The tower was originally built to allow farmers to survey the thousands of acres of citrus groves that were previously visible in every direction.
It sits atop a significant elevation point known as the Sugarloaf Mountain area of the Lake Wales Ridge.
The structure was designed and financed by the Citrus Tower Corporation to promote the local orange industry during the 1950s.
In its early years, the tower hosted a radio station that broadcast programs directly from the observation deck.
The steel frame is anchored into the foundation with massive concrete pilings to withstand Florida weather conditions.
The Florida Citrus Tower is a 226-foot-tall landmark built in 1956 to provide observers with views of the vast citrus groves that once dominated Central Florida. Constructed of steel and concrete, the tower features an observation deck that offers sightlines reaching up to 35 miles on clear days. While the surrounding landscape has shifted from agricultural groves to residential and commercial development, the structure remains an iconic piece of mid-century Florida tourism history. The tower serves as a high-altitude vantage point for identifying regional landmarks like Lake Apopka and the downtown Orlando skyline. It is located on one of the highest points of the Lake Wales Ridge in Clermont. Visitors access the observation level via a modern elevator system. The interior includes exhibits detailing the history of the Florida citrus industry.
The north-facing window of the observation deck for capturing the sprawling view of lakes and distant skylines.
Check local weather forecasts for humidity levels, as low humidity provides the sharpest visibility for distant landmarks.
Visit during the late afternoon to see the sunset reflecting off the various lakes in the surrounding area.
Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore the ground-level historical displays after descending from the observation deck.
Do not expect to see vast, active orange groves from the top, as much of the surrounding land has been converted to suburban housing and commercial infrastructure.
Open daily, but operating hours may fluctuate based on seasonal tourism levels; check ahead for potential closures during extreme weather events.
