Santa Monica Florida Raw Honey is a family-owned honey business based in Wesley Chapel, Florida, founded in 2011 by Monica Obando and her family. The company offers locally produced raw Florida honey in several varietal types, hand-packaged in glass bottles and sold online and at local farmers markets. Named partly after founder Monica Obando and partly after the miraculous healer Saint Monica, the brand emphasizes honey's health and healing benefits.

The Beekeeper's Story

Monica Obando founded Santa Monica Florida Raw Honey in 2011 after turning to bee venom therapy to treat her arthritis and discovering the world of beekeeping. Under the guidance of professional beekeepers, the Obando family began maintaining their own beehives, and when the bees produced more honey than the family could consume, Monica launched the business as an educational side venture. Her sister Jenny Castro and mother Maria Leguizamon, along with Monica's husband Juan Obando, co-own the company. With roots in farming from their native Colombia and training at USF's Botanical Gardens, they established their farm in the Wesley Chapel area. The company found early success at local farmers markets and in regional grocery stores, and later explored export opportunities to markets including South Korea and Canada with help from the Florida SBDC at USF. Santa Monica Florida is a member of the Florida Beekeepers Association, the Tampa Bay Beekeepers Association, and the American Apitherapy Society.