Sugar hits different in Florida.
Step inside one of these old-fashioned candy shops and the air itself feels coated in sweetness. Glass jars glow with taffy in sunset colors.
Fudge slabs rest on marble counters like edible treasure. Someone behind the counter is pulling saltwater taffy the old-school way, stretching it with a grin.
It’s caramel apples stacked like glossy trophies. It’s the thrill of pointing at your favorites while a striped bag slowly fills with childhood.
One bite in, and suddenly every town feels a little sweeter — and a whole lot harder to leave.
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop – Ocala
Walking into Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop in Ocala feels like stepping straight into a candy-filled time machine. Located at 20 SE Broadway St in the heart of downtown Ocala, this beloved shop has become a go-to destination for anyone craving a serious dose of nostalgia.
The colorful storefront and cheerful atmosphere make it instantly welcoming to kids and adults alike.
The shop is famous for its enormous bulk candy bins, where customers can fill bags with everything from classic gummy bears to rare retro sweets that are nearly impossible to find anywhere else. One of the biggest crowd-pleasers is the legendary $5 candy box, stuffed to the brim with old-school favorites.
It makes a fantastic gift or a personal treat you will not regret.
Grandpa Joe’s also stocks a wide range of novelty candies, specialty chocolates, and fun gift items that add to its charm. The knowledgeable staff are always happy to help you find something new to try.
Whether you are shopping for a birthday, a road trip snack, or just a midday pick-me-up, this Ocala gem delivers every single time with warmth and sweetness to spare.
Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop – Leesburg
Not far from Ocala, the Leesburg location of Grandpa Joe’s Candy Shop brings the same irresistible magic to 300 W Main St. Leesburg locals have warmly embraced this shop as a staple of their downtown community, and it is easy to see why. The moment you step inside, the smell of sugar and nostalgia hits you like a wave of pure happiness.
Retro soda pops line the shelves in flavors you never knew existed, from bacon soda to cotton candy cola. Alongside the quirky beverages, you will find row after row of classic candies that transport you back to childhood.
Grandpa Joe’s has a genuine talent for curating sweets that feel both familiar and excitingly new at the same time.
The Leesburg store carries the same beloved $5 candy box that fans of the Ocala location have come to adore. It is packed with a rotating selection of retro favorites, making each visit feel like a little surprise.
Families, couples, and solo adventurers all find something to love here. If you are ever cruising through Lake County, make a point to stop in and treat yourself to something wonderfully old-fashioned and sweet.
Webb’s Candy – Davenport
Since 1932, Webb’s Candy has been one of Florida’s most treasured sweet destinations, and it has earned every bit of that reputation. Sitting along US-27 in Davenport, this shop has outlasted trends, recessions, and the rise of big-box stores by staying true to what it does best: making genuinely delicious, handcrafted candy the old-fashioned way.
Few places in Florida carry this kind of history in every single bite.
Webb’s is especially famous for its citrus-inspired candies, which feel perfectly at home in the Sunshine State. The goat’s milk fudge is a standout that keeps customers coming back year after year, with a creamy texture and rich flavor that store-bought fudge simply cannot match.
Hand-dipped chocolates round out the selection with a level of craftsmanship you rarely see anymore.
Visiting Webb’s feels like stepping into a sweet shop from another era, complete with friendly service and a relaxed, welcoming vibe. It is a popular stop for tourists heading to and from Orlando, and many families have made it a beloved road trip tradition.
Picking up a box of citrus candies or a slab of fudge makes for the perfect Florida souvenir that tastes far better than a refrigerator magnet ever could.
Davidson Of Dundee
Davidson of Dundee is not just a candy shop. It is a full-on candy experience that has been delighting visitors in Dundee, Florida since the 1960s.
Located at 28421 US-27, this family-owned operation is as much a factory as it is a store, and that is exactly what makes it so special. Watching candy being made in real time adds a layer of magic that no pre-packaged sweet can replicate.
The shop is best known for its handmade jellies and candies, all produced in small batches using time-honored recipes. Free samples are handed out generously, making it nearly impossible to leave without buying at least one jar or box of something delicious.
Factory tours are available and offer a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how old-school candy-making actually works.
Davidson of Dundee has a particularly loyal fan base among Florida locals who have been stopping here for generations. The orange blossom honey and citrus-flavored candies are perennial favorites that capture the true flavor of Florida in every bite.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning fan, the warm, unhurried atmosphere makes every visit feel like a genuine treat. Stock up before you leave, because you will absolutely wish you had bought more.
The Pirate Candy Shop – Tampa
Ahoy, candy lovers! The Pirate Candy Shop at 716 S Village Cir in Tampa is a one-of-a-kind sweet destination that blends old-fashioned candy shop charm with a distinctly Scandinavian twist.
Specializing in Swedish pick-and-mix sweets, this shop introduces Floridians to a whole new world of gummy candies, licorice varieties, and sugary novelties that are wildly different from the typical American candy aisle.
