Florida has one of the richest fossil records, both invertebrate and vertebrate (and to a much lesser degree botanical), of any place in the World. With such a wealth of paleontological resources available to collectors, it is not surprising that numerous clubs have been organized around the state that cater, wholly or in part, to fossil collecting.
Many of these clubs give their members opportunities to participate in real fossil digs, providing a hands-on learning experience. With few exceptions, most areas of Florida have a club within driving distance and many clubs publish a newsletter. So even if members are unable to attend meetings, they can still keep up with club activities and topics in Florida paleontology.
Listed in alphabetical order below are many of these Florida clubs. Some are strictly paleontological, some focus just on modern and fossil shells, and some are rock, mineral, and fossil organizations. Where possible, we have provided links to club homepages or mailing addresses. Since we have undoubtedly left out a few organizations, and information about the clubs listed here is subject to change, we welcome any updates to this list. New or updated information may be sent to the museum’s webmaster here.
Amateur fossil collectors interested in Florida paleontology should also check out other relevant topics found on the Museum’s Homepage. It is very important to note that fossil collectors who collect vertebrate fossils on state lands in Florida, which include all navigable waterways, and offshore waters, are required to have a Fossil Collecting Permit issued by the Florida Program of Vertebrate Paleontology. For more information about the fossil collecting permit contact Richard Hulbert via e-mail at rhulbert@flmnh.ufl.edu.
Florida Fossil Clubs
- Bartow/Lakeland – Imperial Bone Valley Gem, Mineral & Fossil Club
- Florida Paleontological Society
- Fossil Club of Lee County
- The Fossil Club of Miami
- Orlando – Florida Fossil Hunters
- Southwest Florida Fossil Club
- Manasota Fossil Club
- Tampa Bay Fossil Club
Florida Shell Clubs
- Astronaut Trail Shell Club, Melbourne Beach
- Bonita Springs Shell Club. P.O. Box 326, Bonita Springs, FL 33959
- Broward Shell Club. P.O. Box 10146, Pompano Beach, FL 33061
- Clearwater-Suncoast Conchologists
- Englewood Shell Club
- Gulf Coast Shell Club, Panama City
- Jacksonville Shell Club
- Marco Island Shell Club
- Orlando-Central Florida Shell Club. P.O. Box 531112, Orlando, FL 32853-1112
- Palm Beach County Shell Club Inc. 2000 N. Congress Ave. #223, West Palm Beach, Fl. 33409
- Palm City-Treasure Coast Shell Club. P.O. Box 279, Palm City, FL 34990
- Sarasota Shell Club
- St. Petersburg Club
Florida Gem and Mineral Clubs
- Auburndale – Imperial Bone Valley Gem, Mineral, & Fossil Society
- Canaveral Mineral and Gem Society
- Central Brevard Rock and Gem Club. P.O. Box 542742, Merritt Island, FL 32942
- Daytona Beach – Tomoka Gem and Mineral Society
- Florida Panhandle Gem & Mineral Society Inc. 6514 W. Jackson St. Pensacola FL 32506
- Florida Rockhounds. 1900 W. Alpha Court, Apt. 110, Lecanto, FL 34461
- Ft. Lauderdale – Florida Gold Coast Gem and Mineral Society
- Ft. Pierce – St. Lucie County Rock and Gem Club
- Ft. Walton Beach – Playground Gem and Mineral Society
- Gainesville Gem and Mineral Society
- Gem and Mineral Club of Deland
- Gulf Coast Gem & Mineral Society, Inc. 3133 W 21st Court, Panama City, FL 32405
- Jacksonville Gem and Mineral Society
- Manasota Rock & Gem Club. P.O. Box 5872, Sarasota, FL 34277
- Ocala – Mid-Florida Gem & Mineral Society. P.O. Box 789, Homosassa Springs, FL 34447
- Orlando – Central Florida Mineral & Gem Society
- Panama City Gem & Mineral Society. 1204 E. Third St., Panama City, FL 32401
- Pinellas Geological Society. 2440 Southshore Dr., SE, St. Petersburg, FL 33705
- St. Lucie County Rock and Gem Club
- St. Petersburg – Suncoast Gem and Mineral Society
- Tampa Bay Mineral and Science Club
- Treasure Coast Rock and Gem Society. P.O. Box 531, Vero Beach, FL 32963
- Venice – Gulf Coast Mineral, Fossil & Gem Club – P.O. Box 1404 Venice, FL 34284
- West Palm Beach – Gem and Mineral Society of the Palm Beaches
- Withlacoochee Rockhound Club. 387 Martina Dr., Spring Hill, FL 34609