A Road Trip to the Best Florida Independent Bookstores in 2024

Last Updated on April 26, 2024

Are you looking for the best Florida independent bookstores? You found a great place to inspire a visit to a fabulous bookshop.

Book lovers know that the feeling of wandering around a bookstore is often unmatched. Perusing new books, used books, and rare books – it’s all part of the experience of visiting a local bookstore.

Luckily, the best independent bookstores can be found throughout the state, so we’ve picked out some of our favorites for a fun road trip adventure.

This Florida road trip to some of Florida’s best independent bookstores includes each region of the state.

Don’t forget to set aside some space for all the future additions to your home library.

Northwest Florida

The Bodacious Bookstore and Café – Pensacola 

The Bodacious Bookstore and Café is a bookstore located in Downtown Pensacola and one of our favorite Florida independent bookstores.

The bookstore hosts fun events like author signings, book clubs, and children’s story times.

If you need a pick-me-up during your visit, check out the café in the building.

They serve a delicious selection of pastries and sandwiches. The café also offers a variety of coffee, tea, and smoothies. 

For more information, visit the official Bodacious Bookstore and Cafe website. 

The Bodacious Bookstore and Cafe Address: 110 E Intendencia St, Pensacola, FL 32502

While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Experience Authentic Pensacola (and Pensacola Beach.

Downtown Books and Purl – Apalachicola 

Downtown Books and Purl is in an old building in Downtown Apalachicola. The shop has plenty of books, from classics to new releases. 

As the “purl” in the name may suggest, the shop also offers a selection of yarns.

Enjoy shopping for your next book and knitting project at this charming shop.

They also sell games, puzzles, and other fun objects.

Downtown Books and Purl is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 

For more information, visit the official Downtown Books and Purl website. 

Downtown Books and Purl Address: 67 Commerce St., Apalachicola, FL 32320

While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Getaway to Authentic Apalachicola

The Book Shack – Dade City

The Book Shack was opened in 1979 and has since been taken over by the founder’s granddaughter.

The store allows you to bring in old books and trade them in for credit.

This shop offers a variety of books you are sure to love. They also offer a few different toys and gifts you won’t want to miss out on.

The Book Shack is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

For more information, visit The Book Shack website.

The Book Shack Address: 14145 7th Street, Dade City, FL 33525

More Bookstores in Northwest Florida

Blackwater Book Exchange – Milton

Blackwater Book Exchange Address: 5406 Dogwood Dr. Milton, FL 32570

The Book Rack – Fort Walton Beach

The Book Rack Address: 29 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548

Sundog Books – Santa Rosa Beach

Sundog Books Address: 89 Central Square, Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

North Central Florida

Midtown Reader and Piebrary – Tallahassee

Midtown Reader and Piebrary is an independent bookstore in a historic neighborhood smack in the center of Tallahassee.

The bookstore strives to build a community with literary events and programming showcasing Florida authors.

Midtown Reader also has a dedicated children’s section, Kidtown Readers, with book lists for kids and a Story and Craft Hour every Saturday morning. 

Did we mention they have THE best pie? In fact, you can’t go wrong with anything on the Piebrary menu.

It’s definitely worth a trip to this unique Florida independent bookstore.

For more information, visit the official Midtown Reader and Piebrary website. 

Midtown Reader and Piebrary address: 1123 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303

While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Ten Authentic Things to Do in Tallahassee, the “Other Florida”

Northeast Florida and North Central Florida

Second Read Books – St. Augustine

Second Read Books is a wonderful independent bookstore in St. Augustine’s historic downtown area.

It is across the street from Flagler College and is known for selling hardback and paperback books with collections for nearly every genre.

The bookstore also buys and trades used books and audio. If you have books that you are ok parting with, you might be able to earn credit toward your next purchase.

For more information, visit the official Visit St. Augustine website. 

Second Read Books address: 51D Cordova St, St. Augustine, FL 32084

While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Step Back in Time in Charming St. Augustine

More Bookstores in Northeast and North Central Florida

Story and Song Center for Arts and Culture

Story and Song Center for Arts and Culture Address: 1430 Park Avenue, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034

The Book Mark Address

The Book Mark Address: 220 First Street, Neptune Beach FL 32266

Central West Florida

Oxford Exchange – Tampa

Oxford Exchange is located near Downtown Tampa and the University of Tampa. The space includes a restaurant, shop, and bookstore.

