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- Florida is a peninsula, meaning it is almost completely surrounded by water. A peninsula is a piece of land that is surrounded on three sides by water.
- The Florida Keys, a group of about 1,700 tiny islands, is a famous tourist attraction of the state.
- Orlando is home to an entertainment center with a building constructed upside down. The Wonderworks building plays tricks on the visitors’ minds by making them think they are ‘seeing things.’
- Minnesota usually steals the thunder when it comes to being a city filled with gorgeous water bodies, but it does have a strong contender: Orlando. Not only is the city home to over 100 lakes that make its scenic beauty irresistible, but one of its more famous lakes also has a deep secret.
- The Everglades National Park Is One of the Largest Wetlands in the World. The Everglades is the biggest and most visited of Florida’s three national parks.
- Florida Is Home to Two of the Biggest Amusement Parks. These two gigantic theme parks include the renowned Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Studios.
- The Everglades in South Florida Is the Only Place Where Alligators and Crocodiles Co-exist. To give you the full picture: The Everglades National Park in South Florida is the only place in the world where alligators and crocs co-exist in the same ecosystem.
- The Kennedy Space Center Played a Crucial Role in Landing the First Man on the Moon. The Kennedy Space Center in Florida has a rich history dating back to the 1950s.
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Florida is one of the most-visited destinations in the world
One of the fun facts of Florida you might not think of is that Florida could beat out huge vacation destinations across the globe, but this great state manages just that. Florida is one of the most-visited destinations in the worldaccording to some polls. There's a lot to draw visitors between Walt Disney World, Miami Beach, and all the other major beach towns and cities in the state. Don't forget; it's also the spring break capital of the USA.
Florida produces 70% of the country's oranges
You've probably seen orange juice commercials brag about their orchards in Florida. Well, that's not as uncommon as you might think! Due to Florida's balance between regular sun and rain and its perfect year-round temperatures, orange trees thrive. That's why 70% of North America's oranges come from farmers in this state.
Cape Canaveral is owned by the U.S. Air Force
Cape Canaveral is where NASA conducts its launches. However, you might be surprised to know that it's actually owned by the U.S. Air Force. The cape has even undergone different name changes over the years. It's officially known as Cape Canaveral Space Force Station today, but it's also been called Cape Kennedy Air Force Station in the past.
Florida Ranks #1 For Higher Education In The USA
Florida is the spring break getaway capital in the USA. However, many of those spring breakers might actually be local. Florida is home to 3 universities that consistently rank in the top 100 in the country. It also has low tuition fees, which allows more students to attend college. All that ensures that Florida is #1 for higher education.
Spanish Florida was the first European settlement in North America
Everyone knows European explorers settled in the USA. However, most people focus on Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower Pilgrims as some of the first settlements, when settlements, instead, started in Florida. Spanish Florida is the name given to these settlements by historians. Spanish explorers attempted to stake a claim on the "newly discovered" continent in modern-day Florida. Eventually, settlements elsewhere in the USA were established and flourished, but Spanish Florida was the first.
Key West is the southernmost city in the continental United States
When people think of Key West, Florida, they often think about beaches and boating. They often have to look at a map to realize this little part of Florida is the farthest south you can get without leaving the continental US. Key West is actually a small island. However, it's close enough to the mainland to be considered part of the continental United States. However, it's still an incredibly interesting fact about Florida.
Suntan lotion was invented in Miami
With an average of 237 sunny days a year, it's no wonder that Floridawas the birthplace of suntan lotion. A Miami pharmacist invented the first modern sunblock/suntan lotion during World War II. He later perfected this formula after the war, creating the Coppertone brand in the process. Next time you put on suntan lotion, remember this interesting Florida fact!
Florida has a local myth called Skunk Ape
You've probably heard of Big Foot or Sasquatch, but have you ever heard of Skunk Ape? This mythological ape-like giant has been a legend in Florida since 1974. Due to the thick wilderness of the Everglades, it's easy to imagine some undiscovered creature living there. While not yet famous around the country, Skunk Ape sightings still pop up all over south Florida.
Florida is the world's leading grapefruit producer
If Florida doesn't come to mind when you hear the word grapefruit, you should change that! Once again, the sunshine state has proven to be the premier spot for produce. You can find grapefruit all over the world, particularly in warmer climates. However, most grapefruit on the global market will come from Florida. You'll also find grapefruit used in many recipes in the state.
Florida means "land of flowers" in Spanish
When you hear the word "Florida" being used so often to just refer to the state, you might not realize that the name has Spanish roots. Floridameans "land of flowers". When Spanish explorers first landed on the coast, they were shocked by the number of wildflowers that grew in nature. Thus came the inspiration for the state's name.
There are no dinosaur fossils in Florida
While some parts of the USA became known for their dinosaur fossils, no dino paleontologists flock to Florida. That's because, as of now, no dinosaur fossils have ever been found in the state. Scientists believe dinosaurs probably lived in what is now Florida. However, climate or landscape characteristics in the area likely prevented any fossils from forming or being preserved.
Over 40 million people travel through Orlando International Airport yearly
Orlando is home to some of the most popular family destinations in the USA. Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Orlando are two of the biggest theme parks in the world. It's no wonder that the Orlando International Airport is constantly bustling with passengers. 40 million yearly on average to be exact. That makes it the 7th busiest airport in the USA.
Europeans learned about Florida thanks to explorer Juan Ponce De León
As you've learned, Florida was first settled by Spanish explorers. Juan Ponce De León led these explorers. De León had previously explored and settled in Puerto Rico in the early 1500s. However, he continued his explorations after that and reached the Florida coastline in 1513. Upon his initial discovery, he even believed the peninsula was an island. A list of Florida facts and history wouldn't be complete without this piece of trivia.
