Peace River Florida
Fossil Hunting Guide to the Peace River - Including Fossil Shark Teeth
~ 23 - 5 Million Years Old
Miocene to Early Pliocene
Hawthorn Group, Peace River Formation, Bone Valley Member
and
Unconsolidated Pleistocene Layers of Sands and Gravel
Ice Age: ~2.6 million to 11,700 years ago
Remember to get your FOSSIL PERMIT before fossil hunting in Florida!
Megalodon Unearthed:
Dr. Jay M. Lipoff , 2026
New Megalodon Book: Expert insight and vivid fossil photography strip away myths to reveal the true science of history's most fearsome shark.
Why Are There Fossils Here? About the Geology of Florida: Peace River Formation and Ice Age Fossil Origins
So, how did Florida end up with countless fossils?
Let's go back to the Cretaceous, roughly 50 million years ago, when high sea levels submerged Florida beneath a shallow ocean.
Over millions of years, layers of marine limestone accumulated on the seafloor, forming the bedrock that underlies much of Florida today.
These ancient layers would later preserve countless marine fossils, including shark teeth and shells.
By the Oligocene, around 30 million years ago, global climate changes caused sea levels to drop, exposing parts of the limestone seafloor.
In north-central Florida, a limestone island known as Orange Island emerged; the first appearance of land that resembles modern Florida.
Rainwater slowly eroded this porous limestone, creating the cave systems, sinkholes, and karst features that are still common in Florida's landscape today.
Peace River Formation
Around 20 million years ago, during the Miocene Epoch, sediments flowing from the Appalachian Mountains to the north began accumulating around Florida, gradually building up Orange Island.
Although sea levels fluctuated constantly during this time, Florida started to take on its modern shape. Land animals roamed central Florida, while shallow seas covered much of the coastal areas.
Nutrient-rich sediments from the Appalachians washed into these waters, sinking to the bottom and preserving countless fossils, including shark teeth; most notably from Megalodon and occasionally land animals when sea levels rose.
This process continued through the Early Pliocene, about 5 million years ago. Today, these ancient deposits form phosphate-rich layers known as the Peace River Formation. Most of this formation lies underground, but it is exposed along rivers such as the Peace River and in some areas near the beaches of Venice, making it an accessible site for fossil collectors.
Ice Age Fossils
In addition to Miocene fossils, the Peace River region also yields rich deposits from the Pleistocene, or Ice Age, which lasted from about 2.5 million to 11,000 years ago. During this period,
Earth experienced repeated glacial and interglacial cycles. When glaciers advanced, sea levels dropped, and Florida's land area nearly doubled, providing habitat for a variety of Ice Age animals including mammoths,
dire wolves, glyptodonts, horses, and giant ground sloths.
During warmer interglacial periods, rising seas covered parts of Florida, and sediments buried the remains of these animals.
Today, these Pleistocene sand and gravel layers erode into rivers, exposing Ice Age vertebrate fossils. This makes Florida,
and particularly the Peace River region, one of the richest locations in the world for fossil hunting.
Fossil hunters can now find a remarkable variety of shark teeth, Megalodon teeth, and Ice Age mammal bones in these layers.
Center Image: Florida in the Early Miocene, during the Miocene uplift event.
Right Image: Florida in the Pleistocene during maximum glaciation/low sea level.
The following book: Geologic History of Florida: Major Events that Formed the Sunshine State is a great book filled with lots of illustrations. It covers the entire geologic history of Florida. It starts with Pangea and goes until the formation of the Florida Keys. Check it out if you're an avid amateur paleontologist in Florida!
