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Real-time pollen data for St. Petersburg — updated daily.
St. Petersburg's subtropical climate produces one of the longest tree pollen seasons in the United States, beginning as early as December and extending through May. Oak trees are the single most significant tree allergen on the Pinellas Peninsula — live oak, laurel oak, and water oak are ubiquitous throughout St. Petersburg's neighborhoods, parks, and waterfront areas, and they produce enormous quantities of pollen that coats cars, sidewalks, and outdoor surfaces in a visible yellow-green layer during peak months (February–April). Pine trees (slash pine, sand pine, longleaf pine) pollinate from February through April, producing the heavy yellow pollen clouds that are a signature of Florida spring — while pine pollen is large and visible, it is actually less allergenic than oak pollen for most people. Cypress (bald cypress, pond cypress) and juniper (eastern redcedar) pollinate in winter and early spring, often beginning in December, making them the earliest tree allergens. Australian pine (Casuarina) is a significant invasive species throughout coastal Pinellas County — despite its name, it is not a true pine but produces highly allergenic pollen from late fall through winter when many other trees are dormant. Brazilian pepper, a close relative of poison ivy that covers over 700,000 acres across Florida, blooms in late fall and winter, producing pollen that causes respiratory irritation and can trigger contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Melaleuca (paper bark tree), another invasive species, contributes additional pollen. Elm, maple (red maple, box elder), bayberry, and palm trees (which are minor pollen producers but harbor significant mold growth in their decaying fronds) round out the tree allergen profile. The mild winters on the Pinellas Peninsula mean tree pollen never fully ceases — there is no hard freeze to create a clean break between pollen seasons.
Grass pollen is a major allergen in St. Petersburg, with the warm subtropical climate supporting grass growth and pollination for roughly seven months of the year. Bahia grass is the dominant pasture and roadside grass throughout Pinellas County and produces heavy pollen loads from late spring through fall. Bermuda grass is the most common lawn grass in St. Petersburg's residential neighborhoods, parks, and commercial landscapes, pollinating from April through September. St. Augustine grass, the other predominant lawn species in Florida, produces less airborne pollen than Bermuda or Bahia but still contributes to the overall grass allergen load. Ryegrass is used for winter overseeding of lawns and athletic fields, extending grass pollen exposure into the cooler months when warm-season grasses are less active. The warm, humid growing season on the Pinellas Peninsula means grass never goes fully dormant — even in January and February, maintained lawns and parks continue producing some pollen, unlike northern cities where frost eliminates grass pollen entirely for months. St. Petersburg's extensive park system (including Fort De Soto Park, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, and the city's 150+ neighborhood parks), waterfront green spaces, and residential lawns create a continuous grass pollen source across the entire peninsula.
Ragweed is the dominant fall weed allergen in the Tampa Bay region, and St. Petersburg is no exception. Florida ragweed can pollinate for a longer period than in northern states because the absence of a hard freeze allows ragweed plants to survive and produce pollen well into November and sometimes December. Dog fennel, a weed particularly prevalent in the Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater metro area, is a significant local allergen that produces abundant pollen in late summer and fall. Sorrel and dock contribute additional weed pollen from spring through fall. Pigweed (amaranth), lamb's quarters, and nettle are present in disturbed soils, vacant lots, and the margins of developed areas throughout Pinellas County. Marsh elder (Iva) grows in coastal and wetland areas around the peninsula's extensive shoreline. The warm, humid climate and year-round growing season mean weed pollen overlaps substantially with grass pollen — there is no clean transition between grass and weed seasons as occurs in northern states. Construction activity and land disturbance in St. Petersburg's ongoing development create new habitat for pioneer weed species, maintaining weed pollen sources across the urban landscape.
Mold is arguably St. Petersburg's most persistent and underappreciated allergen. The Pinellas Peninsula's location — surrounded by Tampa Bay to the east, Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and Old Tampa Bay to the north — creates a humidity environment that is extreme even by Florida standards. Average humidity frequently exceeds 75-80%, and during the summer rainy season (June–September) daily afternoon thunderstorms saturate the landscape. This persistent moisture supports explosive mold growth outdoors on vegetation, soil, decaying organic matter, building exteriors, and the decaying fronds of the palm trees that line virtually every street in St. Petersburg. Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium are the most common outdoor and indoor mold species. Mold spores are present year-round but peak during the warm, wet summer months. Indoors, air conditioning systems — which run nearly continuously from April through November in St. Petersburg — can harbor mold growth in ductwork, drip pans, and air handlers if not properly maintained. The temperature differential between heavily air-conditioned interiors and humid outdoor air creates condensation that feeds indoor mold. Dust mites thrive in St. Petersburg's warm, humid environment and are among the most common indoor allergens — the tropical dust mite species Blomia tropicalis, which is particularly prevalent in Florida and other subtropical regions, is an additional trigger not commonly found in northern states. Cockroach allergen is a significant indoor trigger in Florida's warm climate. Pet dander remains a constant year-round concern.