The first scheduled passenger flight flew from St. Petersburg to Tampa
While the first airplane flight took place in North Carolina in 1903, the first passenger flight happened further south. In January of 1914, the first scheduled aircraft flight to carry passengers departed from St. Petersburg in Florida. The flight lasted 23 minutes and landed in Tampa. At the time, most traveled this route by train, which took over 11 hours.
The first permanent European settlement in the USA was in St. Augustine
Since Florida is home to the first in-depth exploration by European explorers, it's also where the first settlements were located. The very first settlement is still around today, it's St. Augustine. It's not only the first settlement in the USA, but it's the oldest continuously occupied one. Since first being established in 1565, there have always been people living in St. Augustine.
The world's smallest police station is in Carrabelle
Carrabelle, Florida may not be as recognizable as other cities in the state, but it still has its fair share of fun facts. The funniest of which is that the Carrabelle police station is the smallest in the world. There are plenty of small police stations around, especially in small towns, but in 1963, this Florida town took small to a new level. At that time the police station was just the size of a telephone booth.
Florida is the flattest state in the USA
You've already learned that Florida's highest point only reaches 345 feet above sea level. However, one of the weird things about Florida is that it's the flattest state in the country. You won't find sprawling hills or mountains in Florida; much of the state is at or slightly above or below sea level. Not only is it the flattest state, but it's also the flattest-looking.
There's an annual "Mullet Toss" at the Flora-Bama line
Floridians who live near the Alabama state line are familiar with the annual mullet toss that happens on the beach. A mullet is a type of fish, not just a hairstyle. The festivities involve tossing a dead fish from Florida over the state line into Alabama. It's been a July 4th staple for the area since 1985.
Florida's capital is Tallahassee
You might think Florida's capital is Orlando, Miami, or Fort Lauderdale since they're often the state's most well-known cities. In actuality, the state capital is Tallahassee. It's the 8th most populated city in the state, but it's midway between the other important areas in Florida. It's also one of the most elevated cities in this flat state, sitting a little over 200 feet above sea level.
1000 people move to Florida every day
Florida's sunny weather makes it a popular destination for people looking to relocate. Whether you're retired or heading to college, many people want to call the Sunshine State home. Around 1000 people, on average, move to Floridaevery day from other states. Most unsurprisingly, most arrive from northern states and are looking to escape the cold weather.
There are over a dozen Native American tribes in Florida
Many facts about the state of Florida discuss its climate and landscape, which were not only a selling point for settlers. Many indigenous people already lived in the state's territory. Today there are still over a dozen Native American tribes in Florida. Each tribe is distinct in its customs. Historically, they all coexisted in Florida due to its plethora of natural resources like water.
Florida has the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright structures
Frank Lloyd Wright was a famed architect who designed over 1000 buildings. Usually, Wisconsin is the place people think about when they hear his name; however, Florida should be too. The Florida Southern College Historic District has the largest collection of Frank Lloyd Wright structuresintact and in one place. With 13 of his buildings still preserved, the area is now a national landmark.
Biscayne National Park's highest elevation point is 9 feet
As you know, Floridaisn't well-known for being hilly or elevated. You might still be surprised to find out that Biscayne National Park only reaches a maximum elevation level of 9 feet. The majority of the park's over 170000 acres of land fall well below that number. Since part of the park dips into the bay, elevation even dips below sea level.
Florida has the only coral barrier reef in the continental US
Coral reefs are an essential part of the ocean ecosystem in many places. One of the most interesting facts of Florida is that the state's coast has many coral reefs. You might be surprised to find out that no other continental USA state has a coral barrier reefwithin its waters. Florida is not only the only one; it's also one of the largest and is home to 40 million different ocean species.
What did you think about this list? I bet there were at least a few surprising facts you had no idea about before reading! Floridahas something for everyone, from history buffs to thrill seekers and beach lovers. So, it makes sense that such a varied and eclectic state would be full of interesting and fun facts! You can impress your friends and fam...
Learn about Florida's culture, history, nature, and attractions with these 50 facts. From oranges and golf to space and alligators, discover what makes Florida unique and fascinating.
- It Is Known As The Sunshine State. This Florida fact may not surprise you, but why is it called that? Despite being only the 10 most sunny state in America, it is called The Sunshine State because it has sunshine almost all year and has a tropical climate due to its geography.
- The State Is Almost Completely Surrounded By Water. The state is a peninsula, with the west side being the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean on the east.
- The State Is An Impressive Tourist Destination. Nothing says “fun facts about Florida” like actual fun – and it has plenty! Whether you live in America or want to visit the country, the Sunshine State is a tourism hotspot for multiple reasons.
- The Name Is Spanish. Florida was named by the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce De León, who discovered the land in 1513. He called it Pascua Florida, meaning “Feast of Flowers.”
Nov 23, 2023 · Learn about Florida's history, geography, wildlife, tourism, and more in this list of 15 fun facts. Discover why Florida is the lightning capital, the shark tooth capital, and the home of the weird and wacky.
Feb 8, 2024 · Learn about Florida's geography, history, wildlife, and culture in this list of fun facts. Discover why Florida is the flattest state, the boating capital, and the theme park destination.
Learn about Florida's nickname, statehood, capital, and biggest city. Discover its diverse landscapes, from beaches and islands to swamps and caves. Explore its natural resources, wildlife, and attractions.
