If you’re in Florida and have a sweet tooth, there’s one treat you absolutely need to try: Tupelo honey. It’s not just any honey—it’s special, rare, and oh-so-delicious. As someone who’s lived in Florida for years, I’ve hunted down the best spots to find this golden goodness.

 Tupelo honey comes from the blossoms of the White Tupelo tree, which grows in swampy areas like the Apalachicola River Basin in Northwest Florida. It’s got a buttery, smooth taste that’s hard to beat, and it doesn’t crystallize like other honeys. 

Whether you’re a local or just visiting, here’s my guide to where you can buy Tupelo honey in Florida. Trust me, you won’t regret adding this to your pantry!

Why Tupelo Honey Is Worth the Search

Before I dive into where to get it, let me tell you why Tupelo honey is such a big deal. The White Tupelo tree only blooms for a couple of weeks in the spring, usually around April or May. 

That short window means the bees have to work fast, and beekeepers have to be even faster to collect it. The result? 

A honey that’s light amber with a greenish tint, a floral scent, and a taste that’s sweet without being overpowering.

 It’s so good that even Van Morrison wrote a song about it! Plus, because of its high fructose content, it stays liquid for a long time. For me, it’s the perfect drizzle on toast or a spoonful in tea. Now, let’s get to where you can find it.

1. Local Farmers’ Markets in the Panhandle

If you’re anywhere near Northwest Florida, farmers’ markets are a goldmine for Tupelo honey. This is where the magic happens—beekeepers from the Panhandle set up their stalls with jars of fresh, raw honey straight from their hives. 

One of my favorite spots is the Wewahitchka Farmers’ Market. Wewahitchka is a small town about 20 minutes north of Port St. Joe, and it’s famous for its Tupelo honey. You’ll find folks like the ones from Smiley Honey or Register Family Farm there, offering samples so you can taste before you buy. 

I love chatting with the beekeepers—they’ll tell you all about how they harvest it from the swamps. Just bring cash, as some vendors don’t take cards, and go early because it sells out fast!

Another great market is the Apalachicola Downtown Market. Held on Saturdays, it’s right in the heart of Apalachicola, where the Tupelo trees thrive along the river. 

You can grab a jar from local sellers like Tupelo Honey Florida and enjoy the vibe of this historic little town while you’re at it. These markets are perfect if you want to support small businesses and get the freshest honey possible.

2. Specialty Stores in Apalachicola

Apalachicola isn’t just a pretty coastal town—it’s Tupelo honey central. If you’re strolling around, stop by the Apalachicola Sponge Company. They’ve got their own line of Tupelo honey, bottled right there, and it’s as pure as it gets. 

I picked up a 2-pound jar last summer, and it lasted me months! The folks there are super friendly and can tell you all about the honey’s journey from the swamp to your table. 

It’s on Avenue D, easy to find, and they even have a phone number (850-653-3550) if you want to call ahead and check stock.

Another gem is Tupelo Honey Florida, also in Apalachicola. They focus only on Tupelo honey—no blends, no extras, just the real stuff. 

You can visit their store at 14 Avenue D or order online if you’re not nearby. I’ve tried their 8-ounce teddy bear bottle—it’s cute and makes a great gift.

 These local shops are a must if you’re in the area and want that authentic Northwest Florida flavor.

3. Bee Farms and Apiaries

For a more hands-on experience, why not go straight to the source? Some bee farms in the Panhandle sell Tupelo honey directly to visitors. L.L. Lanier and Son’s Tupelo Honey in Wewahitchka has been around since 1898, and they’re legends in the honey game. 

Their honey comes from the Apalachicola River swamps, and you can buy it in jugs or jars from their website (lltupelohoney.com). I’ve heard they sometimes let you peek at the process if you call ahead—how cool is that?

Then there’s Register Family Farm, another Panhandle favorite. They sell at farmers’ markets, but you can also visit their farm or order online at registerfamilyfarm.com. Their Tupelo honey is raw and unfiltered, just the way I like it. 

These family-run spots give you a real taste of Florida’s beekeeping tradition, and you’ll feel good knowing you’re supporting locals who’ve been doing this for generations.

4. Online Options for Convenience

If you can’t make it to the Panhandle, don’t worry—you can still get Tupelo honey delivered to your door. A lot of Florida beekeepers ship statewide (and beyond). Smiley Honey (smileyhoney.com) is one I’ve ordered from before.

 They source their Tupelo from the Apalachicola and Altamaha River systems, and it’s always top-notch. I got a 16-ounce jar last year, and it arrived fast. They’ve got bulk options too if you’re a honey fanatic like me!

Another great online pick is East Hill Honey Co.(east-hill-honey.myshopify.com). Based in Northwest Florida, they offer raw Tupelo honey in dripless bottles or mason jars. 

I love the floral taste—it’s perfect with fruit. And if you’re an Amazon shopper, check out Winter Park Honey. They’re a Florida-based family business, and their Tupelo honey is pure and unprocessed. Just search “Tupelo Honey Winter Park” on Amazon, but act quick—it sells out fast!

5. Bigger Stores and Chains

Sometimes you’re not near the Panhandle and need a quick fix. Lucky for us, some bigger stores in Florida carry Tupelo honey too. Publix, our go-to grocery chain, sometimes stocks it in the natural foods section, especially in stores closer to Northwest Florida. 

I’ve spotted brands like Savannah Bee Company there—it’s not always local, but it’s still legit Tupelo honey. Call your local Publix to check if they have it in stock.

Whole Foods is another option. They often carry specialty honeys, including Tupelo, from brands like Bee Friends Farm or Sleeping Bear Farms. It’s a bit pricier, but the quality’s worth it. 

I grabbed a jar from the Whole Foods in Tallahassee once when I was passing through, and it hit the spot. Just don’t expect every location to have it—availability depends on the season and demand.

Tips for Buying Tupelo Honey

As a local, I’ve learned a few tricks to make sure you’re getting the real deal. First, look for a light amber color with a slight green tint—that’s a sign it’s pure Tupelo. Second, check the label. It should say “raw” or “unfiltered” if you want the best flavor and health benefits.

 Third, buy from Florida sources when you can—the Panhandle’s where the magic happens, so local is freshest. And finally, stock up when you find it! That short bloom season means supplies are limited, and once it’s gone, you might have to wait until next year.

Why I Love Tupelo Honey

I’ve been hooked on Tupelo honey ever since I tried it at a friend’s house in Apalachicola. 

She drizzled it over a warm biscuit, and I was sold—the buttery sweetness was unlike anything I’d tasted. Now, I keep a jar in my kitchen at all times.

 It’s not just about the taste, though. Knowing it comes from Florida’s swamps, made by hardworking bees and beekeepers, makes it feel special. It’s a little piece of our state’s natural beauty in every spoonful.

Final Thoughts

So, where should you buy Tupelo honey in Florida? If you’re near the Panhandle, hit up farmers’ markets or local shops in Apalachicola and Wewahitchka. 

Want to visit the source? Check out a bee farm. Prefer shopping from home? Order online from trusted Florida sellers. Or, if you’re in a pinch, try Publix or Whole Foods.

 Wherever you get it, you’re in for a treat. Tupelo honey is a Florida treasure, and once you try it, you’ll see why us locals can’t get enough. Happy hunting—and enjoy that sweet, sweet taste!