Great Florida Cattle Drive returns in 2026 to honor ranching heritage

The Great Florida Cattle Drive, a historical reenactment and cultural heritage event, will return January 26–31, 2026. Held every five years, the event honors Florida’s cattle ranching history and offers participants an opportunity to experience elements of the state’s traditional “cow hunter” lifestyle.

The 2026 drive will begin at the IFAS DeLuca Preserve and continue south through working cattle country, ending at the Okeechobee Cattlemen’s Arena with a concluding celebration. Throughout the week, participants will take part in daily cattle drives, camp overnight, and participate in evening programs focused on Florida’s ranching heritage.

Registration for the event is currently open and will close on December 1, 2025. All participants are required to submit signed and notarized waivers by December 15, 2025. Waivers can be mailed or brought to the event for on-site notarization. Adult and child waiver forms are available on the event website.



Participants must provide their own horses, as horses are not supplied by the organizers. All horses must meet health requirements:

Florida horses must have proof of a negative Coggins test.

Out-of-state horses must have both a negative Coggins test and a valid health certificate.

Horse feed will be provided based on selections made during registration and will be transported separately. Feed does not count toward the participant’s 60-pound gear limit.

The Great Florida Cattle Drive also features an online store offering merchandise such as neckerchiefs, Corriente saddles, belt buckles, and other items related to Florida’s cattle heritage.

The event is organized by the Florida Cow Culture Preservation Committee and draws on historical cattle drives that were once central to Florida’s economy and settlement. Past drives have brought together riders, educators, historians, and families interested in preserving and understanding this aspect of the state’s rural history.

For more information, to register, or to access event documents and the packing list, visit www.greatfloridacattledrive.com.