{"id":2779,"date":"2021-03-07T10:12:18","date_gmt":"2021-03-07T16:12:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/?p=2779"},"modified":"2024-02-22T06:18:42","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T12:18:42","slug":"florida-rockhounding-locations-map","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/florida-rockhounding-locations-map\/","title":{"rendered":"Florida Rockhounding Location Guide &#038; Map"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:71.777777777778%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p>Florida is an exciting state for rockhounding, highlighted by unique specimens and a wide distribution of prospective rockhounding sites. The geology of the state is characterized by very flat coastal plains in the south and rolling hills to the north. While not particularly known for its rockhounding, Florida nevertheless contains many interesting rocks, minerals, and (most notably) fossils for rockhounds who know where to look.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The best places to rockhound in Florida are the beaches along the Gulf Coast, the banks and tributaries of the Suwannee River, mines near the Georgia border, and the many quarries spread across the state. The Gulf Coast beaches of Central Florida are especially popular rockhounding destinations.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&rsquo;ll give more comprehensive lists of rockhounding locations later in this article, but if you&rsquo;re just looking for the best sites in the state I&rsquo;ve compiled them for you here. Here are the top 10 rockhounding locations in Florida:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Location<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B020'35.3%22N+82%C2%B047'53.7%22W\/@30.3431453,-82.7993482,480m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.3431425!4d-82.7982362\" target=\"_blank\">Suwannee River<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agatized Coral Heads<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B052'10.5%22N+81%C2%B016'06.5%22W\/@29.8802667,-81.3006424,54118m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88e5e1b81a0b1fb3:0xf1343f567aacb344!2sSt+Johns+County,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d29.9719419!4d-81.4278984!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.8695918!4d-81.268463\" target=\"_blank\">St. Johns County beaches<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Coquina<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/27%C2%B053'20.1%22N+82%C2%B028'51.0%22W\/@27.8889102,-82.4813929,242m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c2c4b8dcd31c5d:0xe5dcc4196bd971c5!2sDavis+Islands!3b1!8m2!3d27.921967!4d-82.45565!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d27.8889089!4d-82.4808441\" target=\"_blank\">Ballast Point, Tampa<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agatized coral heads, Geodes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/27%C2%B053'10.2%22N+82%C2%B028'51.0%22W\/@27.88617,-82.4817549,408m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c2dceec96c68ab:0xda7f18d45f7d983!2sInterbay+Blvd,+Tampa,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d27.8755076!4d-82.5018874!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d27.8861679!4d-82.4808312\" target=\"_blank\">Tampa, shores at low tide<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agatized coral, Coral, Chalcedony, Enhydros, Fossilized shells<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/26%C2%B055'27.1%22N+82%C2%B021'41.2%22W\/@26.9241984,-82.3625436,490m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c4a84fc2473d23:0xa06145861d65ffb2!2sEnglewood+Beach!3b1!8m2!3d26.9245917!4d-82.3617167!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d26.9241962!4d-82.361444\" target=\"_blank\">Englewood Beach<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fossilized coral, Shark teeth, Sponges, Manatee bones, etc.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B003'59.8%22N+82%C2%B050'01.9%22W\/@28.0666157,-82.836067,967m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c2f10dc5a12b61:0xcfa7bd97734810f5!2sDunedin,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d28.0197404!4d-82.7717684!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.066611!4d-82.8338733\" target=\"_blank\">Dunedin<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Geodes (coral geodes)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B001'55.5%22N+82%C2%B022'51.9%22W\/@28.0320923,-82.3826267,682m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c2c899dcc4a3ef:0x25eed22c61e146d0!2sHillsborough+River!3b1!8m2!3d28.0380496!4d-82.3742722!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.0320895!4d-82.3810807\" target=\"_blank\">Hillsborough River<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Brain coral, Finger coral, Agate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B049'44.9%22N+85%C2%B024'06.6%22W\/@30.8291306,-85.404016,941m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x889306a2d555e379:0x329f2609e75cbade!2sCottondale,+FL+32431!3b1!8m2!3d30.7971363!4d-85.3765965!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.8291261!4d-85.4018218\" target=\"_blank\">Cottondale<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Chert (red fossiliferous chert)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B041'19.1%22N+84%C2%B026'05.6%22W\/@30.6886339,-84.4367335,796m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1smine!