Severity: Low to Moderate
While most of the country enjoys a winter break from pollen, St. Petersburg's subtropical climate means allergy season never truly stops. Cypress and juniper begin pollinating as early as December, often catching newcomers to Florida off guard. Australian pine (Casuarina), the invasive coastal species found throughout Pinellas County's shoreline and waterfront areas, produces allergenic pollen during these months — filling a window when native trees are less active. Brazilian pepper, which covers hundreds of thousands of acres across Florida and is a close relative of poison ivy, blooms in late fall through early winter. Oak trees begin their early pollination in late January and February, with pollen counts climbing steadily through the period. Pine pollen starts appearing in February. Mold levels are lower during the drier winter months but never disappear entirely due to the peninsula's persistent humidity. This is the closest St. Petersburg comes to an allergy reprieve, but sensitive individuals — particularly those reactive to cypress, Australian pine, or Brazilian pepper — may still experience significant symptoms.
Severity: High to Severe
Spring is St. Petersburg's most intense pollen period. Oak pollen reaches its peak from March through April, producing the massive yellow-green pollen clouds that coat every outdoor surface across the Tampa Bay area. Live oak, laurel oak, and water oak are among the most prolific pollen producers in the southeastern United States, and they are ubiquitous throughout St. Petersburg's neighborhoods, parks, and waterfront areas. Pine pollen peaks simultaneously, creating visible yellow dust on cars and outdoor furniture. Elm, maple, and bayberry contribute additional tree pollen. By April, grass pollen from Bermuda and Bahia grass begins surging, creating an overlap period where tree and grass allergens compound each other. This March–April overlap of peak oak pollen and emerging grass pollen represents the single most challenging period for allergy sufferers in St. Petersburg. Mold levels begin climbing as temperatures rise and humidity increases through spring. By May, tree pollen begins declining but grass pollen is at full intensity, and the transition into summer rainy season begins.
Severity: Moderate to High
Summer brings St. Petersburg's famous daily afternoon thunderstorms and the peak of the rainy season. The combination of heat (daily highs in the low 90s°F), extreme humidity (frequently exceeding 80%), and daily rainfall creates ideal conditions for explosive mold growth. Mold spores reach their annual peak during these months, affecting both outdoor environments and indoor spaces where air conditioning systems run nearly continuously. The temperature differential between heavily cooled interiors and steamy outdoor air creates condensation in HVAC systems, windows, and building envelopes that feeds indoor mold growth. Grass pollen remains high through summer — Bermuda and Bahia grass pollinate actively from June through September. Ragweed begins pollinating in August, overlapping with late-season grass pollen. Dust mites thrive in the warm, humid indoor environment. While tree pollen is lower during summer, the combined burden of mold, grass pollen, dust mites, and ragweed makes this period challenging for multi-sensitized individuals. Hurricane season (June–November) can bring extended periods of moisture that further amplify mold growth.
Severity: Moderate
Fall brings peak ragweed season to the Tampa Bay area, and the absence of a hard freeze means ragweed can pollinate well into November — weeks longer than in northern states. Dog fennel, a particularly prevalent weed allergen in the Tampa/St. Petersburg/Clearwater metro, peaks during these months. Sorrel, dock, pigweed, and nettle contribute additional fall weed pollen. Mold levels remain elevated through October as the rainy season tapers off but humidity persists. Grass pollen gradually decreases through fall but never fully disappears — maintained lawns and parks continue producing some pollen year-round. By late November, the earliest winter tree allergens (cypress, Australian pine, Brazilian pepper) begin their cycle, creating a seamless transition into the next pollen season. There is no pollen-free gap in St. Petersburg's annual allergen calendar.
