If you’ve ever pulled a tick off after a hike or worried about a mysterious rash, I have an answer for you.
Florida isn’t considered a Lyme disease hotspot like the Northeast, but that doesn't mean we're in the clear. Every year, dozens of cases are reported across the state. And while the odds of contracting Lyme from a tick bite here are lower than in states like Pennsylvania or Connecticut, the risk is very real
The Answer: Yes, ticks in Florida can carry Lyme disease, but only the black-legged tick is known to transmit it. These ticks are most common in North and Central Florida. While infection rates are low, risk still exists, especially in wooded, moist areas.
Stick with me, we’re going to separate fear from fact and make sure you’re equipped to stay safe, year-round.
What Types of Ticks Are Found in Florida?
When it comes to tick-borne illnesses, not all ticks are created equal.
Black-Legged Tick (Deer Tick)
Photo Source -> The University of Rhode Island
This is the one most folks worry about, and rightly so. The black-legged tick, also called the deer tick, is the only tick in Florida proven to transmit Lyme disease. These tiny arachnids are found most often in North and Central Florida, thriving in moist, shaded woodlands and dense underbrush.
What makes them especially dangerous is their nymph stage; they’re barely the size of a poppy seed and notoriously hard to spot. It's during this immature phase that they're most likely to bite humans and spread the Lyme-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
Lone Star Tick
Photo Source -> The University of Rhode Island
You’ve probably seen these around; they’re easy to identify, especially the female with a distinctive white dot on her back. Lone star ticks are one of the most aggressive biters we encounter in South Florida and often mistakenly blamed for Lyme. But they don’t carry Lyme disease.
These ticks can transmit illnesses like STARI (Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness) and ehrlichiosis, both of which can cause flu-like symptoms and should be taken seriously.
They’re frequently found in forests, meadows, and yes, even in suburban yards, especially near overgrown vegetation or wildlife paths.
American Dog Tick
Photo Source -> The University of Rhode Island
The American dog tick is larger and easier to spot than the other two, which at least makes it a little less sneaky. It primarily targets dogs, but won’t hesitate to latch onto a human when given the chance. Fortunately, it’s not known to transmit Lyme disease, but it can spread other diseases, including Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
This tick tends to prefer open grassy areas and roadsides over dense woods, and it's one of the more frequently encountered species by pets and their owners.
So, Can You Actually Get Lyme Disease from a Tick in Florida?
Yes, you can get Lyme disease from a tick in Florida, but it's not usual. And knowing the why behind that rarity can give you the clarity and confidence to act smart, not scared.
According to health department data, Florida averages around 40 confirmed cases of Lyme disease each year. Compare that to thousands of cases in the Northeast, and it’s easy to assume we’re in the clear. But that mindset can be misleading, especially if you live near wooded areas or spend time outdoors.
The primary reason for Florida’s lower numbers is biology and behavior. Only a small percentage of black-legged ticks here carry the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, the culprit behind Lyme disease. That’s dramatically lower than infection rates in states like Connecticut or Pennsylvania, where up to 50% of ticks may carry it.
Another fascinating, and Florida-specific, detail?
Many of our local ticks prefer feeding on lizards, particularly skinks and anoles. These reptiles aren’t competent hosts for Lyme disease, which means they don’t pass the bacteria back to the ticks. This unusual host preference actually helps limit the spread of Lyme in our ecosystem.
So while the odds are in your favor, the risk is never zero. A single infected tick can still cause disease if it attaches for long enough and that’s all it takes.
Where in Florida Are Lyme-Carrying Ticks Most Common?
Just like real estate, tick activity comes down to location, location, location. If you’re living in or visiting Florida, especially with kids or pets in tow, it pays to know where these ticks like to hang out and how to make your property less inviting to them.
Recent research from the University of Florida, using highly detailed 100-meter-resolution tick distribution maps, reveals that northeastern Florida is the state’s primary hotspot for black-legged ticks, the only species here proven to carry Lyme disease. Counties like Duval, Nassau, and parts of Alachua show higher densities, especially in forested or semi-rural zones where deer populations thrive.
Meanwhile, areas west of Tallahassee and south and east of Tampa tend to see far fewer Lyme-carrying ticks. But lower density doesn’t mean zero risk. Even a single infected tick in your backyard can pose a problem.
What People Get Wrong About Lyme Disease in Florida
We've seen how a few false assumptions can lead to delayed treatment, unnecessary panic, or worse, no action at all. So let’s clear up a few of the most popular myths I hear from concerned families every day.
Myth #1: “There’s no Lyme in Florida.”
Truth: It’s rare, but it absolutely exists.
While our risk is lower than in Lyme-endemic areas like New England, that doesn't make us immune. One infected tick in your backyard is all it takes.
Myth #2: “All ticks carry Lyme.”
Truth: Only the black-legged tick (Ixodes scapularis) is known to carry the Lyme-causing bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.
Lone star ticks, dog ticks, and others might carry different diseases, but they’re not Lyme transmitters. The problem is, most people can’t tell the difference, especially when dealing with nymph-stage ticks that are nearly microscopic.
