Florida boasts a diverse media landscape, with newspapers serving communities from bustling metropolises to serene coastal towns. These publications provide crucial insights into local and state-wide news, politics, business, and culture. Our comprehensive list of the top 30 newspapers in Florida highlights the most influential and widely-read publications in the state.
1. Miami Herald
The Miami Herald is one of Florida’s most prominent newspapers, delivering in-depth reporting on local and international news, politics, and sports. Founded in 1903, it has a rich history of award-winning journalism and remains a vital source of information for the South Florida community.
2. Tampa Bay Times
Formerly known as the St. Petersburg Times, the Tampa Bay Times is a widely respected newspaper covering the Tampa Bay area. It is known for its investigative journalism and comprehensive coverage of local events, politics, and business.
3. Orlando Sentinel
The Orlando Sentinel serves the Central Florida region with news on local events, politics, and business. It is particularly noted for its coverage of tourism, an industry vital to the Orlando area.
4. The Palm Beach Post
Covering the Palm Beach County area, The Palm Beach Post offers extensive reporting on local government, community news, and the social scene. It is an essential source for residents of one of Florida’s most affluent regions.
5. Sun-Sentinel
Based in Fort Lauderdale, the Sun-Sentinel covers news for the South Florida region, including Broward and Palm Beach counties. It offers a mix of local, national, and international news, with a focus on community events and local politics.
6. The Florida Times-Union
The Florida Times-Union, headquartered in Jacksonville, provides comprehensive news coverage for Northeast Florida. Its focus includes local politics, business, and community news, along with a dedicated sports section.
7. Naples Daily News
The Naples Daily News serves the residents of Collier and southern Lee counties. It covers local news, sports, and entertainment, with a particular emphasis on the real estate market and environmental issues affecting Southwest Florida.
8. Sarasota Herald-Tribune
The Sarasota Herald-Tribune offers in-depth coverage of Sarasota County and the surrounding areas. It is known for its investigative journalism and detailed reporting on local government and community issues.
9. Tallahassee Democrat
As the newspaper of Florida’s capital city, the Tallahassee Democrat focuses on state government, politics, and local news. It provides vital information for residents and those interested in the political scene.
10. Pensacola News Journal
The Pensacola News Journal covers Northwest Florida, with an emphasis on local news, military affairs, and community events. It serves the residents of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
11. Daytona Beach News-Journal
The Daytona Beach News-Journal provides news for Volusia and Flagler counties. It is known for its coverage of local events, tourism, and community news, as well as the Daytona 500 and other racing events.
12. Bradenton Herald
The Bradenton Herald serves the Manatee County area with local news, sports, and community events. It is an essential source of information for residents of Bradenton and the surrounding communities.
13. Ocala Star-Banner
The Ocala Star-Banner covers Marion County and the surrounding areas. It provides local news, sports, and business reporting, with a focus on the equestrian community and local events.
14. Gainesville Sun
The Gainesville Sun serves Alachua County and the University of Florida community. It offers news on local events, university affairs, and sports, particularly Gators athletics.
15. Treasure Coast Newspapers
Serving the Treasure Coast region, this group of newspapers includes the Stuart News, The Indian River Press Journal, and the Fort Pierce Tribune. These publications cover local news, events, and community issues in Martin, St. Lucie, and Indian River counties.
16. Florida Today
Based in Melbourne, Florida Today covers news for the Space Coast area, including Brevard County. It focuses on local news, the space industry, and community events.
17. Key West Citizen
The Key West Citizen is the southernmost newspaper in the continental United States, serving the Florida Keys. It offers local news, tourism information, and community events coverage.
18. Lakeland Ledger
The Lakeland Ledger serves Polk County, providing news on local events, government, and community issues. It is a key source of information for residents of Central Florida.
19. The Villages Daily Sun
Serving one of the largest retirement communities in the world, The Villages Daily Sun covers news and events relevant to residents of The Villages and the surrounding areas.
20. Herald-Tribune Media Group
Part of the USA Today network, the Herald-Tribune Media Group provides news for the Sarasota-Manatee area, including local government, business, and community events.
21. The News-Press
Based in Fort Myers, The News-Press covers Lee County and Southwest Florida. It provides news on local government, community events, and environmental issues.
22. The Ledger
Located in Lakeland, The Ledger covers Polk County and Central Florida. It is a vital source of news on local politics, business, and community events.
23. Florida Weekly
Florida Weekly is a group of newspapers serving various regions across Florida, including Naples, Fort Myers, and Palm Beach. It focuses on local news, arts, and culture.
24. Orlando Weekly
The Orlando Weekly is an alternative newspaper covering news, arts, and entertainment in the Orlando area. It provides in-depth coverage of local events, nightlife, and community issues.
25. New Times Broward-Palm Beach
This alternative weekly newspaper covers news, arts, and culture in Broward and Palm Beach counties. It is known for its investigative journalism and coverage of local issues.
26. Tampa Bay Business Journal
The Tampa Bay Business Journal covers business news in the Tampa Bay area, including real estate, healthcare, and local industry developments.
27. Jacksonville Business Journal
The Jacksonville Business Journal provides business news for Northeast Florida, with a focus on local companies, real estate, and economic development.
28. Orlando Business Journal
The Orlando Business Journal covers business news for the Central Florida region, including tourism, real estate, and local industry developments.
29. South Florida Business Journal
The South Florida Business Journal covers business news in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties, focusing on local companies, real estate, and economic trends.
30. Florida Courier
The Florida Courier is an African-American newspaper serving Florida’s Black communities. It covers news on politics, business, and social issues affecting the African-American community in Florida.
Florida’s Newspaper Landscape: A Vital Information Source
Florida’s newspaper industry plays a crucial role in keeping residents informed about local, state, and national issues. These top 30 newspapers represent a diverse array of voices and perspectives, providing essential coverage for communities across the state.
For more information about Florida’s media landscape, visit the Florida Department of State.