Miami is the largest gateway for wholesale flowers entering the United States, with shipments arriving daily from Colombia, Ecuador, and other growing regions. The city’s wholesalers specialize in bulk flowers for weddings, corporate events, hotels, and cruise ships. To find the best wholesale flowers in Miami, look for suppliers that prioritize freshness, bulk savings, reliable delivery, and tailored service for event professionals.
Why Miami Is the Hub of Wholesale Flowers in the U.S.
Miami isn’t just a tropical city with beautiful beaches; it’s the backbone of the American floral industry. Nearly 90% of imported flowers in the U.S. arrive through Miami International Airport, making it the largest floral import hub in the country. Every day, cargo planes land with roses, carnations, hydrangeas, tropical stems, and greenery from farms across Latin America.
Here’s why this matters:
- Faster transit = fresher flowers. Instead of flowers being routed through multiple cities, Miami wholesalers can receive shipments within hours of landing, hydrate them, and move them into climate-controlled coolers.
- Greater variety. With direct imports, buyers have access to exotic varieties, rare tropicals, and trendy blooms long before they appear in other U.S. markets.
- Lower costs. Because Miami wholesalers are located near the point of entry, they often avoid additional shipping and storage costs, keeping bulk prices competitive.
- Event-ready scale. Whether it’s a 500-guest wedding, a hotel lobby installation, or a cruise ship turnover, Miami wholesalers are accustomed to handling massive bulk orders on tight schedules.
For any business or event professional working with flowers, Miami is the most strategic city to source wholesale blooms.
What to Look for in Wholesale Flowers in Miami
Not all wholesale flowers or wholesalers are created equal. When choosing where to buy, keep these considerations in mind:
1. Freshness Pipeline
Miami’s wholesalers receive flowers within hours of landing at the airport, but not every supplier follows the same hydration and cooling protocols. The best ones:
- Re-cut stems immediately after arrival.
- Place flowers in hydration solutions.
- Store them in coolers kept between 34–38°F to maintain peak freshness.
- Rotate inventory quickly to avoid aging stock.
When sourcing, ask wholesalers about their import schedules and cooler handling. Fresh flowers last longer, look better at events, and minimize waste.
2. Bulk Purchasing Options
The main advantage of wholesale buying is cost savings. Bulk flowers in Miami are typically sold in:
- Boxlots (a set number of bunches per box).
- Sleeves (ideal for greenery or filler flowers).
- Bunches (5–25 stems, depending on flower type).
This setup allows planners, florists, and hotels to order large quantities at once, saving significantly compared to retail prices.
3. Event-Specific Services
Many Miami wholesalers go beyond just selling flowers. They understand the unique demands of:
- Weddings (tight timelines, high stem counts, specific color palettes).
- Corporate events (uniform, polished looks with budget-friendly bulk greens).
- Hotels & restaurants (weekly standing orders for lobby and dining décor).
- Cruise lines (pre-packed floral kits to refresh ships each week).
Choosing a wholesaler familiar with event workflows ensures smoother logistics.
4. Delivery and Pickup Flexibility
Miami traffic is legendary and not always in a good way. Wholesalers that offer same-day pickup or scheduled deliveries across South Florida save valuable time. Look for:
- Clear cut-off times for next-day delivery.
- Well-marked loading docks or pickup bays.
- Options for regional or national shipping if you’re outside Miami.
5. Customer Support & Expertise
A great wholesaler isn’t just a vendor; they’re a partner. Look for staff who:
- Know floral seasonality.
- Advise on stem counts for specific arrangements.
- Suggest substitutions if a variety is unavailable.
- Provide care instructions for maximum vase life.
This kind of expertise is especially valuable during wedding season and holidays, when demand skyrockets.
Bulk Flowers in Miami for Every Occasion
One of Miami’s advantages is the sheer variety of flowers available. Here’s a breakdown of how different event sectors use wholesale blooms:
Weddings & Private Celebrations
Weddings are one of the biggest drivers of wholesale flower sales. Miami wholesalers stock wedding staples like:
- Roses in every color, including trending neutrals like blush, champagne, and toffee.
- Hydrangeas for statement centerpieces.
- Spray roses and garden roses for bridal bouquets.
- Peonies and ranunculus (seasonal imports that fly through Miami during peak months).
With weddings often requiring 500–1,000 stems, buying wholesale ensures consistency in color, size, and freshness.
Corporate Events & Hotels
Hotels and corporate venues rely on flowers for lobby displays, conferences, and galas. Popular wholesale picks include:
- Tropical flowers like heliconias, ginger, and birds of paradise.
