Colorful fish swimming near coral reef underwater.

Green Businesses

Choose Businesses That Care for the Keys

The natural beauty of the Florida Keys is part of what makes being here so special. Across the island chain, local businesses are taking steps to conserve natural resources, reduce waste and help protect the waters and ecosystems around them.

You can be part of that effort. Use the listings below to find accommodations, restaurants, marinas, dive operators, fishing guides and other businesses recognized for environmentally responsible practices.

Find Green Businesses in the Florida Keys

Ready to make your trip a little greener? Browse the businesses below and use the filters to find participating places to stay, eat, dock, dive, and fish.

Green Lodging

Rest easy knowing your stay can make a difference. Florida Green Lodging properties are recognized for efforts to conserve resources such as water and energy and reduce waste. Look for the Green Lodging leaf when choosing where to stay in the Keys.

Blue Star Operators

Heading out on or under the water? Choose a Blue Star-certified dive operator or fishing guide. The Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Blue Star program recognizes operators that help visitors enjoy diving, snorkeling and fishing while following practices that safeguard the Keys’ marine resources.

Learn more

Clean Marinas

A day on the water starts at the dock. Clean Marina businesses help make environmentally responsible boating part of the Florida Keys experience. Use the listings below to find participating marinas throughout the island chain.

Ocean Friendly Restaurants

Make your next meal a little friendlier to the ocean. Ocean Friendly Restaurants are recognized for making choices designed to reduce waste and support healthier oceans.

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Skip the Stuff

Sometimes less really is more. Restaurants and food trucks participating in Skip the Stuff help reduce single-use waste by providing items such as plastic utensils, straws and condiment packets only when customers ask for them.

Visitors can help, too. Simply say “no thanks” to the extras you don’t need.

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Plastic Free Key West

Plastic Free Key West celebrates Key West businesses taking action to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, single-use plastics. Participating businesses make voluntary commitments to reduce plastic use through more sustainable choices.

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Protect Our Seagrass

Seagrass beds are part of what makes Florida Keys waters so special. They also need a little help from boaters. Propellers can damage shallow seagrass beds, leaving scars behind. Check tide and navigational charts before you head out, and steer clear of shallow areas. A handy local reminder is: “Brown, brown, run aground. Blue, blue, sail on through."

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Jet Ski Safety

Explore The Florida Keys with a knowledgeable local guide who can help you navigate shallow waters, protected areas and restricted zones. Pay attention to no-motor, idle-speed/no-wake and no-entry signs, stay in appropriate channels and avoid sensitive seagrass flats. Be courteous to other boaters, especially anglers fishing for Tarpon and Bonefish, by giving them plenty of room and keeping your speed and wake down. Always maintain a safe distance from swimmers and divers, follow posted speed restrictions and stay aware of changing conditions throughout your ride.

Book a Jet Ski Tour

Key Largo

Ocean First Key Largo

Ocean First Key Largo offers personalized diving experiences, including reef and wreck dives, training, and citizen science projects.

Islamorada

A Fishing Guide

Captain Steve Friedman helped build the sanctuary's Blue Star Fishing Guide program and fishes under its certification. Sight fishing for tarpon, bonefish, permit, redfish and snook out of Islamorada, on a poling skiff or a bay boat with room for the whole family.

The Lower Keys

Frayed Threads LLC

Frayed Threads LLC is a Key West women's boutique bringing the breezy sophistication of imported European linen to the Florida Keys — thoughtfully curated clothing, handpicked accessories, and beautiful shoes designed for women who want to look effortlessly elegant from the beach to brunch.

Key West

Half Shell Raw Bar

Half Shell Raw Bar is a waterfront seafood institution at 231 Margaret Street on the Key West Historic Seaport, serving broiled garlic oysters, peel-and-eat shrimp, conch ceviche, and daily fresh catches. Watch the boats and pelicans roll by while you dig in.

Key West

Key West Fly Fishing

Key West Fly Fishing, led by Captain Dexter Simmons, offers guided flats fishing trips in the Florida Keys. Target tarpon, bonefish, permit, and more on personalized, small-group charters.

Key West

Sugar Apple Organic Cafe & Market

Sugar Apple Organic Café & Market in Key West serves fresh, plant-based meals and organic groceries in a relaxed, eco-friendly setting.

Key West

Sigsbee Marina

A Navy MWR marina on Dredgers Key, open to active duty, retirees, eligible veterans and DoD civilians and their families. Fuel, bait, ice and tackle at the ship store, plus kayaks, paddleboards, rods and a 21 foot center console to rent.

The Lower Keys

Deer Run on the Atlantic

Charming eco-lodge on Big Pine Key with oceanfront views and Key deer nearby.

Key West

Ginger Voodoo

Ginger Voodoo is a Key West mother-and-daughter organic skincare brand crafting handmade, vegan, cruelty-free bath and beauty products — from therapeutic salves and body butters to SPF tanning oils and insect repellent — sold online and at local Keys markets and events.