Florida’s nearly 1,350 miles of shoreline promise turquoise surf, soft sand, and warm temperatures all year long—ideal conditions for travelers who refuse to vacation without their dogs. The fifteen hotels highlighted below meet three strict criteria: they sit directly on a beach, bay, or lagoon; they publish clear, reasonable pet policies; and they provide on‑site perks that make canine guests feel as welcome as their humans. Arranged in a logical clockwise loop—starting on the Atlantic North Coast, bending through the Keys, and finishing in the Gulf‑side Panhandle—this guide makes it easy to choose a single stay or string several together for a seamless, dog‑friendly road trip around the Sunshine State.
1 | The Ritz‑Carlton, Amelia Island | Amelia Island (Atlantic North)
Ocean‑front balconies, a dune‑top boardwalk and nightly beach bonfires set the scene. Two dogs (≤ 30 lbs each) are welcome in ground‑floor rooms for a one‑time $200 cleaning fee plus $20 per night. Plush beds, bowls, and locally made treats arrive at check‑in.
2 | Kimpton Vero Beach Hotel & Spa | Vero Beach (Treasure Coast)
No weight limits, no pet fees, no problem—Kimpton’s legendary “if it fits through the door” policy lets any well‑behaved dog (or cat) tag along. Expect loaner beds, bowls and a welcome bag, plus a resident “Director of Pet Relations” who greets guests in the lobby.
3 | Eau Palm Beach Resort & Spa | Manalapan (Palm Beaches)
A Forbes Five‑Star hideaway that waives pet fees and instead suggests a donation to Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Up to two dogs (≈ 50 lbs each) get a designer bed, gourmet biscuits, beach‑side cabanas and even pet strollers for strolling Ocean Boulevard in style.
4 | Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort | Fort Lauderdale
Any number, any size, zero fees—this laid‑back resort hands over bowls, leashes and courtesy bags at the desk. The Intracoastal Waterway is one block west for sniff‑filled walks; the Atlantic sand is two short blocks east (city leash laws apply).
5 | 1 Hotel South Beach | Miami Beach
Perched on 600 feet of prime South Beach sand, this eco‑luxury tower lets up to two dogs whose combined weight is ≤ 50 lbs stay free of charge. Borrow a hemp‑filled bed and organic treats, then hit the Miami Beach Walk for sunrise jogs.
6 | Baker’s Cay Resort Key Largo | Upper Keys
Set on 15 tropical acres with two dog‑friendly beaches, tiki hut shade and a daily “Yappy Hour.” Two dogs ≤ 100 lbs share the room for $75 per stay (charged every 5 nights). Pups receive an engraved Cay‑tag, water bowls and waste‑bag stations all over the grounds.
7 | Hawks Cay Resort | Duck Key (Middle Keys)
The Vacay Pup program includes a “Pup Pass” bandana, an on‑site dog park and pet cabanas by the salt‑water lagoon. Two dogs of any size are allowed in hotel rooms (not villas) for $150 per stay; part of the fee is donated to a local shelter.
8 | Havana Cabana at Key West | Key West
A retro‑Cuban backdrop with Key West’s largest pool, live salsa and a free‑roaming macaw mascot. Two dogs ≤ 50 lbs can join for $75 per pet, per night. They’re welcome in the open‑air lobby, pool‑bar patio and complimentary island‑shuttle—just not in the water.
9 | Edgewater Beach Hotel | Naples (Southwest Gulf)
All‑suite, all‑beachfront. Two dogs ≤ 30 lbs cost $75 – $100 per night and receive a tote of treats, bowls and a microfiber towel. Note: City rules prohibit pets on Naples’ sand, but the resort’s beachfront deck and Gulf‑view pathways are fair game.
10 | ‘Tween Waters Island Resort & Spa | Captiva Island
A classic Old‑Florida resort that spans from Gulf surf to Pine Island Sound. Select cottages and bay‑view rooms accept two dogs ≤ 40 lbs for $25‑$50 per pet, per night. There’s a pet‑wash tap by the marina for post‑shelling rinses.
11 | TradeWinds Island Grand | St. Pete Beach
With a leash‑free Pet Play Zone, dog‑wash station and a room‑service “Paw Court Bistro” menu, this 40‑acre resort is canine heaven. Up to two dogs ≤ 80 lbs pay $75 per night and can nap in beachside hammocks while humans sip rum cocktails.
12 | Opal Sands Resort | Clearwater Beach
Curved architecture means every room faces the Gulf. Two dogs ≤ 30 lbs stay for $100 a night (plus a refundable deposit). Bowls, beds and treats are supplied; the white‑sand public beaches restrict pets, but the waterfront promenade is perfect for stroller walks at sunset.
13 | The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach | Okaloosa Island (Panhandle)
A freshly renovated, mid‑century icon whose back gate opens straight onto emerald Gulf surf. Dogs—any size—cost $75 per stay (up to four nights). After a swim, rinse sandy paws under the outdoor showers or lounge beneath the thatch‑roof beach bar.
14 | The Henderson Beach Resort & Spa | Destin
Bluff‑top sunsets, a private footbridge to sugary sands and complimentary access to Henderson Beach State Park. Select rooms host two dogs ≤ 55 lbs for a $150 per stay fee. (Okaloosa County bans pets on the public beach itself, so plan early‑morning strolls on park trails.)
15 | Hyatt Place Panama City Beach/Beachfront | Panama City Beach
Value‑packed and smack on the sand near Pier Park’s dedicated Dog Beach. Two dogs ≤ 50 lbs share the room for a flat $125 (1‑6 nights). Grab the hotel’s beach‑trail map, then unwind at the pool deck’s lazy river—pets allowed on the patio, not in the water.
Tips for a Smooth Florida “Paw‑cation”
Verify policies when you book. Fees, weight limits and designated pet‑room inventories can change without notice.
Mind local leash laws. Many Florida counties restrict dogs on public beaches or require leashes of ≤ 6 feet. Private resort beaches may have looser rules—always ask.
Pack shade and hydration. Florida sand can top 110 °F by midday; a collapsible water bowl and paw‑balm are must‑haves.
Bring vax records. Resorts frequently ask for proof of rabies and DHPP at check‑in.
With year‑round warm water, dog‑friendly patios serving fresh grouper, and sunsets best shared over a squeaky toy, Florida might just be your pup’s new favorite playground. Happy travels, and don’t forget the tennis ball!
