Diving in Florida Lakes?

[Divin'Papaw]

How do you find them? I have a few books on FL dive sites and only the big springs are mentioned.

Excellent source of info:
Amazon.com: Diving Guide to Underwater Florida (10th Edition) (9781878348296): Ned DeLoach: Books

Another good source. It does focus on caves and caverns, but many of these sites allow OW diving as well.
Florida Cave, Cavern, and Sinkhole Diving

Call a local shop and ask. American Pro in Crystal River and Dayo in Orlando come to mind just to name a few.
http://www.americanprodiving.com/
http://www.dayo.com/

 

[sportxlh]

Lake Denton in Avon Park. Clear blue water, mostly brim and small bass to see, and no gators. Depth to about 50' and visibility is usually about 20' (although it can be worse). Diving from the public access boat ramp is free.

why are there no gators: I'd think that a lake like this would have plenty.

 

[FishDiver]

Excellent source of info:
Amazon.com: Diving Guide to Underwater Florida (10th Edition) (9781878348296): Ned DeLoach: Books

Another good source. It does focus on caves and caverns, but many of these sites allow OW diving as well.
Florida Cave, Cavern, and Sinkhole Diving

Call a local shop and ask. American Pro in Crystal River and Dayo in Orlando come to mind just to name a few.
Snorkel Manatee Tours here in crystal river
Dayo Scuba Dive Shop and Store - Orlando Florida - Open Water, Cavern, Cave and Technical Scuba Training and Diving Lessons - Main Page

Thanks. I have Ned's book and one called "The Springs of Florida" which is mostly pretty pictures.

 

[willembad]

Can you just turn up and dive at Lake Denton or do you need to get permission first? And does anyone know what hours it is open or what the parking is like?

No permission needed. I think the gate is open untill 4pm maybe 5. Limited parking outside gate but you can drop of gear at the water. You can also go to the church camp and they have plenty of parking closer to the water, but it's not free. Still good to support them I think.

 

[wilderydude83]

How do you find them? I have a few books on FL dive sites and only the big springs are mentioned.

Florida Cave, Cavern, and Sinkhole Diving

 

[SkimFisher]

Florida Cave, Cavern, and Sinkhole Diving

Notoriously out of date, but a great resource nevertheless.

 

[CaptEsteban]

Florida Springs: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Florida Springs