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.6886299!4d-84.4348823\" target=\"_blank\">Mines along Georgia border<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Silicified wood, Fossils<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B033'07.2%22N+81%C2%B043'03.1%22W\/@29.5519986,-81.7197232,953m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88e669dce9f9ba45:0x822a37861c47f54f!2sCross+Florida+Barge+Canal!3b1!8m2!3d29.5372217!4d-81.7481529!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.5519941!4d-81.7175323\" target=\"_blank\">Cross Florida Barge Canal<\/a><\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Fossils, Silicified coral<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Best Rockhounding Sites in Florida<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>A wide variety of rocks, minerals, and gemstones can be found in Florida including agatized coral, calcite, silicified wood, chert, flint, chalcedony, and geodes. Florida beaches are also famous for producing shark teeth, fossilized coral, and manatee bones.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-1 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table aligncenter is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Symbols<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\"><\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Mineral<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">&mdash;<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Rock<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agatized Coral<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Gemstone<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Moonstone<\/td><\/tr><tr><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">State Fossil<\/td><td class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Agatized Coral<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Florida: <a href=\"https:\/\/statesymbolsusa.org\/states\/united-states\/florida\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Source<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"646\" src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012-1.jpg\" alt=\"Moonstone\" class=\"wp-image-2781\" srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012-1-300x215.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012-1-768x551.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012-1-600x431.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"900\" height=\"646\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20900%20646'%3E%3Crect%20width='900'%20height='646'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"Moonstone\" class=\"wp-image-2781 eager-load\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012-1.jpg\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012-1.jpg 900w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012-1-300x215.jpg 300w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012-1-768x551.jpg 768w, https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012-1-600x431.jpg 600w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Moonstone<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>If you&rsquo;ve already found a rock and you&rsquo;re not sure what it is, I would highly recommend checking out my <a href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/practical-rock-identification\/\">Practical Rock Identification System<\/a>.<\/strong> This bundle of information includes a book, videos, and online tools. It is, simply put, the most comprehensive and easy-to-understand rock identification system you&rsquo;ll find anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can also read through my free <a href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/how-to-identify-your-rocks-full-guide-with-helpful-tools\/\"><strong>rock identification guide<\/strong><\/a> and <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/how-to-identify-minerals-a-helpful-guide-with-pictures\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>mineral identification guide<\/strong><\/a> which are filled with useful information and tools. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through quite a bit of research and cross-referencing of available literature, I have compiled this list of some prospective locations in Florida which I would recommend to people looking to do some rockhounding. These are mostly comprised of beaches, old mining prospects, streams, and historically known rock and mineral collecting sites. For additional reading, I&rsquo;d highly recommend these books you can find on Amazon:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-layout-2 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:66.66%\">\n<ul>\n<li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3sYxhNN\" target=\"_blank\">Southeast Treasure Hunter&rsquo;s Gem &amp; Mineral Guide<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/30jQxZW\" target=\"_blank\">Earth Treasures: The Southeastern Quadrant<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/2NXV5CV\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Rock and Gem: The Definitive Guide to Rocks, Minerals, Gemstones, and Fossils<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3bih545\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>Basic Rockhounding &amp; Prospecting<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Please remember that rock collecting locations are constantly changing. Specimens may become depleted from other collectors, the location may have been built on or altered, locality information in literature may be inaccurate, and property ownership may have changed hands. Though there are many locations listed here, this list is far from exhaustive. A location&rsquo;s listing here is not a guarantee of accuracy. <strong>Be safe, never go underground, and make sure to get permission from the landowner to search for and collect specimens.