Is Lake Okeechobee safe? Toxic algae status
Palm Beach 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.
2,817
sampling visits since 2017
836
visits where a bloom was seen
860 µg/L
highest microcystin result; 196 samples at or above the EPA swim level of 8 µg/L
Year by year
Each box shows visits where a bloom was seen, out of all sampling visits that year.
Reports at Lake Okeechobee are most often logged in May, June and July.
Recent reports
| Date | Location | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 30 December 2025 | Lake Okeechobee - S354 | No bloom seen · microcystin 0.34 µg/L |
| 29 December 2025 | Lake Okeechobee - Pahokee Marina | Bloom seen · microcystin not detected |
| 22 December 2025 | Lake Okeechobee - S354 | No bloom seen · microcystin 2.8 µg/L |
| 22 December 2025 | Lake Okeechobee - S308C (lakeside) | No bloom seen · microcystin not detected |
| 22 December 2025 | Lake Okeechobee - Pahokee Marina | Bloom seen · microcystin 2.4 µg/L |
| 17 December 2025 | Lake Okeechobee - S354 | No bloom seen · microcystin 0.61 µg/L |
| 17 December 2025 | Lake Okeechobee - Pahokee Marina | Bloom seen · microcystin 11 µg/L |
| 11 December 2025 | Lake Okeechobee - RITTAE2 | No bloom seen · microcystin 0.7 µg/L |
| 11 December 2025 | Lake Okeechobee - LZ30 | No bloom seen · microcystin not detected |
| 11 December 2025 | Lake Okeechobee - PALMOUT | No bloom seen · microcystin not detected |
| 11 December 2025 | Lake Okeechobee - CLV10A | No bloom seen · microcystin not detected |
| 10 December 2025 | Lake Okeechobee - POLESOUT | No bloom seen · microcystin not detected |
What the results mean
Staff saw a bloom at the sampling site. A sample may then be tested for toxins.
Microcystin, a liver toxin made by blue-green algae, was found in the sample.
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 Okeechobee safe to swim in?
The most recent entry in Florida's published data is from 30 December 2025: no bloom seen · microcystin 0.34 µg/l (Lake Okeechobee - S354). Blooms have been recorded at Lake Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee get algae blooms?
In the state's records, reports are most often logged in May, June and July. 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. Lake Okeechobee spans Glades County, Hendry County, Martin County, Okeechobee County and Palm Beach County; reports from all of them are combined here. This page is independent and not affiliated with the State of Florida.