St. Petersburg occupies the Pinellas Peninsula, surrounded by Tampa Bay to the east, Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and Old Tampa Bay to the north. This geographic reality means the city is bathed in moisture-laden air from multiple directions simultaneously — there is no 'dry side' of St. Petersburg. The persistent humidity, which frequently exceeds 75-80% and can approach saturation during summer, creates an environment where mold thrives year-round, dust mites proliferate aggressively, and pollen grains absorb moisture and fragment into smaller particles that penetrate deeper into the respiratory system. Humidity-swollen pollen is actually more allergenic than dry pollen because the moisture causes grains to rupture, releasing their allergenic proteins as fine particulates. For St. Petersburg residents, controlling indoor humidity is the single most impactful step for allergy management. Maintain indoor humidity between 35-50% using your air conditioning system (which dehumidifies as it cools) and consider a standalone dehumidifier for areas with poor air circulation. Monitor humidity with an inexpensive hygrometer — if your indoor humidity consistently exceeds 60%, mold and dust mites are thriving in your home.
In St. Petersburg's climate, air conditioning runs nearly continuously from April through November — and intermittently even in winter. Your HVAC system is the primary barrier between you and outdoor allergens, filtering pollen and mold spores from incoming air while dehumidifying your indoor environment. However, air conditioning systems in Florida's humid climate are also prime breeding grounds for mold if not properly maintained. Condensation in drip pans, evaporator coils, and ductwork provides moisture for mold colonies that then distribute spores throughout your home every time the system runs. Have your HVAC system professionally cleaned and inspected annually, ideally before the summer rainy season begins in June. Change air filters every 30 days during peak seasons (not the 90-day interval most manufacturers suggest). Use MERV 11 or higher filters to capture pollen and mold spores. Ensure condensate drain lines are clear and drip pans are not holding standing water. If you notice a musty smell when your AC starts, that is mold — address it immediately.
Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) is one of Florida's most aggressive invasive species, covering over 700,000 acres statewide — an area nearly as large as Hillsborough County's total land mass. It aggressively invades shorelines, parks, vacant lots, and natural areas throughout Pinellas County. Brazilian pepper is a close relative of poison ivy and poison sumac, and it produces both airborne pollen that causes respiratory allergies and a sap that can cause contact dermatitis (skin rashes, hives, itching) in sensitive individuals. It blooms in late fall and winter, producing clusters of small white flowers followed by red berries. If you are sensitive to poison ivy, you have a higher likelihood of reacting to Brazilian pepper. Avoid areas with dense Brazilian pepper growth, particularly during its blooming season (October–January). If you encounter it during yard work or hiking in natural areas, wear long sleeves and gloves, and wash exposed skin afterward. Report dense infestations on public land to Pinellas County's environmental management office.
Unlike cities with distinct on/off allergy seasons separated by winter freezes, St. Petersburg's subtropical climate produces a continuous cycle of overlapping pollen seasons with no true break. Cypress and Australian pine pollinate in winter. Oak and pine peak in spring. Bermuda and Bahia grass dominate summer. Ragweed and dog fennel fill fall. By the time fall weeds decline, winter tree pollen is already beginning. Mold spores overlay this entire cycle year-round, peaking in summer but never disappearing. This means St. Petersburg residents cannot rely on 'waiting out' allergy season — the only reliable strategy is identifying your specific triggers through allergy testing and treating the underlying sensitivity. Over-the-counter antihistamines may provide temporary symptom relief, but they do nothing to address the root cause. For year-round allergen exposure, sublingual immunotherapy (allergy drops) that builds tolerance to your specific triggers offers the most effective path to lasting relief.
HeyAllergy offers telemedicine appointments with board-certified allergists and immunologists licensed in Florida. Book a virtual consultation from home, have allergy blood tests ordered at a convenient local lab, and receive a personalized treatment plan based on your specific triggers. HeyPak sublingual immunotherapy drops ship directly to your door and treat the root cause of allergies by building tolerance to the specific allergens driving your symptoms — whether oak, pine, Bermuda grass, ragweed, mold, dust mites, or pet dander. In a city where pollen and mold exposure is continuous and year-round, treating the underlying allergic sensitivity is the most effective strategy for lasting relief. Most patients notice improvement within 3 to 6 months, with long-term treatment over 3 to 5 years providing durable results.
March and April are typically the worst months, when oak pollen reaches its peak and overlaps with emerging grass pollen. However, St. Petersburg has no truly pollen-free period — cypress and Australian pine pollinate in winter, grass dominates summer, ragweed fills fall, and mold spores are elevated year-round due to the peninsula's persistent humidity.