How to Find Fossils in the Peace River
Fossils in the Peace River naturally erode from the banks and riverbed, washing with the gravel into gravel bars and shallow areas where collectors can easily access them. The river is rich with a variety of fossils, including extinct Miocne and Pliocene shark teeth, including Megalodon teeth, other marine fossils such as shells and ray plates, and Ice Age mammal bones. The best fossil-hunting spots are around bends, eddies, and slow-moving water where currents deposit the gravel and fossils. Bring tools like a sieve, or shovel and screen to carefully sift through the gravel at the bottom of the river to uncover these treasures. Keeping an eye out for both common finds and rare specimens.
Fossil Hunting Permits and Artifacts
Collecting vertebrate fossils from public lands in Florida requires a Fossil Permit from the Florida Museum of Natural History. Shark teeth do not need a permit, but most other fossils do. Apply here: FOSSIL PERMIT. Following permit rules ensures responsible collecting and supports research.
Do Not Collect Artifacts
It is illegal to collect Native American or historical artifacts on public land. Leave arrowheads, pottery, and other items where you find them. Focus only on fossils to stay legal and preserve Florida's history.
Best Time to Fossil Hunt (October - April)
Fossil hunting is best during Florida's dry season, October through April, when water levels are lower and gravel bars are exposed. Avoid hunting after heavy rains, as strong currents and high water make collecting dangerous. Morning trips often give the best light and calm water for finding fossils.
River Water Level
Check the USGS river gauges (shown below) to plan your trip. Low to moderate water levels are ideal for accessing gravel bars safely. Avoid high flows or flooding, which can hide fossils and create hazardous conditions. Calm, shallow areas give the best chances for finding shark teeth, Megalodon teeth, and Ice Age fossils.
At Arcadia, you want the water to be around 1 foot in height or lower.
Above is the Arcadia river gauge height provided by the USGS:
(If the dates are not up-to-date, you will have to refresh your cache)
At Zolfo Springs, you want the water to be around 7 feet in height or lower.
Above is the Zolfo Springs river gauge height provided by the
USGS:
How to Look for Fossils
Looking for fossils is fairly simple. It requires finding a gravel area on the bottom of the river and sifting it with a shovel and sifter.
In order to search the river, people usually rent a canoe or kayak and paddle up or down the river looking for a "perfect"
gravel spot. If you don't want to canoe or kayak, you can simply find a public access point (listed in the Locations section below) and wade into the river.
The gravel is on the bottom of the river, so wade into a shallow area and test the bottom to see if there is gravel.
When you find a spot, start sifting!
Recommended Equipment
Most people use a shovel and sifter to sift for fossils in the river, so you will need a shovel and a sifter, or a shovel/sifter combo.
RELODECOR Beachcombing Shark Tooth Sifter - Lightweight Sand Sifter for Shark Teeth and Fossil Hunting
This lightweight 14.5" x 11" shark tooth mesh sifter is made from PVC and pool floaties, so it floats! The fine mesh makes it easy to sift and hunt for shark teeth
POILKMNI New Upgraded 2 Pcs Shark Tooth Sifter, Beach Sand Sifter
Skip the shovel and sifter! These lightweight 41" extendable scoops make it easy to pick up shark teeth in the surf without bending over.
Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouch, Waterproof Phone Case for iPhone 15 14 13 12 Pro Max XS Samsung, IPX8 Cellphone Dry Bag Beach Essentials 2Pack-8.3 inches
Keep your phone safe while fossil hunting! This waterproof holder protects against mud, sand, and salt. Fits most phones.
Locations: Where to find Fossils in the Peace River
Google Map of the Peace River, Florida
This map is centered between two of the main canoe rental companies
Fossils erode from the banks and bottom of the Peace River and collect in gravel areas along the river. Usually people will
paddle up or down the river in search of a gravel spot.
The Peace River is slightly over 100 miles long, so you can spend
years looking for perfect gravel areas!
Below are locations where you can rent canoes and sift for your own fossils.
The boat rental places below are not endorsed by the website, but are here to help
you find a boat rental location on the Peace River.
Make sure you check the water level heights in the "How to" section above.