Myth #3: “If there’s no rash, I’m fine.”
Truth: The classic bullseye rash appears in only 60–80% of cases and sometimes, not at all.
Even when it does show up, it may appear in a different location than the bite, and may not be red or circular.
How to Identify and Remove Ticks Safely
If you or your child has ever come inside after a day outdoors and spotted a tick, your first instinct might be panic. But what you do next is what matters most. Here’s what you can do
Step 1: Identify the Tick (If You Can)
While it’s not always easy, try to get a sense of what kind of tick you’re dealing with. Black-legged ticks (deer ticks) are tiny and dark, especially in their nymph stage, and are the only ones in Florida linked to Lyme disease. Lone star ticks are reddish-brown, with a distinctive white dot on the back of adult females.
Step 2: Remove the Tick Properly
You don’t need fancy tools, a pair of fine-tipped tweezers (the kind you’d use for splinters works great):
Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible, right where its mouthparts meet your skin.
Pull upward slowly and steadily. Avoid twisting or jerking, which can cause the mouth to break off and stay embedded.
Once removed, clean the bite area with soap and water, or use rubbing alcohol.
⚠️ Avoid “folk remedies” like burning the tick, coating it with Vaseline, or applying essential oils. These methods can agitate the tick and increase the chance of disease transmission.
Step 3: Shower and Check Thoroughly
Ticks can roam for hours before biting. That’s why showering immediately after outdoor activity is a smart habit, it may help wash away unattached ticks before they latch on.
Pay attention to:
Behind ears
Hairline and scalp
Armpits
Behind knees
Groin and waistband areas
Step 4: Save the Tick for Testing (Just in Case)
📦 Pro tip: Place the tick in a sealed plastic bag or container. Add a small piece of damp paper towel to keep it from drying out, and write the date and location of the bite on the bag.
This can be incredibly helpful if symptoms appear later and your doctor wants to know what kind of tick bit you. Some local health departments in Florida accept tick submissions, and while not all offer lab testing, having the tick gives you more options.
What to Do After a Tick Bite in Florida
If you’ve removed a tick and are wondering, Now what?
Monitor Closely for 30 Days
You’ll want to keep an eye out for early symptoms of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses, which can develop anywhere from a few days to a few weeks later. Symptoms include:
Fever or chills
Fatigue or muscle aches
Headache or neck stiffness
Joint pain or swelling
A rash, which may or may not look like the classic bullseye
Remember, the rash doesn’t always show up, and when it does, it can appear away from the bite site.
Seek Medical Advice, Even If You Feel Fine
If the tick you removed was a deer tick (black-legged tick) and was attached for beyond 36 hours, you should consider contacting your healthcare provider, even if you have no symptoms yet. They may recommend a precautionary dose of antibiotics to reduce the chance of infection, depending on the circumstances.
This is especially critical for children, whose symptoms can be harder to spot, and anyone with a weakened immune system.
Tick Bite Prevention: What Really Works in Florida
In Florida’s climate, prevention is a necessity. And over the years, I’ve seen that the most effective tick protection is a combination of smart habits, informed landscaping, and professional backup.
Personal Protection: Dress and Repel Like a Pro
When you’re venturing outdoors, whether it’s a hike, gardening, or walking the dog, how you dress makes a huge difference. Wear permethrin-treated clothing, especially socks, pants, and shoes. Light-colored clothing also helps you spot ticks before they latch on. And always tuck pants into socks or boots in wooded or grassy areas.
Use EPA-approved tick repellents, like DEET, picaridin, or IR3535. These products offer proven protection and are safe when used as directed.
Make tick checks a post-outdoor routine:
Behind ears
Hairline
Waistband
Underarms
Behind knees
Between toes
Yard Management: Your First Line of Defense
Florida's shaded and moist environments are ideal for ticks. Combat them by regularly mowing lawns, trimming shrubs, using gravel or mulch borders, removing leaf litter and stacked wood, and consistently treating pets with vet-recommended preventatives. Even indoor pets need protection.
Wildlife and Pest Control: The Hidden Gateway
Florida's wildlife can carry ticks, especially near natural areas. Prevent rodents from entering your home and secure food to avoid attracting tick-carrying animals. Hoffer Pest Solutions' Home Shield plans include tick prevention with lawn and mosquito services in certain packages, offering a customized and comprehensive approach to pest control in South Florida.
When Should You Call a Professional?
Here’s the thing, not every tick problem can be solved with a can of spray or a quick yard trim. If you’ve noticed way beyond the occasional tick, or you’re not sure where they’re coming from, it’s time to bring in someone who knows how to handle the problem before it escalates.
You should absolutely consider calling a professional tick control if:
You’ve found multiple ticks on your pets, children, or yourself over a short period.
You live near wooded areas, deer corridors, retention ponds, or overgrown lots, all high-risk zones for tick populations.
You want a comprehensive prevention plan, not a quick fix. Florida’s unique climate and landscaping challenges require more than one-size-fits-all solutions.
☎️ For year-round tick control, do not hesitate to contact us. We’ll help you take back your yard and live without worry.