Skip Subway: 14 Florida Fast-Food Sandwiches That Really Deliver

Florida’s fast-food scene is having a serious sandwich moment, and it’s not happening under a green-and-yellow awning. From beach-ready Italians to pressed Cubans and crispy chicken icons, these handhelds deliver big flavor with zero compromise. Whether you’re cruising I-95, hitting a theme park, or chasing a Gulf sunset, there’s a better bite nearby. Hungry? Skip the usual and discover the Sunshine State’s drive-thru and deli-counter champions.

1. Publix Chicken Tender Sub — Statewide (Publix Deli)

The Publix Chicken Tender Sub is Florida’s unofficial state sandwich, and for good reason. Crispy, peppery tenders sink into a soft, fresh-baked roll that somehow stays sturdy under saucy enthusiasm. Go Buffalo plus ranch for a creamy, tangy, lightly spicy glaze that clings to every craggy edge. Customize with pickles, shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and a swipe of garlic aioli if you’re bold. Heat it pressed for extra crunch. Every bite balances hot, cool, crunchy, and soft—road-trip fuel perfected. It’s the deli line you won’t mind waiting in, a hero that tastes like home and tailgate victory.

2. Firehouse Subs Hook & Ladder — Statewide

Born in Jacksonville, the Hook & Ladder is a steamy, savory salute to classic deli craft. Smoked turkey and Virginia honey ham get the Firehouse treatment: steamed to coax out aroma and build melty provolone pull. The toasted roll stays resilient while soaking up flavor from mayo, mustard, and zesty dressing. Add onions, lettuce, and tomato for cool crunch. It’s substantial without feeling heavy, a balance of smoke, salt, and dairy-rich comfort. Every bite tastes intentional, like a sandwich engineered by people who truly care. One order and you’ll see why this is Florida’s proud sub franchise export.

3. Jersey Mike’s #13 The Original Italian — Statewide

The Original Italian at Jersey Mike’s is summer in a sub wrapper, no matter the season. Layered salami, capicola, and prosciuttini deliver briny depth, while provolone adds nutty creaminess. Order it “Mike’s Way” for that oil-vinegar-oregano signature, a tangy shine that wakes everything up. Shredded lettuce and thin-sliced onions give crunch and sweetness. The roll is soft yet elastic, made for seaside eats and sandy fingers. Add banana peppers if you crave acid brightness. It’s portable beach fuel, perfect after a swim or en route to a sunset. Classic, balanced, and utterly snackable from first bite to last.

4. Wawa Classic Italian Hoagie — Statewide (Expanding)

Wawa’s Classic Italian Hoagie is a customizable crowd-pleaser with surprising deli cred. Start with a soft roll, then stack sharp provolone and layered Italian meats for salty satisfaction. The magic is in the touchscreen: add roasted peppers for a Florida heat twist, pick your greens, and finish with oil, vinegar, and oregano. It’s fast, fresh, and exactly how you want it. The bread compresses just enough for clean bites on the go. Perfect for gas-and-grab pit stops that don’t taste like compromise. Don’t forget extra pepper relish for zip. Convenience rarely tastes this thoughtfully dialed.

5. Chick-fil-A Spicy Deluxe — Statewide

Yes, it’s a chicken sandwich—an undeniably great one with legit spice. The Spicy Deluxe delivers a crispy, cayenne-forward crust that crackles, then cools against tomato, lettuce, and pickles. The toasted bun stays plush while keeping everything together, even during drive-thru sprints. Pepper Jack nudges the heat further without overwhelming. It’s a simple build done with precision: hot, crispy, juicy, and neatly layered. Dip in zesty or Polynesian sauce to swing the flavor profile. Whether it’s lunch or late-night, this sandwich proves fast can still feel crafted. Reliable, craveable, and always freshly fried.

6. PDQ Crispy Chicken Sandwich — Tampa/Orlando & Beyond

PDQ’s Crispy Chicken Sandwich leans into hand-breaded texture and clean flavor. The chicken is juicy, with a corrugated crust that shatters just right, balanced by buttery bun sweetness and cool, briny pickles. Order extra PDQ sauce for dipping the edges—the peppery, tangy cream amplifies each bite. It’s fast-casual speed with a made-to-order feel. The size satisfies without the drag of heaviness, ideal for pre-game bites or I-4 pit stops. Add lettuce and tomato for freshness or keep it classic. Either way, it’s a Florida-grown contender in the chicken wars, served hot, crisp, and impeccably simple.

