Browser tab content: # Florida

Not to be confused with [Flo Rida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flo_Rida "Flo Rida").

Florida

[State](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._state "U.S. state")

[![Flag of Florida](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Flag_of_Florida.svg/125px-Flag_of_Florida.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Florida.svg "Flag of Florida")

[Flag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Florida "Flag of Florida")

[![Official seal of Florida](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Seal_of_Florida.svg/100px-Seal_of_Florida.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_of_Florida.svg "Official seal of Florida")

[Seal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seal_of_Florida "Seal of Florida")

[Nickname](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_and_territory_nicknames "List of U.S. state and territory nicknames"): 

Sunshine State[\[1\]](#cite_note-1)[\[2\]](#cite_note-2)[\[3\]](#cite_note-3)

[Motto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_and_territory_mottos "List of U.S. state and territory mottos"): 

[In God We Trust](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_God_We_Trust "In God We Trust")[\[4\]](#cite_note-4)

[Anthem:](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_songs "List of U.S. state songs") "[Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_\(Where_the_Sawgrass_Meets_the_Sky\) "Florida (Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky)")" (state anthem), "[Old Folks at Home](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Folks_at_Home "Old Folks at Home")" (state song)

[](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Foster_-_Schumann-Heink_-_Old_Folks_at_Home_\(rec._1918\).ogg "Play audio")Duration: 4 minutes and 2 seconds.

[![Location of Florida within the United States](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/15/Florida_in_United_States.svg/300px-Florida_in_United_States.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Florida_in_United_States.svg "Location of Florida within the United States")

Location of Florida within the United States

Country

[United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States")

Before statehood

[Florida Territory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Territory "Florida Territory")

[Admitted to the Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_by_date_of_admission_to_the_Union "List of U.S. states by date of admission to the Union")

March 3, 1845; 179 years ago (27th)

[Capital](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_capitals_in_the_United_States "List of capitals in the United States")

[Tallahassee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallahassee,_Florida "Tallahassee, Florida")

[Largest city](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_cities_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_population "List of largest cities of U.S. states and territories by population")

[Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville,_Florida "Jacksonville, Florida")

[Largest county or equivalent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_most_populous_counties_by_U.S._state "List of the most populous counties by U.S. state")

[Miami-Dade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami-Dade_County "Miami-Dade County")

[Largest metro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statistical_area_\(United_States\) "Statistical area (United States)") and [urban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_urban_areas "List of United States urban areas") areas

[South Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_metropolitan_area "Miami metropolitan area")

Government

 • [Governor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor_of_Florida "Governor of Florida")

[Ron DeSantis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_DeSantis "Ron DeSantis") ([R](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_\(United_States\) "Republican Party (United States)"))

 • [Lieutenant Governor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lieutenant_Governor_of_Florida "Lieutenant Governor of Florida")

[Jeanette Nuñez](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeanette_Nu%C3%B1ez "Jeanette Nuñez") (R)

[Legislature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Legislature "Legislature")

[Florida Legislature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Legislature "Florida Legislature")

 • [Upper house](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Upper_house "Upper house")

[Senate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Senate "Florida Senate")

 • [Lower house](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_house "Lower house")

[House of Representatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_House_of_Representatives "Florida House of Representatives")

[Judiciary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judiciary "Judiciary")

[Supreme Court of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Florida "Supreme Court of Florida")

[U.S. senators](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_senators_from_Florida "List of United States senators from Florida")

[Rick Scott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Scott "Rick Scott") (R)  
[Ashley Moody](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashley_Moody "Ashley Moody") (R)

[U.S. House delegation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_representatives_from_Florida "List of United States representatives from Florida")

18 Republicans  
8 [Democrats](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_\(United_States\) "Democratic Party (United States)")  
2 vacant ([list](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_congressional_delegations_from_Florida "United States congressional delegations from Florida"))

Area

 • Total

65,758[\[5\]](#cite_note-5) sq mi (170,312 km2)

 • Land

53,625 sq mi (138,887 km2)

 • Water

12,133 sq mi (31,424 km2)  18.5%

 • Rank

[22nd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_area "List of U.S. states and territories by area")

Dimensions

 • Length

447 mi (721 km)

 • Width

361 mi (582 km)

Elevation

100 ft (30 m)

Highest elevation

([Britton Hill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britton_Hill "Britton Hill")[\[6\]](#cite_note-USGS-6)[\[a\]](#cite_note-NAVD88-7))

345 ft (105 m)

Lowest elevation

(Atlantic Ocean[\[6\]](#cite_note-USGS-6))

0 ft (0 m)

Population

 (2024)

 • Total

![Neutral increase](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/74/Increase_Neutral.svg/11px-Increase_Neutral.svg.png) 23,372,215[\[7\]](#cite_note-8)

 • Rank

[3rd](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_population "List of U.S. states and territories by population")

 • Density

414.8/sq mi (160/km2)

  • Rank

[7th](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_states_and_territories_of_the_United_States_by_population_density "List of states and territories of the United States by population density")

 • [Median household income](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Household_income_in_the_United_States "Household income in the United States")

$73,300 (2023)[\[8\]](#cite_note-9)

 • Income rank

[34th](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_income#States_and_territories_ranked_by_median_household_income "List of U.S. states and territories by income")

[Demonym(s)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demonym "Demonym")

Floridian, Floridan

Language

 • [Official language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_the_United_States "Languages of the United States")

[English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Official_languages_of_U.S._states_and_territories "Template:Official languages of U.S. states and territories")[\[9\]](#cite_note-Article_2,_Section_9,_Constitution_of_the_State_of_Florida-10)

 • [Spoken language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languages_of_the_United_States "Languages of the United States")

-   [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language "English language") only: 67.3%
-   [Spanish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_language "Spanish language"): 21.2%[\[10\]](#cite_note-11)
-   Other: 11.5%

[Time zones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_zone "Time zone")

Peninsula and "[Big Bend](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bend_\(Florida\) "Big Bend (Florida)")" region

[UTC−05:00](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%E2%88%9205:00 "UTC−05:00") ([Eastern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Time_Zone "Eastern Time Zone"))

 • Summer ([DST](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time "Daylight saving time"))

[UTC−04:00](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%E2%88%9204:00 "UTC−04:00") ([EDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_Daylight_Time "Eastern Daylight Time"))

[Panhandle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Panhandle "Florida Panhandle") west of the [Apalachicola River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apalachicola_River "Apalachicola River")

[UTC−06:00](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%E2%88%9206:00 "UTC−06:00") ([Central](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Time_Zone_\(North_America\) "Central Time Zone (North America)"))

 • Summer ([DST](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daylight_saving_time "Daylight saving time"))

[UTC−05:00](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UTC%E2%88%9205:00 "UTC−05:00") ([CDT](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Daylight_Time "Central Daylight Time"))

[USPS abbreviation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_and_territory_abbreviations "List of U.S. state and territory abbreviations")

FL

[ISO 3166 code](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_3166 "ISO 3166")

[US-FL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISO_3166-2:US "ISO 3166-2:US")

[Traditional abbreviation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_and_territory_abbreviations "List of U.S. state and territory abbreviations")

Fla.

Latitude

24° 27' N to 31° 00' N

Longitude

80° 02' W to 87° 38' W

Website

[myflorida.com](http://myflorida.com/)

State symbols of Florida

[List of state symbols](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Florida_state_symbols "List of Florida state symbols")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f7/Flag_of_Florida.svg/250px-Flag_of_Florida.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Flag_of_Florida.svg)

[Flag of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Florida "Flag of Florida")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2b/Seal_of_Florida.svg/150px-Seal_of_Florida.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seal_of_Florida.svg)

[Seal of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seal_of_Florida "Seal of Florida")

Living insignia

[Amphibian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_amphibians "List of U.S. state amphibians")

[Barking tree frog](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyla_gratiosa "Hyla gratiosa")

[Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_birds "List of U.S. state birds")

[Northern mockingbird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_mockingbird "Northern mockingbird")

[Fish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_fish "List of U.S. state fish")

[Florida largemouth bass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Largemouth_bass "Largemouth bass"), [Atlantic sailfish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sailfish "Sailfish")

[Flower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_and_territory_flowers "List of U.S. state and territory flowers")

[Orange blossom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_\(fruit\) "Orange (fruit)")

[Insect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_insects "List of U.S. state insects")

[Zebra longwing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliconius_charithonia "Heliconius charithonia")

[Mammal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_mammals "List of U.S. state mammals")

[Florida panther](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_panther "Florida panther"), [manatee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Indian_manatee "West Indian manatee"), [bottlenose dolphin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_bottlenose_dolphin "Common bottlenose dolphin"), [Florida Cracker Horse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Cracker_Horse "Florida Cracker Horse")[\[11\]](#cite_note-FHR-12)

[Reptile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_reptiles "List of U.S. state reptiles")

