How Wide Is Florida? Width at Its Widest and Narrowest Points

Florida, also known as the Sunshine State, is home to warm weather, famous theme parks, nightlife, and plenty of coastlines. People from all over the globe travel to Florida, and it’s one of the few states that’s easy to identify due to its unique shape. At its widest point, it’s just 160 miles wide! Since Florida is a peninsula, the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Straits of Florida all encircle the state on three sides.

The Overall Size of Florida

Florida has a maximum width of 160 miles and a maximum length of 500 miles. The Atlantic Ocean marks the beginning of Florida’s state line, which continues up to the River St. Marys. The Florida Panhandle, also known as West Florida and Northwest Florida, is a stretch of land that sits between Alabama on the west and north, Georgia on the north, and the Gulf of Mexico on the south. 

This area is about 200 miles in length and 50 to 100 miles wide. Speaking of its unique shape, the Atlantic Ocean marks the beginning of Florida’s state line, which continues up to the River St. Marys. It then goes from the St. Mary’s River’s source to the confluence of the River Flint and River Chattahoochee. 

Before joining the line between Florida and Alabama, the Florida-Georgia border stretches through Lake Seminole. Following that, it extends straight west to the River Perdido prior to descending its talweg to the Gulf of Mexico.

Florida Population

The Sunshine State is one of the most densely populated states, with nearly 22 million residents. There are around 390 people per square mile! Jacksonville is known for being the most populous city in the state, with nearly one million residents.

Surprisingly, there are several cities in this beautiful state that have less than 400 people who call them home. McIntosh, near Orange Lake, has a population of 293 people. At the same time, Marineland has a whopping seven residents! 

Peaks and Valleys

The highest natural point in Florida is known as Britton Hill. Ironically, Britton Point is the lowest “high point” in America and stands 345 feet above sea level. Britton Hill, Florida, and the area’s Lakewood Park make a great place to play games and settle down for a tasty picnic. Three nature trails are available for exploring while taking in the local beauty and wildlife. The lowest point, along with the majority of the state, is at sea level with the Atlantic Ocean.

What is the Widest and Narrowest State in the United States?

So, how does Florida compare with the rest of the country? Well, the widest state in the nation is Hawaii. The island of Niihau to the mainland measures 1,500 miles. That’s nearly 100 times that of Florida! 

Although many would think that Rhode Island takes the cake for the narrowest state in the country, a portion of Delaware takes the title. There’s a small sliver of the state that is just nine miles wide! 

Wildlife in Florida

There’s no denying that this southern state is full of wildlife. While it’s known for alligators, pink flamingos, and the Florida panther, there’s so much more to discover.

There are a plethora of mammals, including bobcats, bears, foxes, and otters, that call the Sunshine State their home.

Reptiles are vital to this state. A variety of snakes, frogs, crocodiles, and lizards are found in and around bodies of water.

In addition, during winter months, over 450 birds can be spotted in Florida! 

People love enjoying the beach during the warm summer days, but winter is a popular time for locals to enjoy an afternoon of birding on the coast! Many animals are unintentionally released or got away from captivity; others have accidentally hitched rides on goods from other countries, leading to invasive species. 

Is Florida Worth a Visit?

This state is one of the most popular states to travel to in the United States. Whether you’re looyou’reo take the family to Disney World in Orlando or have your breath taken away on the Seven Mile Bridge, there’s sothere’s for everyone. 

Retirees enjoy the timid winters that average around 57 degrees, and summers stay relatively tolerable with highs in the upper 80s.

However, one reason people avoid visiting Florida is due to the hurricane season. If natural disasters are a fear of yours, consider traveling to the state anytime between December and May!

Truthfully, with the oceanside sunsets, bustling night clubs in Miami, seeing the 2,000-year-old Madira Bickel Mound State Archaeological Site, the soft sand on your feet, incredible restaurants and breweries, we find it hard to stay away from the Sunshine State! 

Where Is Florida Located on a Map?

Florida is the southernmost portion of the United States thanks to its peninsular shape that juts down and looks like a barrier between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is bordered by Alabama and Georgia. The closest distance to Cuba is 103 miles (90 nautical miles); the closet distance to the Bahamas is 53 miles.

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