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&rsquo;re planning on heading to the field, <strong>make sure you have all the gear you&rsquo;ll need!<\/strong> To get started, you can <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/best-rockhounding-gear-my-picks\/\" target=\"_blank\">check out my recommended gear page<\/a><\/strong> which contains my full reviews for <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/best-rockhounding-gear-my-picks\/rock-hammers-picks\/\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>every <\/strong><\/a><strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/35OBHxJ\" target=\"_blank\">Geologist&rsquo;s <\/a><\/strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3nSlxcV\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>favorite rock hammer<\/strong><\/a> and the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3bLx6jC\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>best hiking backpack I&rsquo;ve ever owned<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Rockhounding Locations in Florida<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Important Disclaimer: <\/strong>I have not been to these locations myself, and I do not know if they are currently open for collecting. Use this resource as a guide to get you started. Follow posted signage and always get permission from the landowner to collect.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=12IVQpYBXXlNqTAMexhJb11G4uHc539H8\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p>NOTE: All the locations listed in these tables are clickable, and will take you to the location on Google Maps.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>For ease of discussion, I&rsquo;ll break the rockhounding locations up into four parts of the state. Please see the map below for reference.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter is-resized\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bebr.ufl.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/articles\/201712\/figures\/figure2_sized.png\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:-227px;height:-196px\"><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.bebr.ufl.edu\/sites\/default\/files\/images\/articles\/201712\/figures\/figure2_sized.png\" alt=\"\" style=\"width:-227px;height:-196px\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bebr.ufl.edu\/population\/website-article\/domestic-migration-florida-during-and-after-great-recession\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Source<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Florida Panhandle<\/strong> Rockhounding Locations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1Fwy-eiHehHGJ5yrGfhpuxJYKcdi3Pp1J\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best places to rockhound in the Florida panhandle are the old mines along the Georgia border, quarries in Jackson County, and the stream banks and rocky exposures near Washington County. Most of these rockhounding locations contain chert, flint, and fossils, with some calcite and silicified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Location<\/strong><\/th><th>Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B041'19.1%22N+84%C2%B026'05.6%22W\/@30.6886339,-84.4367335,796m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1smine!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.6886299!4d-84.4348823\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mines along FL\/GA line, in sandy strata<\/a><\/td><td>Silicified wood, Fossils<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B040'35.7%22N+84%C2%B033'23.6%22W\/@30.6765896,-84.55876,943m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88ece843e2c6ffcf:0x980622610a532a43!2sQuincy,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d30.5880468!4d-84.591058!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.6765854!4d-84.5565657\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Quincy, mines to the N<\/a><\/td><td>Silicified wood, Fossils<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B048'18.3%22N+85%C2%B015'32.7%22W\/@30.8050743,-85.260646,668m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1squarry!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.8050705!4d-85.2590886\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jackson County, area quarries<\/a><\/td><td>Fossils, Chert<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B049'44.9%22N+85%C2%B024'06.6%22W\/@30.8291306,-85.404016,941m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x889306a2d555e379:0x329f2609e75cbade!2sCottondale,+FL+32431!3b1!8m2!3d30.7971363!4d-85.3765965!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.8291261!4d-85.4018218\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cottondale, area streams and creek beds<\/a><\/td><td>Chert (red fossiliferous chert)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B033'49.9%22N+85%C2%B037'51.1%22W\/@30.5638606,-85.633048,944m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x8893bc9a4f80c255:0xf367bc24b3383a1a!2sWashington+County,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d30.548737!4d-85.684578!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.5638564!4d-85.6308539\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Washington County, area stream banks, road cuts, quarries,  etc.