Florida (FL) is located in the southeastern United States and is well known for its tourist attractions and beautiful beaches. Tourism is one of the most important sectors of Florida’s economy, alongside agriculture and healthcare services. Although the state capital is Tallahassee, the most famous city is Miami. Some of the best-known attractions in Florida include the Kennedy Space Center, the Everglades National Park, and Disney World Theme Park.
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Table of Contents
Basic Information
Name Florida Abbreviation FL Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville (Population: 985 843) Current time 13:50 Time zone EST (UTC-5) is in effect in most of the state, CST (UTC-6) is in effect in the headwaters west of the Apalachicola River. The state observes Daylight Saving Time EDT (UTC-4) and CDT (UTC-5) Population 21,538,216 (#3 most populous US state) Area 65,757 mi² (#22 largest US state) Admitted to the Union March 3, 1845 (#27 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Florida
The capital city of Florida is Tallahassee. The name comes from the Muskogee Native American language and means “old town” or “old fields”. Tallahassee was founded in 1824 and immediately became the capital of the Florida Territory. After Florida was admitted to the Union on March 3, 1845, it retained its status as the state capital.
🏙️ Largest City in Florida
The largest city in Florida is Jacksonville, which had a population of 985,843 in 2023. The second-largest city is Miami with 455,924 residents, followed by Tampa, where 403,364 people lived.
🕒 Time in Florida
The current time in Miami, Florida is 13:50. Most of the state observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5), switching to Daylight Saving Time (EDT, UTC-4) from March to November. Only the northwestern tip of the state, west of the Apalachicola River, uses Central Standard Time (UTC-6), switching to CDT (UTC-5) in the summer.
🧑🤝🧑 Florida Population
In 2023, Florida had a population of 21,538,216, making it the third most populous state in the United States.
📍 Area of Florida
Florida’s total area is 65,757 mi², of which 53,624 mi² is land and 12,133 mi² is water. Florida ranks as the 22nd largest state in the U.S.
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Fun Facts About the State of Florida
🧩 Which States Border Florida
Florida borders two U.S. states: Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the northeast. Additionally, it has a very long coastline along the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
📅 Florida’s Admission Date to the Union
Florida was admitted to the Union on March 3, 1845, becoming the 27th state formed from the original Florida Territory. Interestingly, Florida remained a slave state until 1865.
📛 Florida’s Nickname
Florida is nicknamed “The Sunshine State”, which reflects the fact that the state enjoys 240–250 sunny days per year.
⛰️ Highest Point in the State of Florida
The highest point in Florida is Britton Hill, at 345 ft, which is significantly lower than some of the skyscrapers in Miami. Florida has the lowest high point of any U.S. state.
🏞️ Rivers in Florida
The longest river in Florida is the Chattahoochee River, with a total length across all states of 429 mi. It is followed by the St. Johns River (311 mi), the Suwannee River (246 mi), the Ochlockonee River (206 mi), and the Alapaha River (202 mi).
🎓 Universities in Florida
The largest university is the University of Central Florida, founded in 1963 in Orlando, with approximately 68,000 students. The second-largest is Florida International University, with around 56,000 students, and the third most attended is the University of Florida, with 55,000 students.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Florida
Florida is assigned ZIP code ranges 320xx–339xx, 341xx, 342xx, 344xx, 346xx, 347xx, and 349xx. A detailed map of these areas can be found in the article ZIP Codes in the USA, and you can look up any ZIP code for a specific address on the USPS website.
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Weather in Florida
The best time to visit Florida is in the spring or fall when temperatures are pleasant, humidity is lower, and the risk of hurricanes is reduced. Compared to summer, there are fewer people on the beaches and in national parks, and you can avoid the tropical summer heat.
Spring in Florida is pleasant, with temperatures around 68°F in the north and around 77°F in the south. Rain showers are generally mild in the spring. Although the first tropical storms may appear, they are typically weak and short-lived.
Summer in Florida is humid and extremely hot. In Miami, temperatures usually range between 77°F and 91°F. Intense rain and thunderstorms are common in June and September. The high humidity makes it feel even hotter. Summer is also hurricane season, so it’s important to keep a close eye on weather forecasts.
