The state of Florida has not always been known as a gay-friendly location. In fact, Florida was one of only three states that had official laws banning adoption by same-sex couples and homosexual people in 2010. However, though a large portion of Florida holds anti-gay sentiments, a thriving gay population can be found throughout the state, causing gay nightclubs to spring up in many different cities.
The Pro Shop Pub started as a dive bar, but when the owners hired a lesbian bartender, the business tripled, an LGBT crowd started to frequent the bar and now it is a popular gay club. Weekly specials include Manly Mondays, in which anyone shirtless or only wearing underwear receives the drink special of $1.50 well drinks and $2 domestic beer. Wednesdays host an amateur strip contest, the winner receiving either $100 bar tab or $50 in cash. Fridays include free pool.
Pro Shop Pub
840 Cleveland St.
Clearwater, FL 33755
727-447-4259
proshoppub.us
Copa bills itself as the "premier gay dance club in southern Florida." Thursdays and Fridays allow 18 years and older, and have no cover charge before midnight, while Sundays offer extended after hours. Apart from a large dance floor, the club features videos, a game room, shows and both indoor and outdoor bars. Casual dress is appropriate for the club.
Copa
2800 South Federal Highway
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
copaboy.com
Multiple venues comprise the Metro club. The Disco has shows and a dance floor, while the Rainbow Room offers a lounge-like atmosphere to enjoy drinks with friends. The Game Room offers a sports bar complete with arcade games, pool tables and happy hour specials, while the Tiki Bar features an open air bar. Sapphos is located on the second floor, attracting a lesbian crowd, and the Boiler Room has go-go boys performing. The club features a daily happy hour from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. in which drinks are half-priced.
The Metro
2929 Plum St.
Jacksonville, FL 32205
904-388-8719
metrojax.com
Bourbon St. Pub features three different bars, making for short drink wait times. Video screens throughout play music videos, and the club offers plenty of dance space. Late night happy hours occur Mondays through Wednesdays between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., and $5 Long Island Ice Teas are available on Sundays. Go-go dancers perform nightly, and the bar features many special events, such as Habitat for Insanity, a week-long Halloween celebration.
Bourbon St. Pub
724 Duval Street
Key West, FL 33040
305-293-9800
bourbonstpub.com
The longest operating gay club in Miami's South Beach never charges a cover. The club features seven different bars in a single location, and regularly features go-go dancers and drag shows. A happy hour barbecue takes place on Fridays and Sundays, offering free barbecue food and two drinks for the price of one specials. Thursdays are Latin night, and also include two drinks for the price of one. Dress ranges from minimal to casual to dressy
Twist
1057 Washington Ave.
Miami Beach, FL 33139
305-538-9478
twistobe.com