[American alligator](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_alligator "American alligator"), [Loggerhead turtle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loggerhead_sea_turtle "Loggerhead sea turtle"), [Gopher tortoise](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopher_tortoise "Gopher tortoise")[\[11\]](#cite_note-FHR-12)

[Tree](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_and_territory_trees "List of U.S. state and territory trees")

[Sabal palmetto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabal_palmetto "Sabal palmetto")

Inanimate insignia

[Beverage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_beverages "List of U.S. state beverages")

[Orange juice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_juice "Orange juice")

[Food](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_foods "List of U.S. state foods")

[Key lime pie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_lime_pie "Key lime pie"), [Orange](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_\(fruit\) "Orange (fruit)")

[Gemstone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_minerals,_rocks,_stones_and_gemstones "List of U.S. state minerals, rocks, stones and gemstones")

[Moonstone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonstone_\(gemstone\) "Moonstone (gemstone)")

[Rock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_minerals,_rocks,_stones_and_gemstones "List of U.S. state minerals, rocks, stones and gemstones")

[Agatized](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agate "Agate") [coral](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral "Coral")

[Shell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_shells "List of U.S. state shells")

[Horse conch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triplofusus_giganteus "Triplofusus giganteus")

[Soil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_soils "List of U.S. state soils")

[Myakka](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myakka_\(soil\) "Myakka (soil)")

[State route marker](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Numbered_highways_in_the_United_States#State_highways "Numbered highways in the United States")

[![Route marker](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/Florida_27.svg/85px-Florida_27.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Florida_27.svg "Route marker")

[State quarter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/50_State_quarters "50 State quarters")

[![Florida quarter dollar coin](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/68/2004_FL_Proof.png/85px-2004_FL_Proof.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2004_FL_Proof.png "Florida quarter dollar coin")

Released in 2004

[Lists of United States state symbols](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_of_United_States_state_symbols "Lists of United States state symbols")

**Florida** ( [_FLORR\-ih-də_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Pronunciation_respelling_key "Help:Pronunciation respelling key"); Spanish: [\[floˈɾiða\]](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Spanish "Help:IPA/Spanish")) is a [state](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._state "U.S. state") in the [Southeastern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeastern_United_States "Southeastern United States") region of the [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States"). It borders the [Gulf of Mexico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_of_Mexico "Gulf of Mexico") to the west, [Alabama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabama "Alabama") to the northwest, [Georgia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_\(U.S._state\) "Georgia (U.S. state)") to the north, the [Atlantic Ocean](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Ocean "Atlantic Ocean") to the east, and the [Straits of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straits_of_Florida "Straits of Florida") and [Cuba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba "Cuba") to the south. About two-thirds of Florida occupies a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It has the [longest coastline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_by_coastline "List of U.S. states by coastline") in the [contiguous United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contiguous_United_States "Contiguous United States"), spanning approximately 1,350 miles (2,170 km), not including its many [barrier islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barrier_island "Barrier island"). It is the only state that borders both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of over 23 million, it is the [third-most populous state in the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_population "List of U.S. states and territories by population") and ranks [eighth in population density](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_states_and_territories_of_the_United_States_by_population_density "List of states and territories of the United States by population density") as of 2020. Florida spans 65,758 square miles (170,310 km2), ranking [22nd in area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_area "List of U.S. states and territories by area") among the states. The [Miami metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_metropolitan_area "Miami metropolitan area"), anchored by the cities of [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami"), [Fort Lauderdale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Lauderdale,_Florida "Fort Lauderdale, Florida"), and [West Palm Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Palm_Beach,_Florida "West Palm Beach, Florida"), is the state's largest [metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_statistical_area "Metropolitan statistical area"), with a population of 6.138 million; the most populous city is [Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville,_Florida "Jacksonville, Florida"). Florida's other major population centers include [Tampa Bay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa_Bay_area "Tampa Bay area"), [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida"), [Cape Coral](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Coral,_Florida "Cape Coral, Florida"), and the state capital of [Tallahassee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallahassee,_Florida "Tallahassee, Florida").

Various Native American tribes have inhabited Florida for at least 14,000 years. In 1513, [Spanish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaniards "Spaniards") explorer [Juan Ponce de León](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Ponce_de_Le%C3%B3n "Juan Ponce de León") became the first known European to make landfall, calling the region _La Florida_ (land of flowers) ([_\[la floˈɾiða\]_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:IPA/Spanish "Help:IPA/Spanish")). Florida subsequently became the first area in the continental U.S. to be permanently settled by Europeans, with the settlement of [St. Augustine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida "St. Augustine, Florida"), founded in 1565, being the oldest continuously inhabited city. Florida was frequently attacked and coveted by [Great Britain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Britain "Great Britain") before Spain [ceded it to the U.S.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adams%E2%80%93On%C3%ADs_Treaty "Adams–Onís Treaty") in 1819 in exchange for resolving the border dispute along the [Sabine River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabine_River_\(Texas%E2%80%93Louisiana\) "Sabine River (Texas–Louisiana)") in [Spanish Texas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Texas "Spanish Texas"). Florida was admitted as the [27th state](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_by_date_of_admission_to_the_Union "List of U.S. states by date of admission to the Union") on March 3, 1845, and was the principal location of the [Seminole Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminole_Wars "Seminole Wars") (1816–1858), the longest and most extensive of the [American Indian Wars](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Indian_Wars "American Indian Wars"). The state seceded from [the Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_\(American_Civil_War\) "Union (American Civil War)") on January 10, 1861, becoming one of the seven original [Confederate States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_States_of_America "Confederate States of America"), and was readmitted to the Union after the [Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War") on June 25, 1868.

Since the mid-20th century, Florida has experienced rapid demographic and economic growth. [Its economy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Economy_of_Florida "Economy of Florida"), with a [gross state product](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_state_product "Gross state product") (GSP) of $1.647 trillion, is the [fourth largest of any U.S. state](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_GDP "List of U.S. states and territories by GDP") and the fifteenth-largest in the world; the main sectors are [tourism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tourism "Tourism"), [hospitality](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospitality_industry "Hospitality industry"), [agriculture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agriculture "Agriculture"), real estate, and [transportation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_in_Florida "Transportation in Florida"). Florida is world-renowned for its [beach resorts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beach_resort "Beach resort"), [amusement parks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amusement_park "Amusement park"), warm and sunny climate, and nautical recreation; attractions such as [Walt Disney World](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_World "Walt Disney World"), the [Kennedy Space Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennedy_Space_Center "Kennedy Space Center"), and [Miami Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Beach,_Florida "Miami Beach, Florida") draw tens of millions of visitors annually. Florida is a popular destination for [retirees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pensioner "Pensioner"), [seasonal vacationers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowbird_\(person\) "Snowbird (person)"), and both domestic and international migrants; it hosts nine out of the ten fastest-growing communities in the U.S. The state's close proximity to the ocean has shaped [its culture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Florida "Culture of Florida"), identity, and daily life; its colonial history and successive waves of migration are reflected in [African](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_American "African American"), [European](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_American "European American"), [Indigenous](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_of_the_Americas "Indigenous peoples of the Americas"), [Latino](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispanic_and_Latino_Americans "Hispanic and Latino Americans"), and [Asian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_Americans "Asian Americans") influences. Florida has attracted or inspired some of the most prominent American writers, including [Ernest Hemingway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ernest_Hemingway "Ernest Hemingway"), [Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marjorie_Kinnan_Rawlings "Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings"), and [Tennessee Williams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennessee_Williams "Tennessee Williams"), and continues to attract celebrities and athletes, especially in [golf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf "Golf"), [tennis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis "Tennis"), [auto racing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_racing "Auto racing"), and [water sports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_water_sports "List of water sports"). Florida has been considered a [battleground state](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swing_state "Swing state") in [American presidential elections](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election "United States presidential election"), particularly those in [2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_United_States_presidential_election "2000 United States presidential election") and [2016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_United_States_presidential_election "2016 United States presidential election").

Florida's climate varies from [subtropical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subtropical "Subtropical") in the north to [tropical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical "Tropical") in the south. It is the only state besides [Hawaii](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii "Hawaii") to have a [tropical climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_climate "Tropical climate"), and the only continental state with a [coral reef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_reef "Coral reef"). Florida has several unique ecosystems, including [Everglades National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everglades_National_Park "Everglades National Park"), the largest tropical wilderness in the U.S. and among the largest in the [Americas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Americas "Americas"). Unique wildlife include the [American alligator](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_alligator "American alligator"), [American crocodile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_crocodile "American crocodile"), [American flamingo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_flamingo "American flamingo"), [roseate spoonbill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roseate_spoonbill "Roseate spoonbill"), [Florida panther](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_panther "Florida panther"), [bottlenose dolphin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_bottlenose_dolphin "Common bottlenose dolphin"), and [manatee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Indian_manatee "West Indian manatee"). The [Florida Reef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Reef "Florida Reef") is the only living [coral barrier reef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_reef "Coral reef") in the continental United States, and the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world, after the [Great Barrier Reef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Barrier_Reef "Great Barrier Reef") and the [Belize Barrier Reef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belize_Barrier_Reef "Belize Barrier Reef").

