Florida's unique climate creates distinct advantages and challenges for land clearing throughout the year. Timing your project right can save money, reduce complications, and produce better results.
Short answer: The best time to clear land in Florida is October through May (dry season), with November through March being optimal.
But the full picture is more nuanced. Here's what you need to know.
Florida's Two Seasons
Unlike northern states with four distinct seasons, Florida essentially has two:
Dry Season (October - May)
- •Lower rainfall
- •Lower humidity
- •Cooler temperatures
- •Ground conditions: Firm and stable
- •Best for land clearing
Wet Season (June - September)
- •Daily afternoon thunderstorms
- •High humidity
- •Hot temperatures
- •Ground conditions: Often saturated
- •Challenging for land clearing
Month-by-Month Breakdown
October: Excellent
Conditions: Transition month. Wet season ending, temperatures cooling.
Pros:
- •Ground starting to dry out
- •Comfortable working temperatures
- •Hurricane season winding down (typically)
- •Good equipment access
Cons:
- •Some areas still wet from summer rains
- •Late-season storms possible
Best for: Starting projects in Ocala, Gainesville, and North Central Florida where ground dries faster.
November: Ideal
Conditions: Dry season established. Cool, low humidity.
Pros:
- •Ground conditions excellent
- •Comfortable temperatures (60s-70s)
- •Low rainfall probability
- •No major wildlife restrictions
- •Good visibility (no summer haze)
Cons:
- •Peak demand season begins
- •Book early to secure scheduling
Best for: All regions. Excellent time for large projects in Lakeland, Orlando, Tampa.
December - February: Peak Season
Conditions: Coolest, driest months. Best working conditions.
Pros:
- •Optimal ground conditions statewide
- •Pleasant working temperatures
- •Lowest mosquito activity
- •Best equipment performance
- •Vegetation dormant or slow-growing
Cons:
- •Highest demand = longer lead times
- •Holiday schedules may affect availability
- •Cold snaps can delay work (rare)
Best for: Major projects anywhere in Florida. Prime time for Melbourne, Palm Bay, and coastal areas.
March: Excellent
Conditions: Still dry. Temperatures warming.
Pros:
- •Ground still firm from dry season
- •Before scrub-jay nesting restrictions (March 1)
- •Good conditions persist
- •Spring growth hasn't started
Cons:
- •Gopher tortoise activity increasing
- •Some wildlife considerations begin
- •Booking fills up for spring
Best for: Daytona Beach, New Smyrna Beach, DeLand, and Volusia County projects.
Note: Florida scrub-jay nesting season begins March 1 in designated habitats. Winter Park, Clermont, and Lake County scrub areas may have restrictions.
April: Good
Conditions: Transition month. Occasional spring rains.
Pros:
- •Still generally dry
- •Before heavy wet season
- •Ground conditions usually acceptable
Cons:
- •Spring rains can cause delays
- •Wildlife nesting activity high
- •Temperatures increasing
Best for: Finishing projects started earlier. Good for Kissimmee, St. Cloud, and Osceola County.
May: Fair to Good
Conditions: Wet season approaching. Variable conditions.
Pros:
- •Last chance before wet season
- •Often a window of dry weather
- •Lower demand = better availability
Cons:
- •Rain becomes more frequent
- •Ground may soften
- •Temperatures getting hot
Best for: Smaller projects or areas with sandy, well-drained soils like Ocala and The Villages.
June - September: Challenging
Conditions: Wet season. Daily thunderstorms, saturated ground.
Pros:
- •Lower demand = better pricing
- •Faster scheduling
- •Good for planning/permitting during this time
Cons:
- •Daily rain delays
- •Soft ground causes access issues
- •Equipment can damage saturated soil
- •Hot, difficult working conditions
- •Hurricane risk
Our recommendation: Unless your project is urgent, wait for dry season. If you must proceed:
- •Schedule for morning work before afternoon storms
- •Expect delays
- •Sandy, well-drained areas fare better than clay soils
Areas most affected by wet season:
- •Low-lying areas near lakes and wetlands
- •Brandon, Riverview (Hillsborough County)
- •Palm Bay, Melbourne (coastal areas)
- •Kissimmee, St. Cloud (near lakes)
Areas that handle wet season better:
- •Sandy ridge areas: Clermont, Mount Dora
- •Well-drained uplands: Ocala, Gainesville
Wildlife Timing Considerations
Gopher Tortoise
Active: Year-round, but most active March-October
Considerations:
- •Surveys valid for 90 days
- •Relocation typically April-October (when ground warm enough)
- •Winter relocation may require heated burrows
Best timing: Get survey in fall, relocate in spring if needed, clear in dry season.
Florida Scrub-Jay
Nesting season: March 1 - June 30
Considerations:
- •No clearing in designated scrub-jay habitat during nesting
- •Survey required before any clearing in mapped areas
- •Affects parts of Clermont, Mount Dora, Titusville
Best timing: July - February for scrub habitat clearing
Migratory Birds
Peak nesting: March - August
Considerations:
- •Most active nesting April-June
- •Clearing before March avoids most conflicts
- •Check for active nests before any clearing
Bald Eagles
Nesting season: October - May
Considerations:
- •660-foot buffer around active nests
- •Survey needed if eagles known in area
- •Permits required for activity near nests
Regional Timing Recommendations
Central Florida (Orlando Metro)
| Best Months | Good Months | Challenging |
|---|---|---|
| Nov - Feb | Oct, Mar - Apr | Jun - Sep |
Orlando | Winter Park | Sanford | Oviedo
Tampa Bay
| Best Months | Good Months | Challenging |
|---|---|---|
| Nov - Mar | Oct, Apr | May - Sep |
Tampa | Lakeland | Brandon | Clearwater
Nature Coast (Ocala Area)
| Best Months | Good Months | Challenging |
|---|---|---|
| Nov - Apr | Oct, May | Jun - Sep |
Sandy soils drain better, extending the window slightly.
Ocala | Gainesville | The Villages | Crystal River
Space Coast
| Best Months | Good Months | Challenging |
|---|---|---|
| Nov - Feb | Oct, Mar - Apr | Jun - Sep |
Coastal areas more affected by summer humidity.
Melbourne | Palm Bay | Titusville | Cocoa
East Coast (Volusia/Flagler)
| Best Months | Good Months | Challenging |
|---|---|---|
| Nov - Mar | Oct, Apr | May - Sep |
Daytona Beach | New Smyrna Beach | DeLand | Palm Coast
Pricing by Season
| Season | Typical Pricing | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| Nov - Feb | Standard rates | Book 2-4 weeks ahead |
| Mar - Apr | Standard rates | Book 2-3 weeks ahead |
| Oct, May | Standard rates | Book 1-2 weeks ahead |
| Jun - Sep | Often discounted 10-20% | Usually available quickly |
Pro tip: Book dry season projects in September/October for best scheduling options.
Planning Your Project Timeline
For a Spring/Summer build start:
- •September: Get estimates, select contractor
- •October: Gopher tortoise survey if needed
- •November-December: Land clearing
- •January-February: Site work, permitting
- •March-April: Construction begins
For a Fall build start:
- •April: Get estimates, plan project
- •May: Permits, surveys
- •June-August: Wait out wet season
- •September-October: Land clearing
- •November: Site work begins
Get Started: Free Estimate
Ready to plan your land clearing project? We serve all of Central Florida:
Or call us at (386) 843-5266 to discuss timing for your specific property.
Conditions vary by specific location and year. Contact us for current conditions and scheduling in your area.