- Large-scale greenery, such as monstera leaves and palm fronds.
- Phalaenopsis orchids for long-lasting elegance.
These blooms create a strong visual impact and align with Miami’s tropical aesthetic.
Cruise Ships & Tourism
Because Miami is a major cruise hub, many wholesalers prepare ready-to-use floral packs for cruise ships. These include:
- Weekly shipments of roses, carnations, and filler greens.
- Arrangements tailored for dining halls, guest cabins, and entertainment areas.
- Pre-booked bulk orders to ensure smooth logistics between sailings.
Retail Shops & Floral Designers
Local flower shops and freelance designers also rely heavily on bulk purchases. By stocking:
- Boxed roses for daily sales.
- Greens like eucalyptus and ruscus for arrangements.
- Seasonal stems for holiday promotions.
They can maximize profit margins while offering customers fresh and trendy designs.
How to Choose the Best Wholesale Flower Source in Miami
Here’s a step-by-step framework to guide your choice:
- Verify Freshness: Ask how soon after arrival flowers are processed and cooled.
- Check Inventory: Review the range of flowers and greens available year-round.
- Evaluate Logistics: Confirm pickup times, delivery radius, and order cutoffs.
- Request Pricing Transparency: Some wholesalers provide price lists; others require consultation.
- Test Quality: Start with a trial order before committing to a larger event.
- Assess Support: Does the wholesaler guide you on substitutions, stem counts, and seasonal availability?
A supplier who scores high in all areas will save you time, money, and stress, especially for large events.
Tips for Buying Bulk Flowers in Miami
Wholesale buying comes with its own set of best practices.
1. Plan Ahead for Events
Large events require significant quantities. Always order 2–3 weeks in advance, especially for peak holidays.
2. Understand Seasonal Pricing
Miami wholesalers see heavy demand during Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Prices rise and popular flowers sell out quickly.
3. Use Stem Calculators
Don’t guess quantities. A simple calculator can help determine:
- 20–25 stems per table centerpiece.
- 40–60 stems per bridal bouquet (if using mixed varieties).
- 150–200 stems for a floral arch.
4. Inspect Before Leaving
Always check stems for firmness, color vibrancy, and hydration. Reject any wilted or bruised product immediately.
5. Prepare for Care & Storage
Once picked up, flowers should go straight into coolers. Keep stems hydrated, cut at an angle, and stored away from direct sunlight or drafts.
Top Places to Buy Wholesale Flowers in Miami for Events
Instead of naming competitors, here’s what to expect from the best wholesale sources in Miami:
- Strategic Location: Warehouses near Miami International Airport or central Doral.
- Large Coolers: Rows of roses, hydrangeas, tropicals, and greenery kept in optimal conditions.
- Bulk Packaging: Boxlots, bunches, or sleeves for easy ordering.
- Customer Service: Staff ready to advise event planners and florists.
- Flexible Access: Extended pickup hours or early-morning availability.
By focusing on wholesalers that meet these standards, you ensure your flowers arrive fresh, reliable, and event-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Do I need a florist license to buy wholesale flowers in Miami?
A: Some wholesalers sell to trade-only buyers, while others allow the public to buy in bulk. Requirements vary, but large orders usually require a resale license.
Q: What are the most popular wholesale flowers in Miami?
A: Roses, hydrangeas, carnations, spray roses, tropical flowers, and greenery like eucalyptus and ruscus.
Q: Can I get same-day flowers in Miami?
A: Yes, many wholesalers allow same-day pickup. Delivery may require advance scheduling.
Q: How much do bulk flowers cost in Miami?
A: Prices vary by flower type and season. For example, a box of 250 roses may range from $70–$150, depending on quality and holiday demand.
Q: Why are Miami’s flowers fresher than other U.S. cities?
A: Because they’re imported directly through Miami International Airport, reducing transit time and preserving freshness.
Final Thoughts
Miami is the floral capital of the U.S., serving as the gateway for millions of stems each week. For wedding planners, event professionals, hotels, cruise lines, and designers, buying wholesale flowers in Miami means better variety, fresher blooms, and cost savings.
By choosing the right wholesaler, one that prioritizes freshness, bulk value, and event-ready service, you can ensure your floral designs wow clients while staying within budget.
Whether you need roses by the box, tropicals for a hotel lobby, or greenery for a wedding arch, Miami offers unmatched access to wholesale flowers. With smart planning and the right partner, your events will always be in full bloom.