Historical and geographical insight and facts about Florida: Gators, golf and more
America’s 27th official state was founded in 1845 and has developed into one of America’s most visited places, ranking second in 2024 behind California.
The cities of Miami and Orlando rank second and third, respectively, for America’s most visited cities.
But what is it that drives tens of millions every year to America’s most populated peninsula state?
Florida News Blitz writer Joseph Hannen takes a dive into Florida’s history and geography, as well as some interesting facts you didn’t know.
Key historical context
Written records tell us that it was the Spanish who originally owned the land of Florida, when Ponce De Leon discovered its ideal coastlines and farmland when sailing in 1513.
Although the first reports of people entering the peninsula track back to around 14,000 years ago.
Florida’s original name is La Florida, which translates to “Place of Flowers”.
Spain, Britain, and France all battled to establish settlements, with Britain taking control in 1763.
However, Spain regained control two decades later due to a peace treaty ending the Revolutionary War.
Spain would give up Florida to America in exchange for Spanish rule in Texas in 1821, with Florida officially becoming a state in 1845.
Florida’s state animal is a panther, chosen in 1892, with the mockingbird becoming the state bird in 1927.
Tallahassee, Florida’s eighth most populated city, was named as the state’s capital in 1824.
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America’s sunshine state
A nickname widely recognised, Florida’s sunny and warm climate earned America’s southernmost state the title.
Florida’s population sits at 23.37 million, making it the USA’s third most populated state behind California and Texas.
Despite Florida’s warmth, it is also a hotspot for thunderstorms, ranking first among all states.
The top five thunderstorm-prone cities of 2024 are all located in Florida, including Fort Myers, Tampa, and Orlando.
Back to the positives, Florida has 8,436 miles of coastline with 825 miles of accessible beaches.
It also boasts two coastlines, a unique feature no other state can claim, creating more diverse and vibrant experiences.
Florida’s total area is 65,758 square miles, ranking 22nd in America in terms of size, and is a similar size to England and Wales combined.
The state's ecosystem heavily relies on its vast freshwater wetlands, with 31% of the state considered wetlands.
The diverse ecosystem is home to the Florida panther and American crocodile, both of which are endangered species.
Facts you didn’t know
Here is a list of mind-blowing facts about Florida:
If Florida were a country, it would rank 60th in the world’s population rankings, above countries such as Chile, Senegal, and the Netherlands.
Orlando’s Magic Kingdom is the world's most visited theme park, welcoming 17,720,000 visitors in 2023. Approximately 46 million visit Disney World’s resort annually.
Florida is the fishing capital of the world due to its diverse waters and fish species.
Florida is home to more golf courses than any other state.
Florida produces around 75% of oranges in the US and accounts for 40% of the world's orange juice supply.
Gatorade was invented in Florida.
Florida is home to over 1 million alligators, with over 200,000 in the Everglades.
The Vehicle Assembly Building at the Kennedy Space Center stands at 525 feet, tall enough to create its own microclimate, with clouds sometimes forming near the ceiling on humid days.
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