Is Lake Jesup safe? Toxic algae status

Seminole County, Florida. Harmful algal bloom (blue-green algae) reports from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Data checked 24 October 2026. Florida data is published as a yearly file; current sampling is shown on the DEP dashboard.

100

sampling visits since 2020

39

visits where a bloom was seen

0.79 µg/L

highest microcystin result

Year by year

Each box shows visits where a bloom was seen, out of all sampling visits that year.

2020 2 of 10
2021 14 of 19
2022 8 of 17
2023 6 of 18
2024 1 of 17
2025 8 of 19
Toxin detectedBloom seen, no toxin found

Reports at Lake Jesup are most often logged in April, May and October.

Recent reports

DateLocationResult
16 December 2025 Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR) No bloom seen · microcystin not detected
18 November 2025 Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR) Bloom seen · microcystin not detected
21 October 2025 Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR) Bloom seen · microcystin not detected
7 October 2025 Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR) Bloom seen · microcystin not detected
16 September 2025 Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR) No bloom seen · microcystin not detected
2 September 2025 Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR) No bloom seen · microcystin not detected
18 August 2025 Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR) No bloom seen · microcystin not detected
5 August 2025 Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR) Bloom seen · microcystin not detected
22 July 2025 Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR) Bloom seen · microcystin not detected
10 July 2025 Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR) No bloom seen · microcystin not detected
26 June 2025 Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR) No bloom seen · microcystin not detected
10 June 2025 Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR) No bloom seen · microcystin not detected

What the results mean

Bloom seen

Staff saw a bloom at the sampling site. A sample may then be tested for toxins.

Toxin detected

Microcystin, a liver toxin made by blue-green algae, was found in the sample.

8 µg/L or more

At or above the level where the US EPA recommends swimming advisories for microcystins.

Dogs and toxic algae

Dogs face the greatest risk because they swallow water and lick algae off their fur. If a bloom has been reported, keep dogs out of the water and away from scum on the shore. If your dog swims in water that might have algae, rinse it with clean water straight away and call a vet if it seems unwell.

Common questions

Is Lake Jesup safe to swim in?

The most recent entry in Florida's published data is from 16 December 2025: no bloom seen · microcystin not detected (Lake Jesup - Center (OW-CTR)). Blooms have been recorded at Lake Jesup in 6 different years, so treat green, scummy or discoloured water with caution. For current conditions, check the DEP Algal Bloom Dashboard and posted signs.

When does Lake Jesup get algae blooms?

In the state's records, reports are most often logged in April, May and October. Blooms are most likely in warm, calm weather, but they can appear at other times of year.

Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), official data. This page is independent and not affiliated with the State of Florida.