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25 Fun Facts about Florida
Florida is one of the 50 states that make up the US. In 1845, it was accepted as the 27th state. The most populated state in the Southeast, Florida is the second most populated in the South after Texas. Tallahassee, the capital, is situated on the northwest Panhandle.
Table of Contents
History
When Juan Ponce de Leon lands in northeastern Florida in 1513 possibly close to modern-day St. Augustine he finds Florida and claims it for Spain. At this point, written accounts of Floridian life first appeared.
Spain established the first permanent European colony at St. Augustine in 1565.
In 1821, Florida was admitted as a U.S. Territory. In the meantime, until Congress approves a territory constitution, General Andrew Jackson acts as military governor.
On June 19, 1823, William P. Duval, the state’s first civil governor, convened the first Legislative Council in Pensacola.
Proclaimed the 27th state and was admitted to the Union on March 3, 1845.
Quick Facts about Florida
| Nickname | The Sunshine State |
| Population | July 1, 2023 ‘22,610,726’ |
| Capital | Tallahassee |
| Statehood | 1845; 27th state |
| Biggest City | Jacksonville |
| Abbreviation | FL |
| State Bird | mockingbird |
| State Animal | Panther |
| State Song | “Swanee River” |
| State Flower | orange blossom |
Why is it called that?
La Florida, which translates to “place of flowers,” was the original Spanish name for Lorida. According to some historians, Ponce de León gave the place its name in remembrance of the blossoming flowers he observed there or as an homage to Pascua Florida, or the “Feast of Flowers,” which is Spain’s Easter festival.
Let us discuss some 18 fun facts about Florida.
18 Fun Facts about Florida
Florida is the third largest state in the union, with a population of 21 million people. Florida is home to a wide, diversified, and lively environment of people and wildlife, despite its size.
A dazzling place of wonder and awe, the Sunshine State is home to hundreds of lakes, some of the biggest cities in the nation, and a vast cultural melting pot. Here are some 18 fun facts about Florida to help you better appreciate its distinct charm.
Rocket Launch at Cape Canaveral
The state can take you out of this planet! From Cape Canaveral, where rocket launches have occurred since 1950, you may see a real rocket launch.
Orlando Theme Park
The nation’s epicenter for theme parks is Orlando. Orlando is the most visited amusement park location in the world.
Unique Coastal Borders
The only state with borders to both the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico is Florida.
Florida’s Geographic Extremes
The southernmost point of the United States is Florida. Although Florida is the southernmost point on the continent, Hawaii is the official southernmost state in the union.
Florida’s Abundant Lakes
There are almost 7,700 lakes in Florida. Minnesota ought to be on edge.
The Orange Capital
Over 70% of the oranges grown in the nation are produced in Florida. It might be referred to as the vitamin C capital.
Diverse Cultural Fusion
Florida is a melting pot of sorts. The state’s Native American, Hispanic, African American, and European influences have shaped its architecture, food, and culture.
Aviation Milestone
Florida hosted the first scheduled passenger flight in history. The location flew from Tampa and St. Petersburg on January 1st, 1914.
Lowest natural point
The state with the lowest natural point is Sunshine State. Stated differently, standing at 345 feet above sea level at Britton Hill, you are still at the lowest high point of any state.
World’s Largest Resort
The largest and most popular resort in the world is Walt Disney World Resort.
Space Exploration Legacy
From Florida, NASA launched its first satellite for communication. On August 12, 1960, scientists launched a satellite known as Echo 1 into the planet’s orbit from Cape Canaveral.
Unique National Park Duo
The only metro region in the nation having two national parks is Greater Miami. Biscayne National Park and Everglades National Park are located in Miami.
Proximity to Water
The closest body of water is never further than 60 miles away while you are in Florida.
Vacationer’s Paradise
With its 663 miles of beaches and, of course, Disney World, Florida may make a great destination for vacationers. More than 60,000 people work at the 40 square mile Orlando Park, which sees more than 62,000 visitors each day.
Unique Alligator-Crocodile Habitat
The only area in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist in the same habitat is South Florida’s Everglades National Park.
Oldest Inhabited City
The nation’s oldest continuously inhabited city is in Florida. The oldest city in the United States is St. Augustine, which is located about 41 miles south of Jacksonville. A 17th-century stronghold is located in the city, which was settled by Spaniards in 1565.
Longest Mainland Coastline
The US mainland’s longest coastline is found in Florida. 825 miles of beaches in the state are open to both residents and visitors.
Home to Notable Personalities
Florida is more than simply a wonderful destination. The state has been home to many people. Ernest Hemingway, a writer, made Key West his home. Here also resided Zora Neale Hurston, publisher and collector of African-American and Afro-Caribbean folklore, author of Their Eyes Were Watching God and part of the Harlem Renaissance. Florida is also the birthplace of singer Ariana Grande and former US Attorney General Janet Reno.
Fun facts about Florida for kids
- Florida’s weather once down to -2°
- Florida is a peninsula.
- There is a state reptile in Florida.
- The flattest state in the union is Florida.
- Falcons depart from Florida.
- Florida is a major producer of watermelons, tomatoes, oranges, and strawberries.
- Florida is home to America’s Everglades.
- Disney World is located in Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Florida’s 3 interesting facts?
Benjamin Green created the first suntan lotion in 1944 when he was in Miami Beach.
More bars are per capita in Key West than any other town in the nation.
Compared to other states in the union, Florida has the most golf courses.
What is Florida is famous for?
Tens of millions of people visit Florida each year, drawn by attractions like the Walt Disney globe, the Kennedy Space Center, and Miami Beach. The state is well-known across the globe for its beach resorts, amusement parks, warm and sunny environment, and maritime activities.
What are 3 historical facts about Florida?
Right up until 23 million years ago, Florida was underwater.
After a Spanish celebration, Florida got its name.
Florida was inhabited by people 14,000 years ago.
Florida was under Spanish rule until 1762.
In Florida, there was the first-ever professional baseball game including integration.
What are 2 interesting facts about Florida?
Florida, sometimes known as the “Sunshine State,” became the 27th state to accede to the Union on March 3, 1845.
Florida’s state capital is Tallahassee, and the state has 67 counties in total. With 21.3 million residents, it ranks third in terms of population
What are some unusual facts in Florida?
The only area on Earth where crocodiles and alligators coexist peacefully is Florida.
Florida does not have any dinosaur fossils.
One of the only locations with a massive, nine-ton Jesus Christ statue submerged in Florida.
Miami is credited with installing the first ATM, owing to rollerblades.
Some have seen Big Foot, and Florida is home to the Skunk Ape.
