Central Florida's phosphate mining belt — the world-famous fossil bed that supplies most of the megalodon teeth on the dealer market. Direct mine access is industrial-only, but reclaimed lands, fossil parks, and creek tributaries downstream of the district are open to hunters.
Workable but not ideal. Moderate W winds (7 mph).
Next 3 days: Tomorrow is the pick (74); today drops to 48 — skip if you can.
This site does not depend on a tidal low. Hunt during the coolest, brightest part of the day and use the wind and conditions notes below.
Impact on visibility and stir-up over the next 5 days.
River sites score on water level vs. recent rain. Low + clear = best; storms muddy the gauge and drop the score.
Fair. Standard conditions — go for the volume hunt.
We are deliberate about which factors to include. These are not currently in the model:
If you think we should add one of these, log a hunt with notes — every rated outcome helps us decide which signals actually predict tooth count.
Hunt the Peace River and its tributaries (especially Bowlegs Creek and downstream of Bartow / Mulberry) with a sifter and shovel during low water. Reclaimed phosphate land at Mosaic Fossil Park and Tenoroc reveals fresh material after rain. Always follow current state water-bottom permit rules.
Active phosphate mines (Mosaic, etc.) are off-limits. Public hunting on the Peace River and tributaries; some reclaimed sites open by permit. Mosaic Peace River Fossil Park reopens periodically — check the schedule.
Florida requires a state Vertebrate Fossil Permit ($5/year) to collect vertebrate fossils on state-owned waters and lands. Invertebrates are unrestricted. Stay off active mine property.
Trophy = headline find · Rare = real score · Uncommon = some trips · Common = most trips.
The beachcomber's bonus round — what else the geology gives up.
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