The closest big mall to Lake Nona: five anchors, more than 250 stores, restaurants and attractions, and a Round1 on the way.

The Florida Mall in Orlando

By David Myers, Broker Associate · NonaOrlandoProperties.com · Last updated September 2026

The Florida Mall is an enclosed, single-level mall at 8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809, about 14 miles from Lake Nona Town Center. It opened on March 12, 1986, has about 1.7 million square feet of space, and is operated by Simon Property Group. Macy's, Dillard's, JCPenney, Dick's Sporting Goods and Sears are its anchors, with Primark, Apple, Zara, H&M and Uniqlo among more than 250 stores, restaurants and attractions. It has a 23-restaurant Dining Pavilion, the Crayola Experience, American Girl, and the attached 511-room Florida Hotel & Conference Center. Round1 Bowling & Arcade is coming to part of the former Sears space.

If a major retailer has a store in Orlando, there's a good chance it's at The Florida Mall. It has the widest selection of mainstream stores in the area, and at about 14 miles from Lake Nona Town Center, it's the closest traditional mall to Lake Nona.

Several things older guides say about it are out of date, including restaurants that were never inside the mall. This guide reflects The Florida Mall as it stands in September 2026.

How do you get to The Florida Mall from Lake Nona?

The Florida Mall is about 14 miles from Lake Nona Town Center; the quickest route is SR 528 (the Beachline) west to the Orange Blossom Trail exit.

The Beachline is a toll road. The mall is at 8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, at Sand Lake Road, Orlando, FL 32809.

What stores are at The Florida Mall?

Five anchors (Macy's, Dillard's, JCPenney, Dick's Sporting Goods and Sears) plus most of the major national retailers.

The Florida Mall anchors and major stores (September 2026)
Anchors Macy's; Dillard's; JCPenney; Dick's Sporting Goods; Sears (reduced footprint)
Fashion Primark (two floors, one all Disney merchandise); Zara; H&M; Uniqlo; lululemon; Victoria's Secret; JD Sports; Steve Madden
Tech and beauty Apple; Sephora; Tesla
Kids and toys American Girl; Build-A-Bear; Pop Mart; Lindt

Stores follow Simon's directory for the mall. Check a store's own listing before making a special trip.

Where can you eat, and what else is there to do?

The Dining Pavilion has 23 eateries and more than 1,400 seats, and the attractions include the Crayola Experience and American Girl.

The Dining Pavilion opened in 2015 in the former Saks Fifth Avenue space. Sit-down options around the mall include Buca di Beppo, Cantina Catrina and Fat Tuesday. Attractions include the Crayola Experience (one of five worldwide), Titanic: A Voyage Through Time, Game Over Escape Rooms and a children's play area. The Florida Hotel & Conference Center, with 511 rooms, is attached to the mall.

Several restaurants often listed with the mall are not in it. The nearest Chili's is on Golden Sky Lane, the Cheesecake Factory locations are at The Mall at Millenia and Vineland Pointe, Rainforest Cafe is at Disney, and the Orlando Improv is at Pointe Orlando.

What has changed at The Florida Mall recently?

Primark opened in 2024, Forever 21 closed in 2025, and Round1 is coming to part of the Sears space.

  • Primark opened on August 29, 2024, in the former Forever 21 space.
  • Forever 21 closed on May 1, 2025, when the chain shut its US stores.
  • Sears has shrunk its footprint. Round1 Bowling & Arcade, its first Central Florida location, is coming to part of the space; no opening date has been confirmed.
  • New brands in 2026 include Pop Mart, Lindt and Steve Madden.

Who owns The Florida Mall?

Simon Property Group operates The Florida Mall and owns half of it.

The mall opened on March 12, 1986. It has grown in stages: a Burdines wing in 1999, Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom wings in 2002, an outdoor plaza in 2009 on the site of the demolished Lord & Taylor, and the Dining Pavilion in 2015. Dick's Sporting Goods took over the former Nordstrom space in 2015.

Pros, Cons and Our Take

Pros

  • The widest choice of mainstream stores in Orlando, under one roof.
  • The closest traditional mall to Lake Nona.
  • Family attractions, including the Crayola Experience and American Girl.

Cons

  • Busy with tourists, especially on weekends and holidays.
  • Few sit-down restaurants inside; dining is mostly the food pavilion.
  • Sears is a shrinking anchor, and Round1 has no confirmed opening date.

Our Take

The Florida Mall is the practical big mall for Lake Nona: closer than Millenia or Waterford Lakes, with more stores than anywhere else in Orlando. Primark and the new 2026 brands show it is still adding tenants while other malls shrink. Just ignore older guides' restaurant lists; most of those places were never inside.

What the Neighbors Know

Lake Nona residents head to The Florida Mall when Lake Nona West doesn't carry what they need: a specific brand, back-to-school shopping, or an Apple Store visit. For everyday shopping closer to home, see our Lake Nona shopping guide.

Official Sources

Buying or selling in Lake Nona? Call/Text David Myers at 407.801.3286 or use the contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is The Florida Mall from Lake Nona?

About 14 miles from Lake Nona Town Center. The quickest route is SR 528 (the Beachline) west to the Orange Blossom Trail exit.

What are the anchor stores at The Florida Mall?

Macy's, Dillard's, JCPenney, Dick's Sporting Goods and Sears.

Is there a Primark at The Florida Mall?

Yes. Primark opened a two-level store at The Florida Mall on August 29, 2024, with one floor dedicated to Disney merchandise.

Is the Cheesecake Factory at The Florida Mall?

No. Orlando's Cheesecake Factory locations are at The Mall at Millenia and Vineland Pointe.

Is there a hotel at The Florida Mall?

Yes. The 511-room Florida Hotel & Conference Center is attached to the mall.