Where is Palatka, Florida, USA?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 15, 2026 08:10 AM ET

Where is Palatka, Florida Located in the United States? Palatka is a city located in the Putnam County of Florida, United States. Palatka lies between 29.6483 Degrees North latitudes and -81.6376 Degrees West longitudes.

Location Map of Palatka in Putnam County, Florida

Where is Palatka, Florida

About Map: The map shows the location of Palatka in the state of Florida, United States. Palatka is a city in Putnam County, Florida.

Palatka Map, Florida, USA

About Palatka Map: This interactive Google Map shows the exact location of Palatka in Florida, United States. You can zoom in or out, switch to satellite view, and explore nearby cities, roads, and local landmarks around Palatka.

About Palatka, Putnam County, Florida

Palatka is a city located in Putnam County in the U.S. state of Florida, United States. The city was established in the early nineteenth century and was incorporated in 1853 as a river port along the St. Johns River. Palatka developed historically through steamboat trade, agriculture, and timber industries supported by its strategic river location. Today the city serves as the county seat of Putnam County and is known for its historic districts, riverfront parks, and cultural events.

Population

According to the United States Census Bureau, the population of Palatka is 10,558 as recorded in the 2020 Census, and the population density is approximately 1,300 people per square mile.

Area and Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Palatka covers a total area of approximately 7.5 square miles (about 19.4 square kilometers), including about 7.3 square miles (18.9 square kilometers) of land and 0.2 square miles (0.5 square kilometers) of water.

Location and Surroundings

Palatka is located in the northeastern part of Florida along the western bank of the St. Johns River in Putnam County. The city lies south of Jacksonville and north of Gainesville and is connected to surrounding communities through major transportation routes including U.S. Route 17 and State Road 19. Its riverfront location provides access to boating, fishing, and scenic waterfront areas.

Attractions & Popular Destinations

Palatka offers several parks, cultural landmarks, and recreational areas that support outdoor activities and tourism. Popular destinations include Ravine Gardens State Park, the Palatka Riverfront Park along the St. Johns River, and the city’s historic downtown district. The community also hosts the annual Florida Azalea Festival and other local events throughout the year.

Transportation

Palatka is served by major transportation routes including U.S. Route 17 and State Road 19, which provide connections to Jacksonville, Gainesville, and other communities in northeast Florida. Local road networks link residential neighborhoods with parks, schools, and commercial districts. The nearest major airport providing commercial air service is Jacksonville International Airport, located within driving distance to the north.

Explore more counties in Florida Counties or view the complete USA States Map section for additional geographic information.

Sources:

Population and area data sourced from the United States Census Bureau (2020 Census). General city information referenced from the Official City of Palatka Website.

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  • Palatka, Florida City Facts

    CityPalatka
    StateFlorida
    CountyPutnam County
    CountryUnited States
    RegionNortheast Florida – North Central Florida Region
    Founded1821
    Incorporated1853
    Total AreaApprox. 9.1 sq mi (23.6 km2)
    Land AreaApprox. 8.4 sq mi (21.8 km2)
    Water AreaApprox. 0.7 sq mi (1.8 km2)
    ElevationApprox. 16 ft (5 m)
    Population (2023 estimate)Approx. 11,000+
    Population (2020 Census)10,558
    Population DensityApprox. 1,250 people per sq mi
    Time ZoneEastern Time (UTC−5 / UTC−4 DST)
    ZIP Codes32177, 32178
    Area Codes386
    Major HighwaysU.S. Highway 17, State Road 19, State Road 20
    Public TransitPutnam County Transit services
    Major AttractionsRavine Gardens State Park, St. Johns River waterfront, historic downtown Palatka
    Official Websitehttps://www.palatka-fl.gov/

    Distance from Palatka in Putnam County, Florida to Other Cities in Florida

    • St. Augustine, FL – 45 miles (72 km)
    • Jacksonville, FL – 60 miles (97 km)
    • Gainesville, FL – 50 miles (80 km)
    • Ocala, FL – 70 miles (113 km)
    • Palm Coast, FL – 45 miles (72 km)
    • Daytona Beach, FL – 60 miles (97 km)
    • Deltona, FL – 70 miles (113 km)
    • Sanford, FL – 85 miles (137 km)
    • Orlando, FL – 100 miles (161 km)
    • Melbourne, FL – 150 miles (241 km)
    • Tampa, FL – 160 miles (257 km)
    • St. Petersburg, FL – 175 miles (282 km)
    • Sarasota, FL – 200 miles (322 km)
    • Port St. Lucie, FL – 190 miles (306 km)
    • West Palm Beach, FL – 230 miles (370 km)
    • Fort Lauderdale, FL – 250 miles (402 km)
    • Miami, FL – 275 miles (443 km)
    • Tallahassee, FL – 150 miles (241 km)
    • Lake City, FL – 70 miles (113 km)
    • Starke, FL – 55 miles (89 km)

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