<\/a><\/td><td>Chert, Flint<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B046'46.3%22N+85%C2%B032'18.4%22W\/@30.7795436,-85.540624,942m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x889306ad77fdaccd:0x581c30fe88f28049!2sFalling+Water!3b1!8m2!3d30.7243601!4d-85.5296513!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.7795395!4d-85.53843\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chipley, area limestone exposures, road cuts, etc.<\/a><\/td><td>Calcite, Chalk, Chert, Calcite<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Northern Florida <\/strong>Rockhounding Locations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1ynFy-7jVmKUgSSxaeb-ebi3MrU3Li23h\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best place to rockhound in northern Florida is along the banks and tributaries of the Suwannee River, where fossils and agatized coral heads can be found in abundance. Other rockhounding locations include the area&rsquo;s many quarries and mines, as well as the beaches of St. John&rsquo;s County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Location<\/strong><\/th><th>Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B014'56.8%22N+82%C2%B008'58.8%22W\/@29.2491033,-82.1512034,676m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1squarry!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.2490999!4d-82.1496544\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Marion County, regional limonite quarries, road cuts, &amp; exposures<\/a><\/td><td>Chert (gemmy chert), Fossilized ivory<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B040'28.2%22N+82%C2%B033'45.5%22W\/@29.6745156,-82.564834,953m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1squarry!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.674511!4d-82.5626395\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Alachua County, regional limonite quarries, road cuts, &amp; exposures<\/a><\/td><td>Chert (gemmy chert), Fossilized ivory<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B046'03.4%22N+82%C2%B002'49.8%22W\/@28.7676007,-82.049353,961m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1squarry!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.7675956!4d-82.0471589\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sumter County, regional limonite quarries, road cuts, &amp; exposures<\/a><\/td><td>Chert (gemmy chert), Fossilized ivory<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B003'10.9%22N+82%C2%B003'04.6%22W\/@30.0530333,-82.0528241,669m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88e5fc119f21f4a7:0xf12b00743e7c4880!2sLawtey,+FL+32058!3b1!8m2!3d30.0441284!4d-82.0717733!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.05303!4d-82.0512782\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Lawtey, at the Highland Mine<\/a><\/td><td>Kyanite, Zircon, Ilmenite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/South+Jacksonville,+Jacksonville,+FL+32207\/@30.3167196,-81.682804,12728m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m5!3m4!1s0x88e5b6fe417f47bb:0x280a389bdb744006!8m2!3d30.3110729!4d-81.6456503\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South Jacksonville, the Skinner Mine<\/a><\/td><td>Ilmenite, Rutile, Zircon<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B026'19.5%22N+82%C2%B051'46.2%22W\/@30.4387616,-82.865029,945m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.4387573!4d-82.8628347\" target=\"_blank\">Jaspe<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B026'19.5%22N+82%C2%B051'46.2%22W\/@30.4387616,-82.865029,945m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.4387573!4d-82.8628347\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">r<\/a><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B026'19.5%22N+82%C2%B051'46.2%22W\/@30.4387616,-82.865029,945m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.4387573!4d-82.8628347\" target=\"_blank\">, area phosphate pits<\/a><\/td><td>Gem coral (agatized coral)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B019'55.1%22N+82%C2%B045'50.4%22W\/@30.3319826,-82.766185,946m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!1m6!3m5!1s0x8861040ea0a95cc3:0x63a56ed2beca25db!2sStephen+Foster+Folk+Culture+Center+State+Park!8m2!3d30.3318789!4d-82.7629737!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.3319776!4d-82.7639914\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stephen Foster State Park, area<\/a><\/td><td>Agatized coral heads<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/30%C2%B020'35.3%22N+82%C2%B047'53.7%22W\/@30.3431453,-82.7993482,480m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d30.3431425!4d-82.7982362\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Suwannee River &amp; tributaries, in banks<\/a><\/td><td>Agatized coral heads<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B033'07.2%22N+81%C2%B043'03.1%22W\/@29.5519986,-81.7197232,953m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88e669dce9f9ba45:0x822a37861c47f54f!2sCross+Florida+Barge+Canal!3b1!8m2!3d29.5372217!4d-81.7481529!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.5519941!4d-81.7175323\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Cross Florida Barge Canal, in banks<\/a><\/td><td>Fossils, Silicified coral<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B059'33.2%22N+82%C2%B057'45.6%22W\/@29.9925566,-82.964853,950m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88e92e3bc6489671:0x84c5163b6e721d42!2sSuwannee+River!3b1!8m2!3d29.9577737!4d-82.9306106!