Metal Detecting Hunts in Florida
Florida hunt season runs opposite the rest of the country: both listed events land in winter, when the fields are bearable. Soldiers Freedom Outdoors runs a two-day charity seeded hunt across 720 acres in Melrose benefiting veterans' mental health, and the Treasure Coast Archaeological Society — the detecting club of Florida's shipwreck coast — holds its long-running annual hunt near Vero Beach in March.
Upcoming hunts in Florida
No Florida hunts currently have announced upcoming dates — but see below: the state's hunts are annual, and this page updates as hosts publish next year's dates.
Recent hunts
- Florida Hunt 11 – Soldiers Freedom Outdoors — Jan 30, 2026, Melrose, FL · Seeded hunt · hosted by Soldiers Freedom Outdoors Inc.. Two-day seeded hunt across 720 acres benefiting veterans' mental health.
- Treasure Coast Archaeological Society Annual Hunt — Mar 14, 2026, Vero Beach, FL · Seeded + natural · hosted by Treasure Coast Archaeological Society (TCAS). Annual hunt hosted by TCAS, a nonprofit organization of metal detectorists based in Sebastian, FL. The 37th annual hunt ran in March 2025; 2026 expected to follow the same pattern.
Recurring hunts to watch
Both hunts are annual winter events: Soldiers Freedom Outdoors' Florida Hunt (the 2026 edition was number 11) in late January and the TCAS hunt each March — 2026 was expected to be the 38th running. Dates post in the fall.
Detecting in Florida: the short version
Organized hunts are the easy way in — the host has already secured land permission, and that's most of what your entry fee buys. Outside events, get landowner permission on private ground and check state and local rules for parks and beaches before digging. Seeded hunts are the friendliest start for beginners and kids; natural hunts reward experience. New to organized hunts? Start with the guide to metal detecting hunts and the FAQ.
Nearby states with listed hunts: Alabama. Listings come from the DigRallies directory — dates and fees are checked against the hosts' own announcements, but always confirm with the host before traveling.