Last Updated on April 1, 2024
We wanted to spotlight a few of our favorite Florida Mascots. A mascot is a symbol that is thought to bring luck to the group or team it represents.
Mascots can be a variety of animals, objects, or identities that embody the characteristics and spirit of their organization or team.
Mascots represent schools, sports teams, and different organizations; they often become notable symbols for whom they represent.
In the state of Florida, there are over 600 schools with mascots, along with many national sports teams and well-known organizations like Disney that have mascots.
Famous Florida Mascots
Here are ten of the most famous Florida mascots and a few of our favorites.
Albert and Alberta Gator – University of Florida
Gators have long been a symbol representing the University of Florida, with the first appearance of the alligator dating back to the early 1900s.
At the time, the school didn’t have an emblem, and a Gainesville native suggested an animal native to Florida that no other school had claimed as its own: the gator.
Live gators became known as the public university’s mascot until the 1970s when a full-body vinyl costume was introduced, named Albert E. Gator, after the school’s first live gator mascot.
In the 1980s, a lady gator named Alberta was presented as Albert’s friend and sidekick.
Since then, the pair have represented the school and its sports teams as the University of Florida mascots, the Florida Gators.
While visiting the University of Florida, make sure to check out the 20 Best Restaurants in Gainesville.
Knightro – University of Central Florida
Knightro is a black and golden armor knight representing the University of Central Florida and its sports teams.
Before Knightro, UCF college mascots included the Citronaut, Vincent the Vulture, Sir Wins-a-lot, Puff, and Mack the Knight.
In November of 1994, the school debuted the mascot everyone knows today.
When you go to a UCF game, make sure to also check out the 16 Best Things to Do in Orlando at Night.
Rocky the Bull – University of South Florida
Rocky the Bull became a toy idea for the USF bookstore in the 1960s.
Over the years, the school’s mascot has undergone some redesigns.
The bull we know as the University of South Florida’s mascot was unveiled in 2003.
Don’t miss these 7 Best Vegan and Vegetarian Restaurants in Tampa while in the area.
Jaxson de Ville – Jacksonville Jaguars
Jaxson de Ville is an anthropomorphic jaguar and the mascot for the Jacksonville Jaguars, an NFL sports team.
He is yellow with teal patches and dons a pair of sunglasses, and a Jaguars jersey.
His first appearance as the team’s mascot was in 1996. He is known for his antics and interactions with the crowds during football season.
While in the area, check out the Top 5 Things to Do in Downtown Jacksonville.
Stuff the Magic Dragon – Orlando Magic
Stuff the Magic Dragon is the official mascot of the Orlando Magic NBA team.
A play on the song “Puff, the Magic Dragon” Stuff was first presented in an enormous egg in 1989.
He performs skits before games and during breaks. Beware of his nostrils! They are party horns which he loves to activate at any given moment.
He also hosted the Celebrity Mascot Games at the Amway Center for many years.
This popular event has mascots compete in Olympic-style competitions to raise money for the non-profit organization New Hope for Kids.
While in the area check out the 16 Best Things to Do in Orlando at Night.
T.D. – Miami Dolphins
T.D. (short for Touchdown) is the mascot for the Miami Dolphins NFL football team. He was first introduced in 1997.
He was named through a “Name the Mascot” contest conducted by the Miami Dolphins. He makes appearances during football games.
Check out these 8 Adventures in Awesome, Authentic Miami while you are in Miami.
Raymond – Tampa Bay Rays
Raymond is a fuzzy blue mascot for the Tampa Bay Rays MLB team. He made his debut in 1998.
Though his appearance is often confused with walruses and manatees, Raymond was confirmed by marine biologists in 2005 to be a Seadog.
After the game, enjoy dessert with one of the 7 Best Places to Get Key Lime Pie in Tampa.
Burnie – Miami Heat
One of the stranger mascots on this list is Burnie. He is a 7’6” fuzzy orange creature with a green basketball for a nose. Burnie is the mascot for the Miami Heat NBA team.
He is an anthropomorphic depiction of a fireball. Burnie has been the Heat’s mascot for over 30 years.
While visiting Miami, check out A Walking Tour Through Miami’s Authentic South Beach.
Orange Bird – Florida Citrus Commission
The Orange Bird debuted as the mascot of the Florida Citrus Commission in 1970.
Orange Bird is also a Disney character, thanks to a partnership between Disney and the Florida Citrus Commission.
The Florida Citrus Commission agreed to sponsor the Enchanted Tiki Room and Sunshine Tree Terrace in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World Resort.
NOTE: We still have our original Orange Bird bank from the 1970’s and take it with us on our travels throughout Authentic Florida. (We prefer to pose Orange Bird in our photos than have our own photos taken.)
Mickey Mouse – The Walt Disney Company
Mickey Mouse is the iconic mascot of The Walt Disney Company. His existence dates back to 1928.
The animated mouse was initially voiced by Walt Disney and is known for his cheery disposition and signature outfit of white gloves, red shorts, and yellow shoes.
Mickey has played a significant role at the Walt Disney World Resort through character attractions, shows, merchandise, dining experiences, parades, and more.
Other Notable Florida Mascots
- ThunderBug – Tampa Bay Lightning
- Captain Fear – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Billy the Marlin – Miami Marlins
- Stanley C. Panther – Florida Panthers
- Scampi – Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Raymond, DJ Kitty, & Stinger – Tampa Bay Rays
- Sebastian the Ibis – University of Miami
- The Rattler – Florida A&M
- Osceola & Renegade – Florida State University
- Azul the Eagle – FGCU (Florida Gulf Coast University)
- Maverick the Manatee – State College of Florida
- Tommy the Tar – Rollins College
- John B. (Stetson Hatters) – Stetson University
- Ozzie the Osprey – University of North Florida
- Owlsley & Hoot – Florida Atlantic University
- Wil D Cat – Bethune-Cookman University
- Nellie the Dolphin – Jacksonville University
- Mocsie the Water Moccasin – Florida Southern College
- The Flagler Lion – Flagler College
- Roary the Panther – FIU (Florida International University)
- Fritz – St. Leo University
Did we miss one of your favorite Florida mascots? Give them a shout-out in the comments below.
If you enjoyed this article on famous Florida mascots and are looking for a few other recommendations, check out these suggestions:
- 8 Unique and Historic Theatres in Florida
- 6 Must-Have Apps for Exploring Florida
- 8 Best RV Resorts and Parks in Florida
- 7 Best Florida Beach Towns
- 8 Adventures in Awesome, Authentic Miami
- 10 Top Things to Do in Tampa, Florida
- 16 Best Things to Do in Orlando at Night
- 10 Authentic Things to do in Tallahassee, the “Other Florida”
- 10 Awesome Things To Do in Gainesville