## History

[Paleo-Indians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paleo-Indians "Paleo-Indians") entered Florida at least 14,000 years ago.[\[12\]](#cite_note-13) By the 16th century, the earliest time for which there is a historical record, major [groups of people](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indigenous_peoples_of_Florida#Early_modern_period "Indigenous peoples of Florida") living in Florida included the [Apalachee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apalachee "Apalachee") of the [Florida Panhandle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Panhandle "Florida Panhandle"), the [Timucua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timucua "Timucua") of northern and central Florida, the [Ais](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ais_people "Ais people") of the central Atlantic coast, the [Mayaimi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayaimi "Mayaimi") of the [Lake Okeechobee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Okeechobee "Lake Okeechobee") area, the [Tequesta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tequesta "Tequesta") of southeastern Florida, and the [Calusa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calusa "Calusa") of southwest Florida.[\[13\]](#cite_note-14)

### European arrival

Main articles: [New Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Spain "New Spain"), [Spanish Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Florida "Spanish Florida"), [French and Indian War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_and_Indian_War "French and Indian War"), [Treaty of Paris (1763)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Paris_\(1763\) "Treaty of Paris (1763)"), [West Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Florida "West Florida"), [East Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Florida "East Florida"), [Indian Reserve (1763)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Reserve_\(1763\) "Indian Reserve (1763)"), [American Revolutionary War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolutionary_War "American Revolutionary War"), [Gulf Coast campaign](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gulf_Coast_campaign "Gulf Coast campaign"), [Treaty of Paris (1783)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Paris_\(1783\) "Treaty of Paris (1783)"), and [Spanish West Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_West_Florida "Spanish West Florida")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6e/Chiaves-la-florida-1584.jpg/220px-Chiaves-la-florida-1584.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Chiaves-la-florida-1584.jpg)

Map of Florida, likely based on the expeditions of [Hernando de Soto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hernando_de_Soto "Hernando de Soto") (1539–1543)

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c6/Castillo_de_San_Marcos_Fort_Panorama_1.jpg/220px-Castillo_de_San_Marcos_Fort_Panorama_1.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Castillo_de_San_Marcos_Fort_Panorama_1.jpg)

The design of [Castillo de San Marcos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castillo_de_San_Marcos "Castillo de San Marcos") reflects the colors and shapes of the [Cross of Burgundy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_of_Burgundy "Cross of Burgundy") and the subsequent [Flag of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Florida "Flag of Florida").

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/dd/West_Florida_Map_1767.svg/220px-West_Florida_Map_1767.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:West_Florida_Map_1767.svg)

[East Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Florida "East Florida") and [West Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Florida "West Florida") during the [British period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_colonization_of_the_Americas "British colonization of the Americas") of 1763 to 1783

Florida was the first region of what is now the [contiguous United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contiguous_United_States "Contiguous United States") to be visited and settled by Europeans. The earliest known European explorers came with [Juan Ponce de León](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juan_Ponce_de_Le%C3%B3n "Juan Ponce de León"). Ponce de León spotted and landed on the peninsula on April 2, 1513. He named it _[Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Florida "Spanish Florida")_ (colloquially la Florida) in recognition of the flowery, verdant landscape and because it was the [Easter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter "Easter") season, which the [Spaniards](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spaniards "Spaniards") called _[Pascua Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascua_Florida "Pascua Florida")_ (Festival of Flowers). The following day they came ashore to seek information and take possession of this new land.[\[14\]](#cite_note-15)[\[15\]](#cite_note-Names_on_the_Land:_A_Historical_Account_of_Place-Naming_in_the_United_States-16) The story that he was searching for the [Fountain of Youth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fountain_of_Youth "Fountain of Youth") is mythical and appeared only long after his death.[\[16\]](#cite_note-17)

In May 1539, [Hernando de Soto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hernando_de_Soto "Hernando de Soto") skirted the coast of Florida, searching for a deep harbor to land. He described a thick wall of red mangroves spread mile after mile, some reaching as high as 70 feet (21 m), with intertwined and elevated roots making landing difficult.[\[17\]](#cite_note-18) Europeans introduced [Christianity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christianity_in_the_United_States "Christianity in the United States"), cattle, horses, sheep, the Castilian language, and more to Florida.[\[18\]](#cite_note-19) Spain established several settlements in Florida, with varying degrees of success. In 1559, Don [Tristán de Luna y Arellano](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trist%C3%A1n_de_Luna_y_Arellano "Tristán de Luna y Arellano") established a settlement at present-day [Pensacola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pensacola,_Florida "Pensacola, Florida"), making it one of the first settlements in Florida, but it was mostly abandoned by 1561.

In 1564–1565, there was a French settlement at [Fort Caroline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Caroline "Fort Caroline"), in present [Duval County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duval_County,_Florida "Duval County, Florida"), which was destroyed by the Spanish.[\[19\]](#cite_note-20) Today a reconstructed version of the fort stands in its location within Jacksonville.

In 1565, the settlement of [St. Augustine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida "St. Augustine, Florida") (San Agustín) was established under the leadership of admiral and governor [Pedro Menéndez de Avilés](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedro_Men%C3%A9ndez_de_Avil%C3%A9s "Pedro Menéndez de Avilés"), creating what would become the oldest, continuously occupied European settlements in the continental U.S. and establishing the first generation of Floridanos and the [Government of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_colonial_governors_of_Florida "List of colonial governors of Florida").[\[20\]](#cite_note-21) The marriage between Luisa de Abrego, a free black domestic servant from Seville, and Miguel Rodríguez, a white Segovian, occurred in 1565 in St. Augustine. It is the first recorded Christian marriage in the continental United States.[\[21\]](#cite_note-22)

Some Floridanos married or had unions with [Pensacola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pensacola_people "Pensacola people"), [Creek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muscogee "Muscogee"), or [African](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_ethnic_groups_of_Africa "List of ethnic groups of Africa") women, both slave and free, and their descendants created a mixed-race population of [mestizos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mestizo "Mestizo") and [mulattoes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mulatto "Mulatto"). The Spanish encouraged [slaves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slavery_in_the_colonial_United_States "Slavery in the colonial United States") from the [Thirteen Colonies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_Colonies "Thirteen Colonies") to come to Florida as a refuge, promising freedom in exchange for conversion to [Catholicism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church "Catholic Church"). [King Charles II of Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_II_of_Spain "Charles II of Spain") issued a royal proclamation freeing all slaves who fled to Florida and accepted conversion and baptism. Most went to the area around [St. Augustine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida "St. Augustine, Florida"), but [escaped slaves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugitive_slaves_in_the_United_States "Fugitive slaves in the United States") also reached Pensacola. St. Augustine had mustered an all-black militia unit defending Florida as early as 1683.[\[22\]](#cite_note-23)

The geographical area of Spanish claims in Florida diminished with the establishment of English settlements to the north and French claims to the west. English colonists and [buccaneers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buccaneer "Buccaneer") launched several attacks on St. Augustine in the 17th and 18th centuries, razing the city and its cathedral to the ground several times. Spain built the [Castillo de San Marcos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castillo_de_San_Marcos "Castillo de San Marcos") in 1672 and [Fort Matanzas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Matanzas "Fort Matanzas") in 1742 to defend Florida's capital city from attacks, and to maintain its strategic position in the defense of the [Captaincy General of Cuba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captaincy_General_of_Cuba "Captaincy General of Cuba") and the [Spanish West Indies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_West_Indies "Spanish West Indies").