Don't Want to Paddle? Simply go to a public boat ramp and walk along the river to find a gravel spot.
1. Take A Guided Tour:
I recommend going with a guide or a fossil club for your first time on the Peace River
Paleo Discoveries
There are a handfull of Fossil Tour companies that will take you out on the Peace River. Fred Mazza of Paleo Discoveries is a fossil hunting
expert and his company is a great option if you want to use a tour guide. (I am not affiliated with them)
2. Arcadia: Canoe Outpost Peace River
2816 NW County Rd. 661, Arcadia, FL 34266
This canoe rental company is located in the heart of the Peace river in Arcadia.
You can rent a canoe and paddle the river in search of fossil gravel beds to sift.
Website: Canoe Outpost Peace River (canoeoutpost.com).
They also have a place near Zolfo Springs.
3. Peace River: Public Boat Ramps
If you have a canoe or kayak, you can use one of the many public boat ramps along the scenic river, or you can simply wade into the river from one of
these boat ramp access points. Here are a couple ramps:
Brownville Park Boat Ramp:
885 NE Brownville St, Arcadia, FL 34266
Gardner Boat Ramp:
547 River Rd SW, Zolfo Springs, FL 33890
To find all of the ramps, check out the
Florida Public Boat Ramp Finder and do an advanced search for the
Peace River.
Identification of Peace River Fossils:
Click on the image to go to the Peace River Fossil Identification Section:
Additional Information for Fossil Hunting on the Peace River
Alligators
Don't harass or chase the alligators, they will normally leave if they see a person.
Small pets are not recommended along the river because of alligators.
Snakes
Yes, there are poisonous snakes in the river. If you happen to see a snake in the river, it's best to not approach it.
Biting Insects
Yes, this is Florida, there are biting flies, ticks, and other nasty bugs. Please use insect repellant.
Sun / Heat
Yes, it can get hot! Bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and a hat.
River Current
If you managed to make it to the river when the water is too high or a storm comes through, don't risk it, stay out of the river.
The water level needs to be low to collect. Please refer to the river height charts on this page.
Low River
You will want to fossil hunt when the water level is low. Often, the low level and snagged trees will force you to carry your canoe/kayak on occasion. Being in good physical shape is recommended.
Recommended Florida Shark Tooth Books and Items:
Florida Fossil Shark Teeth Identification Guide: The Fossil Shark Teeth Most Commonly Found In Florida
Robert Lawrence Fuqua, 2020
A must-have guide for fossil shark tooth enthusiasts in Florida, featuring detailed descriptions and color photos. At 35 pages, this well-crafted booklet is both informative and easy to use.
Fossiling in Florida: A Guide for Diggers and Divers
By Olin Mark Renz
Mark Renz offers an educational guide filled with illustrated stories of discovering saber-toothed cats, mammoths, and more. Packed with practical advice and over 250 photos, it's ideal for fossil enthusiasts learning to identify and hunt fossils.
Get Your Very Own Megalodon Tooth:
These are Authentic Megalodon teeth sold by Fossil Era , a reputable fossil dealer (that I personally know) who turned his fossil passion into a business. His Megalodon teeth come in all sizes and prices, from small and inexpensive to large muesum quality teeth. Each tooth has a detailed descriptions and images that include its collecting location and formation. If you are looking for a megalodon tooth, browse through these selections!
FAQs: Peace River Fossil Hunting - Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What kinds of fossils can I find at the Peace River in Arcadia, Florida?
Visitors to the Peace River can find shark teeth, including extinct species like megalodon, as well as Ice Age mammal fossils and other marine fossils. Fossil hunting is suitable for both beginners and experienced collectors. - Q: Does this page offer detailed fossil identification for fossils found at the Peace River?
Yes! This page provides detailed fossil identification tips for common fossils found along the Peace River, including shark teeth, megalodon teeth, and Ice Age mammal fossils, helping collectors identify and learn about each specimen.
