Everyone is moving to Florida, so we found the best up and coming Florida beach towns so that you can know before everyone else does. While beach cities like Miami and Tampa get a lot of attention, there are many smaller beach towns in Florida that are starting to get noticed.

These emerging communities are perfect for people who want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea without the huge crowds. Plus, they are a bit more affordable than many of today’s hotspots.

Methodology: How We Determined These Up and Coming Florida Beach Towns

To compile our list of emerging beach spots in Florida, we used a data-driven approach to identify which towns are gaining popularity. Here’s a breakdown of how we determined what makes a beach town “up and coming”:

Population Growth: We started by looking at recent data on population trends. Beach towns with steady or significant population growth are often becoming more popular as more people choose to move there. We used census data and other local sources to find out which beach towns are seeing an increase in residents. This was a key indicator that these towns are on the rise.

Real Estate Trends: Analyzing the real estate market is another way we identified up and coming Florida beach towns. Towns that are seeing a spike in home sales or rental demand often indicate that more people are discovering these areas as desirable places to live or vacation. We looked at recent real estate reports and property value trends from Zillow to find towns where demand is increasing.

Social Media Mentions: Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter are great places to see which locations are trending. We tracked mentions of each beach town to see which ones are being talked about more frequently. Beach towns that are being tagged in posts, gaining followers on official tourism accounts, or being shared by travel influencers were considered “up and coming.” This social buzz shows which towns are gaining attention from both tourists and new residents.

Tourism and Travel Blogs: We also reviewed recent mentions of these beach towns in travel blogs, tourism websites, and articles. Towns that are being featured as “hidden gems” or “new must-visit spots” are often gaining popularity among travelers. This type of media attention helps drive more people to these lesser-known destinations.

Local Development: Towns with new developments, such as restaurants, shops, and attractions, are often signs of a growing community. We took into account any recent developments or revitalization efforts that are making these towns more attractive to visitors and new residents. Investment in local infrastructure and businesses is a strong indicator that a town is on the rise.

By combining all these factors, we were able to create a comprehensive list of up and coming Florida beach towns. These towns are not just beautiful destinations, but they’re also places where more people are choosing to live, visit, and talk about online.

Top 10 Up and Coming Florida Beach Towns

10. Mexico Beach

Population: 1,200
Location: Check on Google Maps

Mexico Beach is a small town on Florida’s Panhandle that is becoming more popular due to its laid-back vibe and beautiful, uncrowded beaches. After Hurricane Michael in 2018, the community has worked hard to rebuild and has attracted many new visitors who want to support the recovery and enjoy the quieter side of Florida. People are drawn to its old-school Southern charm and the fact that it’s not overly commercialized. This up and coming Florida beach town is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of more crowded beaches and cities.

9. Indian Rocks Beach

Population: 4,400
Location: Check on Google Maps

Located just west of Tampa, Indian Rocks Beach is gaining popularity as a quiet alternative to nearby Clearwater. It offers three miles of sandy shoreline, making it a great spot for families and couples looking for a more relaxed beach vacation. With cozy vacation rentals, local restaurants, and a strong sense of community, Indian Rocks Beach is an emerging beach community that’s starting to see more visitors and residents.

8. Fernandina Beach

Population: 13,000
Location: Check on Google Maps

Situated on Amelia Island, Fernandina Beach is growing in popularity thanks to its historic downtown, charming shops, and stunning beaches. The town is also known for its annual shrimp festival, which brings in visitors from all over the globe. Its Victorian architecture and laid-back atmosphere make Fernandina Beach an attractive destination for those who want to combine beach relaxation with a bit of history. There aren’t many other beach communities in Florida that offer both quaint culture and coastal beauty.

7. Vero Beach

Population: 16,000
Location: Check on Google Maps

Vero Beach is catching the attention of travelers for its upscale feel without the high prices of places like Palm Beach. Located on the Atlantic coast, Vero Beach is home to beautiful beaches, nature preserves, and excellent golf courses. The town is also known for its cultural attractions, like the Vero Beach Museum of Art. With its growing reputation as an artsy and eco-friendly destination, Vero Beach is quickly becoming one of the top up and coming beach towns in Florida.

6. Stuart

Population: 17,500
Location: Check on Google Maps

Known as the “Sailfish Capital of the World,” Stuart is a small town on Florida’s Treasure Coast that is becoming more popular among boaters and beach lovers. Its quaint downtown, with unique shops and restaurants, also adds to its charm. Stuart’s mix of river and ocean access makes it a favorite for water sports enthusiasts. This growing town is perfect for those who love both adventure and relaxation.

5. Cape San Blas

Population: 3,500
Location: Check on Google Maps

Located on a peninsula in the Gulf of Mexico, Cape San Blas is becoming a sought-after destination for those looking to escape the crowds of more well-known beach towns. With pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, Cape San Blas is a hidden gem that is getting more attention. Visitors are drawn to its natural beauty and the abundance of outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and snorkeling, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

4. Navarre Beach

Population: 44,000
Location: Check on Google Maps

Known as “Florida’s Best Kept Secret,” Navarre Beach is an emerging favorite on the Gulf Coast. With its sugar-white sand and emerald-green waters, it’s easy to see why more people are discovering this beautiful spot. The Navarre Beach Pier, the longest in Florida, is a popular attraction for fishing and enjoying amazing views. With its growing popularity, Navarre Beach is on its way to becoming one of the hottest up and coming Florida beach towns.

3. Dunedin

Population: 38,000
Location: Check on Google Maps

Dunedin is a charming beach town located near Clearwater. It’s gaining attention for its lively downtown area, filled with breweries, shops, and restaurants. It’s also home to Honeymoon Island State Park, one of the most popular state parks in Florida. Dunedin’s combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions make it one of the fastest growing beach communities in the Sunshine State.

2. Jensen Beach

Population: 13,000
Location: Check on Google Maps

Known for its quiet, uncrowded beaches and great fishing spots, Jensen Beach is becoming a go-to destination on Florida’s Atlantic coast. It’s also famous for its sea turtles, which come to the shores during nesting season. Jensen Beach is drawing more visitors and residents looking for a peaceful beach town that offers both relaxation and adventure. We think it’s perfect for those wanting a more low-key vacation or lifestyle.

1. Port St. Joe

Population: 3,500
Location: Check on Google Maps

At the top of our list is Port St. Joe, a small town on Florida’s Panhandle that’s gaining popularity quite quickly. Known for its friendly community and outdoor activities, Port St. Joe offers everything, from fishing and boating to hiking and wildlife watching. Its close-knit feel and stunning natural surroundings also make it easy to visit and to live in. People are drawn to its peaceful vibe and beautiful beaches, making it a must-visit for those looking for a new favorite beach destination.

Summary

If you’re looking for a new spot on the coast that offers something new and exciting, these up and coming Florida beach towns are worth checking out. Whether you want quiet relaxation, adventure, or culture, we are sure that there’s a town on this list that’s perfect for you. As these towns continue to grow in popularity, now is the perfect time to visit or move before they become the next big thing.