Oxford Exchange hosts various community events, including book clubs, book fairs, and author events.

They have a large signed book collection and a local author collection you can shop from.

In addition to a great selection of books, be sure to check out the shop for stationery, journals, pens, and more.

For more information, visit the official Oxford Exchange website. 

Oxford Exchange address: 420 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33606

While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Top 10 Authentic Things to Do in Tampa, Florida

More Bookstores in Central West Florida

Mojo Books and Records – Tampa

Mojo Books and Records Address: 2554 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33612

Tombolo Books – St. Pete

Tombolo Books Address: 2153 1st Ave S, St. Petersburg, FL 33712

Central Florida 

Writer’s Block Bookstore – Winter Park

Writer’s Block Bookstore is a metro-Orlando area independent bookseller in Downtown Winter Park.

The bookstore is known for its collection of new, bestselling, and indie books.

If you are interested in author events, there is a calendar on the Writer’s Block Bookstore website for in-person and virtual events.

There are also subscription plans where you can choose books for delivery or pick-up every month.

For more information, visit the official Writer’s Block Bookstore website. 

Writers Block Bookstore address: 316 N. Park Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32789

While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Seven Reasons to Fall in Love with Winter Park

BrightLight Books – Fern Park

BrightLight Books is a Fern Park bookstore near Altamonte Springs.

This spot offers a vast selection of new and used books amongst many different genres.

The bookstore buys used materials from its customers: gently used books, DVDs, CDs, vinyl, and games.

Items can be sold for cash or store credit for your next purchase. 

BrightLight Books is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 8 pm and Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm. 

For more information, visit the official BrightLight Books website. 

BrightLight Books Address: 161 E State Road 436, Semoran Blvd., Fern Park, FL 32730

While you are in the area, make sure to check out: 11 Best Things to Do in Altamonte Springs

More Bookstores in Central Florida

Wall of Book –

Walls of Books Address: 119 N Central Ave #1001, Oviedo, FL 32765

The Book Shelter

The Book Shelter Address: 907 Dundee Rd, Dundee, FL 33838

Sunshine Book Company

Barrel of Books and Games Address: 403 N Donnelly St, Mt. Dora, FL 32757

Central East Florida

NU2U Books – Melbourne

NU2U Books is an independent used bookstore in Melbourne. The store has a good collection of new and used adult and children’s books.

Shop an affordable selection of books looking for first, second, or third lives.

NU2U Books also accepts trade-ins for store credit, so don’t forget to bring any books you are ready to part with. They can earn you credit toward your next great read.

For more information, visit the official NU2U Books Facebook page. 

NU2U Books address: 2624 Aurora Rd., Suite A, Melbourne, FL 32935

While you are in the area, make sure to check out: 12 Reasons to Launch Your Trip to Florida’s Space Coast

Hello Again Books – Cocoa Village 

Hello Again Books is an excellent independent bookstore located in Cocoa Village. The store’s core values include community, diversity, and creativity, which it embraces by creating a safe space and hosting inclusive events.

This book lover’s paradise sells new, used books and fun gift ideas.

Hello Again Books offers cool after-hours activities for its customers, like book clubs on select Wednesdays. On LGBTQ+ Fridays, Hello Again hosts a game night in the evening. 

Hello Again Books is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 12 pm to 5 pm, Tuesday and Thursday from 1 pm to 5 pm, Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 4 pm.

For more information, visit the official Hello Again Books website. 

Hello Again Books Address: 411 Brevard Ave, Cocoa, FL 32922

More Bookstores in Central East Florida

Vero Beach Book Center

Vero Beach Book Center Address: 392 21st St, Vero Beach, FL 32960 (Miracle Mile)

Riverview Coffee, Tea, and Books

Riverview Coffee, Tea, and Books Address: 482 US-1 #3, Sebastian, FL 32958

Southwest Florida

Sandman Books – Punta Gorda

Sandman Books is a family-owned and operated bookstore in Punta Gorda. Unfortunately, due to damage from Hurricane Ian, the roof collapsed on the owner in December 2022.

