Some Floridians never see a firefly in their home state, but others are a little luckier.
If you’re under the impression you can’t see “lightning bugs” in Florida, you probably just don’t live in the right area for them or are not looking at the right time of year.
In the late spring and summer months, fireflies twinkle near some of Florida’s water sources, like marshes, ponds, other wetlands and specifically, natural springs. Florida is full of freshwater springs that boast some of the most unique landscapes and waterways in the state.
“Springs are some of Florida’s most outstanding and popular natural resources. There are more than 1,000 recognized in Florida and no two are alike,” according to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection.
Blue Spring State Park in Volusia County isn’t just a great place to spot manatees in the winter and early spring months, the state park also hosts “Firefly Nights.”
And the first “Firefly Nights” at Blue Spring State Park will be this weekend, the weekend of Friday, March 13.
Here’s what we know about finding fireflies in Florida and how to sign up for “Firefly Nights” 2026.
Where can I find fireflies in Florida? Why is the firefly population declining?
“With increasing urbanization, there are fewer and fewer locations to view nature’s bioluminescent show,” according to the University of Florida.
“Firefly sightings have become so scarce that some Florida residents have never seen a firefly. However, some places in Florida remain untouched and far away from ambient lights, pesticides, and urban development.”
Florida’s bioluminescent beetles are often overlooked and many Floridians claim they’ve never seen them in the state, but there are actually more than 50 species of fireflies that come out in the late spring and early summer in certain regions of the state.
“In reality, there are over fifty species of fireflies in Florida, more than in any other U.S. state!” Firefly Atlas says.
“They live in forests, grasslands, and wetlands, from the mangroves of the Florida Keys and the rivers of grass in the Everglades to the salt marshes of the Panhandle and the dry scrub and pine habitats of central and northern Florida. Fireflies are even found in Florida’s cities, where parks provide enough natural habitat and darkness for them to persist.”
Firefly sightings have declined over the last few years in many U.S. states, not just Florida, but the “lightning bug” is not going extinct.
“I would say fireflies are threatened due to habitat loss, but they are not going extinct, as some are adapting in different regions,” Virginia Tech entomologist Eric Day told USA TODAY in 2025.
What month do fireflies come out in Florida? When, where to see fireflies in Florida
Florida’s firefly season starts in the late spring, in either March or April every year, and lasts through the late summer.
“Some flash bright yellow and others green, and some age out of the ability to flash and glow. The key is finding a dark place with lots of natural cover, such as a forest edge, tall grass, or shrubs, and if there is a water source like a stream or pond,” UF’s blog on fireflies in Florida says.
According to the University of Florida, the best way to make sure you spot the elusive Florida fireflies is to sign up for a firefly tour at Blue Spring State Park or Friends of Highlands Hammock State Park.
Blue Spring State Park is hosting its first Firefly Nights of the season this weekend, starting March 13. As of March 11, the Friends of Highlands Hammock State Park Facebook page hasn’t posted any information about 2026 firefly tours.
The last firefly night tour of the season at Blue Spring State Park will be on Sunday, April 12.
How much does it cost to get into Blue Spring State Park? How to sign up for ‘Firefly Nights’
Cost for admission to Blue Spring State Park during regular hours is $6 per vehicle of two to eight people, $4 for a single-occupant vehicle, and $2 for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Admission to Blue Spring State Park’s after-hours Firefly Nights is $14 per person, on top of the normal park entrance fee, and you can buy tickets online ahead of time.
“To help manage capacity and ensure a smooth experience for all guests, you can secure your tickets in advance for your preferred night. We recommend arriving by 6 p.m. so you can enjoy one of our Firefly Chats at 6:45 p.m. or 7:15 p.m. behind the historic Thursby House,” the event details say.
Park gates close at 8 p.m. and guests must exit the park by 9 p.m.
Where is Blue Spring State Park, Highlands Hammock State Park?
Blue Spring State Park is in Volusia County, on the St. Johns River, just west of Orange City, Florida.
In case you’re wondering or want to plan to attend a Firefly Night tour at Highlands Hammock State Park next spring, it’s located in Highlands County, near Sebring.
Lianna Norman is a trending reporter for the USA TODAY NETWORK-Florida, covering pop culture, Florida wildlife, breaking news and more. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida firefly season 2026 is starting. Where to see ‘lightning bugs’
Reporting by Lianna Norman, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Florida Today
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