Love craft beer? Central Florida has a fast-growing scene fueled not only by increasing numbers of craft beer bars, but also by dedicated artisan brewers producing top-quality local beers in their own microbreweries. Whether you're looking for a traditional style or something experimental, you don't have to travel far no matter where you are in Central Florida. 

In addition to distributing their beverages to retailers and bars across the region, most microbreweries have tap rooms where you can sample their brews. Many also offer tours of their facilities so you can learn about the brewing process and see how the magic happens. Some of the larger operations even host live music acts, trivia nights, new brew launch parties, and other special events that make them community centers and great destinations for a fun night out. 

Here's a roundup of 12 of our favorite microbreweries all around Central Florida. This isn't an exhaustive list—there are plenty of other excellent breweries in the area, and as of this writing, we know of several new ones scheduled to open in the near future. The options are always increasing, which is just another reason Central Florida is a fantastic place for active-adult living!

1. Backyard Barn Winery and Microbrewery – Wildwood, FL (Sumter County)

Just minutes from The Villages, this small-batch, farm-to-glass winery and microbrewery is a highly recommended stop. Its beautiful natural setting, live music, and diverse and delicious beer menu make every visit a win.

Backyard Barn Winery and Microbrewery website

2. Crooked Can Brewing Company – Winter Garden, FL (Orange County)

This is an amazing microbrewery that's part of the larger, also-amazing Plant Street Market in charming downtown Winter Garden. Its six core beers and seasonal concoctions deliver unmistakable commitment to quality with every sip. 

Crooked Can Brewing Company website

3. Infinite Ale Works – Ocala, FL (Marion County)

This microbrewery produces a handful of Belgian-style beers. But its tap room is well-stocked with 40 craft beers on draft, many from Florida breweries, but also some from non-local craft brewers. There are plenty of adventurous beverages to try here.

Infinite Ale Works website

4. Lakeland Brewing Co. – Lakeland, FL (Polk County)

Dedication to the finest ingredients and the craft of brewing shine through in every beer from this Lakeland company. Head over for a tour, to sample the diverse selection of core and limited-run brews, and possibly to catch some live music.

Lakeland Brewing Co. website

5. Mount Dora Brewing – Mount Dora, FL (Lake County) 

Try half a dozen awesome beers brewed by this Mount Dora company. It's a good place to eat, too. The on-site Rocking Rabbit Tap Room is a fun place to drink and hear live music on the weekends, while the outdoor Beer Garden is another enjoyable setting in which to imbibe.

Mount Dora Brewing website

6. Orlando Brewing – Orlando, FL (Orange County)

A pioneer of the Central Florida craft beer scene, this brewery produces a core lineup of beers adhering to the German Beer Purity Law of 1516, as well as experimental limited edition brews. It's also the only USDA-certified organic brewery east of Colorado and South of Vermont.

Orlando Brewing website

7. Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. – DeLand, FL (Volusia County)

Over on the east side of Central Florida, this microbrewery is a hub of social life in the heart of downtown DeLand. The tap room offers the company's core beers, as well as some reliably interesting and palate-pleasing limited releases.

Persimmon Hollow Brewing Co. website

8. Red Cypress Brewery – Winter Springs, FL (Seminole County)

This microbrewery creates some amazing beers while emphasizing locally sourced ingredients and environmental friendliness. Drop by for drinks and food on any Food Truck Friday, or during some of the other fun events frequently offered.

Red Cypress Brewery website

9. Reprise Brewing – St. Cloud, FL (Osceola County)

Don't miss out on the first microbrewery to open in Osceola County, offering an exciting menu of traditional styles and creative beers. The comfortable tap room also serves house-made craft sodas, and you're welcome to bring some food in with you.

Reprise Brewing website

10. Ten10 Brewing Co. – Orlando, FL (Orange County)

 Located in the Mills50 District of Orlando, Ten10 makes a varied selection of craft beers with careful attention to using the purest ingredients and brewing processes. There are good eats here, too, and a strong community vibe.

Ten10 Brewing Co. website

11. The Florida Brewery – Auburndale, FL (Polk County)

This brewery's been at it since 1973 and even exports internationally to 10 countries. Its flagship product is Polar Beer, and the company is partnered with Polar Bear International. It donates a portion of all proceeds to polar bear and sea ice conservation.

The Florida Brewery website

12. The Hourglass Brewery – Longwood, FL (Seminole County)

The flagship ales and the intriguing, tasty rotating offerings are always top quality here. The spacious taproom serves Hourglass brews and an extensive selection of other craft beers, plus it hosts live music and facilitates dining from the two attached restaurants.

The Hourglass Brewery website