Florida (FL)

FLORIDA STATE FLAG

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:

  1. Alachua County, Florida
  2. Baker County, Florida
  3. Bay County, Florida
  4. Bradford County, Florida
  5. Brevard County, Florida
  6. Broward County, Florida
  7. Calhoun County, Florida
  8. Charlotte County, Florida
  9. Citrus County, Florida
  10. Clay County, Florida
  11. Collier County, Florida
  12. Columbia County, Florida
  13. DeSoto County, Florida
  14. Dixie County, Florida
  15. Duval County, Florida[7]
  16. Escambia County, Florida
  17. Flagler County, Florida
  18. Franklin County, Florida
  19. Gadsden County, Florida
  20. Gilchrist County, Florida
  21. Glades County, Florida
  22. Gulf County, Florida
  23. Hamilton County, Florida
  24. Hardee County, Florida
  25. Hendry County, Florida
  26. Hernando County, Florida
  27. Highlands County, Florida
  28. Hillsborough County, Florida
  29. Holmes County, Florida
  30. Indian River County, Florida
  31. Jackson County, Florida
  32. Jefferson County, Florida
  33. Lafayette County, Florida
  34. Lake County, Florida
  35. Lee County, Florida
  36. Leon County, Florida
  37. Levy County, Florida
  38. Liberty County, Florida
  39. Madison County, Florida
  40. Manatee County, Florida
  41. Marion County, Florida
  42. Martin County, Florida
  43. Miami-Dade County, Florida
  44. Monroe County, Florida
  45. Nassau County, Florida
  46. Okaloosa County, Florida
  47. Okeechobee County, Florida
  48. Orange County, Florida
  49. Osceola County, Florida
  50. Palm Beach County, Florida
  51. Pasco County, Florida
  52. Pinellas County, Florida
  53. Polk County, Florida
  54. Putnam County, Florida
  55. Saint Johns County, Florida
  56. Saint Lucie County, Florida
  57. Santa Rosa County, Florida
  58. Sarasota County, Florida
  59. Seminole County, Florida
  60. Sumter County, Florida
  61. Suwannee County, Florida
  62. Taylor County, Florida
  63. Union County, Florida
  64. Volusia County, Florida
  65. Wakulla County, Florida
  66. Walton County, Florida
  67. Washington County, Florida

FLORIDA STATE FLAG