Florida is the third-largest state in America, with a population of 21 million. Apart from its size, Florida is home to a huge, varied, and dynamic population and natural environment. The Sunshine State is an incredible place of wonder and surprise, home to thousands of lakes, some of the biggest cities in the nation, and a vast melting pot of cultures.
Think you know all there is to know about the tropical state? Join us as we explore 20 fun facts about Florida that will leave you intrigued and entertained.
20 Fun Florida Facts
Alligator Alley: One of Florida’s most unique roads is Alligator Alley, a section of Interstate 75 that runs through the Everglades. It’s not uncommon to spot alligators basking on the side of the road.
Peninsular State: Florida is the only state that borders both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Florida hosted the first scheduled passenger flight in history. It was January 1st, 1914, and the location was a plane from Tampa to St. Petersburg.
Most Golf Courses: Florida has the most golf courses in the USA. It has over 1300 private and public golf courses and was home to the World Golf hall of fame and Museum for 25 years before it was moved to Pinehurst, North Carolina.
Key Lime Pie Capital: The official pie of Florida is Key Lime Pie, which originated in the Keys.
Largest Subtropical Wilderness: Florida is home to the Everglades, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States.
Strawberry Paradise: Plant City is known as the Strawberry Capital of the World, hosting an annual Strawberry Festival.
Sunniest City: With an average of 768 sunny days per year, Miami is one of the sunniest cities in the United States.
Southernmost Point: The southernmost point in the continental United States is Buoy Key, a small island located west of the Florida Keys.
No Basements: Due to the high water table and coastal location, basements are uncommon in Florida homes.
Warm Waters: The warm waters surrounding Florida make it a popular destination for swimming, snorkeling, and diving.
Citrus Capital: Florida is the citrus capital of the United States, producing the majority of oranges and grapefruit.
Largest Lake: Lake Okeechobee, located in central Florida, is the largest freshwater lake in the state and the second-largest freshwater lake in the contiguous United States.
Spanish Moss: The dangling gray Spanish moss hanging from trees is an iconic sight throughout Florida.
Coral Reef: The Florida Reef, extending from Miami to the Dry Tortugas, is the third-largest coral reef system in the world.
Baseball Spring Training: Florida is a popular destination for Major League Baseball teams’ spring training camps.
St. Augustine: St. Augustine, founded in 1565, is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental United States.
Disney World: The Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is the most visited vacation resort in the world, with four theme parks, two water parks, and numerous hotels.
Beaches Galore: Florida has over 1,350 miles of coastline, offering numerous beaches for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
Manatee Capital: Crystal River is known as the Manatee Capital of the World, where visitors can swim with these gentle sea creatures.
Largest Subtropical Wetland: The Everglades is the largest subtropical wetland ecosystem in North America, covering over 1.5 million acres.
From mermaids and skunk apes to Art Deco wonders and space exploration, Florida is a state that truly embraces the unexpected. Whether you’re a beach lover, an art aficionado, or simply a seeker of the quirky, Florida promises an adventure like no other.
