The 9 Highest Bridges in Florida

1. Sunshine Skyway Bridge

The Sunshine Skyway bridge reaches 430 feet above the water at its highest point. Of course, the roadway on the bridge isn’t this high, as the pillars stretch far above the roadway. Still, this bridge does offer a panoramic view of the water and the distant skyline.

The sheer size of the pillars under this bridge is astonishing. It may not be the prettiest bridge around, but it sure is big.

2. Dames Point Bridge

The Dames Point Bridge is a cable-stayed bridge that travels over the St. Johns River in Jacksonville, Florida. Construction on this bridge started in 1985 but didn’t reach completion for another four years.

Officially, this bridge is the Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge, but most people just call it the Dames Point Bridge, after nearby Dames Point.

This bridge spans around 1,300 feet and has a clearance of 175 feet when the water is at its highest point. Thanks to this high clearance, large vessels can easily pass underneath.

3. John E. Mathews Bridge

The Mathews Bridge is another impressive bridge located in Jacksonville, FL. It also goes across the St. Johns River, just like the Dames Point Bridge. However, this bridge is slightly smaller. Its clearance is only 148 feet when the water is at its highest point.

This bridge has been around for many decades. It originally looked quite a bit different, too. Its initial color was silver, but the city transformed it to maroon in honor of the Jacksonville Bulls.

Unlike the Dames Point Bridge, the Mathews Bridge has a classic truss design. It looks a bit more distinctive than the other bridges on this list.

4. Isaiah D. Hart Bridge

The Isaiah D. Hart Bridge is another truss bridge that spans the St. Johns River. It’s also in Jacksonville, Florida, where the last two bridges on this list were located. It carries U.S. Route 1 Alternate and a state road.

Its clearance is 141 feet, making it slightly shorter than Mathews Bridge. Its build features a similar style, as well, with a traditional truss design. In fact, developers intended the bridge to take some of the traffic off of Mathews Bridge.

Nicknamed the Hart Bridge, it’s a popular landmark in Jacksonville that often appears in photographs and paintings.

5. William M. Powell Bridge

Miami-Dade County erected the current William M. Powell Bridge in 1985. It replaced the previous William M. Powell Bridge, which the city now uses as a fishing pier alongside the current bridge.

Named after veteran and former Miami Dade County director of public works William Powell, it’s a high-level fixed bridge that spans 0.9 miles. It’s part of the 3.6-mile Rickenbacker Causeway.

6. Belleair Causeway

The Belleair Causeway is a beautiful bridge in Florida and is located near Belleair Beach, its namesake. It’s a concrete bridge that crosses the Intracoastal Waterway to connect the barrier island of Belleair Beach with the mainland.

The current bridge didn’t open until 2009. It replaced the previous bridge, a low-level bascule bridge built in 1950. Now, it’s one of the tallest bridges in Florida, with a 75-foot clearance. It carries West Bay Drive as a key transportation artery.

This bridge features two lanes in each direction, separated by a barrier for safety. It also has a sidewalk and bicycle lane, making it a popular place for foot traffic.

7. Sanibel Causeway

This bridge connects Sanibel Island with the mainland around Punta Rassa. It’s a crucial road for island residents and local businesses. There are no other roads connecting the island to the mainland.

The Sanibel Causeway wins particular recognition for its stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico. As you drive, you can see the barrier islands and mangrove forests. Many people visit the area for fishing and sightseeing. It’s a popular tourist destination.

The original Sanibel Causeway was a two-lane bridge with a drawbridge section. It opened in 1963, replacing the local ferry service that operated since 1912. The state added the current Sanibel Causeway bridge in 2004 and opened it to drivers in 2007.

8. Eureka Bridge

Several bridges go by the name “Ocklawaha River Bridge,” but here we specifically discuss the Eureka Bridge, which has a clearance of around 49 feet above the water. Built in 1969, it is part of the now-canceled Cross Florida Barge Canal project.

This concrete bridge has two travel lanes in each direction. Its low level and proximity to the water make it a popular spot for boat launches. It’s a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

The bridge offers a scenic view of the river with a surrounding of lush greenery and cypress trees. Locals often refer to Eureka Bridge as “CR 316 Bridge.”

There has been some discussion about making this bridge taller to accommodate larger boats. However, the state has not allocated funding towards this yet.

9. State Road 19 Bridge

Once again, there are several “State Road 19 Bridges.” We’re discussing the one located in north-central Florida, near the Rodman Reservoir. It also goes over the Ocklawaha River, like many of the bridges on this list.

The area is a very popular spot for fishermen and boaters. It offers access to many different recreational areas, like the Ocala National Forest and the Rodman Dam.

This bridge is pretty small. It has two lanes in each direction and was originally built in 1967.