Florida, which joined the union as the 27th state in 1845, is nicknamed the Sunshine State and is known for its balmy climate and natural beauty. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, who led the first European expedition to Florida in 1513, named the state known as “Pascua Florida,” or Flower Festival, in homage to the Spanish Easter celebration.
During the first half of the 19th century, American troops waged war with the Native American population of the region. During the Civil War, Florida was the third state to secede from the Union.
Beginning in the late 1800s, residents of northern states flocked to Florida to escape the harsh winters. In the 20th century, tourism became and continues to be Florida’s leading industry, attracting millions of visitors each year.
Florida is also known for oranges and grapefruit, and about 80 percent of US citrus fruit is grown there.
Geography
Florida is a state located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered by Alabama and Georgia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. Its capital is Tallahassee, and its most populous city is Jacksonville. The state covers an area of 65,755 square miles (170,304 km2), making it the 22nd largest state in terms of area. It has a population of over 21 million people, making it one of the most populous states in the country.
The geography of Florida is diverse and varied. It consists mainly of lowlands, but there are also some highlands located in its northern regions. The highest point in Florida is Britton Hill at 345 feet (105 meters). The state’s terrain includes swamps, estuaries, beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, forests, rivers and lakes. The coastline stretches for more than 1,350 miles (2180 km) along both coasts and features numerous bays and lagoons.
The climate in Florida is generally warm and humid year-round with hot summers and mild winters. Much of its interior regions feature a subtropical climate while coastal areas experience a more tropical climate with higher temperatures during summer months. Annual precipitation across Florida ranges from 30 inches (76 cm) to 70 inches (178 cm).
Florida has many natural resources including phosphate deposits for fertilizer production; limestone for cement production; oil for fuel production; timber for lumber production; fresh water sources such as lakes and rivers; saltwater fish from offshore fishing grounds; sea turtles from nesting sites on coastal islands; manatees from coastal estuaries; alligators from freshwater swamps; coral reefs offshore for scuba diving sites; wooded areas full of wildlife such as deer and wild turkeys; wetlands full of migratory birds such as sandhill cranes; white sand beaches along its coastline that attract visitors looking to relax or take part in various water sports activities such as swimming or fishing.
In addition to its natural resources are many popular tourist attractions throughout Florida including Disney World Resort near Orlando which attracts millions each year from around the world seeking thrills on roller coasters or taking part in other family-oriented activities such as shows or parades at Epcot Center or SeaWorld Orlando. Other attractions include Busch Gardens near Tampa Bay which offers rides on roller coasters or animal encounters at its zoo-like facility or Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral where visitors can learn about space exploration history or watch launches into space first hand aboard an observation tower overlooking launch pads at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station nearby.
Overall, Florida’s geography consists mostly flat lowlands but also includes some highlands located in its northern regions while its coastline stretches 1,350 miles along both coasts featuring numerous bays & lagoons with a warm & humid climate throughout most parts featuring subtropical & tropical climates along coastal areas respectively with abundant natural resources & popular tourist attractions found throughout this unique & beautiful state located within southeastern region United States America that draw millions each year seeking thrills adventure fun relaxation this amazing land sunshine.
Cities in Florida
Below are the top 15 cities by population in Florida. For all cities and towns in the state, please see Florida cities list.
| Rank | City | Population |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jacksonville | 937,690 |
| 2 | Miami | 440,807 |
| 3 | Tampa | 380,476 |
| 4 | Orlando | 302,968 |
| 5 | St. Petersburg | 258,245 |
| 6 | Hialeah | 224,362 |
| 7 | Port St. Lucie | 202,177 |
| 8 | Tallahassee | 195,057 |
| 9 | Cape Coral | 193,003 |
| 10 | Fort Lauderdale | 182,247 |
| 11 | Pembroke Pines | 170,346 |
| 12 | Hollywood | 152,597 |
| 13 | Gainesville | 138,741 |
| 14 | Miramar | 134,306 |
| 15 | Coral Springs | 133,693 |
Counties in Florida
The State of Florida consists of 67 counties. They are:
- Alachua County, Florida
- Baker County, Florida
- Bay County, Florida
- Bradford County, Florida
- Brevard County, Florida
- Broward County, Florida
- Calhoun County, Florida
- Charlotte County, Florida
- Citrus County, Florida
- Clay County, Florida
- Collier County, Florida
- Columbia County, Florida
- DeSoto County, Florida
- Dixie County, Florida
- Duval County, Florida[7]
- Escambia County, Florida
- Flagler County, Florida
- Franklin County, Florida
- Gadsden County, Florida
- Gilchrist County, Florida
- Glades County, Florida
- Gulf County, Florida
- Hamilton County, Florida
- Hardee County, Florida
- Hendry County, Florida
- Hernando County, Florida
- Highlands County, Florida
- Hillsborough County, Florida
- Holmes County, Florida
- Indian River County, Florida
- Jackson County, Florida
- Jefferson County, Florida
- Lafayette County, Florida
- Lake County, Florida
- Lee County, Florida
- Leon County, Florida
- Levy County, Florida
- Liberty County, Florida
- Madison County, Florida
- Manatee County, Florida
- Marion County, Florida
- Martin County, Florida
- Miami-Dade County, Florida
- Monroe County, Florida
- Nassau County, Florida
- Okaloosa County, Florida
- Okeechobee County, Florida
- Orange County, Florida
- Osceola County, Florida
- Palm Beach County, Florida
- Pasco County, Florida
- Pinellas County, Florida
- Polk County, Florida
- Putnam County, Florida
- Saint Johns County, Florida
- Saint Lucie County, Florida
- Santa Rosa County, Florida
- Sarasota County, Florida
- Seminole County, Florida
- Sumter County, Florida
- Suwannee County, Florida
- Taylor County, Florida
- Union County, Florida
- Volusia County, Florida
- Wakulla County, Florida
- Walton County, Florida
- Washington County, Florida
