Florida · Southeast
When to put out hummingbird feeders in Florida
Hummingbirds are part of Florida in every season — here's how to time and manage feeders through the year.
Put feeders out by
February 10 — or simply never take them down
First arrivals
late February to early March (some Ruby-throateds winter in the state)
Peak season
March through September
Take down after
Leave up all winter in South Florida and along the Gulf; elsewhere, late November
Keep at least one feeder available in every month.
The Florida season
Florida blurs the seasons: Ruby-throateds breed across the north, migrants stream through in spring and fall, and a mix of Ruby-throateds and western strays (Rufous, occasionally Black-chinned or Buff-bellied) winters in the state. From Orlando south, a year-round feeder is never wasted.
The two-week head start matters more than it looks: the first migrants arrive before most nectar flowers open, and a reliable feeder can anchor a male's breeding territory in your yard for the whole summer.
Hummingbird species in Florida
| Species | Status in Florida |
|---|---|
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Spring–summer breeder |
| Rufous Hummingbird | Winter visitor |
Filling the feeder? The recipe is 4 parts water to 1 part plain white sugar — scale it to your feeder in one click.
Nectar calculatorFrequently asked questions
When should I put out hummingbird feeders in Florida?
In Florida there is no need to wait — hummingbirds are present all or nearly all year, so a feeder is useful in any month. February 10 — or simply never take them down.
When should I take down hummingbird feeders in Florida?
Leave up all winter in South Florida and along the Gulf; elsewhere, late November. And don't worry about tempting birds to stay too long: migration is triggered by day length, not food. A full feeder will never stop a hummingbird from leaving — it simply fuels late stragglers, which need the help most.
Do hummingbirds stay in Florida year-round?
Largely, yes. Florida blurs the seasons: Ruby-throateds breed across the north, migrants stream through in spring and fall, and a mix of Ruby-throateds and western strays (Rufous, occasionally Black-chinned or Buff-bellied) winters in the state.
What should I put in the feeder?
Plain white sugar and water at a 4:1 ratio — 1 cup of sugar per 4 cups of water. Never use honey, brown sugar, or red dye. Our nectar calculator scales the recipe to any feeder size.
Nearby states
FeederDates › Hummingbirds › Florida feeder dates · All Florida feeder dates