Best Rockhounding Spots in Florida
Free rockhounding locations, pay-to-dig mines, permit rules, and community field notes for Florida
Top Minerals Found in Florida
- 💎Shark teeth
- 💎Fossils (horse, mammoth, manatee)
- 💎Agatized coral (state stone)
- 💎Moonstone
- 💎Petrified wood
Best Regions to Explore
Best Season to Visit
October through May to avoid summer heat and afternoon thunderstorms.
Expert Collecting Tips
Venice Beach is the "Shark Tooth Capital of the World" — sift the surf line at low tide. The Peace River yields abundant Pleistocene megafauna fossils including mammoths and horses.
⭐ Florida Rockhounding Highlight
Florida is primarily a fossil state — incredible for shark teeth, mammoth bones, and agatized coral along its river systems and beaches.
Pay-To-Dig Mines in Florida
Fee-based mining experiences where you keep what you find.
Venice Beach Shark Tooth Hunt
Venice, Florida
💰 Free
Venice is the 'Shark Tooth Capital of the World.' Collect fossilized shark teeth, including megalodon teeth, along the beach.
Peace River Fossil Dig
Arcadia, Florida
💰 $15-$35
Sift for fossils in the Peace River. Find megalodon shark teeth, mammoth teeth, and ancient mammal fossils from the Pliocene era.
Coral Castle Gem Shop
Homestead, Florida
💰 $5-$20
Gem panning for Florida's state stone — agatized coral. Find coral fossils, chalcedony, and quartz in the limestone bedrock of South Florida.
Free Rockhounding Locations in Florida
Public and permitted sites where you can hunt for gems and minerals.
Venice Beach
Venice, Florida
The 'Shark Tooth Capital of the World.' Collect fossilized shark teeth, including megalodon teeth, along Venice beaches.
Peace River
Arcadia, Florida
Sift for fossils in the Peace River. Find megalodon shark teeth, mammoth teeth, and other Pleistocene-era mammal fossils.
Suwannee River
Live Oak, Florida
Collect agatized coral — Florida's state stone — and chalcedony from the Suwannee River gravel bars. Ancient coral reefs turned to stone.
Dig Permits & Regulations in Florida
What you need to know before you dig — rules vary by land type.
Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission - Public Waterways
Fossil collecting including shark teeth is allowed in many Florida rivers and on public beaches. Venice Beach and the Peace River are popular sites.
Florida State Parks
Collection of fossils, rocks, and minerals is prohibited in Florida State Parks. Florida is well-known for shark teeth and marine fossils.
Gem Shows & Events in Florida
Upcoming gem shows, swap meets, and rockhounding events.
GLW Orlando Gem Show
Osceola Heritage Park, Kissimmee
📅 October 30, 2026 – October 31
Large marketplace featuring mineral specimens, loose gemstones, jewelry designers, and lapidary suppliers.
Rockhounding in Florida — FAQ
Where can I go rockhounding in Florida?
Florida has 3 documented free dig sites and 3 pay-to-dig mines in our database. Use the interactive map to find exact coordinates.
What gems can you find in Florida?
Common finds in Florida include Shark Teeth, Megalodon Teeth, Coral, Fossils, Coral Fossils, Agatized Coral. Results vary by site and season.
Do you need a permit to rockhound in Florida?
Many areas in Florida allow casual collecting without a permit. Always verify with the land management agency before you dig.
What tools do I need for rockhounding in Florida?
Bring a rock hammer, chisels, safety glasses, gloves, and sturdy boots. A field guide and the We Lick Rocks AI rock identifier app are also great to have on hand.