Is there a place where alligators are just part of the neighborhood? Welcome to Florida, a state where you’ll find sun-soaked beaches, iconic theme parks, tropical landscapes, and mysterious wetlands.
But that’s just the start! There’s so much to discover—some odd, some interesting, all downright fun facts about Florida.
In this article, we will uncover 20 of the most fascinating facts about the Sunshine State!
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What is Florida Most Famous for?
Florida is a city with so many attractions and natural sites, besides landmarks in general, which lure millions each year. This is what makes Florida most famous for:
- Major Attractions: Such an Orlando resort with Walt Disney World being the largest among similar resorts.
- Universal Studios Florida also has rides involving blockbuster movies such as Harry Potter.
- Everglades National Park is one of those special areas in the world, concerning wildlife such as alligators and manatees.
- Miami Beach boasts its beautiful beaches, nightlife, and the structure of its Art Deco buildings.
- Key West is the southernmost U.S. city with its own unique historical sites including Ernest Hemingway’s home.
- Cultural Heritage: such as St. Augustine, a well-preserved Spanish colonial building, is the oldest city in the United States.
- Little Havana in Miami is full of Cuban culture, from the food to the music, with events such as the Calle Ocho Festival.
- Florida also hosts many festivals, not the least of which include those similar to the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa and Ultra Music Festival in Miami.
- Natural Beauty: The state is also home to coral reefs, particularly around the Florida Keys, which are great for snorkeling and diving.
Florida’s Nickname: The Sunshine State
Florida is also referred to as “The Sunshine State,” due to its abundant sunshine, averaging about 2,927 hours per year.
This nickname was officially adopted in 1970. Before its adoption, the name had been in unofficial use. Such a nickname helps boost Florida as a tourist destination for vacations all year, especially for those who want sunny days.
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Florida Means “The Land of Flowers” in Spanish
The name Florida comes from the Spanish phrase “La Florida,” meaning “the land of flowers,” and is just one of the many fun facts about Florida. Explorer Juan Ponce de León coined this name in 1513 not only due to the volume of flowers there but also because of an Easter flower associated with the feast of Pascua Florida.
It has historical significance as one of the earliest place names established within what is now the United States.
World’s Longest Coastline in the U.S.
Florida has the second-longest coastline in the country, with about 8,436 miles. This includes 3,341 miles along the Atlantic Ocean and 5,095 miles along the Gulf of Mexico.
This long shoreline contains many beaches, towns, and natural areas. It also comprises coastal regions such as the Florida Keys and is hence very popular among tourists and people seeking outdoor fun.
Photo by Ashley Satanosky on Unsplash
Birthplace of American Space Program
The Kennedy Space Center, opened in 1962 in Florida, is considered the birthplace of America’s space program. The location has been the chief launch location of NASA for human spaceflight missions. The most important ones included the Apollo and Space Shuttle launches.
Located on Merritt Island, KSC continues its contribution to space and collaboration with companies on different missions and research projects.
Florida Has More Than 1,300 Golf Courses
Florida is host to more than 1,300 golf courses, ranking among the top in the United States for this sport. Popular destinations include TPC Sawgrass and Bay Hill Club. It hosts several PGA Tour events along with other major tournaments.
Florida’s climate and range of courses enable golfing to be available year-round, attracting players from all over the country and the world.
Disney World Is in Florida
Walt Disney World is a large entertainment resort located just outside Orlando, Florida. It opened its gates on 1st October 1971 and covers over 25,000 acres. The resort consists of four theme parks:
- Magic Kingdom
- EPCOT
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Walt Disney World attracts millions of visitors annually, making it one of the most visited vacationing places in the world.
Photo by juan mendez
Florida Hosts the Largest Collection of Art Deco Buildings
The Art Deco Historic District has well over 800 buildings on display, each built from the 1920s to the 1940s.
Florida supports more Art Deco buildings nationally or internationally than any other place in the world. The majority are held within Miami Beach. The state even earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1979, a fun fact about Florida that highlights its colorful appeal and diverse eclectic designs.
What is Art Deco?
Art Deco is a design style from the 1920s-1930s featuring bold geometric shapes, clean lines, and rich colors to symbolize the glamour, progress, and technological optimism of its era. Cities like Miami and Paris made it famous for its sleek and elegant look.
The Florida Keys Are Made of 1,700 Islands
The Florida Keys are composed of over 1,700 islands, approximately 800 being referred to as keys. The keys are of limestone composition and possess some very unusual ecosystems, including coral reefs. Many of the islands are uninhabited, but fewer than 50 are linked by the Overseas Highway that allows cars to reach this tourist haven.
Alligators Outnumber People in Florida
Florida is home to around 1.3 million alligators, which is a higher number compared to the human population: 22 million. Another fun fact about Florida is that it is the only place on earth where alligators and crocodiles coexist in the same habitat.
Every year, the count of alligators is conducted by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. As reflected by counts, the alligator inhabits several lakes and rivers across Florida. That’s why they are frequently spotted across the state.
