Florida is famous for its beautiful beaches, warm weather, and delicious produce grown year-round, including strawberries! Yep, if you are eating a strawberry in the winter or early Spring, chances are it was grown in Florida!
If you are looking for the best U-Pick strawberry farms in Florida, you’re in luck. With over 10,000 acres of strawberries grown each year, there are plenty of options to choose from.
But with so many choices, it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together a comprehensive list of the best strawberry farms in Florida. From the panhandle to the southern tip of the state, we’ve scoured every corner to find the top-rated strawberry farms with the freshest, sweetest berries. From family-owned and operated farms to large commercial operations, each one offers something unique and worth experiencing.
When is Strawberry Season in Florida?
Strawberry season is November through April in Florida. However, the peak times on average are from January to March.
After March, the weather starts getting too hot and heavy rains can make the strawberry harvest unpredictable.
Just like the best time to pick oranges in Orlando is in the winter, the best time to pick strawberries is during the winter and early Spring.
Where is the Best Place for U-Pick Strawberries in Florida?
There are a variety of farms around the Sunshine State that let you pick your own strawberries.
However, the biggest concentration of strawberry farms will be around Plant City. This city is located between Orlando and Tampa and is home to the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Plant City is known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World!
Strawberry Picking Tips
If you have never been strawberry picking before, or if it has been a few years since you visited an agritourism farm, then you will want to keep these important tips in mind:
- Weather conditions constantly change the availability of U-pick. Be sure to check the farm’s social media or call before leaving to confirm availability.
- Many farms take cash and credit cards. However one farm on our list does NOT take cash. Again, call or message the farm regarding payments if you need to.
- Some farms offer buckets and containers for picking. Some do not. It’s smart to have a basket or pail with you just in case.
- For the most pleasant experience, go pick early in the morning when it is cool. Florida heat and sunshine will wear you down in the fields.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat are smart choices to bring along to protect yourself and your kids from the sun.
- Dress comfortably, preferably with closed-toe shoes. Strawberry fields are dusty and dirty.
- A strawberry dress will make great photos! There are so many cute strawberry dresses to choose from. Girls will love this easy sleeveless dress covered in strawberries!
- Only pick red, juicy strawberries. They will not ripen, like tomatoes will.
- Check under leaves of the plants to find some great berries that others have missed!
- Unless you are heading straight home, it is wise to bring a cooler with you to keep your strawberries protected from the heat. If your berries get hot while in the car, they will rot faster. We love this strawberry cooler!
Florida Strawberry Farms
Throughout Florida, you will find U-Pick strawberry farms, including organic strawberries and hydroponic strawberries.
It is wise to always call ahead to the farms or check their social media channels before planning your visit. Weather can impact the harvest with either heavy rains, hail, cold weather or drought.
Because of the popularity of U-pick farms today, fruits are often picked off the plants in one or two days, especially over the weekend. Which means the farm will need to close U-pick days until the plants produce new fruit.
Here are some of our favorite Florida strawberry farms to choose from.
Spivey Farms
Spivey Farms is located in Plant City, the center of Florida strawberry picking! It is the perfect place to pick berries for both kids and adults.
U-pick season varies so be sure to check out their website before heading to the farm.
Address: 6101 County Road 39 South, Plant City, FL
Southern Hill Farms
One of the most popular u-pick destinations when driving from Orlando, Southern Hill Farms is located in Clermont.
A true agritourism destination, there is SO much to do here! Farm wagon rides, live music, a playground, food trucks, lawn games and kids activities are all part of the fun. PLUS the acres and acres of u-pick produce!
You will not want to miss their donuts or cobbler!
Strawberries are $4 a pound. This is a cashless farm so be sure to bring a credit card or debit card.
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address: 16651 Schofield Rd, Clermont, FL 34714
Pappy’s Patch
A favorite among Orlando locals, Pappy’s Patch is family-owned in Oviedo.
For the 2023 season, strawberries were $4 a pound. Unfortunately, severe weather damaged the crops in late 2022 and the farms closed to U-Pick in early 2023 for the season. They will replant and reopen for late 2023.
There is no website, so be sure to check their Facebook page for updates on hours and availability. Their season starts on December 1 and goes through April, weather permitting.