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.992552!4d-82.9626594\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Suwannee River banks, in Levy, Lafayette, Gilchrist, and Suwannee Counties<\/a><\/td><td>Silicified coral<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/29%C2%B052'10.5%22N+81%C2%B016'06.5%22W\/@29.8802667,-81.3006424,54118m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88e5e1b81a0b1fb3:0xf1343f567aacb344!2sSt+Johns+County,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d29.9719419!4d-81.4278984!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d29.8695918!4d-81.268463\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">St. Johns County, area beaches and quarries<\/a><\/td><td>Coquina<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Central Florida Rockhounding Locations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1uBLPIi-f3fLiKXY3hxdoPq_9CdMAOZxo\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The best rockhounding locations in central Florida include the Gulf beaches from Ft. Myers to Crystal River, the shorelines around Tampa, the banks of the Hillsborough River, and the many quarries in the region. Rockhounds can find many specimens including agatized coral, geodes, and chalcedony.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Location<\/strong><\/th><th>Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B049'08.7%22N+82%C2%B028'55.8%22W\/@28.8190867,-82.484371,961m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1squarry!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.8190817!4d-82.4821768\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bradford County, area quarries, road cuts, exposures, etc.<\/a><\/td><td>Chert, Fossilized ivory<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B057'51.1%22N+82%C2%B038'06.6%22W\/@28.9642087,-82.637348,959m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1squarry!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.9642044!4d-82.6351541\" target=\"_blank\">Crystal River, in<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B057'51.1%22N+82%C2%B038'06.6%22W\/@28.9642087,-82.637348,959m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1squarry!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.9642044!4d-82.6351541\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B057'51.1%22N+82%C2%B038'06.6%22W\/@28.9642087,-82.637348,959m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1squarry!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.9642044!4d-82.6351541\" target=\"_blank\">area limestone quarry seams<\/a><\/td><td>Calcite crystals (clear, yellow), Quartz (drusy), Chert, Fossils<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B034'28.2%22N+82%C2%B025'31.6%22W\/@28.5797286,-82.4493064,9686m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88e7fbe128486f61:0xda5b5145139188ff!2sHernando+County,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d28.5578826!4d-82.4752757!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.5745042!4d-82.4254546\" target=\"_blank\">Brooksville<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B034'28.2%22N+82%C2%B025'31.6%22W\/@28.5797286,-82.4493064,9686m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88e7fbe128486f61:0xda5b5145139188ff!2sHernando+County,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d28.5578826!4d-82.4752757!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.5745042!4d-82.4254546\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">,<\/a><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B034'28.2%22N+82%C2%B025'31.6%22W\/@28.5797286,-82.4493064,9686m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88e7fbe128486f61:0xda5b5145139188ff!2sHernando+County,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d28.5578826!4d-82.4752757!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.5745042!4d-82.4254546\" target=\"_blank\"> area quarries, exposures, road cuts, etc.<\/a><\/td><td>Calcite crystals, Geodes (echinoid geodes), Silicified coral heads (golden calcite)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/27%C2%B053'20.1%22N+82%C2%B028'51.0%22W\/@27.8889102,-82.4813929,242m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c2c4b8dcd31c5d:0xe5dcc4196bd971c5!2sDavis+Islands!3b1!8m2!3d27.921967!4d-82.45565!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d27.8889089!4d-82.4808441\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tampa, at Ballast Point and David Island<\/a><\/td><td>Agatized coral heads, Geodes (carnelian red)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/27%C2%B053'10.2%22N+82%C2%B028'51.0%22W\/@27.88617,-82.4817549,408m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c2dceec96c68ab:0xda7f18d45f7d983!2sInterbay+Blvd,+Tampa,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d27.8755076!4d-82.5018874!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d27.8861679!4d-82.4808312\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Tampa, area shores at low tide<\/a><\/td><td>Agatized coral, Coral, Chalcedony, Enhydros, Fossilized shells<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B001'55.5%22N+82%C2%B022'51.9%22W\/@28.0320923,-82.3826267,682m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c2c899dcc4a3ef:0x25eed22c61e146d0!2sHillsborough+River!3b1!8m2!3d28.0380496!4d-82.3742722!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.0320895!4d-82.3810807\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hillsborough River, in banks and gravels<\/a><\/td><td>Brain coral, Finger coral, Agate<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/27%C2%B007'22.4%22N+82%C2%B028'16.1%22W\/@27.3805106,-84.0943624,612769m\/data=!3m1!1e3!