Swedish pick-and-mix, known as “lördagsgodis” or Saturday candy in Sweden, is a tradition where shoppers fill bags with an assortment of individually chosen sweets. The Pirate Candy Shop brings this beloved custom to Tampa with an impressive selection of bins loaded with unique flavors and textures.
From salty licorice fish to fruity foam candies, there is always something unexpected waiting to be discovered.
Beyond the Swedish selection, the shop also carries classic American favorites that give every visitor something familiar to reach for. The pirate theme adds a playful energy that makes the whole experience feel like a treasure hunt.
Kids absolutely love it, but adults tend to have just as much fun filling their bags. Stop in on a weekend and join the tradition of treating yourself to something sweet, silly, and wonderfully out of the ordinary.
Rocket Fizz – St. Petersburg
Rocket Fizz on Central Avenue in St. Petersburg is the kind of store that makes you feel like a kid again the second you walk through the door. With over 500 varieties of specialty sodas and an enormous selection of retro and novelty candies, this shop is a sensory explosion in the best possible way.
The walls are lined floor to ceiling with bottles in flavors you have never imagined, from peanut butter soda to ranch-flavored fizz.
The candy selection is just as wild and wonderful, featuring hard-to-find brands, imported sweets, and vintage favorites that have been off store shelves for decades. Candy bars from the 1970s sit alongside imported British chocolates and quirky novelty treats shaped like everything from teeth to fried eggs.
Every visit reveals something new and unexpected hiding on the shelves.
Rocket Fizz has built a devoted following in St. Pete, drawing in tourists and locals who appreciate its commitment to fun and nostalgia. It is the perfect stop before or after a stroll down Central Avenue, and the staff are always enthusiastic about helping customers find their next favorite weird soda or forgotten candy.
Budget a little extra time here, because you will not want to rush this delightfully overwhelming experience.
The Candy Kitchen – Madeira Beach
Madeira Beach has no shortage of reasons to visit, but The Candy Kitchen at 13711 Gulf Blvd adds a deliciously sweet one to the list. Tucked close to the Gulf, this charming shop has been serving up classic candies and creamy ice cream to beachgoers and locals for years.
There is something undeniably satisfying about treating yourself to something homemade and sweet after a long day of sun and saltwater.
The shop carries a thoughtful selection of candies that leans heavily on the nostalgic side, with chocolates, fudge, and old-fashioned hard candies that remind you of simpler times. The ice cream is made to be enjoyed slowly, whether you are sitting inside the cozy shop or strolling along the beachside strip.
Both are equally good options, honestly.
The Candy Kitchen has a warm, unhurried atmosphere that stands in pleasant contrast to the busy tourist strip outside. The staff take pride in offering quality sweets with a personal touch, and repeat customers are always greeted like old friends.
It is the kind of neighborhood candy shop that every beach town deserves but not every beach town gets to have. Make room in your beach bag for a little box of chocolates, because you will absolutely want to bring some home.
Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop – Madeira Beach
Few things say “classic beach vacation” quite like a bag of freshly pulled saltwater taffy, and Zeno’s Boardwalk Sweet Shop at John’s Pass Boardwalk in Madeira Beach has been delivering exactly that for years. Perched on one of Florida’s most charming historic boardwalks, this shop captures the spirit of old-fashioned seaside candy culture in a way that feels genuinely timeless.
The colorful taffy wrappers alone are enough to make you smile before you even take a bite.
Zeno’s is famous for its wide variety of taffy flavors, ranging from tropical fruit blends to classic vanilla and chocolate. Watching the candy being made is a treat in itself, as the rhythmic pull of the taffy machine has a hypnotic, almost meditative quality.
It is the kind of thing you find yourself standing and watching for longer than you planned.
Beyond taffy, the shop carries a fun assortment of boardwalk-style sweets and novelty candies that pair perfectly with an afternoon of exploring John’s Pass. The lively boardwalk setting means there is always something happening nearby, making Zeno’s a natural gathering spot for families and sweet-toothed adventurers.
Grab a mixed bag of taffy to share, or keep it all to yourself. Nobody will judge you here.
River Street Sweets – Sarasota
River Street Sweets brings a touch of Southern candy-making tradition to the heart of Sarasota, and the result is absolutely wonderful. Located on John Ringling Blvd, this shop is known for its handmade pralines, fudge, and ice cream, all crafted with the kind of care and attention that mass-produced candy simply cannot match.
The warm, inviting atmosphere makes it the kind of place you want to linger in long after your last bite.
Pralines are the star of the show here, made fresh in copper pots right in the shop where customers can watch the whole process unfold. The smell alone is enough to draw people in from the sidewalk, and once inside, it is nearly impossible to leave empty-handed.
Fudge comes in a rotating variety of flavors, from classic chocolate walnut to creative seasonal options that keep regulars coming back to see what is new.
