Florida, known as “The Sunshine State,” is a place where natural beauty, vibrant culture, and a unique blend of communities come together to create a state unlike any other. From its stunning beaches and diverse wildlife to its rich history and theme parks, Florida has something for everyone. Let’s be honest… everyone seems to be flocking here in droves ever since the dawn of the pandemic. There a ton of Florida fun facts to consume. Did you know all of these fun facts about Florida? Or is there a certain one we missed? Let us know on social media!

Florida’s history is a fascinating tapestry woven from Native American tribes, Spanish explorers, British rule, and eventually, becoming a U.S. territory in the early 19th century.

Not a fact, but Florida is known to be one of the best retirement spots in the U.S. There’s a few big reasons why that is. Florida is a diverse and rich state. Rich in cultural diversity, theme parks, beaches, wildlife, space exploration, sports, and recreation.

Whether you call Florida home or are only here on vacation, you will take away some unforgettable experiences. Check out this interesting list of Florida fun facts about the Sunshine State that anyone needs to be aware of if you’re fascinated by anything to do with Florida. You may know all of these, or just a few!

• “The Sunshine State” is Florida’s Official Nickname

  Florida got its name in 1970 because it has more than 2,900 hours of sunshine a year, a warm climate, and the best beaches in the country. Even though Arizona, New Mexico, and Nevada get more sunshine than this state, millions of people visit it every year because it feels like summer all year long.

• Florida is One of the Most Popular Vacation Destinations in the World

  Florida is not only one of the most visited places in the U.S., but also one of the most wanted and visited places in the world. Every year, 74 million people visit Orlando’s theme parks and other sites. More than 26 million people visit the greater Miami area.

• Florida is the Flattest State in America

  If you’ve ever driven through Kansas, you might shake your head and think, “There’s no way.” But Florida is the flattest state in the United States. Only 345 feet separate the highest point in Florida from the sea.

• Florida is the Southernmost Point in the Contiguous United States

  In Key West, Florida, there is a concrete sign that is fixed in the water that marks the southernmost point of the United States. This place is about 90 miles away from Cuba.

• Florida is Home to the Second-Largest Population of Alligators

  Louisiana has the most alligators, but Florida isn’t too far behind with about 1.3 million. They like pools with fresh water and can be found in every part of the state.

• Not Just Gators...Florida Also Has Panthers

  The Florida panther is a cat from North America. It lives in warm hardwood forests, swamps, and pinelands in South Florida. But these panthers are very rare because they are thought to be in danger of extinction. Most of the time, they live south of Lake Okeechobee.

• Can't Forget the Florida Crocodiles

  Crocodiles live in the very southern part of Florida, near the coast and in muddy water. They are not as common as alligators, though. Their range ends in southern Florida, where they can be found in ponds, bays, and mangrove swamps. Alligators and crocodiles live together in the Everglades National Park. This is the only place in the world where they do.

• Florida Produces 70% of the Country’s Oranges

  As soon as you reach Florida, you’ll be in the world of oranges. Florida is all about its fruit production. There are roadside sites with orange themes and stands that sell fresh oranges and orange juice. This state in the Southeast grows 11 million tons of oranges each year.

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

  St. Augustine is the “Nation’s Oldest City.” It was founded in 1565 by a Spaniard named Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles. People who like history, good food, and warm paradises will love taking a holiday in this beach town.

• Florida is Home to the Largest City in the Country by Land

  Jacksonville, Florida, has an area of 874 square miles, making it the biggest city in the contiguous US by land size. It is also the state’s largest city, with more than 950,000 people.

• Miami International Airport is One of the Busiest in America

  Over 50.6 million people went through the Miami Airport in 2022, making it one of the biggest airports in the world. If you want to fly through Miami, you might want to pick a day that isn’t a holiday or weekend. And Orlando isn’t much better. In 2022, 50.1 million people will fly through Orlando.

• Florida Has the Longest Coastline in the Contiguous United States

  Florida has the largest beachfront in the lower 48 states. It has beaches along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, which are a total of 1,350 miles. Alaska is the first state when you count all 50.

• Florida is a “Lightning Capital”

  With 285 lightning strikes per square mile, it has the most lightning of any of the 50 states. Also, Florida has the second most lightning hits, right after Texas.

• Florida Ranks #1 in Higher Education

  The Sunshine State has a high number of college graduates and low school costs. Florida has about a million students in its 12 public universities and 28 community and state-based schools. This is because the state has low tuition costs.

• The First Commercial Passenger Flight Took Place in Florida

  Antony Habersack Jannus was the pilot of a flying boat that took people from St. Petersburg to Tampa in January 1914. It was the first time anyone ever flew for business.

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