When is pollen season in Florida, and which plants cause allergies?

Trees account for about 80 percent of the pollen in Florida's air, according to UF/IFAS Extension. Oak is among the most allergenic. Its peak season is February through May, though some areas see high counts as early as December. Eastern red cedar, bald cypress, wax myrtle and the invasive Australian pine are other allergenic trees. Pine trees leave a heavy yellow dust, but pine pollen is low in allergens. In South Florida the season peaks from February to May, and a UF/IFAS urban forester in Hillsborough County said in March 2026 that the height of the season is March and April.

Grasses shed pollen in spring, summer and fall. Bahiagrass, bermudagrass and johnsongrass are the allergenic ones named, and in the subtropical parts of the state bermudagrass sheds pollen all year. UF/IFAS calls ragweed the most clinically significant of the allergenic weeds; dog fennel and pigweed are also named. Weeds shed pollen in spring, summer and fall, and sometimes in winter. Goldenrod is often blamed, but its pollen is heavy and sticky and does not blow in the wind.

Pollen is highest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. UF/IFAS Extension suggests staying indoors at those hours and on windy, dry days, drying clothes in a dryer instead of on a line, showering and changing clothes after being outside, changing air conditioner filters regularly, and wearing a dust mask to mow, rake or garden. For serious symptoms, it says to see a doctor.

UF/IFAS Extension is the University of Florida's extension service, with offices in all 67 counties. The contact number on its office finder page is (352) 392-1761.

Where to go from here.