7. Checkers/Rally’s Big Buford (Double Cheeseburger) — Statewide

The Big Buford is a messy, lovable late-night hero, and that’s the point. Two beefy patties stack with real char-grilled vibes, layered under melted American, tangy sauce, and a squishy sesame bun. Crisp lettuce and tomato bring a diner-style freshness that cuts through the richness. It’s engineered for craveability when the clock hits midnight. The textures oscillate between juicy and pillowy, seasoning loud enough to satisfy. Grab seasoned fries if you’re going all in. Not precious, just delicious—a drive-thru double that actually tastes like beef. Florida’s after-hours hunger? Consider it sorted, no apologies necessary.

8. Pollo Tropical Cuban Sandwich — Statewide

Pollo Tropical’s Cuban Sandwich brings Miami soul to the drive-thru with admirable fidelity. Roast pork and ham layer into Swiss, pickles, and mustard, then the whole masterpiece gets pressed warm. The bread crisps to a thin, glassy shell that crackles on bite. Briny pickles slice through the pork’s richness while mustard brightens everything. It’s fast-food speed with abuela-approved spirit, perfect for lunch breaks or post-beach hunger. Ask for extra pickles if you like sharper snap. For under ten minutes, it’s a small miracle: nostalgia, texture, and tropical swagger, served hot and ready.

9. Earl of Sandwich “The Original 1762” — Orlando (and select FL locations)

Theme-park lines exist for a reason: this roast beef classic delivers. The Original 1762 stacks tender beef with melty cheddar, kissed by creamy horseradish that tickles rather than torches. Warm artisan bread presses into an audibly crisp crust while staying tender inside. Each bite layers savory, sharp, and buttery notes in balanced succession. It’s portable, comforting, and impossible to stop eating mid-queue. Add a pickle spear for acidity if you crave contrast. For a quick, satisfying meal inside the Florida theme-park grind, this sandwich punches way above its weight class—and tastes like a reward.

10. LaSpada’s Monster Italian — South Florida (Multiple Shops)

LaSpada’s Monster Italian is a South Florida rite of passage. Meats are sliced to order, stacked high, then “showered” with lettuce for signature volume and crunch. The seeded roll has that perfect snap, holding the avalanche of flavors in place. Expect a salty-savory chorus from capicola, salami, and more, balanced by vinegar zing and pepper heat. It’s messy in the best way, wrapped tight and devoured in your car with zero regrets. Add hot and sweet peppers for a harmonized kick. This is neighborhood-deli energy: fast, loud, generous, and absolutely unforgettable.

11. Jimmy John’s Vito — Statewide

Jimmy John’s Vito wins with speed and a clean Italian profile. Salami and capicola bring salinity, while provolone smooths the edges. The bread has a fine-crumb chew that holds well during quick lunches. Add Jimmy Peppers for vinegary heat and a touch of garlic swagger. Oil and vinegar keep it bright without drenching. It’s the sub you can order, grab, and crush in minutes—yet it still tastes thoughtfully assembled. Consistency is the selling point: fresh veggies, crisp onions, and dependable rolls. For statewide convenience that doesn’t feel boring, the Vito stays in heavy rotation.

12. Arby’s Classic Beef ’n Cheddar — Statewide

Arby’s Classic Beef ’n Cheddar is pure drive-thru nostalgia done right. Warm, thin-sliced roast beef piles under tangy cheddar sauce, all on a sweet, fragrant onion roll. The combo creates a savory-sweet swirl that’s immediately comforting. Add Arby’s Sauce for zippy tang or Horsey Sauce for horseradish bite. It’s soft, melty, and remarkably satisfying when you want maximum comfort fast. Pair it with curly fries for the full throwback experience. Not fancy, just honest and crave-tuned—a classic that still earns its permanent menu spot and fans across Florida.

13. First Watch Elevated Egg Sandwich — Statewide (Fast-Casual Morning Fix)

First Watch turns a morning quick-fix into a mini brunch event. The Elevated Egg Sandwich layers a runny over-easy egg, smoky bacon, and melty Gruyère with peppery arugula dressed in lemon. Toasted brioche adds buttered lift and gentle sweetness. It’s rich yet balanced, a handheld you’ll eat slowly on purpose. Add hot sauce for a citrusy snap, or pair with coffee for weekday luxury. Even in a rush, it feels like a sit-down moment. Statewide availability means better breakfasts are never far. It’s proof that fast-casual can still feel special.

14. Culver’s North Atlantic Cod Filet Sandwich — Statewide

Culver’s North Atlantic Cod Filet Sandwich brings a breezy, coastal crunch to the drive-thru. The cod is flaky and clean-tasting, encased in a light, golden batter that stays crisp. Tartar sauce adds dill-bright creaminess, while lettuce brings a cool snap. The toasted bun is soft yet supportive, ideal for one-handed beach parking lot lunches. It feels fresh, not fishy, with a finish that invites another bite. Add lemon if available for extra sparkle. For seafood cravings without the wait, this sandwich delivers sea-spray vibes statewide. Simple, satisfying, and quietly refined.