How Many Golf Courses Are in Florida? (2025 Data)

By Sarah Miller · April 6, 2052

There are approximately 1,150 golf courses in Florida, making it the state with the most golf facilities in the United States. This includes public, private, resort, and semi-private courses spread across urban and coastal regions.

Why Florida Has the Most Golf Courses in the U.S.

Florida's climate, geography, and culture make it a premier destination for golf enthusiasts year-round. The warm weather, flat terrain, and high retiree population have all contributed to the proliferation of golf communities and courses throughout the state.

Key Factors Driving Golf Course Density

Year-Round Playability: Mild winters allow for uninterrupted golf seasons.
Tourism and Resorts: Major tourist destinations integrate golf into leisure offerings.
Retirement Communities: Age-restricted developments like The Villages include multiple courses.
Real Estate Development: Master-planned communities often feature signature golf courses.
Golf Culture: Deep-rooted tradition attracts professional events and amateur players alike.

Types of Golf Courses in Florida

Golf courses in Florida vary significantly in design, accessibility, and target audience. Understanding the categories helps players choose the right experience.

Public Courses

Open to all players, these courses are typically managed by municipalities or private operators. They offer affordable access and are ideal for casual golfers and tourists.

Private Clubs

Membership-based facilities offering premium amenities, exclusivity, and higher maintenance standards. Often associated with country clubs.

Resort Courses

Attached to hotels and resorts, these courses cater to vacationers and host tournaments. Examples include those at PGA National and Turnberry Isle.

Semi-Private and Daily Fee Courses

Offer both membership options and walk-up play. These represent a large portion of Florida’s course inventory.

Distribution of Golf Courses Across Florida Regions

The concentration of golf courses varies by region, reflecting population density, tourism hubs, and land availability.

Region	Number of Courses	Notable Cities	Course Density (per 1M people)
Southeast (Palm Beach, Broward, Miami-Dade)	387	West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami	42
Central (Orlando, Daytona, The Villages)	295	Orlando, Daytona Beach, Leesburg	38
West Coast (Tampa, Sarasota, Naples)	203	Tampa, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Naples	45
Northeast (Jacksonville, St. Augustine)	86	Jacksonville, St. Augustine	33
Northwest (Panhandle)	52	Tallahassee, Pensacola	28
Central East (Brevard County)	45	Melbourne, Cocoa Beach	36
Total	1,068	-	-

Table data source:1, 2, 3

The Southeast region leads in total course count due to high population and tourism demand. The West Coast shows the highest course density per capita, indicating strong local engagement. Central Florida benefits from retirement communities like The Villages, which alone operates over 60 championship holes.

Prominent Golf Destinations in Florida

Several areas stand out as top-tier golf destinations, attracting professionals and amateurs alike.

The Villages: One of the largest master-planned retirement communities with an extensive internal golf network.
Palm Beach Gardens: Known as the "Golf Capital of the World," home to PGA of America headquarters and PGA National Resort.
Naples: Features luxury private clubs such as Tiburón Golf Club and The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort.
Orlando: Combines theme parks with world-class golf resorts like ChampionsGate and Walt Disney World® Golf.
Marco Island and Bonita Springs: Boast upscale coastal courses with scenic layouts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Golf Courses in Florida

How many golf courses are there in Florida?

As of 2025, Florida is home to approximately 1,150 golf courses, including public, private, resort, and semi-private facilities, ranking it first among U.S. states in total course count.

Which city in Florida has the most golf courses?

West Palm Beach and its surrounding suburbs in Palm Beach County have the highest concentration, with over 160 courses. Nearby Boca Raton and Delray Beach also contribute significantly to the region’s total.

What is the largest golf community in Florida?

The Villages is the largest golf-centric community in Florida, featuring more than 60 executive-style nine-hole courses and serving a primarily senior population with active lifestyle programming.

Are most golf courses in Florida public or private?

A majority of Florida’s golf courses are public or semi-private, offering daily fee access. However, the state also hosts numerous elite private clubs, especially along the Gulf Coast and in luxury resort areas.

Does Florida have any championship-level golf courses?

Yes, Florida hosts several PGA Tour venues, including TPC Sawgrass (home of THE PLAYERS Championship), PGA National (Honda Classic), and Innisbrook Resort (formerly home of the Valspar Championship).

Is golf declining in Florida?

No, golf remains vibrant in Florida. While some courses have closed due to development pressure, new ones continue to open, particularly within active adult communities and integrated resorts, maintaining steady overall numbers.