You can read and watch the story on WINK-TV’s website.

Before the hurricane, there were over 100,000 new and used books in stock and a rare book room with books that dated as far back as the 1600s. Sadly, many of those books were destroyed.

They have not found a location to reopen yet in Punta Gorda, but they do have a web store that is open 24/7.

They have however opened a satellite location in Saugatuck, Michigan, so if you happen to be in that area, stop by.

For more information, visit the official Sandman Books website. 

While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Punta Gorda: A Perfectly Authentic Getaway

More Bookstores in Southwest Florida

Copperfish Books

Copperfish Books Address: 212 W Virginia Ave #112, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Southeast Florida 

Key West Island Books – Key West

Key West Island Books is a bookstore located in Key West. The store’s collection specializes in stocking books from Key West’s local authors, with hundreds of books from Key West and South Florida’s most notable past and present writers.

Key West Island Books has new, used, and rare books, and of course, everything from the island’s most recognized author: Ernest Hemingway.

For more information, visit the official Key West Island Books website. 

Key West Island Books Address: 513 Fleming St, Key West, FL 33040

While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Enjoy a Fun-Filled Weekend In Authentic Key West

The Dancing Elephant – Lake Worth Beach 

The Dancing Elephant is a gem of a bookstore in Downtown Lake Worth Beach. The store offers a variety of new and old books, from new prints to first editions.

In addition to books, the Dancing Elephant sells a unique collection of crystals, vinyl, home goods, and other cool items.

The Dancing Elephant is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 am to 6 pm, Thursday through Saturday from 11 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 12 pm to 5 pm. 

It’s definitely one of the best Florida independent bookstores.

For more information, visit the official Dancing Elephant website. 

The Dancing Elephant Address: 801 Lake Ave, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460

Books and Books – Coral Gables

Books and Books is a small Southeast Florida bookstore chain with its flagship location in Coral Gables. The Coral Gables location is a lively spot with plenty to do. 

Events are held at the bookstore regularly, including author events, writing groups, book clubs, and other fun activities.

There is a café onsite with indoor and outdoor seating on the property’s patio. The café serves tasty options like salads, sandwiches, coffee, and pastries.

Books and Books is open Monday through Saturday from 10 am to 11 pm and Sunday from 10 am to 8 pm. 

This is legendary of the Florida independent bookstores.

For more information, visit the official Books and Books website. 

Books and Books Address: 265 Aragon Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33134

While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Experience Miami’s Coral Gables Like a Local

Old Florida Book Shop – Fort Lauderdale

Old Florida Book Shop is an antique bookstore located in Fort Lauderdale. If you are interested in old and rare books, this is a great Florida independent bookstore to check out. 

The tiny but mighty shop includes thousands of books that were handpicked by the owner. There are also antique maps and rare prints available. 

If you are lucky, you might have the honor of meeting the owner’s cat, who roams around with playful curiosity on your visit. 

Old Florida Book Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm. 

For more information, visit the official Old Florida Book Shop website. 

Old Florida Book Shop Address: 3426 Griffin Rd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 

While you are in the area, make sure to check out: Seven Things Spring Breakers Missed in Fort Lauderdale

The Dancing Elephant

The Dancing Elephant is a bookstore located in Downtown Lake Worth Beach. If you are looking for your next read or a place to shop, check out this cool spot.

The books available at the Dancing Elephant range from new copies to first editions.

In addition to books, the store sells an eclectic selection of crystals, vinyl, candles, and other unique items and gifts.

For more information, visit the official Dancing Elephant website. 

The Dancing Elephant Address: 801 Lake Ave, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460

More Florida Independent Bookstores in Southeast Florida

Sweet Haven Books

Sweet Haven Books Address: 12375 SW 224th St, Miami, FL 33170

Big Apple Books

Big Apple Books Address: 5461 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Rohi’s Readery

Rohi’s Readery Address: 600 S Rosemary Ave #162, West Palm Beach, FL 33401

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