Florida is a major player in the U.S. watermelon production landscape, accounting for approximately 30% of the national supply. The state's climatic conditions—high temperatures, extended growing seasons, and ample sunlight- favor watermelon cultivation throughout Florida, particularly in northern regions such as Levy, Gilchrist, Marion, and Alachua counties. While the industry emphasizes seedless varieties like Captivation and Joy Ride, seeded types such as Estrella and Stargazer are also cultivated.
The Sunshine State's unique weather pattern supports watermelon availability between December and April, offering a distinct market advantage. Watermelons make up around 13% of Florida's fruit and vegetable production, with 10,520 hectares (approximately 26,000 acres) yielding 9,123.5 cwt and valued at $198,295,000 based on 2024 data.
In recent years, watermelon production has declined, with a reduction of about 1,215 hectares (3,000 acres) since 2022 and a drop in value exceeding $33 million. This decline is linked to development pressures, pest issues, and hurricane damage. Nevertheless, sources such as Central Florida Ag News report that growers remain optimistic about the 2025 season's outlook, despite the absence of finalized data.
Despite these challenges, Florida watermelon continues to hold economic importance and remains readily available, enabling growers to consistently meet market demand.
Source: AgNews
