the Sunshine state
pretty close to heaven …
Florida is a gracious state.
Gentile through her allure, enticing thanks to many scenic locales. Home to more than 21 million people who have come to savor abundant sunshine and celebrate an exciting mix of cultures that reflect the world outside our geographic boundaries.
Florida and her people are thoughtful, considerate entertaining hosts.
Rolling hills in the north and panhandle, marshes around the eastern intercoastal, bayous on the Big Bend, the mesmerizing wetlands of the Everglades, crystal blue waters of the Palm Beaches and Key West, Florida has a relaxing vista any resident or visitor might enjoy.
Cape Canaveral is home to the last footsteps humankind took before departing for another celestial body. Our pioneering spirit is reflected here among the launchpads.
Amelia Island features a restful canopy of old oaks and Spanish moss. Our calm contentment is on display here nestled on the edges of expansive white sand beaches.
The Palm Beaches exhibit our flair for fine dining, exquisite shopping, and luxurious nighttime pursuits of the heart.
Key West celebrates lands’ end, pina coladas, Florida lobsters, iconic Jimmy Buffet tunes, and engaging Hemingway novels, not to mention colorful villas and cottages.
Tampa Bay hosts an endless path of canals, rivers, and coastal waterways that yield to an expansive, endless gulf when boating, fishing, and sunning are treasured times.
Miami and South Beach offer waysides to people who watch and enjoy remarkable cigars and luscious wines.
Florida Facts
thriving
Industry thrives in regional centers like Miami, Palm Beach, Jacksonville, Tampa, Sarasota, and Pensacola.
Tourism is unparalleled whether it comes courtesy of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios Orlando, SeaWorld Orlando, Vizcaya, Spanish River or Desoto Park, Silver Springs, Destin, or any destination of your choice. A warm bed, a magnificent resort, a tasteful meal, anticipate your every whim.
Our competitive flair is itched by the Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Lightning, Florida Panthers, Miami Marlins, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Orlando City, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Daytona Speedway, the Gator National Speedway, Spring Training, and so many other fun sports venues.
Sugar cane, coconuts, bananas, beef, citrus, and seafood to name a few abound in a state rich in agriculture and talented hands that can grow almost anything.
American military might is housed at the Southern Command in Tampa, the naval stations in Pensacola, Jacksonville, and Key West, air force bases at Homestead, east central Florida, and Eglin in the Panhandle.
Intellectual curiosity and pursuit is a byproduct of great research and teaching universities like the University of Florida, Florida State University, University of Miami, University of Central Florida, University of South Florida, University of Tampa, Florida Atlantic University, Florida International University, Rollins College, Flagler College, Stetson University, University of North Florida, University of West Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University and endless state colleges all over our map.
Yep, Florida is indeed a gracious state and we invite you to experience it yourself, whether you live here or are just passing through. Enjoy our sunshine!
447 miles from St. Mary’s River to Key West (north to south)
792 miles from Key West to Pensacola
1,197 miles of coastline and 663 miles of beaches
7,700 lakes
4,500 islands larger than 10 acres each
345 feet is the highest natural point in the state
Under two time zones, Eastern and Central
67 counties
Admitted as a state, March 3, 1845
Capital city is Tallahassee
120 Florida House and 40 Senate districts
27 congressional districts
First permanent settlement in St. Augustine, 1535
The Spanish fought the British in the Battle of Pensacola in 1781
American Colonials lost to the British in revolutionary battles at Thomas Creek in 1777 and Alligator Bridge in 1778
Florida seceded from the Union on January 10, 1861 until Union forces re-took Tallahassee on May 10, 1865
A civil war battle was fought at Olustee near Lake City, February 20, 1864
Four Germans paddled ashore from a submarine at Ponte Vedra Beach on June 17, 1942 and were captured during World War II
Current estimated population: 20,216,000
State sales tax is 6%
No state income tax
Facts Source: Florida Department of State