Quick Facts
- Luxury fashion shoppers
- Outlet bargain hunters
- Tourists visiting Florida
- Aventura Mall is the largest mall in Florida with 2.8 million square feet and 300+ stores
- Sawgrass Mills is the largest outlet destination in the U.S. with 30 million annual visitors
- Florida sales tax varies by county - most tourist areas charge 7% (6% base + surtax)
- Westfield Brandon has been rebranded to Brandon Exchange under new ownership
Florida offers world-class shopping across all price points, from Miami's luxury boutiques rivaling Milan to massive outlet centers. Plan by region and check current store locations as the retail landscape has recently shifted.
Florida doesn’t just offer shopping; it offers retail as a competitive sport. From the air conditioned mega malls of Orlando to the high stakes luxury avenues of Miami, the state has evolved into a global retail powerhouse. But if you haven’t visited in the last year, you are working with outdated intel.
The retail map has shifted. Iconic locations have rebranded, tax rates have adjusted in specific counties, and the antique circuit has released a fresh schedule for 2026. Whether you are hunting for high-end fashion or scouring the flea markets for hidden treasure, you need a strategy.
We have curated the noise to bring you the definitive, verified guide to shopping the Sunshine State right now.
The Heavy Hitters: Major Shopping Destinations
Miami: The Luxury Capital
Miami competes directly with New York and Milan. It is flashy, expensive, and incredibly well curated.
- Bal Harbour Shops: This isn’t just a mall; it’s a tropical garden that sells couture. As of December 2025, the tenant list remains a who’s who of luxury, featuring Chanel, Gucci (Suite 172), and Louis Vuitton. Pro Tip: Holiday hours are strict herethey close on Christmas Day and run shortened hours on Christmas Eve.
- Aventura Mall: Recently named the “Best Mall in the United States” by USA TODAY’s 10BEST awards, Aventura is a beast. With over 300 stores and 2.8 million square feet, it is the largest mall in Florida. Wear comfortable shoes; you will walk miles here.
- Miami Design District: Skip this if you want generic brands. Go here for flagship architecture and high art. It houses Hermès, Dior, and a stunning collection of contemporary art galleries interwoven with the retail space.
- Sawgrass Mills (Sunrise): Located just outside Miami, this is the largest outlet and value retail destination in the U. S. It attracts 30 million visitors annually. The Curator’s Take: If you want luxury without the full price tag, head straight to “The Colonnade Outlets” section for brands like Prada and Versace. The rest of the mall can be chaotic.
If you love the coastal luxury vibe but find Miami too intense, you might want to compare it with the West Coast scene in our Ultimate Guide to Shopping in California.
Orlando: More Than Mouse Ears
- The Mall at Millenia: This is Orlando’s answer to luxury. While Jimmy Choo and Burberry have standalone boutiques, note that Cartier is located inside the Mayors Jewelers showroom (Suite 180), not as a standalone storefront. A new Gucci gallery has also opened on the north side.
- The Florida Mall: The largest in Central Florida. It’s less about high fashion and more about volume, featuring anchors like Zara, Apple, and H&M.
- Disney Springs: This area requires no park ticket. It’s a mix of high-end dining and unique retail. It’s polished, clean, and incredibly busy on weekends.
Tampa: The Rebranding Era
Tampa’s retail scene has undergone significant changes recently. If you are looking for “Westfield Brandon,” stop. It doesn’t exist anymore.
- Brandon Exchange (Formerly Westfield Brandon): After a sale to the North American Development Group, this mall was rebranded to Brandon Exchange. It remains a powerhouse, recently adding a massive “Dick’s House of Sport” in October 2025.
- International Plaza and Bay Street: This remains the alpha predator of Tampa retail. It sits right next to the airport and houses Neiman Marcus and Tiffany & Co.
- Hyde Park Village: An open air lifestyle center that feels more like a manicured neighborhood than a mall. Great for finding independent labels.
Critical Shopping Intel for 2026
To shop like a local, you need to understand the logistics. Here is what most travel guides forget to mention.
- The Tax Reality: Florida is not a flat rate state. While the base sales tax is 6%, counties add discretionary surtaxes. As of 2025, most tourist hubs (Miami Dade, Orange) are at 7%. However, Hamilton County recently hiked their total rate to 8%, and counties like Leon are at 7.5%. Watch your receipts.
- Parking Friction: Free parking is disappearing. At popular spots like the Yellow Green Farmers Market in Hollywood, expect to pay $15 for all day parking in the North Lot.
- Timing is Everything: If you are hitting the outlets (Premium Outlets or Sawgrass), arriving after 11:00 AM on a Saturday guarantees you will spend 40 minutes hunting for a parking spot. Go at opening on a Tuesday.
The Antique & Vintage Circuit: 2026 Schedule
Florida is a massive funnel for antiques, largely due to the retiree population downsizing. However, the best shows are seasonal. Mark these verified dates on your calendar:
- West Palm Beach Antiques Festival: The schedule for early 2026 is set. Catch the shows on January 2-4, the major “Extravaganza” on February 6-8, and March 6-8.
- The Original Miami Beach Antique Show: The big one. This global event takes over the Miami Beach Convention Center from March 26-30, 2026. It features over 600 vendors.
- Renninger’s Mount Dora: Don’t show up in December expecting the famous “Extravaganza”—that event only happens in January, February, and November. However, they are hosting a Holiday Antique and Craft Market on December 6-7, 2025.
If you enjoy hunting for unique items in bustling cities, check out our Ultimate Guide to Shopping in New York City to see how the East Coast vintage scene compares.
Theme Park Merchandise: Myth vs. Reality
Buying merch inside the parks is part of the experience, but there have been some changes to the “World’s Largest” claims.
- LEGOLAND Florida: For years, “The Big Shop” was touted as the largest LEGO store in the world. As of 2025, this is no longer true. The title was taken by the new store in Billund, Denmark. The Florida store was renovated and renamed “The LEGO Shop” in September 2025—it’s still massive, but technically the largest only within the resort.
- Walt Disney World & Universal: For high-quality apparel rather than just cheap souvenirs, focus on the standalone boutiques at Disney Springs or CityWalk. If you are interested in the quality of American made textiles, read our guide on Top Clothing Manufacturers In USA.
Local & Organic: The Market Scene
For those who prefer farm to-table over factory to-store, Florida’s market scene is vibrant year round.
- Yellow Green Farmers Market (Hollywood): Open Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. It is a massive indoor/outdoor venue with over 300 booths. It is excellent for prepared foods and artisanal goods.
- Riverside Arts Market (Jacksonville): Located under the Fuller Warren Bridge, this market runs every Saturday. In December 2025, they are featuring a specific Holiday Gift Guide showcasing nearly 50 local artistsperfect for last minute, non generic gifts.
Shopping in Florida is diverse, from the high-end luxury of Miami to the hidden antique fairs of Central Florida. If you are planning a broader trip through the South, don’t miss our insights on Online Shopping Sites in Georgia for regional comparisons.