In 1738, the [governor of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_colonial_governors_of_Florida "List of colonial governors of Florida") [Manuel de Montiano](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manuel_de_Montiano "Manuel de Montiano") established [Fort Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Mose_Historic_State_Park "Fort Mose Historic State Park") near St. Augustine, a fortified town for escaped slaves to whom Montiano granted citizenship and freedom in return for their service in the Florida militia, and which became the first free black settlement legally sanctioned in North America.[\[23\]](#cite_note-24)[\[24\]](#cite_note-25)

In [1763](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timeline_of_Florida_History "Timeline of Florida History"), Spain traded Florida to the [Kingdom of Great Britain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Great_Britain "Kingdom of Great Britain") for control of [Havana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Havana "Havana"), [Cuba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captaincy_General_of_Cuba "Captaincy General of Cuba"), which [had been captured](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Havana "Siege of Havana") by the British during the [Seven Years' War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Years%27_War "Seven Years' War"). The trade was done as part of the [1763 Treaty of Paris](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Paris_\(1763\) "Treaty of Paris (1763)") which ended the Seven Years' War. Spain was granted [Louisiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_\(New_Spain\) "Louisiana (New Spain)") from France due to their loss of Florida. A large portion of the Florida population left, taking along large portions of the remaining Indigenous population with them to Cuba.[\[25\]](#cite_note-26) The British soon constructed the [King's Road](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King%27s_Road_\(Florida\) "King's Road (Florida)") connecting St. Augustine to [Georgia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Province_of_Georgia "Province of Georgia"). The road crossed the [St. Johns River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Johns_River "St. Johns River") at a narrow point called _Wacca Pilatka_, now the core of [Downtown Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtown_Jacksonville "Downtown Jacksonville"), and formerly referred to by the British name "Cow Ford", reflecting the fact that [cattle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattle "Cattle") were brought across the river there.[\[26\]](#cite_note-27)[\[27\]](#cite_note-28)[\[28\]](#cite_note-29)

The British divided and consolidated the Florida provinces (_Las Floridas_) into [East Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_East_Florida "British East Florida") and [West Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_West_Florida "British West Florida"), a division the Spanish Crown kept after the brief British period.[\[29\]](#cite_note-30) The British government gave land grants to officers and soldiers who had fought in the [French and Indian War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_and_Indian_War "French and Indian War") in order to encourage settlement. In order to induce settlers to move to Florida, reports of its natural wealth were published in England. A number of British settlers who were described as being "energetic and of good character" moved to Florida, mostly coming from [South Carolina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Carolina "South Carolina"), [Georgia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_\(U.S._state\) "Georgia (U.S. state)") and England. There was also a group of settlers who came from the colony of [Bermuda](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bermuda "Bermuda"). This was the first permanent English-speaking population in what is now [Duval County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duval_County,_Florida "Duval County, Florida"), [Baker County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baker_County,_Florida "Baker County, Florida"), [St. Johns County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Johns_County,_Florida "St. Johns County, Florida") and [Nassau County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nassau_County,_Florida "Nassau County, Florida"). The British constructed good public roads and introduced the cultivation of sugar cane, indigo and fruits, as well as the export of lumber.[\[30\]](#cite_note-A_History_of_Florida-31)[\[31\]](#cite_note-The_Land_Policy_in_British_East_Florida-32)

The British governors were directed to call general assemblies as soon as possible in order to make laws for the Floridas, and in the meantime they were, with the advice of councils, to establish courts. This was the first introduction of the English-derived legal system which Florida still has today, including [trial by jury](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jury_trial "Jury trial"), [habeas corpus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Habeas_corpus "Habeas corpus") and county-based government.[\[30\]](#cite_note-A_History_of_Florida-31)[\[31\]](#cite_note-The_Land_Policy_in_British_East_Florida-32) Neither East Florida nor West Florida sent any representatives to Philadelphia to draft the [Declaration of Independence](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Declaration_of_Independence "United States Declaration of Independence"). Florida remained a Loyalist stronghold for the duration of the [American Revolution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolution "American Revolution").[\[32\]](#cite_note-33)

Spain regained both East and West Florida after Britain's defeat in the [Revolutionary War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Revolutionary_War "American Revolutionary War") and the subsequent [Treaty of Versailles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Versailles_\(1783\) "Treaty of Versailles (1783)") in 1783, and continued the provincial divisions until 1821.[\[33\]](#cite_note-34)

### Statehood and Indian removal

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f0/Remington_A_cracker_cowboy.jpg/220px-Remington_A_cracker_cowboy.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Remington_A_cracker_cowboy.jpg)

A portrait of a [Cracker cowboy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_cracker "Florida cracker") by [Frederic Remington](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederic_Remington "Frederic Remington") (1861–1909)

Defense of Florida's northern border with the United States was minor during the second Spanish period. The region became a haven for escaped slaves and a base for Indian attacks against U.S. territories, and the U.S. pressed Spain for reform.

Americans of [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Americans "English Americans") and [Scots Irish descent](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scotch-Irish_Americans "Scotch-Irish Americans") began moving into northern Florida from the backwoods of [Georgia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_\(U.S._state\) "Georgia (U.S. state)") and [South Carolina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Carolina "South Carolina"). Though technically not allowed by the government authorities, they were never able to effectively police the border region and the backwoods settlers from the United States would continue to immigrate into Florida unchecked. These migrants, mixing with the already present British settlers who had remained in Florida since the British period, would be the progenitors of the population known as [Florida Crackers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Cracker "Florida Cracker").[\[34\]](#cite_note-35)

These American settlers established a permanent foothold in the area. The British settlers who had remained also resented Spanish governance, leading to a rebellion in 1810 and the establishment for ninety days of the so-called Free and Independent [Republic of West Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_West_Florida "Republic of West Florida") on September 23. After meetings beginning in June, rebels overcame the garrison at [Baton Rouge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baton_Rouge,_Louisiana "Baton Rouge, Louisiana") (now in [Louisiana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana "Louisiana")) and unfurled the flag of the new republic: a single white star on a blue field. This flag would later become known as the "[Bonnie Blue Flag](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bonnie_Blue_Flag "Bonnie Blue Flag")".

In 1810, parts of West Florida were annexed by the proclamation of President [James Madison](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Madison "James Madison"), who claimed the region as part of the [Louisiana Purchase](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louisiana_Purchase "Louisiana Purchase"). These parts were incorporated into the newly formed [Territory of Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Territory_of_Orleans "Territory of Orleans"). The U.S. annexed the Mobile District of West Florida to the [Mississippi Territory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi_Territory "Mississippi Territory") in 1812. Spain continued to dispute the area, though the United States gradually increased the area it occupied. In 1812, a group of settlers from Georgia, with de facto support from the U.S. federal government, attempted to overthrow the Floridan government in the province of East Florida. The settlers hoped to convince Floridians to join their cause and proclaim independence from Spain, but the settlers lost their tenuous support from the federal government and abandoned their cause by 1813.[\[35\]](#cite_note-36)

Traditionally, historians argued that [Seminoles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminole "Seminole") based in [East Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Florida "East Florida") began raiding Georgia settlements and offering havens for runaway slaves. The [United States Army](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Army "United States Army") led increasingly frequent incursions into Spanish territory, including the 1817–1818 campaign against the Seminole Indians by [Andrew Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Jackson "Andrew Jackson") that became known as the [First Seminole War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Seminole_War "First Seminole War"). The United States now effectively controlled East Florida. Control was necessary according to Secretary of State [John Quincy Adams](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Quincy_Adams "John Quincy Adams") because Florida had become "a derelict open to the occupancy of every enemy, civilized or savage, of the United States, and serving no other earthly purpose than as a post of annoyance to them."[\[36\]](#cite_note-37)

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a2/Seminole_War_in_Everglades.jpg/220px-Seminole_War_in_Everglades.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Seminole_War_in_Everglades.jpg)

A [U.S. Marine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Marine_Corps "United States Marine Corps") boat searching the [Everglades](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everglades "Everglades") for [Seminoles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminole "Seminole") (hiding in foreground) during the [Second Seminole War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Seminole_War "Second Seminole War"), which lasted from 1835 to 1842

More recent historians describe that after U.S. independence, settlers in [Georgia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_\(U.S._state\) "Georgia (U.S. state)") increased pressure on Seminole lands, and skirmishes near the border led to the [First Seminole War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Seminole_War "First Seminole War") (1816–1819). The United States purchased Florida from Spain by the [Adams-Onis Treaty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adams-Onis_Treaty "Adams-Onis Treaty") (1819) and took possession in 1821. The Seminole were moved out of their rich farmland in northern Florida and confined to a large reservation in the interior of the Florida peninsula by the [Treaty of Moultrie Creek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Moultrie_Creek "Treaty of Moultrie Creek") (1823). Passage of the [Indian Removal Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Removal_Act "Indian Removal Act") (1830) led to the [Treaty of Payne's Landing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Payne%27s_Landing "Treaty of Payne's Landing") (1832), which called for the relocation of all Seminole to [Indian Territory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Territory "Indian Territory") (now [Oklahoma](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oklahoma "Oklahoma")).[\[37\]](#cite_note-38) Some resisted, leading to the [Second Seminole War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Seminole_War "Second Seminole War"), the bloodiest [war against Native Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Indian_Wars "American Indian Wars") in United States history. By 1842, most Seminoles and Black Seminoles, facing starvation, were removed to Indian Territory west of the [Mississippi River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi_River "Mississippi River"). Perhaps fewer than 200 Seminoles remained in Florida after the [Third Seminole War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Seminole_War "Third Seminole War") (1855–1858), having taken refuge in the Everglades, from where they never surrendered to the US. They fostered a resurgence in traditional customs and a culture of staunch independence.[\[38\]](#cite_note-39)

Florida had become a burden to Spain, which could not afford to send settlers or troops due to the devastation caused by the [Peninsular War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peninsular_War "Peninsular War"). Madrid, therefore, decided to cede the territory to the United States through the [Adams–Onís Treaty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adams%E2%80%93On%C3%ADs_Treaty "Adams–Onís Treaty"), which took effect in 1821.[\[39\]](#cite_note-40) President [James Monroe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Monroe "James Monroe") was authorized on March 3, 1821, to take possession of [East Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Florida "East Florida") and [West Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Florida "West Florida") for the United States and provide for initial governance.[\[40\]](#cite_note-41) On behalf of the U.S. government, [Andrew Jackson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Jackson "Andrew Jackson"), whom Jacksonville is named after, served as a military commissioner with the powers of governor of the newly acquired territory for a brief period.[\[41\]](#cite_note-42) On March 30, 1822, the U.S. Congress merged [East Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/East_Florida "East Florida") and part of [West Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Florida "West Florida") into the [Florida Territory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Territory "Florida Territory").[\[42\]](#cite_note-43)

By the early 1800s, [Indian removal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_removal "Indian removal") was a significant issue throughout the southeastern U.S. and also in Florida. In 1830, the U.S. Congress passed the [Indian Removal Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Removal_Act "Indian Removal Act") and as settlement increased, pressure grew on the U.S. government to remove the Indians from Florida. Seminoles offered sanctuary to blacks, and these became known as the [Black Seminoles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Seminoles "Black Seminoles"), and clashes between whites and Indians grew with the influx of new settlers. In 1832, the [Treaty of Payne's Landing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treaty_of_Payne%27s_Landing "Treaty of Payne's Landing") promised to the Seminoles lands west of the Mississippi River if they agreed to leave Florida. Many Seminoles left at this time.

