Florida isn’t just about theme parks, sunny beaches, and palm trees—hidden beneath the surface lies a darker side, one steeped in mystery and decay. The Sunshine State is dotted with eerie, abandoned places that were once full of life but now sit in silence, reclaimed by nature.
From ghost towns to forsaken institutions, here are 15 abandoned places in Florida that will fascinate thrill-seekers and urban explorers alike.
1. Sunland Hospital – Tallahassee
Originally built as a tuberculosis sanatorium, Sunland Hospital later became a center for the mentally disabled. By the 1980s, reports of abuse, neglect, and horrific conditions forced its closure. The structure decayed for decades before its eventual demolition in 2006, but the land is still rumored to be haunted.
2. Cape Romano Dome House – Marco Island
Built in 1981 by an oil producer, this futuristic dome-shaped house was designed to be self-sufficient. Erosion and hurricanes have pushed the once-beachfront home into the Gulf of Mexico. It now sits eerily offshore, partially submerged and slowly collapsing.
3. The Biltmore Hotel – Coral Gables
Although now a luxury hotel, the Biltmore once served as a hospital during WWII. The 13th floor was the site of a murder and later became a psychiatric ward. Many guests and staff report ghost sightings, especially around the abandoned parts of the old hospital wing.
4. Jacksonville Shipyards – Jacksonville
Once a thriving industrial hub, the shipyards now sit empty, with rusting machinery and graffiti-covered buildings along the St. Johns River. Urban explorers love to photograph the haunting juxtaposition of nature and decay.
5. The Colony Hotel – Sarasota
Once a vibrant beachfront resort, the Colony was left to rot after legal disputes in the 2000s. Though its buildings are closed and in poor condition, remnants of its opulent past still echo throughout the abandoned property.
6. The Sugar Mill Ruins – New Smyrna Beach
Built in the early 1800s, the mill was destroyed during the Second Seminole War. What remains are stone and brick ruins shrouded in moss and mystery, giving visitors a glimpse into Florida’s early history.
7. Koreshan Unity Settlement – Estero
This former utopian community was founded in the late 1800s by Cyrus Teed. Followers believed the Earth existed inside a hollow sphere. Though the community dwindled, their abandoned buildings and equipment remain preserved in a state park.
8. Miami Marine Stadium – Virginia Key
Built in 1963 for powerboat racing, the stadium was closed after Hurricane Andrew in 1992. It’s now covered in graffiti and partially overtaken by vegetation, but efforts for its restoration are ongoing. It’s a favorite for photographers and skaters.
9. The Old Gilchrist County Jail – Trenton
Closed in 1968, this small jail reportedly housed inmates under grim conditions. It’s now a site for ghost tours and paranormal investigations, with visitors claiming to hear footsteps and voices in the empty halls.
10. Stilt Houses – Pasco County
Built in the early 1900s by fishermen, these wooden houses sit on stilts in the Gulf of Mexico. Many have been lost to storms, but a few remain abandoned and weather-beaten, standing defiantly against time.
11. Cassadaga Hotel – Cassadaga
Though the hotel still operates, much of the surrounding spiritualist town has deteriorated. Cassadaga, known for its psychics and mediums, has an eerie calm about it, and visitors report strange energy in its older, unused buildings.
12. Panama City Beach Miracle Strip Amusement Park – Panama City
Once a staple of summer fun, this amusement park was closed in 2004. Though parts were moved elsewhere, the original location was left abandoned for years, with rotting rides and crumbling arcade structures.
13. The Overgrown Bunker – Homestead
Near the Everglades sits an abandoned Cold War-era Nike missile site. Overgrown and half-buried, the site contains rusting silos and control rooms, giving off major post-apocalyptic vibes.
14. Old Florida State Capitol – Tallahassee
Though a newer capitol building stands nearby, the original is partially abandoned and only open during select times for tours. Its creaky floors and dim halls give it a haunted air.
15. Ragged Island – Carrabelle
Once a bustling shipping port, Ragged Island is now overgrown and nearly forgotten. The remnants of docks and structures sit among the salt marsh, slowly sinking into the mud—a ghost town lost to nature.
Conclusion
From deserted amusement parks to forgotten jails, Florida’s abandoned places offer more than just an adrenaline rush—they reveal the state’s layered history and changing cultural landscape. Each of these sites tells a story, and while some are open for exploration, others should be admired from afar for safety and preservation reasons. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, historian, or ghost hunter, these places are bound to stir your curiosity.
