Florida water knowledge, open to everyone
The forecasts, charts, local knowledge and practical lessons behind a better Florida water day. Gathered in one free library, with a clear path to the original source.
Start with your day
The free resource library
Search by topic, activity or agency. Every entry explains what to use it for, so you can get from a question to the right source.
42 resources
Start with the forecast for your water, then compare it with nearby observations. Check the return trip as carefully as the departure.
Find your coastal or offshore forecast zone. Read wind, seas, thunderstorms and active marine warnings for the full outing window.
weather.govCompare forecast wind and waves with measured conditions. Check station distance, observation time and missing sensors.
ndbc.noaa.govExplore weather and ocean layers together. Read the layer timestamp and legend before comparing observations with forecasts.
nowcoast.noaa.govFollow official tropical outlooks and advisories. Check the published update time and local NWS marine guidance.
nhc.noaa.govLocal forecast discussions, hazardous weather outlooks and marine information for southeast and southwest Florida.
weather.govLocal marine forecasts and weather context for the Keys. Match the forecast area to the side of the islands you plan to use.
weather.govLearn why lightning, gusts and rapidly changing seas belong in your departure and shelter planning.
weather.govFind a place that fits your vessel and the whole group. Public information is free; parking, entry, camping and launch fees may still apply.
Find launch records and access information. Confirm current hours, trailer parking, ramp suitability and closures with the operator.
myfwc.comBrowse official trail guides and maps for Florida rivers and coastal routes. Review put-ins, take-outs, distance and access notes.
floridadep.govFind coastal parks, springs, swimming and paddling destinations. Read park alerts, accessibility details and reservation requirements.
floridastateparks.orgExplore district lands and water access, then check site notices, allowed activities and seasonal restrictions.
sfwmd.govPlan around official park access, weather, boating information and backcountry requirements. Check alerts before leaving.
nps.govStart with park information for boating, snorkeling and island visits. Verify access and services rather than assuming a mainland road reaches your destination.
nps.govUnderstand remote park access, camping, services and current alerts before arranging a private-boat visit.
nps.govRules depend on species, location, season and jurisdiction. Read the current agency guidance for the day and place you intend to fish.
Find recreational regulations, species information and current announcements. Check Atlantic versus Gulf and state versus federal waters.
myfwc.comExplore freshwater fishing information and waterbody-specific guidance before choosing a lake or river.
myfwc.comCheck license and permit requirements, exemptions and official purchase routes. Reading the guidance is free; licenses may cost money.
myfwc.comFind federal fishery information and announcements. Do not assume a state opening or limit also applies in federal waters.
fisheries.noaa.govWater clarity is not a water-quality test. Read the sample location and date, and check local advisories for the exact place you plan to enter.
Find beach sampling information and county resources. A past sample does not continuously measure today’s conditions.
floridahealth.govCheck the latest available red tide sampling and reporting. Read dates and coverage; unsampled water is not a confirmed all-clear.
myfwc.comExplore reported and sampled blooms. Check the sample date and result details rather than treating every marker as a current measurement.
floridadep.govLearn about rip currents and beach safety, then check local beach forecasts and lifeguard guidance before entering the surf.
weather.govFind beach forecast information for your coast. Follow local closures and beach patrol instructions at the actual beach.
weather.govBuild useful habits before the engine starts. Use agency references for equipment, education and operation requirements.
Check education requirements and approved course information. Course providers and certificate fees can differ; verify costs before enrolling.
myfwc.comRead state guidance on vessel operation, equipment, diver awareness and other boating requirements. Check current rules and posted local restrictions.
myfwc.comFind float-plan resources and vessel safety check information. Leave your plan with a reliable person ashore and agree when they should act if you are overdue.
uscgboating.orgWork through forecast terms and apply them to the place, activity and time you are considering.
gillby.com · free guideLearn why a high or low tide time alone does not tell you when an inlet’s current will be slack.
gillby.com · free guideThink through a shorter water window, shelter options and changing conditions before committing to an exposed route.
gillby.com · free guideUnderstand where you are before anchoring, fishing or approaching wildlife. Protected areas can have different rules within the same waterbody.
Check current sanctuary rules and zone information for your activity and exact location.
floridakeys.noaa.govLearn about the sanctuary buoy system and mooring guidance before visiting a reef. Check buoy suitability and posted use restrictions.
floridakeys.noaa.govFind manatee protection information and reporting guidance. Observe posted speed zones and watch for wildlife along the route.
myfwc.comExplore coastal education and research on fisheries, habitats, boating and Florida’s working waterfronts.
flseagrant.orgUse records to understand context. Keep station, units, datum and time window consistent, and retain gaps instead of inventing missing values.
Find archived station observations. Inspect station history and data availability before comparing months or years.
ndbc.noaa.govExplore station water levels and related products. Keep measured observations separate from astronomical predictions.
tidesandcurrents.noaa.govExplore available river and lake monitoring stations. Gauge height is not automatically the navigable depth along your route.
waterdata.usgs.govDownload our selected location index as CSV or JSON with source links. This is a place directory, not a forecast archive.
gillby.com · free guideA little knowledge goes a long way
Eight distinctions that make forecasts, maps and water reports more useful.
Forecast wind names the direction it comes from. “East wind” blows from the east. Think about exposure on every leg, including the ride home.
Height alone does not describe the ride. Period is the time between waves; shorter spacing can feel steeper and more uncomfortable. Look at direction too.
Tide describes rising and falling water level; current describes moving water. High or low tide does not establish slack current at your inlet.
Charted depths and predicted tides need compatible vertical references. Account for vessel draft, water-level uncertainty and a suitable margin; one station cannot certify a route.
A forecast estimates future conditions. A buoy or gauge measures at a specific place and time. Check both and understand the distance from your route.
A knot is one nautical mile per hour. Keep distance and speed units consistent when estimating travel time, and allow for slow zones, current and stops.
Conditions inside a bay can differ sharply from an inlet or offshore leg. Review the most exposed part of the route instead of judging the whole trip from the dock.
A sample describes a test at a particular location and time. An advisory or closure is issued by the responsible authority. Check both before choosing where to swim.
Save this before you go
Use this as a planning prompt alongside the equipment and operating requirements for your vessel and activity.
Gillby brings the starting points together; NOAA, NWS, FWC, DEP, park operators and local authorities publish the original forecasts, observations, rules and notices. Follow the linked source for current details. Resource access is free; permits, licenses, courses, entry, parking and services may carry fees.
This library covers coastal and inland Florida. Coverage and update frequency vary by provider. A resource link is not a live conditions report, and an absent warning or sample does not establish that a location is safe.
Have a useful official resource or a correction? Help improve the library.
Explore the Florida water guide for coastal insights, local places, launches and more free planning help.
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