Photo by Rene Ferrer
Miami Has the Largest Cruise Ship Port
Miami is also known for being the home of the biggest Cruise Ship Port in the World. PortMiami sees 7.3 million passengers every year and hosts nine terminals and more than a dozen cruise lines. Notable ones are Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney.
This Port is a leading destination for cruises to the Caribbean and other parts of the region. Therefore making it among one of the major US-based cruise ports.
Florida Is the Leading State for Orange Production
Florida is the leading orange-producing state in the U.S., accounting for about 87% of the country’s citrus. For example, oranges in the state totaled an estimated 15.8 million boxes for the 2022-2023 season.
Despite challenges such as citrus greening and hurricanes, oranges remain important in the U.S. citrus industry.
St. Augustine Is the Oldest U.S. City
St. Augustine was founded on September 8, 1565, by Spanish explorer Pedro Menendez de Aviles. It holds the distinction of being the oldest permanently inhabited European settlement in what is now the United States.
This North Florida coastal city has been a military garrison, a center for Catholic missionaries, and even a pirate’s hub.
Today, St. Augustine stands as one of Florida’s top tourist destinations, drawing over two and a half million visitors each year, captivated by its rich history and Spanish heritage.
Florida Has the Most Diverse Ecosystem
Within the U.S., Florida contains more than 80 different ecosystems, from wetlands, forests, and coasts. The Everglades is unique regarding its rich flora and fauna.
The state’s warm weather and geographical location made it home to a great variety of species. In fact, Florida is considered a very substantial place for biodiversity, thanks to the amount of endangered species it hosts and the variety of wildlife.
Photo by Julius Hildebrandt on Unsplash
Florida Is a Major Producer of Sugarcane
Florida is the top producer of sugarcane among other states of the U.S.A., contributing 52% of the nation’s total production. The majority of that comes around Lake Okeechobee in South Florida.
Every year, approximately 17.9 million tons of sugarcane are harvested, supporting over 19,000 jobs and contributing $4.7 billion to the state’s economy.
Home to the Only Everglades in the World
The Florida Everglades is the only subtropical wetland in the world, covering 1.5 million acres. Water moves slowly from Lake Okeechobee to Florida Bay, creating a range of habitats, including reed swamps, cypress swamps, and mangroves.
This unique ecosystem is home to a wide variety of species, many of which are endangered. As such, the Everglades holds great value for both conservation and biodiversity.
Photo by Jessica Lewis 🦋 thepaintedsquare
Florida’s Capital Is Tallahassee
Did you know that Tallahassee is the capital of Florida? It’s just one of many fun facts about Florida! It was designated as the state capital in 1824 due to its central location, making it easily accessible for government officials traveling between St. Augustine and Pensacola. The city is located in Leon County and is considered the hub of government activity.
Tallahassee is also home to major institutions, including Florida State University and Florida A&M University.
Key West Is the Southernmost Point in the U.S.
Key West is the southernmost point in the continental U.S. The Southernmost Point Buoy is at South Street and Whitehead Street. This 1983-placed buoy is 18 feet tall and sees scores of tourists for photo shoots.
Another fun fact is that Key West is just about 90 miles away from Cuba, making it closer to Cuba than it is to mainland Florida about 150 miles north.
Florida’s Beaches Are Among the Best in the U.S.
Florida beaches consistently rank at the top in the country, with 825 miles of coastline. Some of their most popular beaches include Siesta Key Beach and Delray Beach, the latter ranked the top beach in Florida by USA TODAY.
Florida beaches give a little bit of everything for families to relax, and hidden spots for those who aim to be alone. Hundreds of millions of visitors every year come to take in the emerald water and natural beauty of this place.
Home to the U.S.’s Largest Theme Parks
Florida contains some of the biggest theme parks in the U.S.: Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. Millions of people come to the Magic Kingdom each year which puts it as one of the most visited parks throughout the United States.
Others include EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Islands of Adventure. Another interesting fact about Florida not to forget is that 7 of the 20 most visited parks are located in Florida. No wonder, it is considered to be the most highlighted region for entertainment.
Florida Has More Than 100 Natural Springs
Florida is home to over 700 natural springs, the largest concentration of first-order freshwater springs in the world. Each one of these springs receives its water from the Floridan Aquifer and are popular spot to swim, snorkel, and kayak.
Temperatures typically remain at around 72°F, which allows for many plants and animals to thrive within such an ideal environment. In fact, Florida boasts more first-magnitude springs than any other state, making it a vital region for natural biodiversity.
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More Weird, Unusual Facts About Florida
- Florida is Home to the Only “Wild” Monkey Population in the U.S.
- People Have Been Arrested for Throwing Alligator Through Drive-Thru Windows
- The “Florida Lizard Man” Has Been Reported
- A Man Once Tried to Sell Florida on eBay
- Gator Wrestling Is a Popular Florida Sport
A Special Fun Fact About GTA and Florida: The fictional city of Vice City in the Grand Theft Auto series is inspired by Miami, Florida. Its neon-lit streets and 1980s setting pay homage to the iconic culture, architecture, and energy of the Sunshine State!
In GTA 6, the RockStar team makes a return to Vice City, along with new locations inspired by Florida, offering fans a vibrant, Floridian open-world experience.