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c28cfd6f0942df:0xf4297f0ce0bf24b7!2sTarpon+Springs,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d28.1461248!4d-82.7567679!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d27.1228858!4d-82.4711293\" target=\"_blank\">Gulf beaches, esp. from Tarpon Springs to Ft. Myers<\/a><\/td><td>Fossilized coral, Shark teeth, Sponges, Manatee bones, etc.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/26%C2%B055'27.1%22N+82%C2%B021'41.2%22W\/@26.9241984,-82.3625436,490m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c4a84fc2473d23:0xa06145861d65ffb2!2sEnglewood+Beach!3b1!8m2!3d26.9245917!4d-82.3617167!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d26.9241962!4d-82.361444\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Englewood Beach<\/a><\/td><td>Fossilized coral, Shark teeth, Sponges, Manatee bones, etc.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B021'52.4%22N+82%C2%B027'20.0%22W\/@28.3645637,-82.457752,965m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m9!1m2!2m1!1sWithlacoochee+River+tampa!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.3645594!4d-82.4555577\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pasco County, area W of Dade City in banks of rivers and streams<\/a><\/td><td>Silicified Coral<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B014'01.6%22N+82%C2%B044'52.3%22W\/@28.2337937,-82.750063,966m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c28e3aa87d7083:0x8f9f907e556c3c12!2sFlor-a-mar,+New+Port+Richey,+FL+34652!3b1!8m2!3d28.2316271!4d-82.7522446!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.233789!4d-82.7478691\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Flor-a-Mar, in dredger tailings<\/a><\/td><td>Agatized coral, Chalcedony<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B003'28.0%22N+82%C2%B048'31.9%22W\/@28.0577862,-82.8094165,242m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c2f3997340ba91:0xe0635e1b6d990fae!2sCauseway+Blvd,+Dunedin,+FL+34698!3b1!8m2!3d28.0550051!4d-82.8053978!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.0577846!4d-82.8088676\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Banks of the Caledesi Causeway<\/a><\/td><td>Chalcedony (roses, deep blue, black), <\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B003'59.8%22N+82%C2%B050'01.9%22W\/@28.0666157,-82.836067,967m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c2f10dc5a12b61:0xcfa7bd97734810f5!2sDunedin,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d28.0197404!4d-82.7717684!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.066611!4d-82.8338733\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dunedin, W end<\/a><\/td><td>Geodes (coral geodes)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/27%C2%B046'26.5%22N+82%C2%B046'45.3%22W\/@27.7740367,-82.781444,970m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c2f10dc5a12b61:0xcfa7bd97734810f5!2sDunedin,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d28.0197404!4d-82.7717684!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d27.7740316!4d-82.7792501\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pinellas &amp; Hillsborough Counties, Gulf beaches<\/a><\/td><td>Agate, Carnelian, Chalcedony, Chert, Fossilized coral<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/27%C2%B054'41.8%22N+81%C2%B030'24.1%22W\/@27.9116097,-81.508895,969m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88dd6ac339a94f0f:0x38be38b0aeedeb98!2sPolk+County,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d27.8617347!4d-81.6911559!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d27.9116051!4d-81.5067014\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Polk County, area quarries, pits, etc.<\/a><\/td><td>Fossils, Gypsum, Petrified wood, Uranium minerals, Vivianite<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/28%C2%B007'24.7%22N+81%C2%B053'12.7%22W\/@28.1235437,-81.889056,967m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88dd38b2df0f0007:0x29d1320fb8a2d508!2sLakeland,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d28.0394654!4d-81.9498042!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d28.1235394!4d-81.886862\" target=\"_blank\">Lakeland, 7 mi. NE, are<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/proof-of-content-ownership\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a<\/a><\/td><td>Chalcedony, Silicified coral<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Southern Florida Rockhounding Locations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1czxmcT3gN3Ng7tpNKzDDVQ7047UZcJFp\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Southern Florida isn&rsquo;t well regarded for its rockhounding, but nevertheless there are some productive sites to be found. The best rockhounding locations in southern Florida include the Gulf beaches extending south from Ft. Myers, canal cuts in Key Largo, and Blowing Rocks Preserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table is-style-stripes\"><table class=\"has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7f5fe\"><thead><tr><th><strong>Location<\/strong><\/th><th>Rocks &amp; Minerals<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/26%C2%B023'44.9%22N+81%C2%B050'22.3%22W\/@26.3958122,-81.8409923,656m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88db6e548577bbe3:0x29b605cd861f5f40!2sLee+County,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d26.6630286!4d-81.9534815!