100 Dumb US Laws (With Proof They Exist)
Florida (FL) is located in the southeastern United States, known for its tourist attractions and beautiful beaches. Tourism is one of the most important sectors of Florida’s economy, with agriculture and health services also playing key roles. While Florida’s capital is Tallahassee, Miami is the most famous city. Top Florida attractions include the Kennedy Space Center, Everglades National Park, and the Disney World Theme Park.
-
Table of Contents
Quick Facts
Name Florida Abbreviation FL Capital Tallahassee Largest city Jacksonville (Population: 985 843) Current time 18:42 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 65,758 sqmi (#22 largest US state) Admitted to the Union March 3, 1845 (#27 state to join) ⭐ Capital of Florida
Florida’s capital is Tallahassee, a name that comes from the Muskogee 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 kept its role.
🏙️ Largest City in Florida
The largest city in Florida is Jacksonville, home to 985,843 residents in 2023. The second largest city is Miami with 455,924 residents, and third is Tampa with a population of 403,364.
🕒 Time in Florida
The current time in Miami, Florida is 18:42. Most of the state follows the Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5), switching to EDT (UTC-4) from March to November. Only the northwestern panhandle west of the Apalachicola River uses Central Standard Time (UTC-6) and Central Daylight Time (UTC-5) in summer.
🧑🤝🧑 Population of Florida
In 2023, Florida had 21,538,216 residents, making it the third most populous U.S. state.
📍 Area of Florida
Florida’s total area is 65,758 sqmi, of which 53,624 sqmi is land and 12,133 sqmi is water. Florida ranks as the 22nd largest state in the U.S.
-
Fun Facts About Florida
🧩 Which States Border Florida
Florida borders two U.S. states: Alabama to the northwest and Georgia to the northeast. It also has a very long coastline along the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
📅 Date of Florida Statehood
Florida joined the Union on March 3, 1845 as the 27th state, formed from the original Florida Territory. Notably, Florida remained a slave state until 1865.
📛 Florida State Nickname
Florida is nicknamed “The Sunshine State,” which fits the fact that the state enjoys 240 to 250 sunny days each year.
⛰️ Highest Point in Florida
Florida’s highest point is Britton Hill at 345 ft, which is significantly lower than some of the skyscrapers in Miami. Florida has the lowest high point of all U.S. states.
🏞️ Rivers in Florida
The longest river in Florida is the Chattahoochee River, with a total length across all states of 429 mi. Next are the St. Johns River (311 mi), Suwannee River (246 mi), Ochlockonee River (206 mi), and Alapaha River (202 mi).
🎓 Universities in Florida
The largest university is the University of Central Florida, founded in 1963 in Orlando, with roughly 68,000 students. Second is Florida International University with about 56,000 students, and third is the University of Florida with 55,000 students.
✉️ ZIP Codes in Florida
Florida’s ZIP code ranges are 320xx–339xx, 341xx, 342xx, 344xx, 346xx, 347xx, and 349xx. You can find a clear map of the areas in the article ZIP Codes in the USA, and look up a ZIP code for any address on the USPS website.
-
Weather in Florida
The best time to visit Florida is in spring or fall, when temperatures are pleasant, humidity is lower, and hurricane risk tends to be lower. Compared to summer, beaches and national parks are less crowded, and you avoid 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 in spring are usually light. Early tropical storms can appear, but they are generally weak and short-lived.
Summer in Florida is humid and very hot, with Miami temperatures usually ranging from 77 °F to 91 °F. June and September often bring heavy rainfall with strong thunderstorms. The high humidity makes it feel even hotter. Summer is also hurricane season, so keeping a close eye on forecasts is worth it.
Fall in Florida brings a gradual cooldown, with Miami temperatures dropping to about 68 °F to 82 °F by November. Humidity gradually decreases, though the hurricane risk persists during the first half of fall.
Winter in Florida is very mild and dry compared to other U.S. states. Northern Florida stays between 59 °F and 68 °F, while the warmer south sees 68 °F to 77 °F. Rainfall is minimal, and snow flurries are rare. Thanks to the comfortable temperatures, winter months are very popular with both domestic and international visitors.
🌡️ Average Temperatures and Precipitation in Florida
-
What to See in Florida
1️⃣ Walt Disney World Theme Park
Walt Disney World near Orlando, Florida is one of the largest and most visited theme parks in the world. In a way, it is a state within a state, with the entire complex made up of several themed parks. You can enjoy days of fun here, and families with young children will be especially thrilled.
2️⃣ Kennedy Space Center
The Kennedy Space Center lies east of Orlando and until 2011 was NASA’s main launch site for the Space Shuttle program. After the program ended, SpaceX and other commercial space companies began using it. Visitors get a one-of-a-kind experience: tour the launch complex, learn more about NASA’s programs, or meet an astronaut in person. Interactive exhibits let you take part in mission simulations.
3️⃣ Everglades National Park
Everglades National Park in southern Florida was established in 1947 to protect a unique tropical wetland ecosystem. Among the mangroves live alligators, Florida panthers, and several bird species. You can explore the Everglades by airboat or under your own power in a kayak, and there are also several hiking trails.
4️⃣ Busch Gardens Theme Park
Long, fast roller coasters with loops and other adrenaline rides await at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. The park has an African theme and includes a safari with giraffes, rhinos, lions, and more. Busch Gardens offers a full day of fun for all ages, especially older kids and teenagers.
5️⃣ Dry Tortugas National Park
Dry Tortugas looks nothing like the typical image of a national park. Located on a relatively remote island, its landmark is Fort Jefferson, a massive 19th-century fortress built to protect Gulf of Mexico trade routes.
