Florida - The Sunshine State
Capital: Tallahassee | Abbreviation: FL | Region: Southeast | Population: 22.2 million
Quick Facts
| Population | 22,244,823 |
| Area | 65,758 sq mi (170,312 km²) |
| Population Rank | 3rd |
| Area Rank | 22nd |
| Capital | Tallahassee |
| Largest City | Jacksonville (950K) |
| Statehood | March 3, 1845 (27th state) |
| Time Zones | Eastern & Central |
| Nickname | The Sunshine State |
| Coastline | 1,350 miles |
Interactive Map
🔴 Tallahassee (Capital)
About Florida
Florida is the southeasternmost state in the United States, known for its peninsular geography surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. With over 22 million residents, Florida is the third-most populous state and one of the fastest-growing. The state capital is Tallahassee in the Panhandle, while Miami serves as the largest metropolitan area and a global cultural and economic center.
Florida's economy is the fourth-largest in the nation, driven by tourism, agriculture, aerospace, and international trade. The state welcomes over 130 million visitors annually, drawn to world-famous attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, beaches, and the Everglades. Florida has no state income tax and serves as a major retirement destination.
The state's geography includes 1,350 miles of coastline, the longest in the contiguous US. Florida is home to unique ecosystems including the Everglades (the largest tropical wilderness in the US), coral reefs, mangrove forests, and pine flatwoods. The subtropical to tropical climate provides year-round warm weather, earning Florida its "Sunshine State" nickname.
Geography & Climate
- Coastline: 1,350 miles along Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico
- Florida Keys: Island chain extending 120 miles into the Caribbean
- Everglades: Unique "River of Grass" wetland ecosystem
- Climate: Subtropical north, tropical south, humid year-round
- Hurricane Season: June through November
- Highest Point: Britton Hill (345 ft, lowest high point of any state)
Major Cities
Jacksonville
Population: 949,611
Metro: 1.6M
Known For: Largest city by area in US, major port, beaches, banking
Miami
Population: 442,241
Metro: 6.1M
Known For: International hub, beaches, Art Deco, Latin culture, cruise port
Tampa
Population: 384,959
Metro: 3.2M
Known For: Port, business center, Ybor City, tourism
Orlando
Population: 307,573
Metro: 2.7M
Known For: Theme park capital, Disney World, Universal Studios, tourism
St. Petersburg
Population: 258,308
Known For: Museums, beaches, arts scene, waterfront
Tallahassee
Population: 196,169
Known For: State capital, Florida State University, government
Tourism & Attractions
Florida is America's #1 tourist destination with world-class attractions:
- Walt Disney World: World's most visited theme park resort in Orlando
- Universal Orlando: Theme parks including Wizarding World of Harry Potter
- Miami Beach: Art Deco District, nightlife, South Beach
- Everglades National Park: Unique wetland ecosystem, alligators, wildlife
- Kennedy Space Center: NASA's launch facility on Space Coast
- Key West: Southernmost point in continental US, coral reefs, Ernest Hemingway House
- Beaches: Over 660 miles of beaches including Clearwater, Destin, Panama City
Interesting Facts
- No point in Florida is more than 60 miles from saltwater
- State has more golf courses than any other state
- Miami is only major US city founded by a woman (Julia Tuttle)
- St. Augustine is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the US (1565)
- Florida produces 70% of the US orange crop
- Most lightning strikes of any state
- Home to the only place where alligators and crocodiles coexist
- Cape Canaveral is America's busiest spaceport
- Everglades is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles live together
- Florida has over 30,000 lakes
- No state income tax attracts retirees and businesses
- Port of Miami is world's busiest cruise ship port
- State is home to endangered Florida panthers and manatees
- Strawberry capital: Plant City
Neighboring States & Borders
Also borders: Atlantic Ocean (East), Gulf of Mexico (West), Straits of Florida (South)