Fall in Florida brings gradual cooling, with temperatures in Miami dropping to between 68°F and 82°F in November. Humidity also decreases gradually, although the risk of hurricanes remains during the early part of the season.
Winter in Florida is mild and dry compared to other U.S. states. In northern Florida, temperatures range between 59°F and 68°F, while the warmer south experiences temperatures between 68°F and 77°F. Rainfall is minimal, and snowfall is rare. The pleasant winter temperatures make this season especially popular among both domestic and international tourists.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Rainfall in Florida
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Top Attractions in Florida
1️⃣ Walt Disney World Theme Park
Walt Disney World, located near Orlando, Florida, is one of the largest and most visited theme parks in the world. In many ways, it’s a state within a state, made up of several themed parks. You can enjoy several days of fun here, with families with young children likely to have the best experience.
2️⃣ Kennedy Space Center
Kennedy Space Center is located east of Orlando and served as NASA’s main launch site for space shuttles until 2011. Today, it is used by SpaceX and other commercial space companies. Visitors can enjoy a truly unique experience by touring the launch pad, learning more about NASA’s space programs, or even meeting an astronaut. Interactive exhibits allow guests to participate in simulated space missions.
3️⃣ Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park in southern Florida was established in 1947 to protect the unique ecosystem of tropical wetlands. Among the mangroves live alligators, Florida panthers, and several bird species. Visitors can explore the Everglades by airboat, kayak, or on foot along several hiking trails.
4️⃣ Busch Gardens Theme Park
Featuring long and fast roller coasters with loops and other adrenaline-pumping rides, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is styled after the African continent. The park includes a safari where giraffes, rhinos, lions, and other animals roam freely. Busch Gardens offers all-day entertainment for all age groups, especially appealing to older children and teenagers.
5️⃣ Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas defies the typical idea of what a national park should look like. Located on a relatively remote island, its centerpiece is Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fortress built to protect trade routes in the Gulf of Mexico.
Thanks to its rich marine life and clear waters, Dry Tortugas is a favorite among divers. The park is accessible only by boat or seaplane.
6️⃣ South Beach
Located east of Miami, South Beach is practically synonymous with sandy beaches, nightlife, and a luxurious lifestyle. Visitors can relax on the white sand, swim in the warm water, or enjoy a drink at a beach bar. The district is known for its Art Deco architecture, with Ocean Drive being the most iconic street, famous for its vibrant nightlife.
7️⃣ Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park is located in southern Florida and was designated in 1980 to better protect the local ecosystem of mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass beds. With 95% of the park covered by water, it offers ideal conditions for scuba diving and snorkeling. Sightseeing cruises with glass-bottom boats are popular, letting visitors explore the underwater world comfortably from the deck.
8️⃣ Universal Orlando Resort
Just like the well-known Universal Studios in Hollywood, Universal Orlando Resort is focused on the world of movies and TV shows. Its most popular attractions are based on franchises like Harry Potter, Transformers, and Jurassic Park, often featuring virtual roller coasters. The resort also includes a second theme park, Islands of Adventure, which features actual roller coasters.
9️⃣ Key West
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States and is a popular tourist destination thanks to its pleasant weather and laid-back pace. Visitors can tour the home of author Ernest Hemingway or simply watch the sunset at Mallory Square. Water sports enthusiasts can dive or snorkel in Key West, and the area also offers great conditions for sailing.
🔟 Icebar Orlando
Offering nighttime fun and relaxation for adults, Icebar Orlando is built from 70 tons of ice. A unique atmosphere is created by illuminated ice and loud music. Unlike typical bars, entry requires a ticket, which includes warm clothing and one drink of your choice from the menu.
Non-alcoholic drinks are also available, and if you enjoy the experience, you can purchase additional drinks on-site.
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Largest Cities in Florida
The table below lists the ten largest cities in the state of Florida in 2025, based on data from the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary mission is population census.
