•The development of  Zn2+ fluorescence probe in recent years (2015–2020) is systematically reviewed in this paper.•Zn2+ fluorescence probes are classified based on different fluorophore groups.•The characteristics of fluorescence probes are introduced by the emission wavelength of different groups. Zinc is of great importance to humans and other biological systems. For example, too high or low levels of zinc(II) ions (Zn2+) can result in various human disease states, and poor handling of Zn2+ leads to environmental pollution. Owing to the important roles played by this metal, many convenient, low-cost and easy-to-operate fluorescence probes for Zn2+ detection have been developed. Chief among these are fluorescence-based sensors that have high sensitivities and selectivities. In this review, we describe the fluorescence probes for Zn2+ which have been prepared and assessed in the time period since 2015. The presentation is organized according to different fluorophore families, including quinoline, naphthalene, coumarin, rhodamine, naphthalimide, pyrene, fluorescein, phenol derivatives, as well as several other fluorophores. The discussion of each probe concentrates mainly on its mode of action.