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What time to see the solar eclipse in Florida

The eclipse, or first contact, begins in Tampa at 1:17 p.m.

Woman with telescope safe solar eclipse observation, stock image.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Today's the day! It's time to plan out when you can watch the full splendor of the solar eclipse in Florida.

There is no location anywhere in the state where you'll see 100 percent of the sun obscured by the moon -- a total solar eclipse. You'll have to hop in the car and drive about 6-8 hours from Tampa Bay to South Carolina for the best and closest view.

WATCH LIVE: Follow the solar eclipse from coast to coast

No matter where you are in Florida, you'll have a chance to see the solar eclipse. Look at the chart above for timing and how much of the sun will be covered by the moon.

The eclipse, or first contact, begins in Tampa at 1:17 p.m. Take care looking at the sun no matter where you're watching; you should never, ever look directly into the sun without proper protection. Sunglasses, smoked glasses and other filters still will allow harmful radiation to reach your eyes.

Maximum 81.4 percent coverage is at 2:50 p.m. and the eclipse ends, with life returning to normal, at 4:14 p.m.

Check out the graphic for more times across the state

More: 10News' coverage of the 2017 solar eclipse

Eclipse forecast: Check 10Weather for the latest outlook on the 10News app

More: Fake solar eclipse glasses flood market; NASA recommends 5 brands

The farther northeast you travel, the more dramatic the sight: 90.5 percent of the sun will be covered in Jacksonville, while NASA's interactive map shows Pensacola will have 81.5 percent coverage.

Tampa will have 81.4 percent coverage and Sarasota with 79.2 percent -- check out this map for greater detail.

Remember this: hope for no clouds! You won't be able to see any part of the eclipse if the view is obstructed by cloud cover.

Photos: Eclipse watch across the country

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