Deep Lake (Florida)
Deep Lake is a natural sinkhole located within Florida's Big Cypress National Preserve. It is geologically significant as the deepest lake south of Lake Okeechobee and one of the deepest in the entire state, forming the namesake for the surrounding community and a nearby swamp strand.
Key Facts
- ›It is a naturally occurring sinkhole lake.
- ›The sinkhole is 90 feet deep.
- ›It is the deepest lake located south of Lake Okeechobee.
- ›It is considered one of the deepest lakes in Florida.
- ›It lends its name to the community of Deep Lake, Florida.
- ›It is also the namesake for the Deep Lake Strand swamp area.

Deep Lake, Florida
Deepest Lake South of Lake Okeechobee, One of the Deepest Lakes In Florida
Freshwater
About Deep Lake (Florida)
Deep Lake is a significant natural sinkhole situated within the expansive Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida. This geological formation has resulted in a lake that holds the distinction of being the deepest body of water located south of Lake Okeechobee, and ranks among the deepest lakes found anywhere in the state of Florida.
Geological Significance
The sinkhole's depth is a primary factor in its geological importance. Measuring 90 feet from its surface to its deepest point, Deep Lake's substantial depth makes it a notable feature within Florida's karst landscape. Its status as the deepest lake south of Lake Okeechobee underscores its unique hydrological and geological characteristics for that region of the state.
Naming and Association
Deep Lake is not only a natural landmark but also the namesake for the surrounding community, Deep Lake, Florida. Additionally, it lends its name to the Deep Lake Strand, a wetland area that lies to the east of the well-known Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve and Florida State Road 29, further integrating its identity into the local geography and ecosystem.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Deep Lake?
Deep Lake is a natural sinkhole located in the Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida. It is a lake formed by the sinkhole's depression.
How deep is Deep Lake?
Deep Lake has a depth of 90 feet, making it a significantly deep body of water for its region.
What is the geological significance of Deep Lake?
Deep Lake is notable for being the deepest lake located south of Lake Okeechobee. It is also recognized as one of the deepest lakes found throughout the entire state of Florida.
Where is Deep Lake located?
Deep Lake is situated within the Big Cypress National Preserve in Florida. It is also associated with the Deep Lake Strand, a swamp area to the east of the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve and Florida State Road 29.
Related Sinkholes
Big Basin Prairie Preserve
The Big Basin Prairie Preserve in Kansas encompasses a significant sinkhole system, most notably the mile-wide Big Basin and the water-filled St. Jacob's Well. These geological features, formed by sinkhole activity, are historically notable as resting places for the Northern Cheyenne and landmarks for cattle drives. The preserve is a designated National Natural Landmark, managed to protect its unique landscape and wildlife.
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park
Devil's Millhopper Geological State Park features a massive sinkhole in Florida, notable for its exposed limestone layers and the unique ecological environments it supports. The sinkhole's formation through limestone dissolution has created a dramatic geological record, making it a significant site for scientific study and public appreciation of karst topography.
Montezuma Well
Montezuma Well is a natural limestone sinkhole in Arizona, known for its constant outflow of highly carbonated and arsenic-rich water. It is geologically significant as a collapsed limestone cave, similar to formations in Florida and the Yucatán. Historically, it has been a vital water source for irrigation since the 8th century, utilized by indigenous peoples like the Southern Sinagua, and is considered a sacred site by the Yavapai people.