Address: 501 Florida Ave, Oviedo, FL 32765
Fancy Farms Market
The Fancy Farms Market is located in Plant City. The nearly 125-acre farm also has a popular market that serves up strawberry treats such as strawberry shortcake, hand spun milkshakes, and strawberry bread.
U-Pick Strawberries for Spring 2023 closed on April 1. The Fancy Farms Market closes from July through Fall, so be sure to check their Facebook Page for details.
Address: 5204 Drane Field Rd, Lakeland, FL 33811
JG Ranch
Calling themself a boutique farm, JG Ranch was founded in 2001. U-pick strawberries, along with blackberries and blueberries, are available at the farm throughout the year.
Honey, produce, and beef are also available for purchase.
Closed from mid-June to early November. Be sure to check their Facebook page for updates. Strawberry season in Spring 2023 ended on March 26.
Address: 17200 Wiscon Rd, Brooksville, FL 34601
Far Reach Ranch
Far Reach Ranch is located in Tavares in central Florida.
While predominantly known for cattle and U-pick blueberries, the circa 1947-farm added strawberries in 2019 and continues to add additional revenue streams, such as peaches and an entertainment venue.
We especially love the Hayride Happy Hours, Brunch and Pick, and Sunset U-Pick special events. They even have cocktails on the farm! Check out their Facebook page for dates and times.
Address: 1255 S Dora Blvd, Tavares, FL
Oak Haven Farms and Winery
A winery and strawberry picking?! Sounds like the perfect weekend activity, right?
Oak Haven Farms and Winery is located in Lake County, a short drive from Orlando.
Strawberry wine is among the most popular items in their Florida winery, made with strawberries grown on the farm. Their blueberry wine and muscadine wines are also favorites.
Be sure to try their strawberry icees, either with or without alcohol.
No pets are allowed on the property. Call their strawberry picking hotline for updates on the crops and operating hours at (352) 735-1996. Or check their Facebook page.
The Spring 2023 strawberry picking season ended on March 31.
Address: 32418 Avington Rd, Sorrento, FL 32776
Keel Farms
Keel Farms, located near Plant City, has so much to do beside strawberry picking! After plucking the fruits from the vines, be sure to stay for wine tasting, or book a tour to see how they make their wine, beer and cider.
The on-site, table service restaurant serves up pub-style food.
You can literally spend half a day at Keel Farms! Open 7 days a week. Pet-friendly and kid-friendly.
Address: 5210 Thonotosassa Road, Plant City, FL 33565
Honeyside Farms
U-pick organic strawberries can be found at Honeyside Farms.
Located near Sarasota, U-pick days are limited, so be sure to check their Facebook page for hours.
This farm is especially active with selling produce at the farmer’s market and through a CSA.
Address: 24105 FL-62, Parrish, FL
Berry Sweet Acres
Located in Plant City, Berry Sweet Acres offers U-pick strawberries with reservations recommended. This farm is unique in that they sell timed-entry to the fields, with an admission charge of $2.
A pound of strawberries is $4. No pets allowed.
Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Address: 5621 W US Highway 92, Plant City, FL
Strawberry Passion Organic Farms
Strawberry Passion Organic Farms offers certified organic strawberries. The price is $4 a pound, which is pretty great for organic fruit!
It is run by local farmers and offers u-picks when available.
Address: 12351 McIntosh Road, Thonotosassa, FL
Upicktopia
Upicktopia offers so many u-pick options! There seems to be something almost all year round. And they state that you can start picking strawberries in mid-October!
Don’t miss out on the winery, which offers wines made from their fruits.
Address: 19125 Phillips Rd. Masaryktown, FL 34604
Crossroads Farm
Crossroads Farm and Apiary is located in Gainesville, one of the few farms located closer to the northern part of the state.
U-pick strawberries are $3.50 a pound.
Be sure to indulge in their strawberry lemonade, crafted with strawberries straight from the field!
Address: 3831 NW 156th Ave, Gainesville, FL 32609
Strawberry Farms Near You
If you are in Florida, it is easy to go strawberry picking at a U-pick farm near you. Many of these farms are near Orlando and Tampa, making a great day trip!