Today’s Tick Risk in Florida – Real-Time Forecast & Activity Map
Check your ZIP code for local tick activity, real-time risk levels, and prevention insights.
Built from CDC and NOAA data
Surveillance Insights
- Annual Lyme Cases
- Low Lyme incidence; higher risk of STARI and Rickettsia
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- Long-Term Trend
- Increasing urbanization bringing humans into tick habitat
- Based on CDC surveillance data
- High Risk Zones
- Alachua, Leon, St. Johns, Ocala National Forest, Everglades National Park, Duval, Panhandle Region
Current Situation in Florida
Florida's subtropical climate creates a unique and challenging tick environment unlike any other in the continental U.S. The tick forecast for Florida is a year-round concern, with no true "off-season" due to the lack of a killing frost in most of the state. While Lyme disease is less prevalent here than in the Northeast, Florida residents face a distinct set of risks from Spotted Fever Rickettsiosis, Ehrlichiosis, and Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness (STARI). The state is a stronghold for the Lone Star tick, the American Dog tick, and the Gulf Coast tick. Additionally, the Blacklegged tick (deer tick) is present but behaves differently in Florida; it often stays deep in the leaf litter to avoid the extreme heat, which paradoxically lowers the human bite risk compared to northern states. However, recent data suggests an increase in tick-borne illnesses in the Panhandle and North Florida, where the climate is slightly cooler. Residents need to be aware that "tick season" is effectively every day of the year.
Snapshot of the current tick situation in Florida, based on regional surveillance data and seasonal activity patterns.
- Risk Level
- Moderate to High
- Peak Activity
- May - July
- Dominant Vector
- Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma americanum)
Where Ticks Hide in Florida
Florida's diverse ecosystems—from the pine flatwoods and cypress swamps to the coastal dunes and suburban lawns—support a wide variety of tick species. The Gulf Coast tick thrives in open, sunny areas with tall grass, which is common in coastal developments and golf courses. The Lone Star tick prefers the wooded hammocks, dense underbrush, and palmetto scrub found throughout the state. The American Dog tick is frequently found along trails, roadsides, and in parks. High humidity is a constant in Florida, which aids tick survival even during the heat of summer. The interface between suburban developments and wild lands (the "wildland-urban interface") is a particularly high-risk zone, as deer and raccoons bring ticks into backyards.
Seasonal Activity Pattern
In Florida, tick season is 365 days a year. However, there are distinct peaks in activity. Peak tick activity often occurs in the spring (March-May) and early summer before the extreme heat of July and August drives some species into deeper cover. The mild winters allow for continuous activity, meaning you can pick up a tick in January just as easily as in June. The Gulf Coast tick is particularly active in late summer and early fall, a time when many other species are less active. Residents and tourists alike need to be vigilant, especially when hiking in state parks, visiting natural springs, or walking through tall grass in coastal areas.
Check Your Local Tick Risk
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Local Vector Analysis
Understanding which ticks are active in Florida helps you identify threats and take appropriate precautions.
Lone Star Tick
Amblyomma americanum
Appearance: Distinct white dot or "lone star" on female's back. Reddish-brown body.
Peak Season: Active from early Spring through late Fall
Habitat: Woodlands with dense undergrowth and around animal resting areas.
Diseases: Ehrlichiosis, Alpha-gal Syndrome, STARI, Heartland Virus, Bourbon Virus
Note: Aggressive hunter. Actively pursues hosts.
Gulf Coast Tick
Amblyomma maculatum
Appearance: Reddish-brown with ornate silver/white markings creating an eye-catching pattern.
Peak Season: April-September
Habitat: Coastal grasslands, marshes, beaches, and open areas near water.
Diseases: Rickettsia parkeri rickettsiosis
American Dog Tick
Dermacentor variabilis
Appearance: Brown with white/grey mottling. Ornate white patterns on shield.
Peak Season: Spring and Summer
Habitat: Grassy fields, walkways, and trails. More tolerant of dry conditions than Deer Ticks.
Diseases: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia
Lyme Disease
Vector: Deer tick (Ixodes scapularis)
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by deer ticks. If caught early, it's highly treatable with antibiotics. Left untreated, it can cause serious complications affecting joints, heart, and nervous system.
Early Warning Signs
- Erythema migrans (EM) rash - appears in 70-80% of cases
- Bullseye rash (circular red rash with clear center)
- Rash appears 3-30 days after bite
- Fever and chills
Progression & Symptoms
- Severe headaches and neck stiffness
- Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of face)
- Arthritis with severe joint pain, especially knees
Prevention Strategies
The best way to avoid tick-borne diseases is to prevent tick bites in the first place. These strategies work together to create multiple layers of protection.
Permethrin-Treated Clothing
Permethrin is an insecticide that kills ticks on contact. When applied to clothing, it remains effective through multiple washes.
Daily Tick Checks
Since disease transmission typically requires 24-48 hours of attachment, finding and removing ticks quickly dramatically reduces infection risk.
Landscaping Defense
Creating a tick-hostile environment in your yard reduces the chance ticks will be waiting when you step outside.
Shower Within 2 Hours
Showering after outdoor activity gives you a chance to wash off ticks before they bite.
Tick Bite Protocol
Acting quickly and correctly is your best defense against infection.Follow these 6 critical steps.
Don't Panic
Most tick bites do not transmit disease, especially if removed quickly.
- Infection rates vary by region (20-50%)
- Transmission usually takes 24-48 hours
- Stay calm and use proper technique
Gather Tools
Use fine-tipped tweezers. Avoid fingers or chemicals.
- Fine-tipped tweezers are best
- Rubbing alcohol for cleaning
- Small container to save the tick
Grasp & Pull
Grasp close to skin and pull upward with steady pressure.
- Grab mouthparts near skin (not body)
- Pull straight up—don't twist
- Maintain steady, even pressure
Clean Area
Disinfect the bite site and your hands thoroughly.
- Wash with soap and water
- Apply rubbing alcohol
- Wash hands well
Save Tick
Keep the tick in a sealed container for potential testing.
- Seal in bag or container
- Label with date and location
- Bring to doctor if symptoms appear
Monitor (30 Days)
Watch for rash or flu-like symptoms for a month.
- Check for expanding rash daily
- Watch for fever or fatigue
- Seek care if you feel unwell
When does tick season end in Florida?
Tick activity winds down after the first hard freeze, which in Florida typically arrives around Dec 10. See the local first-frost window and city-by-city freeze dates.
Florida first frost datesAlso worried about mosquitoes in Florida?
West Nile virus, EEE, and the local mosquito season vary by state. Check your Florida mosquito risk profile.
View Florida mosquito forecastStay Safe in Florida
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