Historic Fishing Villages and Working Waterfronts

CORTEZ The village of Cortez, is the oldest surviving fishing village in Florida. It dates from at least 1880

CEDAR KEY, an Old Florida fishing village of about 700 full time residents is one the more surprising tourist attractions in this part of the state. For such a small town, Cedar Key has a prominent place in Florida history showing it was settled long ago. (id #1)

APALACHICOLA once was the oyster production capital until several years ago when the Bay pollution force the State to shut down the oyster beds. Today, Apalachicola it is still very much a fishing town, with shrimp being the primary offshore catch.

STEINHATCHEE is a hidden gem located in Taylor County. It's like going back in time when you're driving along its country roads. There is boating, fishing and scalloping - as well as shops shops and local eateries. (id #3)

TARPON SPRINGS is as if you're in Europe when you enter this historic Greek town in Pinellas County. Shops, Victorian homes, authentic Greek food, and the famous sponge docks make this one of Florida's most interesting small (fishing) towns. (id #3)

ST MARKS, An overlooked gem of the Big Bend region, historic St. Marks provides fantastic fishing steeped in old-Florida ambience. This modest town founded in 1528 offers access into the Apalachee Bay region, where rocks, and more rocks define coastline. (id #5)

MATLACHA is a 'colorful' strip of seafood markets and art galleries. It is a must-visit for anyone in the Fort Myers area. It's very quirky and must see.

ARIPEKA was named Gulf Key in 1873. The main business in town is Norfleet's Fish Camp, locally known as Carl's store, at the bridge.

PENSACOLA developed a fishing industry in the 1860s. Today's commercial fishing activity is focused on tuna, dolphin, mackerel, snapper, grouper, mullet, oysters, clams, and shrimp. Much of the fishing fleet ranges all over the Gulf of Mexico. (id #1)

PINE ISLAND takes you back in time. Found just over "The Fishing-est Bridge in the US". Pine Island is one of Southwest Florida’s last authentic fishing villages – like Matlacha nearby, both with an artistic twist.

 Working Waterfronts ... https://www.florida-backroads-travel.com/old-florida-working-waterfront-towns.html​
 Historic Villages ... www.onlyinyourstate.com/florida/historic-villages-fl/
Other quiet fishing towns - Sebastian, Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Welaka, New Smyrna Beach, Crystal River