Staff Writer
Florida has been named one of the best places in America for tailgating, according to a new study by VegasInsider. The Sunshine State ranks No. 3 nationwide with a Tailgating Score of 54.93 out of 100, recognized for its vibrant football culture, loyal fan base, and year-round warm-weather traditions that make game days feel like a statewide celebration.
Fall in Florida means more than just cooler temperatures—it’s the height of football season, when fans from college towns to coastal cities gather to cheer on their favorite teams. Whether it’s the roar of crowds at The Swamp in Gainesville, the energy of a Miami Dolphins pregame, or the community spirit around high school rivalries, tailgating has become a defining part of Florida’s sports culture.
Florida’s Tailgating Score and Highlights
The 2025 Tailgating Index evaluated all 50 U.S. states based on Affordability, Fan Passion, and Accessibility to uncover where game-day culture thrives the most.
Florida’s strong football heritage and festive atmosphere helped it secure a top spot, with fans known for transforming parking lots into full-scale celebrations complete with barbecue spreads, team colors, and community spirit. As fall football season kicks off, the state’s mild weather ensures that tailgating remains a favorite pastime from September through bowl season.
Key Florida Tailgating Stats:
National Rank: No. 3 overall
Tailgating Score: 54.93 / 100
Average Tailgating Cost: $48.16 (beer, BBQ fuel, meat, and parking)
Estimated Parking Spaces: 79,627 statewide
Number of Football Teams: 10 (NFL and college combined)
Positive Fan Sentiment: 56.08%
Fan Interest: 3,020 average monthly searches related to Florida tailgating
A VegasInsider spokesperson noted that Florida’s warm climate and passionate fans create one of the best tailgating environments in the nation, with celebrations “stretching from Gainesville to Miami and everywhere in between.”
Top 10 Tailgating States in America (2025)
Texas — 78.66 / 100
South Carolina — 58.67 / 100
Florida — 54.93 / 100
Georgia — 54.37 / 100
North Carolina — 53.79 / 100
California — 53.42 / 100
Mississippi — 53.37 / 100
Colorado — 52.89 / 100
Louisiana — 52.84 / 100
Oklahoma — 52.56 / 100
How the Tailgating Index Was Calculated
VegasInsider’s 2025 Tailgating Index ranks the best states, cities, and teams for football fans based on three weighted categories:
Affordability (40%) – Average costs of beer, meat, BBQ fuel, and parking.
Fan Passion (40%) – Online sentiment across social platforms, reviews, and Google search trends.
Accessibility (20%) – Stadium parking capacity and the number of football teams per state.
For the full list of rankings and state-by-state breakdowns, visit VegasInsider’s 2025 Tailgating Index.
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