Hundreds of Dead Fish Wash Up at Lake Apopka in Florida

Wildlife officials say cold weather is to blame for the fish kill at one of the state's largest lakes.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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Hundreds of dead fish, mostly tilapia, have been discovered floating along the shoreline of Lake Apopka near Winter Garden, Florida, drawing concern from visitors to Newton Park. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission confirmed the fish died due to cold stress from recent unusually cold weather in the state.

Why it matters

The die-off has raised alarm because Lake Apopka has undergone decades of restoration efforts and hundreds of millions of dollars in environmental cleanup. While officials say the deaths are tied to weather rather than pollution, the scene has unsettled residents and park visitors.

The details

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) said the dead fish are mostly non-native tilapia that were unable to tolerate the sudden drops in temperature. FWC has received over 450 reports of fish kills statewide since February 1, involving both freshwater and saltwater species. Although tilapia are considered invasive, they can still play a role in certain ecosystems, and their sudden loss can have short-term ecological effects.

  • On February 1, 2026, the FWC began receiving reports of fish kills statewide.
  • In recent days, hundreds of dead fish have been discovered along the shoreline of Lake Apopka.

The players

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)

The state agency responsible for managing and protecting Florida's fish and wildlife resources.

Lake Apopka

One of Florida's largest lakes, which has undergone extensive restoration efforts over the past decades.

Tilapia

A non-native fish species commonly found in Florida waters that is considered invasive, but can still play a role in certain ecosystems.

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What’s next

FWC has warned that reports of fish kills are expected to increase as more succumb to secondary infections caused by cold stress. The agency is encouraging the public to report fish kills through its hotline or online reporting system and advises people not to handle dead wildlife.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the vulnerability of Florida's aquatic ecosystems to sudden changes in weather, even in a state known for its warm climate. The large-scale fish kill at Lake Apopka underscores the ongoing challenges of environmental restoration and the need for continued monitoring and management of the state's waterways.