Across the Sunshine State, there are three options for catching a movie under the stars. Each is locally owned, fairly priced, and filled with personality—so when it comes to drive-in theaters, it can't get much better than this.

To help find which theater is most convenient for you, the

car insurance

comparison and brokerage app

Jerry

has a complete guide to drive-in movie theaters in

Florida

Ruskin Family Drive-In

Address: 5011 US-41, Ruskin

Schedule: From Wednesday to Saturday, year-round

Ticket prices: $6 for adults, $1 for kids 5-8, free for kids 4 and under

Number of screens: One

Pet-friendly? Yes, as long as they are leashed

This cash-only outdoor movie spot has been in operation since 1962—and they know how to make you feel like family! Rain or shine,

Ruskin Family Drive-In

is the perfect spot to spend an evening with your favorite people.

Movies

Ruskin Family Drive-In offers a variety of recent releases and older classics (especially around the holidays). They announce the schedule a few weeks ahead of each show. Spots are given out on a first-come, first-serve basis, so if you want the best view, be sure to get there early.

Each night, the drive-in hosts a double feature, which is included in the price of one ticket. There is a 15-minute intermission after the first movie of the night.

How to hear the movie

Ruskin insists that guests bring their own FM radio or use their car radio to listen to the films. Patrons are also expected to remain quiet and respectful of other guests—any disturbances will not be permitted.

Snacks

Along with a family-friendly atmosphere, Ruskin is known for its concession stand. They offer a variety of grilled items and classic movie snacks.

If popcorn, pizza, or homemade chili dogs don’t pique your interest, you can also bring food from outside the theater by paying a one-time $5.00 fee.

Ruskin even sells mosquito spray for those who are prone to bites.

Pro tip: Ruskin Family Drive-In also offers take-out for those looking to eat without paying for a ticket. They have been selling the same pizza, a local favorite, for over 50 years—they even offer a gluten-free option!

Silver Moon Drive-In

Address: 4100 New Tampa Hwy, Lakeland

Schedule: Seven nights a week, including holidays

Ticket prices: $7 for general admission, $3 for children 4-9, free for children 3 and under

Number of screens: Two

Pet-friendly? Yes, if well-behaved and on a leash

In operation for more than 70 years,

Silver Moon Drive-In

is a double-feature theater that is loaded with vintage charm and a few modern upgrades.

On the weekends, the Silver Moon Drive-In moonlights as a local swap shop! It transforms into a marketplace where you can buy and sell almost anything.

Movies

Silver Moon almost exclusively shows recent releases, basically whatever is currently playing in indoor theaters. Occasionally the venue hosts variety nights, like thrillers-only, kid showings, classics, or a mix-match of popular genres. Tickets can be purchased in advance via their website.

There are no rules for parking SUVs or large vehicles, but the theater encourages you to be courteous of other movie-goers.

How to hear the movie

To hear the movie, tune your car or portable radio to 88.3 FM for side one and 89.3 FM for side two. Patrons can also rent a portable radio from the concession stand for only $2.00. You will need to show a valid ID, though.

Snacks

Silver Moon relies on concession sales to keep its gates open—so they offer a wide variety of snacks, foods, and beverages (including alcohol). You can even check out their

retro-inspired menu

ahead of time.

Spending $25.00 or more on concessions will also land you a free movie ticket for a night of your choosing!

Besides offering great food, patrons can also submit messages to be shown on the screen before a show. Messages can include anything, from a happy birthday wish to a marriage proposal! Messages must be requested at least seven days in advance. Best of all, adding a message to your showing is entirely free.

MORE:

Foodie road trip Florida

RECOMMENDED

Thousands of customers saved on average $887/year on their car insurance with Jerry

This app is great, but the customer service is even better! Not to mention convenient! My husband and I got the lowest rate (much lower than the rates I was finding online through my own searches), quickly, and pretty much all through text message! Thank you so much for a hassle free experience👍

Gabriella R.

Find insurance savings

4.7/5 Rating on App Store

Ocala Drive-In

Address: 4850 S Pine Ave, Ocala

Schedule: Double features daily, year-round

Ticket prices: $6 for general admission, $3 for children 6-12, free for children 5 and under

Number of screens: Two

Pet-friendly? Yes, but only if you consider it a “four-legged family member”

Located about an hour north of Orlando,

Ocala Drive-In

knows how to blend comfort with hospitality. Ocala shows double features every night of the year and has a friendly staff that will deliver concessions directly to your vehicle.

Movies

Ocala Drive-In primarily shows recent releases but also offers older classics, depending on the time of year. Tickets are sold at the gate and will cover both of the night’s showings for the price of one.

Ocala Drive-In has no set rules on parking SUVs or larger vehicles. You are also free to bring lawn chairs or additional seating. In return, the venue simply requests that you be mindful of other patrons and their space.

Movies will also be shown rain or shine, as the rain will not typically affect picture quality.

How to hear the movie

Ocala asks that you tune into an FM radio station to hear the movie. You’ll receive the station number at the gate and can access it via your car or portable radio.

Snacks

Ocala Drive-In gives you the option to order concessions either in-person or online. Once you order, you can request that the food be delivered directly to your vehicle.

The concession stand offers your standard movie theater fare—popcorn, snacks, and sodas—coupled with more exotic items—such as their “taste of New Orleans” combos or made-to-order 100% beef hamburgers. They’re most well known for their Muffuletta sandwiches that are so filling, they’re sold by the half!

MORE:

Florida car seat law

How to find affordable car insurance

No matter what film you're going to see, become the star of the show with

Jerry

—the personalized car insurance app created to save hundreds on monthly car insurance premiums.

If you’re shopping for car insurance, Jerry will generate competitive quotes from top providers in less than a minute. Jerry gathers your information from your past insurer, so you're not responsible for any long forms or phone calls. Basically, you get all of the savings and coverage, with none of the hassles.

The best part? The average driver saves $879 a year by using Jerry!

“By using
Jerry
I found a policy that HALVED my monthly expenses with Geico! Best of all, they helped cancel my policy and got me a refund on my premium. This app is a lifesaver.” —Josiah T.

RECOMMENDED

Compare auto insurance policies

No spam or unwanted phone calls · No long forms

ZIP Code

Find insurance savings

FAQs

How many drive-ins are left in Florida?

As of 2021, there are currently three drive-in theaters operating in the Sunshine State.

Do you have to leave your car on during a drive-in movie?

You do not need to keep your car running during the show; however, depending on whether you’ve brought a radio, you will need your battery to listen to the audio. Be sure to turn on the engine for a few minutes after you park to make sure you have enough power. If your battery dies, ask a fellow movie-goer if they can help you with a

jump-start

Do drive-ins play in the rain?

Just like an indoor venue, most drive-in theaters will operate during the rain—unless it’s a heavy storm. Check out the theater’s website or social media pages for weather updates before you hit the road.

Are you overpaying for car insurance?

Compare quotes and find out in 45 seconds.

Try Jerry