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d26.3958092!4d-81.8395269\" target=\"_blank\">Fort Myers Beach, deposits around Estero Bay<\/a><\/td><td>Ocher (several varieties)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/25%C2%B056'28.0%22N+81%C2%B044'25.0%22W\/@25.9411158,-81.742474,986m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88c4a84fc2473d23:0xa06145861d65ffb2!2sEnglewood+Beach!3b1!8m2!3d26.9245917!4d-82.3617167!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d25.9411113!4d-81.7402804\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Gulf beaches, area<\/a><\/td><td>Fossilized coral, Shark teeth, Sponges, Manatee bones, etc.<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/25%C2%B006'36.3%22N+80%C2%B025'22.2%22W\/@25.1100979,-80.4241478,590m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88d766727a90e243:0xaa2af371cd62bfc5!2sKey+Largo,+FL+33037!3b1!8m2!3d25.0865151!4d-80.4472802!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d25.110095!4d-80.4228441\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Key Largo, area canal cuts &amp; exposures<\/a><\/td><td>Fossilized coral heads<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/25%C2%B042'11.7%22N+80%C2%B029'27.3%22W\/@25.7032598,-80.493118,988m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m14!1m7!3m6!1s0x88d9b78e141efa21:0x511093dc4495a9d6!2sCoral+Gables,+FL!3b1!8m2!3d25.7491968!4d-80.2635411!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d25.7032551!4d-80.4909244\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Miami, in quarries W of the city<\/a><\/td><td>Limestone (oolitic limestone)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/place\/26%C2%B059'02.1%22N+80%C2%B005'14.5%22W\/@26.983921,-80.0891854,815m\/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m13!1m6!3m5!1s0x88df283a5c42e425:0x74f5ccc2a45b94a7!2sThe+Nature+Conservancy+Blowing+Rocks+Preserve!8m2!3d26.9785226!4d-80.0844811!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d26.9839167!4d-80.0873562\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Blowing Rocks Preserve<\/a><\/td><td>Coquina<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to Find Crystals in Florida<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to Florida&rsquo;s regional geology, there are few locations where high-quality crystal specimens can be found. However, some calcite and quartz crystals can be found near Crystal River and Brooksville in local quarries. Seams and vugs in limestone exposures are the best places to search for crystals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\"><p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> Check out my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/how-to-tumble-rocks-get-great-results-every-time\/\">Complete Rock Tumbling Guide<\/a><\/strong> to make your rocks and gemstones really shine!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to Find Shark Teeth in Florida<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The best places to collect shark teeth in Florida are the Gulf Coast beaches between Tarpon Springs and Ft. Myers. Experts say that the most popular destinations for shark teeth collecting are Englewood beach, Casey Key, and Manasota Key just south of Venice, FL.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3qpRJWq\" target=\"_blank\">You can also buy shark teeth on Amazon.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Where to Find Geodes in Florida<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are several places in Florida where geodes are found. The best locations include the west side of Dunedin, Ballast Point in Tampa, and the limestone quarries around Brooksville. These geodes are usually created in coral and are sometimes lined in beautiful carnelian red.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote\">\n<p><strong>Tip:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/3c7PPo5\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">You can also buy your very own geodes on Amazon.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Florida Rockhounding Laws &amp; Regulations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the most common questions rockhounds have is whether or not they are allowed to collect at a certain location. <strong>It is the responsibility of each rockhound to obtain permission from a landowner to search and\/or collect on a piece of property. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The ownership and status of land can and does change frequently, making it impossible to document accurate information on this page. However, I have compiled a list of resources here so that you may investigate and obtain permission for any locations (found here or elsewhere) for yourself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Public Land Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I have written entire articles which cover the rockhounding laws and regulations for nearly every type of public land you can think of. I encourage you to check them out if you are curious about the legalities of rock and mineral collecting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/rock-collecting-on-public-land-laws-rules-and-etiquette\/\" target=\"_blank\">Rockhounding on Public Land: Laws and Regulations<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/can-you-collect-rocks-in-state-parks-all-50-states-answered\/\" target=\"_blank\">Can You Collect Rocks in State Parks? All 50 States Answered<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To determine what type of public land