The most common allergens are oak pollen, pine pollen, Bermuda and Bahia grass, ragweed, mold spores (Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus), dust mites (including the tropical species Blomia tropicalis), Australian pine, Brazilian pepper, dog fennel, and pet dander. A blood allergy test identifies your specific triggers from this complex mix.
Yes. The subtropical climate on the Pinellas Peninsula produces overlapping pollen seasons with no winter freeze to create a break. Tree pollen peaks in spring, grass pollen dominates summer, weed pollen fills fall, and invasive species like Australian pine and Brazilian pepper pollinate in winter. Mold spores are present year-round, peaking during the June–September rainy season.
Yes. HeyAllergy provides telemedicine appointments with board-certified allergists and immunologists licensed in Florida. Book a virtual consultation from anywhere in the state, have allergy blood tests ordered at a lab near you, and start a personalized treatment plan without visiting a clinic. No referral needed and no waitlist.
HeyPak sublingual immunotherapy uses customized liquid drops placed under your tongue daily. The drops contain precise doses of the specific allergens triggering your symptoms — whether oak, grass, ragweed, mold, dust mites, or pet dander. Over time, your immune system builds tolerance, reducing allergic reactions and medication dependence. Most patients notice improvement within 3 to 6 months.
HeyAllergy accepts Medicare and most major PPO health plans, including United Healthcare, Health Net, Anthem Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Cigna, Aetna, Humana, Oscar, and Tricare. Contact your insurance provider with Tax ID: 85-0834175 to confirm your specific telemedicine coverage.
St. Petersburg sits on a peninsula surrounded by Tampa Bay, Boca Ciega Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. This geography creates persistent humidity that frequently exceeds 75-80%, with daily summer thunderstorms saturating the landscape from June through September. Mold thrives in these conditions year-round — outdoors on vegetation and soil, and indoors in HVAC systems where condensation from continuous air conditioning provides moisture for mold growth.
HeyAllergy offers fast scheduling with no waitlist. Book a telemedicine appointment with a board-certified allergist and connect from home using your phone, tablet, or computer. Your allergist will order blood tests at a local lab and develop a treatment plan personalized to St. Petersburg's specific allergen mix.
St. Petersburg, Florida — population approximately 265,000, the largest city in Pinellas County and the anchor of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan area — occupies one of the most distinctive geographic settings of any major American city. The Pinellas Peninsula is bounded by Tampa Bay to the east, Old Tampa Bay to the north, Boca Ciega Bay and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. This means St. Petersburg is surrounded by water on three sides, with only a narrow land connection to the north linking it to the rest of the Florida mainland. This peninsula geography has profound implications for allergen exposure. Moisture-laden air flows onshore from multiple directions simultaneously — there is no prevailing 'dry wind' direction that could provide relief. Average humidity frequently exceeds 75-80% and can approach saturation during the summer rainy season, creating an environment where mold thrives year-round, dust mites proliferate aggressively, and pollen grains absorb moisture, swell, and rupture into smaller allergenic fragments that penetrate deeper into the respiratory system. The warm Gulf waters moderate winter temperatures, preventing the hard freezes that create distinct on-off allergy seasons in northern cities. The result is a continuous, year-round allergen cycle with no clean break at any point in the calendar.
St. Petersburg's allergen profile is significantly shaped by invasive plant species that have fundamentally altered Florida's botanical landscape. Brazilian pepper (Schinus terebinthifolius) is perhaps the most impactful — this aggressive invader covers over 700,000 acres across Florida, an area nearly as large as Hillsborough County. It invades shorelines, parks, vacant lots, and natural areas throughout Pinellas County, choking out native mangroves in marine habitats and native species along freshwater corridors. Brazilian pepper is a close relative of poison ivy, and it produces both airborne pollen that causes respiratory allergies and a sap that triggers contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals. It blooms in late fall and winter, filling a period when many native trees are less active. Australian pine (Casuarina equisetifolia), despite its common name, is not a true pine — it is an invasive species from Australia that has colonized coastal areas throughout southern and central Florida. It produces highly allergenic pollen from late fall through winter, adding an allergen source that did not exist in Florida's native ecosystem. Melaleuca (paper bark tree), originally imported from Australia for swamp drainage, contributes additional allergenic pollen. These invasive species collectively extend St. Petersburg's allergen calendar into periods that would otherwise offer some relief, and they produce allergens that are unfamiliar to newcomers from other parts of the country.