Some Seminoles remained, and the U.S. Army arrived in Florida, leading to the [Second Seminole War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Seminole_War "Second Seminole War") (1835–1842). Following the war, approximately 3,000 Seminole and 800 Black Seminole were removed to [Indian Territory](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Territory "Indian Territory"). A few hundred Seminole remained in Florida in the [Everglades](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everglades "Everglades").

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/The_Call-Collins_House%2C_The_Grove-_Tallahassee%2C_Florida_%287157983334%29.jpg/210px-The_Call-Collins_House%2C_The_Grove-_Tallahassee%2C_Florida_%287157983334%29.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Call-Collins_House,_The_Grove-_Tallahassee,_Florida_\(7157983334\).jpg)

The Historic Call-Collins House, the Grove, built by slaves in the 1840s, is an antebellum [plantation house](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantation_complexes_in_the_Southern_United_States "Plantation complexes in the Southern United States") in Tallahassee.

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/da/%24_10_reward_for_runaway_slave_%22SMART%22_by_Geo_Willis_Navy_Agent_Pensacola_Gazette_22_Aug_1840_p_3.jpg/210px-%24_10_reward_for_runaway_slave_%22SMART%22_by_Geo_Willis_Navy_Agent_Pensacola_Gazette_22_Aug_1840_p_3.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:$_10_reward_for_runaway_slave_%22SMART%22_by_Geo_Willis_Navy_Agent_Pensacola_Gazette_22_Aug_1840_p_3.jpg)

1840 advertisement in the _Pensacola Gazette_ offering a $10 ($330 in 2022) reward for the return of a [fugitive slave](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fugitive_slaves_in_the_United_States "Fugitive slaves in the United States").

On March 3, 1845, only one day before the end of President [John Tyler](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Tyler "John Tyler")'s term in office, Florida became the 27th state,[\[43\]](#cite_note-44) admitted as a [slave state](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slave_state "Slave state") and no longer a sanctuary for runaway slaves. Initially its population grew slowly.[\[44\]](#cite_note-45)

As European settlers continued to encroach on Seminole lands, the United States intervened to move the remaining Seminoles to the West. The [Third Seminole War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Third_Seminole_War "Third Seminole War") (1855–1858) resulted in the [forced removal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trail_of_Tears "Trail of Tears") of most of the remaining Seminoles, although hundreds of Seminole Indians remained in the Everglades.[\[45\]](#cite_note-46)

The first settlements and towns in South Florida were founded much later than those in the northern part of the state. The first permanent European settlers arrived in the early 19th century. People came from the [Bahamas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahamas "Bahamas") to South Florida and the [Keys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Keys "Florida Keys") to hunt for treasure from the ships that ran aground on the treacherous Great [Florida Reef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Reef "Florida Reef"). Some accepted Spanish land offers along the Miami River. At about the same time, the [Seminole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminole "Seminole") Indians arrived, along with a group of runaway slaves. The area was affected by the [Second Seminole War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Second_Seminole_War "Second Seminole War"), during which Major [William S. Harney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_S._Harney "William S. Harney") led several raids against the Indians. Most non-Indian residents were soldiers stationed at [Fort Dallas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Dallas "Fort Dallas"). It was the most devastating Indian war in American history, causing almost a total loss of population in Miami.

After the Second Seminole War ended in 1842, William English re-established a plantation started by his uncle on the [Miami River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_River_\(Florida\) "Miami River (Florida)"). He charted the "Village of Miami" on the south bank of the Miami River and sold several plots of land. In 1844, Miami became the county seat, and six years later a census reported there were ninety-six residents in the area.[\[46\]](#cite_note-47) The [Third Seminole War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminole_Wars#Third_Seminole_War "Seminole Wars") was not as destructive as the second, but it slowed the settlement of southeast Florida. At the end of the war, a few of the soldiers stayed.

### Civil War and Reconstruction

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/Battle_of_Olustee.jpg/220px-Battle_of_Olustee.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Battle_of_Olustee.jpg)

The [Battle of Olustee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Olustee "Battle of Olustee") during the [American Civil War](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Civil_War "American Civil War") in 1864

American settlers began to establish cotton [plantations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plantations_in_the_American_South "Plantations in the American South") in north Florida, which required numerous laborers, which they supplied by buying slaves in the domestic market. By 1860, Florida had only 140,424 people, of whom 44% were enslaved. There were fewer than 1,000 free [African Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_black "Free black") before the American Civil War.[\[47\]](#cite_note-48)

On January 10, 1861, nearly all delegates in the Florida Legislature approved an ordinance of secession,[\[48\]](#cite_note-49)[\[49\]](#cite_note-50) declaring Florida to be "a sovereign and independent nation"—an apparent reassertion to the preamble in Florida's Constitution of 1838, in which Florida agreed with Congress to be a "Free and Independent State". The ordinance declared Florida's secession from the [Union](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Union_\(American_Civil_War\) "Union (American Civil War)"), allowing it to become one of the founding members of the [Confederate States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Confederate_States_of_America "Confederate States of America").

The Confederacy received little military help from Florida; the 15,000 troops it offered were generally sent elsewhere. Instead of troops and manufactured goods, Florida did provide salt and, more importantly, beef to feed the Confederate armies. This was particularly important after 1864, when the Confederacy lost control of the Mississippi River, thereby losing access to Texas beef.[\[50\]](#cite_note-51)[\[51\]](#cite_note-52) The largest engagements in the state were the [Battle of Olustee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Olustee "Battle of Olustee"), on February 20, 1864, and the [Battle of Natural Bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Natural_Bridge "Battle of Natural Bridge"), on March 6, 1865. Both were Confederate victories.[\[52\]](#cite_note-53) The war ended in 1865.

Following the American Civil War, Florida's [congressional](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Congress "United States Congress") representation was restored on June 25, 1868, albeit forcefully after [Reconstruction](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reconstruction_era "Reconstruction era") and the installation of unelected government officials under the final authority of federal military commanders. After the Reconstruction period ended in 1876, white Democrats regained power in the state legislature. In 1885, they created a new constitution, followed by statutes through 1889 that [disfranchised](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disfranchisement_after_Reconstruction_era "Disfranchisement after Reconstruction era") most blacks and many poor whites.[\[53\]](#cite_note-54)

In the pre-automobile era, railroads played a key role in the state's development, particularly in coastal areas. In 1883, the [Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pensacola_and_Atlantic_Railroad "Pensacola and Atlantic Railroad") connected Pensacola and the rest of the [Panhandle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Panhandle "Florida Panhandle") to the rest of the state. In 1884 the [South Florida Railroad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Florida_Railroad "South Florida Railroad") (later absorbed by [Atlantic Coast Line Railroad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Coast_Line_Railroad "Atlantic Coast Line Railroad")) opened full service to [Tampa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa "Tampa"). In 1894 the [Florida East Coast Railway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_East_Coast_Railway "Florida East Coast Railway") reached [West Palm Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Palm_Beach "West Palm Beach"); in 1896 it reached [Biscayne Bay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biscayne_Bay "Biscayne Bay") near [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami"). Numerous other railroads were built all over the interior of the state.

