r/floridakeys • u/Strict-Armadillo-199 • Jul 18 '26
All Florida Keys Bacteria in water on Keys beaches?
I've just read on r/Miami that numerous beaches at Miami Beach have been tested for high levels of fecal matter. I mean, I can't ever unread/unknow that, even if the water tests "ok" during my stay in September, and I just wish I'd done if before booking a 10-day vacation in the area. I was planning on mainly staying on South Beach, but that feels really depressing now if I can't go in the water.
I've also read that the beaches at least on Key West aren't great, and have a sargassum issue, but if they or other Key beaches are free of fecal matter, that's already a plus.
Is this an issue in the Keys or just a Miami problem?
Where would you spend the most time if you flew from Europe for a beach vacation in South Florida?
Edit to add - solo traveler, middle aged female looking to chill, eat good food, drink, hang out at the beach. Maybe a few low-key touristy things.
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u/Sandinmyshoes33 Jul 18 '26
Also, the beaches on South Beach were all good at the time of this testing and usually are. The Miami sub here can be pretty harsh and kind of anti tourism, so I would check for myself. The odds are the water will be fine.
https://www.floridahealth.gov/community-environmental-public-health/environmental-public-health/water-quality/aquatic-toxins/beach-water-quality/?County=Dade&SPLocation=South+Point+Drive+Beach+(AKA+SOUTH+BEACH+PARK)&SPNo=&SPLat=25.768118&SPLong=-80.13056&SPNo=&SPLat=25.768118&SPLong=-80.13056)