The word "beer" is derived from the Old English word "bēor."
Craft brewing has seen a massive rise in popularity over the past few decades, and few states exemplify this trend as well as Florida. From the Georgia border down to the outskirts of the Everglades, there’s a wealth of vibrant cities that have mastered the art of brewing, slinging up refreshing pilsners and mouthwatering IPAs for seasoned beer aficionados and newcomers alike. If you’re planning a trip to the Sunshine State anytime soon, don’t miss out on these incredible beer-filled destinations.
Tampa
Tampa was a major cigar manufacturer from the late 1800s to the early 1900s.
Tampa’s hospitality scene has been booming over the past few years, with the newly-opened Tampa EDITION serving as one of its most dazzling hotels—and this coastal city is no slouch when it comes to craft beer, either. The picturesque neighborhood of Ybor City is a can’t-miss destination for beer lovers, with Tampa Bay Brewing Company earning abundant acclaim for their hop-heavy IPAs ranging from Old Elephant Foot to Funny Cat Videos. Just next door, Zydeco Brew Werks is a top spot for decadent New Orleans-inspired dishes like catfish bites, buffalo shrimp po’boys, and shrimp and grits—each one pairing perfectly with a tropical fruit-loaded Sunroof pale ale. Once you’ve had your fill of Ybor City, catch a ride over to Angry Chair Brewing to find spectacular pastry stouts ranging from Rocky Road to German Chocolate Cupcake.
Orlando
Orlando was incorporated as a city in 1885.
Orlando drew more than 70 million visitors in 2019 thanks to its world-class theme parks, and there’s no shortage of top-tier breweries to visit across the city as well. If you’re in the mood for a freshly-poured ale right out of the gate, Ellipsis Brewing can be found just north of the airport, providing visitors with a diverse array of options including the hazy Masamune NEIPA and the fruit-forward Southernmost Berliner Weisse. Just east of downtown Orlando, Sideward Brewing Co. is a top spot for a barrel-aged imperial stout paired with a tempeh reuben, while Ivanhoe Village is home to the charming Ivanhoe Park Brewing Company. Founded in 2018, this lakeside operation is a popular neighborhood hangout spot thanks to their crisp Park Hopp’r golden pilsner and local food trucks.
Fort Myers
Fort Myers is also known as the City of Palms.
Fort Myers was a favorite wintertime destination for Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, and in the modern era, this gulfside city is one of the Sunshine State’s most underrated destinations for craft beer. If you’re planning to stick around the downtown district, Coastal Dayz Brewery is home to options ranging from Rock-N-Reef Irish Red to the beloved Seaz The Day, a hazy IPA with flavorful fruit notes. During Sox season, the aptly-named Fort Myers Brewing Company is a particularly relaxing hangout spot thanks to its massive outdoor seating section complete with live music, food trucks, and sweet selections like Chocolate Peanut Butter porter. Of course, no trip to Fort Myers is complete without paying a visit to Sanibel Island, and Point Ybel Brewing Company serves as the perfect pit stop for travelers, offering regular live music and an extensive beer list that ranges from cream ale to beechwood-smoked lager.
Jacksonville
Jacksonville is located on Florida's longest river, the St. Johns.
Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the United States, and all of that sprawling land leaves plenty of room for some incredible breweries, each one highlighted on the Jax Ale Trail. Down in the drinking and dining haven of San Marco, Aardwolf Brewing Company offers a wide variety of complex beers, with the Emotional Damage Triple IPA and Don't Be Suspicious Imperial IPA serving as two top choices for hop lovers. After exploring the neighborhood, Bold City Brewing is equipped with a downtown location as well as a venue in the vibrant neighborhood of Five Points, both serving up tried-and-true favorites like Mad Manatee IPA and Killer Whale cream ale. If you’re planning on spending your time on Jacksonville Beach, be sure to pay a visit to Engine 15 Brewing Co. for a refreshing J'ville Lager after a day in the surf and sun.
Miami
Miami was founded by Julia Tuttle in the late 1800s.
Blessed with picturesque beaches, fascinating museums, and a world-class food scene, Miami is an incredible destination for all types of tourist, and craft beer lovers are no exception. The city’s colorful Wynwood district is a paradise for brewery hopping, equipped with local favorites like J Wakefield Brewing—a haven for stouts, sours, and Star Wars-inspired scenery—and the dazzling Cervecería La Tropical, a massive complex that’s home to a verdant garden courtyard, incredible Latin American cuisine, and a whole lot of top-tier beer to pair it with. Across the water, Miami Beach’s Abbey Brewing Company offers rich stouts and even Belgian monk-inspired quadruple ale in a cozy setting, while Lincoln's Beard Brewing Co. is home to regular live music and hearty IPAs like the hazy Purrrfect Pale Ale.
