Where Is Florida? See Its Map Location and Surrounding States

Florida was the second-fastest growing state in the United States in 2020 during the most recent census. The Sunshine State has a great climate, a thriving economy, and tons of entertainment. So, where is Florida in the United States? Discover the location of this state and learn about the places that surround it, the climate in the region, and when it became a part of the country.

Where Is Florida Located on the Map?

Florida is the southeasternmost state in the United States, and it extends into the Atlantic Ocean. The state is a peninsula, so most of its western, southern, and eastern sides border water. The western side of the state borders a body of water known as the Gulf of Mexico, and the rest of the state borders the Atlantic Ocean.

Finding this state on a map of the United States is simple since it juts out into the water toward Cuba and the other Caribbean Islands.

What States Border Florida?

Both Georgia and Alabama have a border with Florida. Despite having water on three of its sides, Florida has a border with two states. Georgia borders Florida to the north. However, Alabama technically borders Florida to the north and the west.

The Florida Panhandle extends far to the west, beneath almost all of Alabama. The exception is that Lower Alabama, the area where Mobile, Alabama is located, extends south to the Gulf of Mexico. No other states border the Sunshine State.

The Average Climate in Florida

The climate in Florida makes the state a popular tourist destination as well as a target for retirees. The state. According to the Köppen-Geiger Climate Classification, the vast majority of the state is considered a humid subtropical climate.

The state has a rainy season that occurs between May and October. During that period, the area experiences frequent but short-lived rainfall and thunderstorms. Following this rainy season, the dry season sets in until April.

The southwestern and southern parts of the state are technically tropical savannahs. The southeasternmost part of Florida has a tropical monsoon and tropical rainforest climate.

The temperatures in Orlando, Florida stay warm throughout the year. The following chart shows the average high temperatures in the summer months.

The average winter temperatures rarely get cold in this part of the state. For example, January is the coldest month in Orlando, Florida. The average high temperature in this part of the state is 71 °F and the average low is just 49 °F.

Such temperatures are very attractive to people that live in the region. The ongoing warmth ensures that people can take part in various recreational activities. Water sports, fishing, and golfing are some of the activities that people take part in throughout the year.

The climate in Florida has contributed to its massive tourism industry. People travel to the state during the winter months for a respite from the cold of their home states. However, the climate and weather are a double-edged sword. Florida is often struck by powerful hurricanes that cause significant damage to the state.

What Is Florida Known For?

We’ve answered, where is Florida? Now, it’s important to understand why the state is so popular. Florida is known for a wide variety of things. Some of them include:

• Numerous beaches
• The state’s warm climate
• Walt Disney World Resort
• The Kennedy Space Center
• Ongoing population growth
• Golf courses

These are most of the popular things that people think of when considering Florida. Let’s take a closer look at them and see why they are important to the state.

Climate

Florida is known for its warm weather and the fact that people can enjoy the beaches in parts of the state for most of the year. Many people move to the state to take advantage of this climate, and others travel there during the winter to get a taste of summer weather.

Tourist Attractions

Florida has a lot to offer people that travel to the region. The Kennedy Space Center is a great place to learn about the past and present space program in the United States. Also, people can watch spacecraft launches from afar.

Florida is also home to Walt Disney World Resort, one of the most popular attractions. The resort has four theme parks and two water parks. People from all over the country travel to this area. After all, it provides people with a chance to get up close and personal with their favorite Disney characters, foods, and settings.  

Population Growth

Florida was the second-fastest growing state in the country according to the 2020 Census. The state’s population rose by an incredible 14.6%. The state is now home to 21.5 million people, making it the state with the third highest population out of any in the country.

In 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated that it was the fastest-growing state in the country.  People choose to live in Florida for a variety of reasons, including its climate, market, and lack of state income tax.  

Florida is well-known throughout the country for many reasons, and most of them are positive. The state’s climate, economy, and attractions are certainly at the forefront of the reasons for the state’s popularity.

When Did Florida Join the United States?

Florida gained statehood and joined the United States for the first time on March 3, 1845. When Florida joined the country, it became the 27^th state. However, the country seceded from the Union along with several other states.

The state was under a naval blockade for much of the war, so only a few skirmishes took place in the state during the Civil War. The state was readmitted to the Union on June 25, 1868.

So, where is Florida and what is it known for? Florida is one of the easiest states to spot on the entire map of the United States. It sticks out of the southeastern part of the country. The state is well-known for its climate and tourist attractions along with its state political policies.

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