Located between the tidal mud flats of Florida Bay and dry land, the coastal lowlands are an arid region of shrubby, salt-tolerant vegetation.  These areas are markedly devoid of mangroves, owing to periodic flooding by hurricanes and the onslaught of heavy winds.

Salinity levels vary greatly among the lowlands, yielding a variety of salt-tolerant communities that thrive here.  These communities are characterized by succulents and other low-growing, desert-like plants that can withstand the harsh growing conditions of the coast.