City County Population 1 Jacksonville Duval 985,843 Map of Jacksonville 2 Miami Miami-Dade 455,924 Map of Miami 3 Tampa Hillsborough 403,364 Map of Tampa 4 Orlando Orange 320,742 Map of Orlando 5 St. Petersburg Pinellas 263,553 Map of St. Petersburg 6 Port St. Lucie St. Lucie 245,021 Map of Port St. Lucie 7 Cape Coral Lee 224,455 Map of Cape Coral 8 Hialeah Miami-Dade 221,300 Map of Hialeah 9 Tallahassee Leon 202,221 Map of Tallahassee 10 Fort Lauderdale Broward 184,255 Map of Fort Lauderdale -
Sports Teams in Florida
🏒 Hockey (NHL)
Two teams from Florida play in the NHL, both of which are part of the Atlantic Division within the Eastern Conference.
The older of the two teams is the Tampa Bay Lightning, founded in 1992, with blue, white, and black as their team colors. They play their home games at Amalie Arena in Tampa.
The other team is the Florida Panthers, founded in 1993, with red, blue, gold, and white as their team colors. The Panthers play their home games at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
Three Florida-based teams compete in the NFL.
The first to join the league were the Miami Dolphins, who began playing in the 1970 season as part of the AFC East Division. Their home games are held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, and their team colors are aqua, orange, white, and marine blue.
The second team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, joined in the 1976 season and belong to the NFC South Division. They play at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, and their colors are red, pewter, orange, and black.
The most recent team to join the NFL was the Jacksonville Jaguars, who entered the league in the 1995 season as part of the AFC South Division. The team’s colors are teal, black, and gold. The Jaguars play their home games at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
Two Florida teams compete in the NBA, both part of the Southeast Division in the Eastern Conference.
The first to join the league was the Miami Heat in the 1988 season. They play their home games at Kaseya Center in Miami, and their team colors are black, red, and yellow.
In the 1989 season, they were joined by the Orlando Magic, whose team colors are blue, black, and silver. Their home arena is Kia Center in Orlando.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
Florida is represented by two teams in Major League Baseball (MLB).
The Miami Marlins have been competing in the MLB since the 1993 season as part of the National League East Division. They play their home games at LoanDepot Park in Miami, and their colors are black, blue, red, and slate gray.
The Tampa Bay Rays made their debut in the 1998 season and play in the American League East Division. Their home stadium is Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, and their team colors are navy blue, light blue, yellow, and white.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
Two clubs from Florida are part of Major League Soccer (MLS), both competing in the Eastern Conference.
Orlando City SC joined the league in the 2015 season, adopting purple and gold as their team colors. They play their home matches at Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando.
The second Florida team is Inter Miami CF, which played its first MLS season in 2020. Inter’s colors are pink and black, and their home games are held at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
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State Symbols of Florida
Florida has more than thirty official symbols, most of which were adopted by law after 1953. Only some of them are listed below.
Flag of the State of Florida
The Florida state flag features a white background with a red cross and the state seal in the center. The most recent modification to the flag occurred in May 1985, when the Florida seal was updated.
Seal of the State of Florida
The Great Seal has been used in its current form since 1985. Its main motif is a coastal scene with a woman scattering flowers. The scene also includes two palm trees, a steamboat with the sun on the horizon, and the U.S. motto “In God We Trust”.
State Flower
The blossom of the orange tree was chosen as Florida’s official flower. During blooming season, it fills central and southern Florida with its fragrance. The legislature selected it in 1909.
State Tree
Florida’s official state tree since 1953 is the Sabal palmetto palm, which grows throughout the state.
State Animal
In 1982, the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) was designated as the official state animal. It is considered an endangered species.
State Bird
One of Florida’s oldest state symbols is the northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), which was declared the official state bird in 1927.
State Marine Mammal
Since 1975, the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris), which is commonly found along Florida’s coast, has been recognized as an official state symbol.
State Reptile
The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) has been the official state reptile since 1987. It inhabits areas such as Everglades National Park.
State Beverage
In 1967, orange juice was designated as one of Florida’s official symbols. Oranges are the state’s most valuable agricultural product, with up to 95% of the harvest processed commercially.
State Gemstone
Although moonstone is not naturally found in Florida, it was still adopted as one of the state’s symbols. This decision followed the Apollo 11 space mission, whose members landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969. The mission launched from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center.
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