In Florida, the last spring frost usually comes between January 29 and March 14, and the first fall frost between November 18 and January 6, depending on where you live. Most of Florida is in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11a. In about 18% of the state’s ZIP codes, frost is rare enough that there is no typical frost date.
Find the frost dates for your ZIP code
Frost dates from NOAA 1991–2020 U.S. Climate Normals, nearest weather station. Zones derived from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map data (PRISM Climate Group, Oregon State University). This is not the official USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map.
Frost dates for Florida cities
Dates come from the NOAA weather station closest to each city. The last spring frost and first fall frost are the typical dates, with a 30% chance of frost after (or before) them. The safer planting date has only a 10% chance of a later spring frost: use it for tender plants like tomatoes, peppers and basil.
| City | Zone | Last frost | Safer date | First frost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jacksonville | 9b | Feb. 15 | March 3 | Dec. 24 |
| Miami | 11a | Rare | Rare | Rare |
| Tampa | 10a | Jan. 31 | Feb. 10 | Jan. 3 |
| Orlando | 10a | Jan. 30 | Feb. 9 | Jan. 3 |
| Tallahassee | 9a | March 19 | March 30 | Nov. 13 |
| Cape Coral | 10b | Jan. 28 | Feb. 2 | Jan. 7 |
| Port Saint Lucie | 10a | Feb. 2 | Feb. 27 | Jan. 2 |
| Gainesville | 9a | March 13 | March 23 | Nov. 24 |
| Coral Springs | 10b | Rare | Rare | Rare |
| Palm Bay | 10a | Jan. 31 | Feb. 13 | Jan. 6 |
Frost dates vary a lot across Florida. Among the cities above, Cape Coral has the earliest last frost (around January 28) and Tallahassee the latest (around March 19), about 7 weeks apart. Elevation, nearby water and local terrain all make a difference, so use the dates for the place closest to you, or look up your ZIP code.
Growing zones in Florida
Most of Florida is in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11a. A typical frost-free growing season lasts about 358 days, longer in the warmest areas and shorter in the coldest.
Find planting dates for the main zones in Florida:
- Zone 9 (about 45% of ZIP codes): Tomatoes, Peppers, Potatoes, Lettuce, Green beans, Cucumbers, Garlic, Tulips
- Zone 10 (about 44% of ZIP codes): planting guides for this zone are coming soon.
- Zone 11 (about 11% of ZIP codes): planting guides for this zone are coming soon.
See all crops in our planting guides, or build a planting calendar for your ZIP code.
How to use frost dates
- Cool-season crops such as peas, lettuce, spinach and onions can go in several weeks before your last spring frost.
- Warm-season crops such as tomatoes, peppers, squash and beans wait until after it, when the soil has warmed.
- Fall crops are timed back from your first fall frost, and garlic and tulips are planted around it.
- Frost dates are averages. Check the forecast before setting out tender plants.
Frequently asked questions
When is the last frost in Florida?
It depends on where you live. Across most of Florida, the last spring frost comes between January 29 and March 14. In Jacksonville, it is around February 15.
When is the first frost in Florida?
Across most of Florida, the first fall frost comes between November 18 and January 6. In Jacksonville, it is around December 24.
What planting zone is Florida?
Most of Florida is in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11a. Enter your ZIP code above to find your exact zone.
When can I plant tomatoes in Florida?
Plant tomatoes outside after your last frost, once nights stay above 50 °F. In Jacksonville, the safer date, with only a 10% chance of a later frost, is around March 3. See when to plant tomatoes in zone 9.
Sources. Frost dates come from the nearest NOAA weather station to each city or ZIP code. Zones come from the 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map ZIP code data. Our zone lookup is not the official USDA map.