Top 15 Most Interesting Facts About Florida

1. State Motto: "In God We Trust".
2. State Bird: Northern Mockingbird.
3. State Mammal: Florida Panther (land) and West Indian Manatee (marine).
4. State Flag: Features a red cross and the state seal, depicting a Seminole woman and a steamboat.
5. Total Area: 65,758 square miles, making it the 22nd largest state in the U.S.
6. Florida is the flattest state in the U.S., with its highest point only 345 feet above sea level.
7. It is the only state with both a tropical and subtropical climate.
8. Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is the most-visited vacation resort in the world.
9. The Florida Everglades is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S.
10. Florida is home to the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the U.S., St. Augustine, founded in 1565.
11. The Kennedy Space Center has been the launch site for every U.S. human space flight since 1968.
12. Key West is the southernmost point in the continental U.S., just 90 miles from Cuba.
13. Florida produces over 70% of the U.S.’s oranges and is the largest producer of orange juice in the country.
14. Miami is the only major U.S. city founded by a woman, Julia Tuttle.
15. Florida’s coastline, at 1,350 miles, is the longest of any U.S. state.

Geography of Florida

Florida’s geography is defined by its peninsular shape, surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Key features include:

• Highest Point: Britton Hill (345 feet).
• Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico (Sea Level).
• Major Regions:
  • Florida Panhandle: The northwestern region, including the state capital, Tallahassee.
  • Central Florida: Known for its theme parks and citrus farms.
  • South Florida: Includes Miami, the Keys, and the Everglades.

A Brief History of Florida

Florida’s history is rich, from its Native American roots to its role as a tourist destination:

• Originally inhabited by Native American tribes like the Seminole and Calusa.
• Claimed by Spain in 1513 after Ponce de León’s arrival.
• Became a U.S. territory in 1821 and the 27th state in 1845.
• St. Augustine, founded in 1565, is the oldest permanent European settlement in the U.S.

Top 10 Things to Do in Florida

1. Visit Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando.
2. Relax on the beaches of Miami, Clearwater, or Daytona.
3. Explore the Florida Everglades by airboat.
4. Take a road trip on the Overseas Highway to Key West.
5. Visit the Kennedy Space Center and watch a rocket launch.
6. Tour the historic streets of St. Augustine.
7. Snorkel or dive in the coral reefs of the Florida Keys.
8. Catch a game at the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium or Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Raymond James Stadium.
9. Attend the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa.
10. See manatees in Crystal River or at Blue Spring State Park.

Top 10 Destinations in Florida

1. Miami
2. Orlando
3. Key West
4. Everglades National Park
5. St. Augustine

Plan Your Visit

For more information about Florida, visit the state’s official tourism site: Visit Florida