### 20th century

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Don_CeSar_Hotel-_St._Petersburg_Beach%2C_Florida_%288410317737%29.jpg/220px-Don_CeSar_Hotel-_St._Petersburg_Beach%2C_Florida_%288410317737%29.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Don_CeSar_Hotel-_St._Petersburg_Beach,_Florida_\(8410317737\).jpg)

Vacationers at the newly opened [Don Cesar Hotel](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Don_CeSar "The Don CeSar") in [St. Pete Beach, Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Pete_Beach,_Florida "St. Pete Beach, Florida"), in 1928

Florida's economy has been based primarily upon agricultural products such as citrus fruits, strawberries, nuts, sugarcane and cattle.[\[54\]](#cite_note-55) The [boll weevil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boll_weevil "Boll weevil") devastated cotton crops during the early 20th century.[\[55\]](#cite_note-56)[\[56\]](#cite_note-57)

Until the mid-20th century, Florida was the least-populous state in the [southern United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_United_States "Southern United States"). In 1900, its population was only 528,542, of whom nearly 44% were African American, the same proportion as before the Civil War.[\[57\]](#cite_note-58) Forty thousand blacks, roughly one-fifth of their 1900 population levels in Florida, left the state in the [Great Migration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Migration_\(African_American\) "Great Migration (African American)"). They left due to [lynchings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynching "Lynching") and racial violence and for better opportunities in the North and the West.[\[58\]](#cite_note-59) [Disfranchisement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disfranchisement "Disfranchisement") for most African Americans in the state persisted until the [Civil Rights Movement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Civil_Rights_Movement "Civil Rights Movement") of the 1960s gained federal legislation in 1965 to enforce protection of their constitutional suffrage.

[![Black and white photograph of segregationists fighting on a beach](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Rc17739_04.jpg/220px-Rc17739_04.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Rc17739_04.jpg)

White segregationists (foreground) trying to prevent black people from swimming at a "White only" beach in St. Augustine during the [1964 Monson Motor Lodge protests](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1964_Monson_Motor_Lodge_protests "1964 Monson Motor Lodge protests")

In response to [racial segregation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racial_segregation_in_the_United_States "Racial segregation in the United States") in Florida, a number of protests occurred in Florida during the 1950s and 1960s as part of the Civil Rights Movement. In 1956–1957, students at [Florida A&M University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_A%26M_University "Florida A&M University") organized a bus boycott in Tallahassee to mimic the [Montgomery bus boycott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Montgomery_bus_boycott "Montgomery bus boycott") and succeeded in integrating the city's buses.[\[59\]](#cite_note-60) Students also held sit-ins in 1960 in protest of segregated seating at local lunch counters, and in 1964 an incident at a [St. Augustine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida "St. Augustine, Florida") motel pool, in which the owner poured acid into the water during a demonstration, influenced the passage of the [1964 Civil Rights Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1964_Civil_Rights_Act "1964 Civil Rights Act").[\[60\]](#cite_note-61)

Economic prosperity in the 1920s stimulated tourism to Florida and related development of hotels and resort communities. Combined with its sudden elevation in profile was the [Florida land boom of the 1920s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_land_boom_of_the_1920s "Florida land boom of the 1920s"), which brought a brief period of intense land development. In 1925, the [Seaboard Air Line](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaboard_Air_Line "Seaboard Air Line") broke the FEC's southeast Florida monopoly and extended its freight and passenger service to West Palm Beach; two years later it extended passenger service to Miami. Devastating hurricanes in [1926](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1926_Miami_hurricane "1926 Miami hurricane") and [1928](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1928_Okeechobee_hurricane "1928 Okeechobee hurricane"), followed by the [Great Depression](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression "Great Depression"), brought that period to a halt. Florida's economy did not fully recover until the military buildup for [World War II](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/World_War_II "World War II").\[_[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")_\]

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/ff/Miami_Freedom_Tower_by_Tom_Schaefer.jpg/220px-Miami_Freedom_Tower_by_Tom_Schaefer.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Miami_Freedom_Tower_by_Tom_Schaefer.jpg)

[Miami's Freedom Tower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Tower_\(Miami\) "Freedom Tower (Miami)"), built in 1925, was added to the [National Register of Historic Places](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Register_of_Historic_Places "National Register of Historic Places") in 1979.

In 1939, Florida was described as "still very largely an empty State."[\[61\]](#cite_note-62) Subsequently, the growing availability of [air conditioning](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_conditioning "Air conditioning"), the climate, and a low cost of living made the state a haven. Migration from the [Rust Belt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rust_Belt "Rust Belt") and the Northeast sharply increased Florida's population after 1945.\[_[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed "Wikipedia:Citation needed")_\]

In the 1960s, many refugees from [Cuba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba "Cuba"), fleeing [Fidel Castro](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fidel_Castro "Fidel Castro")'s communist regime, arrived in Miami at the [Freedom Tower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freedom_Tower_\(Miami\) "Freedom Tower (Miami)"), where the federal government used the facility to process, document and provide medical and dental services for the newcomers. As a result, the Freedom Tower was also called the "Ellis Island of the South".[\[62\]](#cite_note-63) In recent decades, more migrants have come for the jobs in a developing economy.

### 21st century

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Cinderella_Castle.jpg/220px-Cinderella_Castle.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cinderella_Castle.jpg)

[Walt Disney World](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_World "Walt Disney World") opened on October 1, 1971, near the cities of [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida") and [Kissimmee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kissimmee,_Florida "Kissimmee, Florida").

With a population of more than 18 million, according to the 2010 census, Florida is the most populous state in the southeastern United States and the third-most populous in the United States.[\[63\]](#cite_note-64) The population of Florida has boomed in recent years with the state being the recipient of the largest number of out-of-state movers in the country as of 2019.[\[64\]](#cite_note-65) Florida's growth has been widespread, as cities throughout the state have continued to see population growth.[\[65\]](#cite_note-66)

In 2012, the [killing of Trayvon Martin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_of_Trayvon_Martin "Killing of Trayvon Martin"), a young black man, by [George Zimmerman](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Zimmerman "George Zimmerman") in [Sanford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanford,_Florida "Sanford, Florida") drew national attention to Florida's [stand-your-ground laws](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stand-your-ground_law "Stand-your-ground law"), and sparked African American activism, including the [Black Lives Matter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Lives_Matter "Black Lives Matter") movement.[\[66\]](#cite_note-67)

After [Hurricane Maria](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Maria "Hurricane Maria") devastated [Puerto Rico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Rico "Puerto Rico") in September 2017, a large population of Puerto Ricans began moving to Florida to escape the widespread destruction. Hundreds of thousands of Puerto Ricans arrived in Florida after Maria dissipated, with nearly half of them arriving in Orlando and large populations also moving to Tampa, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach.[\[67\]](#cite_note-68)

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/03/Pulse_fence_memorials.jpg/220px-Pulse_fence_memorials.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Pulse_fence_memorials.jpg)

Memorials to the victims of the [Orlando nightclub shooting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_nightclub_shooting "Orlando nightclub shooting") left on the fence of the Pulse nightclub in [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida") in 2016

A handful of high-profile mass shootings have occurred in Florida in the 21st century. In June 2016, a gunman [killed 49 people at a gay nightclub in Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_nightclub_shooting "Orlando nightclub shooting"). It is the deadliest incident in the [history of violence against LGBT people in the United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_violence_against_LGBT_people_in_the_United_States "History of violence against LGBT people in the United States"), as well as the deadliest terrorist attack in the U.S. since the [September 11 attacks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/September_11_attacks "September 11 attacks") in 2001, and it was the deadliest [mass shooting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mass_shootings_in_the_United_States "Mass shootings in the United States") by a single gunman in U.S. history until the [2017 Las Vegas shooting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2017_Las_Vegas_shooting "2017 Las Vegas shooting"). In February 2018, 17 people were killed in a [school shooting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoneman_Douglas_High_School_shooting "Stoneman Douglas High School shooting") at [Stoneman Douglas High School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stoneman_Douglas_High_School "Stoneman Douglas High School") in [Parkland, Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkland,_Florida "Parkland, Florida"), leading to new gun control regulations at both the state and federal level.[\[68\]](#cite_note-69)

On June 24, 2021, a condominium in [Surfside, Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfside,_Florida "Surfside, Florida"), near [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami") [collapsed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surfside_condominium_building_collapse "Surfside condominium building collapse"), killing at least 97 people.[\[69\]](#cite_note-70) The Surfside collapse is tied with the [Knickerbocker Theatre collapse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Knickerbocker_Theatre_\(Washington,_D.C.\) "Knickerbocker Theatre (Washington, D.C.)") as the [third-deadliest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_accidents_and_disasters_by_death_toll#Structural_collapses "List of accidents and disasters by death toll") [structural engineering failure](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_structural_failures_and_collapses "List of structural failures and collapses") in United States history, behind the [Hyatt Regency walkway collapse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyatt_Regency_walkway_collapse "Hyatt Regency walkway collapse") and the [collapse of the Pemberton Mill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pemberton_Mill "Pemberton Mill").[\[70\]](#cite_note-71)[\[71\]](#cite_note-72)