If St. Petersburg has a signature allergen, it is mold. The peninsula's persistent humidity, warm year-round temperatures, and summer rainy season create conditions that support mold growth to a degree that few American cities can match. From June through September, daily afternoon thunderstorms are a near-certainty — warm Gulf moisture rises, forms towering cumulonimbus clouds, and drops intense rainfall that saturates the landscape. This daily cycle of heat, moisture, and rainfall produces explosive mold growth on vegetation, soil, building exteriors, fences, outdoor furniture, and the decaying fronds of the palm trees that line virtually every street in St. Petersburg. Alternaria, Cladosporium, Aspergillus, and Penicillium are the dominant outdoor mold species. Indoors, the situation is equally challenging. Air conditioning systems in St. Petersburg run nearly continuously from April through November — and intermittently even in the mild winter months. These systems dehumidify indoor air (which is essential for allergen control) but also create condensation in ductwork, evaporator coils, drip pans, and air handler units. If not properly maintained, this condensation feeds indoor mold colonies that distribute spores throughout the home every time the system operates. The temperature differential between heavily cooled interiors (often kept at 72-75°F) and outdoor air in the 90s creates additional condensation on windows, walls, and in building envelopes. For many St. Petersburg residents, mold exposure is constant — outdoors when they step outside, and indoors if their HVAC system harbors growth.
St. Petersburg's subtropical climate (Köppen classification Cfa, bordering on tropical) produces one of the longest and most continuous pollen seasons in the continental United States. There is no month without measurable pollen from at least one major source. The cycle begins in December when cypress, juniper, and Australian pine start pollinating. Oak and pine pollen surge from February through April, creating the most intense pollen period. Grass pollen from Bermuda, Bahia, and St. Augustine grass takes over from April through October. Ragweed and dog fennel fill the fall from August through November. By the time fall weeds decline in late November, winter tree allergens are already restarting the cycle. This seamless overlap means St. Petersburg residents who are sensitized to multiple allergen types may experience continuous symptoms throughout the entire year — a pattern that is often misdiagnosed as chronic sinusitis or recurrent colds rather than recognized as persistent allergic rhinitis driven by continuous allergen exposure. Understanding this year-round pattern is the first step toward effective treatment.
St. Petersburg is part of the Tampa–St. Petersburg–Clearwater metropolitan area, and allergen patterns are broadly similar across the region. However, St. Petersburg's peninsula location creates some differences from mainland Tampa. The surrounding water bodies moderate temperature extremes, meaning slightly milder winters and slightly cooler summers compared to inland Tampa, which influences the timing of pollen seasons. The Gulf breeze provides some pollen relief on days with strong onshore winds from the west, as it carries cleaner marine air — but onshore flow from the east across Tampa Bay can bring pollen and mold from the mainland. St. Petersburg's extensive waterfront and lower average elevation means greater exposure to salt air and coastal moisture, which amplifies mold growth. The barrier islands to the west (including Treasure Island, Madeira Beach, and St. Pete Beach) experience even higher humidity and salt exposure. Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Weedon Island Preserve, and other natural areas within the city provide habitat for native and invasive species that contribute to the local allergen load. The Tampa Bay area as a whole ranks among the more challenging regions in Florida for allergy sufferers, with ragweed, oak, pine, dog fennel, sorrel, and dock identified as particularly prominent local allergens.
HeyAllergy's telemedicine platform connects St. Petersburg and Tampa Bay residents to board-certified allergists and immunologists licensed in Florida — providing expert allergy care without the need for in-person clinic visits. A virtual consultation from home eliminates waiting rooms and scheduling delays. Allergy blood tests are ordered at a convenient local lab, and a personalized treatment plan is developed based on your specific triggers. HeyPak sublingual immunotherapy drops ship directly to your door and treat the root cause of allergies by building your immune system's tolerance to the specific allergens driving your symptoms. In a city where year-round pollen, persistent mold, invasive species allergens, and tropical dust mites combine to create continuous allergen exposure, treating the underlying allergic sensitivity — rather than relying on antihistamines that only mask symptoms — is the most effective path to lasting relief. HeyAllergy accepts Medicare and most major PPO health plans. Starting at $47 per month for HeyPak drops, with most patients noticing improvement within 3 to 6 months.
