The Sunshine State's Dark Side: Your Guide to Florida True Crime Podcasts
January 11, 2026
Florida. The name conjures images of sunshine, beaches, and theme parks. But for those of us who are drawn to the darker side of human nature, Florida offers something else entirely: a seemingly endless supply of bizarre, shocking, and utterly fascinating true crime stories. From the infamous "Florida Man" headlines to high-profile cases that have captured national attention, the Sunshine State has a unique and compelling true crime landscape. As Florida natives and true crime enthusiasts, we're constantly amazed by the stories that come out of our home state. And as the co-hosts of Moms and Mysteries, we've had the opportunity to dive deep into many of these cases, sharing them with our listeners around the world.
If you're as fascinated by Florida true crime as we are, you're in the right place. In this guide, we'll walk you through why Florida is a hotbed for strange and compelling true crime, and we'll share our top recommendations for podcasts that cover these captivating cases, including, of course, our own.
What Makes Florida True Crime So Unique?
It's not just your imagination; Florida really does have a disproportionate number of strange crime stories. There are a few key reasons for this, and it's not just the heat and humidity.
One of the biggest factors is Florida's Sunshine Law [1]. This law makes government records, including arrest reports and mugshots, incredibly accessible to the public and journalists. While reporters in other states might wait days for public records, Florida's transparency means that the weird and wild stories get out almost immediately. This has led to the infamous "Florida Man" meme, a cultural phenomenon that highlights the state's most outlandish criminal behavior [2].
Beyond the Sunshine Law, Florida's unique geography, diverse population of locals and tourists, and a culture that seems to breed an "extra twist of weirdness" all contribute to its reputation as a true crime hotspot [3]. From the swamps of the Everglades to the bustling cities, Florida provides a backdrop for stories that are often stranger than fiction.
Moms and Mysteries: Your Go-To for Florida True Crime
As a Florida-based podcast, we at Moms and Mysteries have a special appreciation for the stories that unfold in our own backyard. We make it a point to cover a mix of well-known and lesser-known Florida cases, bringing our own perspective as Florida moms to each story. Here are a few of our favorite Florida episodes that are a great starting point for new listeners:
•The Murder of Dan Markel: This case has it all: a respected law professor, a bitter custody battle, and a murder-for-hire plot that has captivated the nation. We unravel the complex web of relationships and motives that led to this shocking crime in the state's capital, Tallahassee.
•The Disappearance of Mike Williams: A man goes duck hunting on a large lake in Tallahassee and never returns. What was initially believed to be a tragic accident involving alligators is eventually revealed to be a cold-blooded murder orchestrated by his wife and best friend. This is a story of betrayal and a mother's relentless pursuit of justice.
•The Sun Gym Gang: This is a case that truly embodies the "only in Florida" spirit. A group of bodybuilders in 1990s Miami, led by the charismatic Daniel Lugo, embarks on a crime spree of kidnapping, extortion, and murder. Their story is so outlandish it was turned into a Hollywood movie, "Pain & Gain."
•The Casey Anthony Case: A name that is now synonymous with Florida true crime, the Casey Anthony case is one of the most polarizing and debated cases in recent history. We explore the evidence, the trial, and the enduring questions surrounding the death of 2-year-old Caylee Anthony.
Other Florida True Crime Podcasts to Explore
While we'd love for you to start with Moms and Mysteries, we're not the only podcast dedicated to the dark side of the Sunshine State. Here are a few other excellent podcasts that offer a deep dive into Florida true crime:
Felonious Florida takes an in-depth, seasonal approach to some of Florida's most notorious crimes. Produced by the South Florida Sun Sentinel in association with Wondery, this podcast brings a high level of investigative journalism to each case. Hosted by veteran journalists, each season focuses on a single case, allowing for deep exploration of the evidence, the investigation, and the lasting impact on the community. Recent seasons have covered cases like the Altidor Massacre and the hunt for Florida's Pillowcase Rapist. If you appreciate thorough, well-researched storytelling with a journalistic approach, this is a must-listen.
Murder on the Space Coast offers a hyper-local focus on cases from Florida's Brevard County and the surrounding "Space Coast" region. Created by journalists at Florida Today, this award-winning podcast dives deep into cases that have shaped the local community. Host John A. Torres brings his extensive knowledge of the area and its cases to each episode, covering everything from wrongful convictions to unsolved mysteries. The podcast has gained national attention, with some cases even being featured on CBS's 48 Hours. If you're interested in how true crime impacts specific communities, this podcast provides an intimate look at justice in one Florida region.
Bone Valley (Seasons 1 and 2) is a serialized investigation into the wrongful conviction of Leo Schofield, who spent 35 years in prison for the 1987 murder of his wife Michelle in rural Florida. Hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Gilbert King, this podcast is a masterclass in storytelling and investigative work. King uncovers startling new evidence and explores the real killer's trail of crimes across Florida. The podcast's impact extended beyond the airwaves, contributing to Schofield's eventual release on parole. If you're drawn to stories of injustice and redemption with literary-quality storytelling, Bone Valley is essential listening.
Famous Florida Cases to Get You Started
If you're new to Florida true crime, here are a few of the most famous cases to get you started on your journey down the rabbit hole:
•Murder on the High Seas: The Joe Cool Case: In September 2007, a Miami charter fishing boat called the Joe Cool was found drifting in the Atlantic Ocean with its four-member crew missing. Two men were found in a life raft nearby, claiming they were innocent passengers. The truth that emerged was far more sinister: a hijacking and quadruple murder on the high seas that shocked South Florida.
•The Casey Anthony Case: As mentioned above, this case continues to fascinate and frustrate in equal measure.
•The Sun Gym Gang: A story of greed, violence, and bodybuilding that is almost too bizarre to be believed.
Join Us for a Trip to the Sunshine State's Dark Side
Ready to explore the dark and fascinating world of Florida true crime? We invite you to start your journey with Moms and Mysteries. You can find us on your favorite podcast platform:
•Apple Podcasts: https://tr.ee/nlDxadvxAB
•Spotify: https://tr.ee/DkEnc1quzc
•YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@momsandmysteries
For all our links in one place, visit our Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Momsandmysteries
We can't wait for you to join our community of true crime enthusiasts as we continue to uncover the mysteries of the Sunshine State.
References
[1]: http://www.myfloridalegal.com/open-government/the-quotsunshinequot-law "MyFloridaLegal.com. "The Sunshine Law.""
[2]: https://www.oxygen.com/florida-man-murders/crime-news/why-are-there-florida-man-stories-sunshine-laws-explained "Oxygen.com. "Why Are There ‘Florida Man’ Stories? Sunshine Laws, Explained.""
[3]: https://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/21/fashion/is-florida-man-the-most-laughable-superhero-of-all.html "The New York Times. "Is ‘Florida Man’ the Most Laughable Superhero of All?""