## Geography

Much of Florida is on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean and the [Straits of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Straits_of_Florida "Straits of Florida"). Spanning two [time zones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time_zone "Time zone"), it extends to the northwest into a [panhandle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salient_\(geography\) "Salient (geography)"), extending along the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is bordered on the north by [Georgia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Georgia_\(U.S._state\) "Georgia (U.S. state)") and [Alabama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alabama "Alabama"), and on the west, at the end of the panhandle, by Alabama. It is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Florida also is the southernmost of the 48 contiguous states, [Hawaii](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hawaii "Hawaii") being the only one of the fifty states reaching farther south. Florida is west of the [Bahamas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bahamas "The Bahamas") and 90 miles (140 km) north of [Cuba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba "Cuba"). Florida is one of the largest states east of the [Mississippi River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mississippi_River "Mississippi River"), and only [Alaska](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska "Alaska") and [Michigan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan "Michigan") are larger in water area. The water boundary is 3 nautical miles (3.5 mi; 5.6 km) offshore in the Atlantic Ocean[\[72\]](#cite_note-NOAA-73) and 9 nautical miles (10 mi; 17 km) offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.[\[72\]](#cite_note-NOAA-73)

At 345 feet (105 m) [above mean sea level](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Above_mean_sea_level "Above mean sea level"), [Britton Hill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Britton_Hill "Britton Hill") is the [highest point](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_elevation "List of U.S. states and territories by elevation") in Florida and the lowest highpoint of any U.S. state.[\[73\]](#cite_note-74) Much of the state south of [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida") lies at a lower elevation than northern Florida, and is fairly level. Much of the state is at or near sea level. Some places, such as [Clearwater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clearwater,_Florida "Clearwater, Florida") have [promontories](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promontory "Promontory") that rise 50 to 100 ft (15 to 30 m) above the water. Much of Central and North Florida, typically 25 mi (40 km) or more away from the coastline, have rolling hills with elevations ranging from 100 to 250 ft (30 to 76 m). The highest point in peninsular Florida (east and south of the [Suwannee River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suwannee_River "Suwannee River")), [Sugarloaf Mountain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sugarloaf_Mountain_\(Florida\) "Sugarloaf Mountain (Florida)"), is a 312-foot (95 m) peak in [Lake County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_County,_Florida "Lake County, Florida").[\[74\]](#cite_note-75) On average, Florida is the flattest state in the United States.[\[75\]](#cite_note-76)

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/Florida_topographic_map-en.svg/220px-Florida_topographic_map-en.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Florida_topographic_map-en.svg)

Florida is mostly low-lying and flat as this topographic map shows.

[Lake Okeechobee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Okeechobee "Lake Okeechobee"), the largest lake in Florida, is the [tenth-largest natural freshwater lake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_largest_lakes_of_the_United_States_by_area "List of largest lakes of the United States by area") among the 50 states of the United States and the second-largest natural freshwater lake contained entirely within the [contiguous 48 states](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Contiguous_United_States "Contiguous United States"), after [Lake Michigan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Michigan "Lake Michigan").[\[76\]](#cite_note-77) The longest river within Florida is the St. Johns River, at 310 miles (500 km) long. The drop in elevation from its headwaters South Florida to its mouth in Jacksonville is less than 30 feet (9.1 m).

### Climate

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Spalmetto2.JPG/220px-Spalmetto2.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Spalmetto2.JPG)

The state tree, [Sabal palmetto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabal_palmetto "Sabal palmetto"), flourishes in Florida's overall warm climate.

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_USA_Florida_1991%E2%80%932020.svg/220px-Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_USA_Florida_1991%E2%80%932020.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Koppen-Geiger_Map_v2_USA_Florida_1991%E2%80%932020.svg)

[Köppen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%B6ppen_climate_classification "Köppen climate classification") map of climate zones in Florida.

The climate of Florida is tempered somewhat by the fact that no part of the state is distant from the ocean. North of [Lake Okeechobee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Okeechobee "Lake Okeechobee"), the prevalent climate is [humid subtropical](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Humid_subtropical_climate "Humid subtropical climate") ([Köppen](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%B6ppen_climate_classification "Köppen climate classification"): _Cfa_), while areas south of the lake (including the [Florida Keys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Keys "Florida Keys")) have a true [tropical climate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_climate "Tropical climate") (Köppen: _Aw_, _Am_, and _Af_).[\[77\]](#cite_note-78) Mean high temperatures for late July are primarily in the low 90s Fahrenheit (32–34 °C). Mean low temperatures for early to mid-January range from the low 40s Fahrenheit (4–7 °C) in north Florida to above 60 °F (16 °C) from Miami on southward. With an average daily temperature of 70.7 °F (21.5 °C), it is the warmest state in the U.S.[\[78\]](#cite_note-79)[\[79\]](#cite_note-80)

In the summer, high temperatures in the state rarely exceed 100 °F (37.8 °C). Several record cold maxima have been in the 30s °F (−1 to 4 °C) and record lows have been in the 10s (−12 to −7 °C). These temperatures normally extend at most a few days at a time in the northern and central parts of Florida. South Florida rarely dips below freezing.[\[80\]](#cite_note-81) The hottest temperature ever recorded in Florida was 109 °F (43 °C), which was set on June 29, 1931, in [Monticello](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monticello,_Florida "Monticello, Florida"). The coldest temperature was −2 °F (−19 °C), on February 13, 1899, just 25 miles (40 km) away, in Tallahassee.[\[81\]](#cite_note-82)[\[82\]](#cite_note-83)

Due to its subtropical and tropical climate, Florida rarely receives measurable [snowfall](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_in_Florida "Snow in Florida").[\[83\]](#cite_note-84) On rare occasions, a combination of cold moisture and freezing temperatures can result in snowfall in the farthest northern regions like [Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville "Jacksonville"), [Gainesville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainesville,_Florida "Gainesville, Florida") or [Pensacola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pensacola "Pensacola"). [Frost](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frost "Frost"), which is more common than [snow](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow "Snow"), sometimes occurs in the panhandle.[\[84\]](#cite_note-85) The USDA Plant [hardiness zones](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hardiness_zone "Hardiness zone") for the state range from zone 8a (no colder than 10 °F or −12 °C) in the inland western [panhandle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_panhandle "Florida panhandle") to zone 11b (no colder than 45 °F or 7 °C) in the lower [Florida Keys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Keys "Florida Keys").[\[85\]](#cite_note-86) [Fog](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fog "Fog") also occurs all over the state or climate of Florida.[\[86\]](#cite_note-87)

Average high and low temperatures for various Florida cities

**°F**

**Jan**

**Feb**

**Mar**

**Apr**

**May**

**Jun**

**Jul**

**Aug**

**Sep**

**Oct**

**Nov**

**Dec**

[Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville,_Florida "Jacksonville, Florida")[\[87\]](#cite_note-88)

65/42

68/45

74/50

79/55

86/63

90/70

92/73

91/73

87/69

80/61

74/51

67/44

[Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami")[\[88\]](#cite_note-89)

76/60

78/62

80/65

83/68

87/73

89/76

91/77

91/77

89/76

86/73

82/68

78/63

[Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida")[\[89\]](#cite_note-90)

71/49

74/52

78/56

83/60

88/66

91/72

92/74

92/74

90/73

85/66

78/59

73/52

[Pensacola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pensacola,_Florida "Pensacola, Florida")[\[90\]](#cite_note-pnsweather-91)

61/43

64/46

70/51

76/58

84/66

89/72

90/74

90/74

87/70

80/60

70/50

63/45

[Tallahassee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallahassee,_Florida "Tallahassee, Florida")[\[91\]](#cite_note-92)

64/39

68/42

74/47

80/52

87/62

91/70

92/72

92/72

89/68

82/57

73/48

66/41

[Tampa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa,_Florida "Tampa, Florida")[\[92\]](#cite_note-93)

70/51

73/54

77/58

81/62

88/69

90/74

90/75

91/76

89/74

85/67

78/60

72/54

**°C**

**Jan**

**Feb**

**Mar**

**Apr**

**May**

**Jun**

**Jul**

**Aug**

**Sep**

**Oct**

**Nov**

**Dec**

[Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville,_Florida "Jacksonville, Florida")

18/6

20/7

23/10

26/13

30/17

32/21

33/23

33/23

31/21

27/16

23/11

19/7

[Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami")

24/16

26/17

27/18

28/20

31/23

32/24

33/25

33/25

32/24

30/23

28/20

26/17

[Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida")

22/9

23/11

26/13

28/16

31/19

33/22

33/23

33/23

32/23

29/19

26/15

23/11

[Pensacola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pensacola,_Florida "Pensacola, Florida")

16/6

18/8

21/11

24/14

29/19

32/22

32/23

32/23

31/21

27/16

21/10

17/7

[Tallahassee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallahassee,_Florida "Tallahassee, Florida")

18/4

20/6

23/8

27/11

31/17

33/21

33/22

33/22

32/20

28/14

23/9

19/5

[Tampa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa,_Florida "Tampa, Florida")