Sarasota is a city known for its arts and culture, and River Street Sweets fits right into that spirit by treating candy-making as a genuine craft. The staff are passionate about what they make and love sharing their enthusiasm with visitors.
Whether you are exploring the Ringling district or just looking for something sweet after dinner, this shop is a reliable source of handmade joy in one of Florida’s most beautiful cities.
Richey’s Chocolates – Bradenton
Richey’s Chocolates has been a Bradenton institution since 1949, and that kind of longevity is earned one delicious chocolate at a time. Located at 4710 Manatee Ave W, this family-run shop has spent over seven decades perfecting the art of handmade confections, and the results speak for themselves.
Walking in feels like visiting a trusted old friend who just happens to make exceptional chocolates.
The selection at Richey’s leans heavily on classic craftsmanship, with hand-dipped chocolates, rich truffles, and seasonal specialties that showcase real skill and quality ingredients. Chocolate-dipped strawberries, caramel clusters, and assorted gift boxes are perennial bestsellers that have made this shop a popular stop for holidays, anniversaries, and everyday indulgences alike.
Nothing here feels mass-produced or rushed.
What makes Richey’s stand out beyond its impressive product lineup is the genuine warmth of the shop itself. The staff carry on a tradition of personalized service that has kept multiple generations of Bradenton families coming back year after year.
It is the kind of place where the person behind the counter remembers your favorite truffle flavor and asks how your family is doing. In a world of impersonal shopping experiences, Richey’s feels like a rare and wonderful exception worth savoring slowly.
House of Sweets – Madeira Beach
Madeira Beach makes its third appearance on this list, and House of Sweets at 12930 Village Blvd is the reason why. This quaint little candy shop near the John’s Pass area has carved out a loyal following among locals and visitors who appreciate its carefully curated selection of fudge, chocolates, and novelty sweets.
Small in size but big on charm, it punches well above its weight in the sweetness department.
The fudge here is a standout, made in a variety of flavors that range from tried-and-true classics to inventive combinations that reflect the shop’s playful personality. Chocolate lovers will find plenty to celebrate, with an assortment of hand-selected confections that make excellent gifts or personal splurges.
The shop also carries novelty candies and sweet treats that bring a smile to anyone who browses the shelves long enough.
House of Sweets has the kind of relaxed, unpretentious energy that fits perfectly with the Madeira Beach lifestyle. It is not trying to be the biggest or flashiest candy store in Florida.
Instead, it focuses on doing a few things really well and making every customer feel welcome. If you find yourself in the John’s Pass area, squeeze in a visit between the seafood restaurants and souvenir shops.
Your sweet tooth will be very glad you did.
Hello Sweetz – Tarpon Springs
Tarpon Springs is already one of Florida’s most unique and culturally rich towns, famous for its Greek heritage and sponge docks. Hello Sweetz at 834 Dodecanese Blvd adds a sweet dimension to this already vibrant destination, offering a local spin on classic candies in a setting that perfectly complements the charm of the surrounding neighborhood.
It is the kind of shop that feels like it was always meant to be here.
The candy selection blends familiar favorites with locally inspired creations that reflect the character of Tarpon Springs itself. Colorful candy jars line the shelves, and the shop has a warm, welcoming energy that makes browsing feel like a pleasure rather than a chore.
Whether you are looking for a quick sweet treat or a thoughtful gift to bring home, Hello Sweetz has options that satisfy on both counts.
Visiting Hello Sweetz is a natural extension of a day spent exploring the sponge docks, sampling Greek pastries, and soaking up the old-world atmosphere that makes Tarpon Springs so special. The shop fits seamlessly into the pedestrian-friendly downtown area, making it an easy and enjoyable stop.
Stop in, grab something sweet, and take your time enjoying the flavors while you stroll through one of Florida’s most beloved small towns. It is a combination that is hard to beat.
Lofty Pursuits – Tallahassee
Lofty Pursuits in Tallahassee is unlike any candy shop you have probably ever visited, and that is saying something. Part toy store, part candy factory, and part living museum of confectionery history, this beloved Tallahassee institution has been handcrafting old-fashioned hard candies using techniques that date back well over a century.
Watching the candy makers work is genuinely mesmerizing, like witnessing a form of edible performance art.
The shop produces a rotating lineup of handmade hard candies in flavors that range from classic peppermint and cinnamon to more adventurous seasonal creations. Every piece is pulled, shaped, and cut by hand using traditional tools and methods that most modern candy factories abandoned long ago.
The result is candy with a texture and depth of flavor that machine-made sweets simply cannot replicate.
Lofty Pursuits has earned a devoted following among Tallahassee residents and visitors from across Florida who make a point of stopping in whenever they are in the state capital. The toy shop portion of the store adds an extra layer of delight for families, making it a destination that appeals to all ages.
Whether you are buying a bag of hard candy for yourself or picking up a unique handmade gift, Lofty Pursuits delivers an experience that is as memorable as it is delicious.