15 Fun Facts Everyone Should Know About Florida

Florida is unlike any other state in America. It’s home to miles of pristine white sand beaches, some of the best theme parks on Earth, and millions of alligators. Whether you live in this beautiful state or are just visiting, Florida will leave a lasting impression. If you’re enamored with all things Florida, check out these fun facts everyone should know about the Sunshine State!

1. “The Sunshine State” is Florida’s Official Nickname

Due to its more than 2,900 hours of yearly sunshine, subtropical climate, and the best beaches in the country, Florida gained its fitting nickname in 1970. While this state doesn’t receive the most sunshine in the country (Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada are at the top), it does draw in millions of tourists each year for its year-round summer weather.

2. Florida is One of the Most Popular Vacation Destinations in the World

Not only is Florida one of the most popular destinations in the United States, but it is also one of the most sought-after and visited places in the world. About 74 million people visit Orlando each year for its theme parks and other attractions, while over 26 million visit the greater Miami area.

3. What’s the Flattest State in America?

If you’ve ever driven through Kansas, you might think you know the answer. But actually, Florida is the flattest state in the country. The highest point in Florida is only 345 feet above sea level.

4. Florida is the Southernmost Point in the Contiguous United States

An anchored concrete buoy in Key West, Florida, marks the southernmost point in the continental U.S. This spot is approximately 90 miles from Cuba.

5. Florida is Home to the Second-Largest Population of Alligators

While Louisiana takes the prize on this one, Florida isn’t far behind with around 1.3 million alligators. They prefer freshwater lakes and can be found in every county in the state.

6. If Alligators Weren’t Enough, Florida also has Panthers

The Florida panther is a North American cougar native to South Florida, where it lives in tropical hardwoods, swamps, and pinelands. However, these panthers are very rare as they are considered endangered. You are more likely to find them south of Lake Okeechobee.

7. Oh, and There’s Crocodiles

While not as numerous as the alligator population, crocodiles live in the very southern region of Florida in coastal and brackish habitats. Southern Florida is the northern end of their range, and you can find them in ponds, coves, and mangrove swamps. The Everglades National Park is the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist.

8. Florida Produces 70% of the Country’s Oranges

As soon as you cross over the Florida border, you’ll have stepped into the world of oranges. From orange-themed roadside attractions to stands selling fresh oranges and juice, Florida is all about its citrus production. This Southeastern state produces 11 million tons of oranges per year!

9. St. Augustine, Florida is the Oldest Inhabited City in the United States

Founded in 1565 by Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles of Spain, St. Augustine is officially the “Nation’s Oldest City.” This beach town is the perfect vacation spot for those who enjoy history, food, and tropical paradises.

10. Florida is Home to the Largest City in the Country by Land

Jacksonville, Florida, has a total area of 874 square miles, making it the largest city by land in the contiguous US. It is also the most populous city in the state, with over 950,000 people.

11. Miami International Airport is one of the Busiest in America

In 2022, there were over 50.6 million passengers that came through the Miami Airport, making it one of the busiest in the world. If you plan on flying through Miami, maybe plan a day outside of holidays and weekends. And Orlando isn’t much better, with 50.1 million passengers in 2022.

12. Florida Has the Longest Coastline in the Contiguous United States

With 1,350 miles of shoreline, Florida has the longest coastline in the lower 48 states, with beaches along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. When counting all 50 states, Alaska comes in first.

13. Florida is a “Lightning Capital”

It has the highest lightning density among all 50 states, featuring 285 lightning displays per square mile. Florida also has the second-highest incidences of lightning strikes, right behind Texas.

14. Florida Ranks #1 in Higher Education

The Sunshine State excels in college graduation rates and affordable tuition. Because of its low fees, Florida enrolls around one million students across its 12 public universities and 28 community and state-based colleges.  

15. The First Commercial Passenger Flight Took Place in Florida

In January 1914, Antony Habersack Jannus piloted a flying boat carrying passengers from St. Petersburg to Tampa. It was the first time a commercial flight took place.

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