Thanks to rich marine life and clear water, Dry Tortugas is popular with divers. It is accessible only by boat or seaplane.
6️⃣ South Beach
South Beach lies east of Miami and is practically synonymous with sandy beaches, nightlife, and a luxe lifestyle. Visitors can relax on white sand, swim in warm water, or grab a drink at a beach bar. The neighborhood is known for its Art Deco architecture, and the most famous stretch is Ocean Drive, which buzzes after dark.
7️⃣ Biscayne National Park
Biscayne National Park sits in South Florida and was established in 1980 to protect an ecosystem of mangroves, coral reefs, and seagrass. Since 95 percent of the park is water, it is perfect for diving and snorkeling. Sightseeing cruises with glass-bottom boats are popular, letting you view the underwater world from the comfort of the deck.
8️⃣ Universal Orlando Theme Park
Universal Orlando, like the better-known Hollywood studio, celebrates movies and TV shows. Orlando’s most popular attractions draw on franchises like Harry Potter, Transformers, and Jurassic Park, often in the form of virtual coasters. The complex also includes a second park, Islands of Adventure, which focuses on real roller coasters.
9️⃣ Key West
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States. With pleasant weather and a laid-back pace, it is a favorite with travelers. You can tour the home of writer Ernest Hemingway or simply watch the sunset at Mallory Square. Water-sports lovers can dive and snorkel, and the conditions for sailing are excellent.
🔟 Icebar Orlando
Evening fun and adult downtime await at the Icebar Orlando, built from 70 tons of ice. Colorful lighting and loud music create a unique atmosphere. The experience works a bit differently than a regular bar: you buy a ticket, which includes warm clothing and one drink of your choice from the menu.
There are non-alcoholic options, and if you like the vibe, you can purchase another drink on site.
-
Largest Cities in Florida
The table shows the ten largest cities in Florida in 2023. The data source is the federal agency United States Census Bureau, whose primary task is conducting the 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 Florida teams play in the NHL, both in the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.
The older club is the Tampa Bay Lightning, founded in 1992, with blue, white, and black as team colors. They play home games at Amalie Arena in Tampa.
The other is the Florida Panthers, established in 1993, whose colors are red, blue, gold, and white. The Panthers play home games at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise.
🏈 American Football (NFL)
Three Florida teams compete in the NFL.
The first to join, in the 1970 season, were the Miami Dolphins, part of the AFC East. They play home games at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, and their colors are aqua, orange, white, and marine blue.
The second NFL team, since the 1976 season, is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers of the NFC South. They play home games at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, and their colors are red, pewter, orange, and black.
The most recent to join, in 1995, are the Jacksonville Jaguars, placed in the AFC South. Team colors are teal, black, and gold. The Jaguars play home games at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville.
🏀 Basketball (NBA)
Two Florida teams play in the NBA, both in the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference.
The first to enter, in the 1988 season, was the Miami Heat, who play home games at the Kaseya Center in Miami. Team colors are black, red, and yellow.
In 1989 they were joined by the Orlando Magic, whose colors are blue, black, and silver. Their home arena is the Kia Center in Orlando.
⚾ Baseball (MLB)
Florida also has two MLB teams.
The Miami Marlins have competed since the 1993 season, in the National League East. They play home games at LoanDepot Park in Miami, and their colors are black, blue, red, and slate gray.
The Tampa Bay Rays first played in the 1998 season, in the American League East. Their home field is Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, and the team colors are navy, light blue, yellow, and white.
⚽ Soccer (MLS)
Two Florida clubs play in MLS, both in the Eastern Conference.
Orlando City SC entered in the 2015 season, choosing purple and gold as club colors. Inter&Co Stadium in Orlando hosts their home games.
The second Florida club is Inter Miami CF, which played its first MLS season in 2020. Inter’s colors are pink and black, and the team plays home matches at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale.
-
Florida State Symbols
Florida has more than thirty official symbols, most adopted by law after 1953. Only some are listed below.
Flag of Florida
Florida’s flag has a white field with a red saltire and the state seal in the center. The most recent change came in May 1985, when the seal was modified.
Great Seal of the State of Florida
The Great Seal has been used in its current form since 1985. Its main motif is a shoreline where a woman scatters flowers, accompanied by two palms, a steamboat with the sun on the horizon, and the U.S. motto “In God We Trust.”
State Flower
The orange blossom is Florida’s official flower. In bloom, it perfumes Central and South Florida. The legislature adopted it in 1909.
State Tree
Florida’s official tree since 1953 is the sabal palmetto, found throughout the state.
State Animal
In 1982, the Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi) was designated the official state animal. It is an endangered species.
State Bird
One of the oldest state symbols is the northern mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos), designated Florida’s official bird in 1927.
State Marine Mammal
Since 1975, the West Indian manatee, Florida subspecies (Trichechus manatus latirostris), has been among the official symbols. It commonly inhabits the state’s coastal waters.
State Reptile
Since 1987, the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) has been Florida’s official state reptile. It lives, for example, within Everglades National Park.
State Beverage
In 1967, orange juice was named an official state symbol. Oranges are Florida’s most valuable agricultural product, and up to 95 percent of the harvest is processed.
State Gemstone
Moonstone does not occur naturally in Florida, yet the state adopted it as a symbol after the Apollo 11 mission landed on the Moon on July 20, 1969. The mission launched from Florida’s Kennedy Space Center.
Contribute with Your Question or Personal Experience