a particular location is on, I would recommend starting with the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/geodata.dep.state.fl.us\/datasets\/060b916f20414c8f8e6996e4e3740cdd_0\" target=\"_blank\">Florida Department of Environmental Protection&rsquo;s State Land Records Map<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the state of Florida, it is illegal to collect rocks or fossils in a state park, and as in any state, it is illegal to collect anything in a National Park. It&rsquo;s also worth noting that if you find any vertebrate fossils (aside from shark teeth) it is illegal to collect them anywhere in the state without a permit. <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.floridamuseum.ufl.edu\/vertpaleo\/amateur-collector\/fossil-permit\/\" target=\"_blank\">You can obtain a fossil collecting permit here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Private Land Resources<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As with most states, each county in Florida will have records of who owns each piece of property. Unfortunately for rockhounds, the law in most states prohibits them from publishing their names or contact information online. You can get the landowner&rsquo;s name and address by visiting the county records office. In Florida, I would recommend starting with the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.flclerks.com\/page\/FindaClerk\" target=\"_blank\">County Clerk&rsquo;s office<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sources &amp; Further Reading<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The locations and information contained in this article are primarily derived from academic papers, online resources, and other outside sources. If you would like to read some of the source material for yourself I have listed them below. The majority of these locations are my interpretation of Robert Beste&rsquo;s <em>A Location Guide for Rock Hounds in the United States<\/em>. Other sources include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/mindat.com\" target=\"_blank\">mindat.com<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/floridadep.gov\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Florida Department of Environmental Protection<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/floridadep.gov\/fgs\" target=\"_blank\">Florida Geological Survey<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Florida is an exciting state for rockhounding, highlighted by unique specimens and a wide distribution of prospective rockhounding sites. The geology of the state is characterized by very flat coastal plains in the south and rolling hills to the north. While not particularly known for its rockhounding, Florida nevertheless contains many interesting rocks, minerals, and &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2782,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[19],"tags":[],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",400,287,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012-300x215.jpg",300,215,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",400,287,false],"large":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",400,287,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",400,287,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",400,287,false],"mv_trellis_1x1":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",400,287,false],"mv_trellis_3x4":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",400,287,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_high_res":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",400,287,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_med_res":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",360,258,false],"mv_trellis_3x4_low_res":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",240,172,false],"mv_trellis_4x3":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",400,287,false],"mv_trellis_16x9":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",400,287,false],"mv_trellis_srcset-960":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",400,287,false],"mv_trellis_srcset-1080":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",400,287,false],"1200x1200":["https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/rsz_1rsz_dreamstime_xxl_170798012.jpg",400,287,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Mike Rhea","author_link":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/author\/mikerhea22gmail-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"Florida is an exciting state for rockhounding, highlighted by unique specimens and a wide distribution of prospective rockhounding sites. The geology of the state is characterized by very flat coastal plains in the south and rolling hills to the north. While not particularly known for its rockhounding, Florida nevertheless contains many interesting rocks, minerals, and&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2779"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2779"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2779\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7167,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2779\/revisions\/7167"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2782"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2779"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2779"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rockhoundresource.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2779"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}