Answer: If you are going to have liquids in your carry-on bag, they can only be in 3.4 oz containers, and all have to fit into a one quart-size bag. Other than that, solid snacks are okay to bring in your carry-on bag on the plane, as well as electronic devices to keep you occupied! Just make sure you have a bag that fits your airline's carry-on dimensions, and that everything you plan on bringing on the plane can fit into your bag. Airlines can be strict about carry-on bags, especially on crowded flights.

Question: How old do I have to be to ride a plane?

Answer: The only age restriction I know of applies to flying alone - if you are under 12 years old and flying without an adult, you are considered an unaccompanied minor and will need to be supervised to and from the plane. If you are older, you can fly alone without assistance.

Question: Can I bring a glass bottle of perfume in my luggage when flying to Florida?

Answer: If it's in carry-on luggage, it can only be a 3.4-ounce container or smaller, or in a one-quart bag in your carry-on. If it's in your checked luggage, any size is fine.

Question: Can I bring a baseball glove and ball on a carry-on?

Answer: There shouldn't be any reason why you cannot pack those in your carry-on!

Question: Am I allowed to bring my full-sized shampoo and conditioner on a flight to Florida?

Answer: Liquid containers can only be brought on board if 3.4 ounces or smaller, and inside of a 1-quart resealable bag. Anything larger can be packed in checked baggage.

Question: Can you bring snacks from home when traveling to Florida?

Answer: Yes, snacks are usually okay!

Question: Why do you have to turn off WiFi on a plane?

Answer: You don't have to turn off wifi - it's more about cell service. Airplane mode disables your phone's ability to connect to cell towers. This is required because your phone will attempt to connect to every tower you fly by. These signals can interfere with the navigational systems of the airplane. You can turn wifi on in airplane mode to access in-flight wifi.

Question: I am going to FL for the first time, and I am afraid of the sharks and jellyfish. We are going to Amelia Island. Will we be okay? Also with hurricanes.

Answer: Will you be swimming? You can always stick to the shallow edge of the beach if you are anxious. Since hurricanes are more common in Florida, their infrastructure is built to withstand severe weather.