21/11

23/12

25/14

27/17

31/21

32/23

32/24

33/24

32/23

29/19

26/16

22/12

Florida's nickname is the "Sunshine State", but severe weather is a common occurrence in the state. Central Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, as it experiences more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the country.[\[93\]](#cite_note-94) Florida has one of the highest average precipitation levels of any state,[\[94\]](#cite_note-95) in large part because afternoon thunderstorms are common in much of the state from late spring until early autumn.[\[95\]](#cite_note-96) A narrow eastern part of the state including Orlando and Jacksonville receives between 2,400 and 2,800 hours of sunshine annually. The rest of the state, including Miami, receives between 2,800 and 3,200 hours annually.[\[96\]](#cite_note-97)

Florida leads the United States in tornadoes per area (when including [waterspouts](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waterspout "Waterspout")),[\[97\]](#cite_note-98) but they do not typically reach the intensity of those in the [Midwest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midwest "Midwest") and [Great Plains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Plains "Great Plains"). [Hail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hail "Hail") often accompanies the most severe thunderstorms.[\[98\]](#cite_note-99)

[Hurricanes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_cyclone "Tropical cyclone") pose a severe threat each year from June 1 to November 30, particularly from August to October. Florida is the most hurricane-prone state, with subtropical or tropical water on a lengthy coastline. Of the [category 4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category_4_typhoon "Category 4 typhoon") or higher storms that have struck the United States, 83% have either hit Florida or Texas.[\[99\]](#cite_note-fltoday_fact-100)

From 1851 to 2006, Florida was struck by 114 hurricanes, 37 of them major—[category 3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saffir%E2%80%93Simpson_scale "Saffir–Simpson scale") and above.[\[99\]](#cite_note-fltoday_fact-100) It is rare for a hurricane season to pass without any impact in the state by at least a tropical storm.[\[100\]](#cite_note-101)

In 1992, Florida was the site of what was then the costliest weather disaster in U.S. history, [Hurricane Andrew](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Andrew "Hurricane Andrew"), which caused more than $25 billion in damages when it struck during August; it held that distinction until 2005, when [Hurricane Katrina](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurricane_Katrina "Hurricane Katrina") surpassed it, and it has since been surpassed by six other hurricanes. Andrew is the second-costliest hurricane in Florida's history.[\[101\]](#cite_note-102)

### Fauna

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/Anhingatrailalligator.png/220px-Anhingatrailalligator.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Anhingatrailalligator.png)

An [alligator](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_alligator "American alligator") in the [Everglades](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everglades "Everglades")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/99/Manatee_with_calf.PD_-_colour_corrected.jpg/220px-Manatee_with_calf.PD_-_colour_corrected.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Manatee_with_calf.PD_-_colour_corrected.jpg)

[West Indian manatee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Indian_manatee "West Indian manatee")

Florida is host to many types of wildlife, including:

-   Marine mammals: [bottlenose dolphin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_bottlenose_dolphin "Common bottlenose dolphin"), [short-finned pilot whale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Short-finned_pilot_whale "Short-finned pilot whale"), [North Atlantic right whale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Atlantic_right_whale "North Atlantic right whale"), [West Indian manatee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Indian_manatee "West Indian manatee")
-   Mammals: [Florida panther](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_panther "Florida panther"), [northern river otter](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_river_otter "Northern river otter"), [mink](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mink "Mink"), [eastern cottontail rabbit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastern_cottontail_rabbit "Eastern cottontail rabbit"), [marsh rabbit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsh_rabbit "Marsh rabbit"), raccoon, striped skunk, squirrel, [white-tailed deer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-tailed_deer "White-tailed deer"), [Key deer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_deer "Key deer"), bobcats, [red fox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_fox "Red fox"), [gray fox](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gray_fox "Gray fox"), coyote, wild boar, [Florida black bear](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_black_bear "Florida black bear"), [nine-banded armadillos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nine-banded_armadillo "Nine-banded armadillo"), [Virginia opossum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virginia_opossum "Virginia opossum")
-   Reptiles: [eastern diamondback](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crotalus_adamanteus "Crotalus adamanteus") and [pygmy rattlesnakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sistrurus_miliarius_barbouri "Sistrurus miliarius barbouri"), [gopher tortoise](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopherus_polyphemus "Gopherus polyphemus"), [green](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_turtle "Green turtle") and [leatherback sea turtles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leatherback_sea_turtle "Leatherback sea turtle"),[\[102\]](#cite_note-103) [brown anoles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_anole "Brown anole"), and [eastern indigo snake](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drymarchon "Drymarchon"). In 2012, there were about one million [American alligators](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_alligator "American alligator") and 1,500 [crocodiles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_crocodile "American crocodile").[\[103\]](#cite_note-104)
-   Birds: [peregrine falcon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peregrine_falcon "Peregrine falcon"),[\[104\]](#cite_note-105) [bald eagle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bald_eagle "Bald eagle"), [American flamingo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_flamingo "American flamingo"),[\[105\]](#cite_note-106) [crested caracara](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crested_caracara "Crested caracara"), [snail kite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snail_kite "Snail kite"), [osprey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osprey "Osprey"), [white](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_white_pelican "American white pelican") and [brown pelicans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brown_pelican "Brown pelican"), [sea gulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Larus "Larus"), [whooping](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whooping_crane "Whooping crane") and [sandhill cranes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandhill_crane "Sandhill crane"), [roseate spoonbill](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roseate_spoonbill "Roseate spoonbill"), [American white ibis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_white_ibis "American white ibis"), [Florida scrub jay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_scrub_jay "Florida scrub jay") (state [endemic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Endemism "Endemism")), and others. One subspecies of wild turkey, _[Meleagris gallopavo osceola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meleagris_gallopavo_osceola "Meleagris gallopavo osceola")_, is found only in Florida.[\[106\]](#cite_note-107) The state is a wintering location for many species of eastern North American birds.

As a result of [climate change](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Climate_change "Climate change"), there have been small numbers of several new species normally native to cooler areas to the north: [snowy owls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snowy_owl "Snowy owl"), [snow buntings](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snow_bunting "Snow bunting"), [harlequin ducks](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harlequin_duck "Harlequin duck"), and [razorbills](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Razorbill "Razorbill"). These have been seen in the northern part of the state.[\[107\]](#cite_note-ft140107-108)

-   Invertebrates: [carpenter ants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpenter_ants "Carpenter ants"), termites, [American cockroach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_cockroach "American cockroach"), [Africanized bees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Africanized_bee "Africanized bee"), the [Miami blue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_blue "Miami blue") butterfly, and the [grizzled mantis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonatista_grisea "Gonatista grisea").

Florida also has more than 1,500 nonnative animal species.[\[108\]](#cite_note-109) Some exotic species living in Florida include the [Burmese python](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burmese_python "Burmese python"), [green iguana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_iguana "Green iguana"), [veiled chameleon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veiled_chameleon "Veiled chameleon"), [Argentine black and white tegu](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Argentine_black_and_white_tegu "Argentine black and white tegu"), [peacock bass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peacock_bass "Peacock bass"), [Mayan cichlid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayan_cichlid "Mayan cichlid"), [lionfish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lionfish "Lionfish"), [white-nosed coati](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White-nosed_coati "White-nosed coati"), [rhesus macaque](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhesus_macaque "Rhesus macaque"), [vervet monkey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vervet_monkey "Vervet monkey"), [Cuban tree frog](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_tree_frog "Cuban tree frog"), [cane toad](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cane_toad "Cane toad"), [Indian peafowl](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_peafowl "Indian peafowl"), [monk parakeet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monk_parakeet "Monk parakeet") and [tui parakeet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tui_parakeet "Tui parakeet"). Some of these nonnative species do not pose a threat to any native species, but some do threaten the native species of Florida by living in the state and eating them.[\[109\]](#cite_note-110)

### Flora

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/16/Red_mangrove-everglades_natl_park.jpg/220px-Red_mangrove-everglades_natl_park.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Red_mangrove-everglades_natl_park.jpg)

Red mangroves in [Everglades National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everglades_National_Park "Everglades National Park")

The state has more than 26,000 square miles (67,000 km2) of forests, covering about half of the state's land area.[\[110\]](#cite_note-111)

There are about 3,000 types of [wildflowers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildflower "Wildflower") in Florida.[\[111\]](#cite_note-112) This is the third-most diverse state in the union, behind [California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California "California") and [Texas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas "Texas"), both larger states.[\[112\]](#cite_note-113) In Florida, wild populations of coconut palms extend up the East Coast from Key West to [Jupiter Inlet](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter_Inlet "Jupiter Inlet"), and up the West Coast from [Marco Island](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marco_Island "Marco Island") to [Sarasota](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarasota "Sarasota"). Many of the smallest coral islands in the [Florida Keys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Keys "Florida Keys") are known to have abundant coconut palms sprouting from coconuts deposited by ocean currents. Coconut palms are cultivated north of south Florida to roughly Cocoa Beach on the East Coast and the Tampa Bay area on the West Coast.[\[113\]](#cite_note-114)

On the east coast of the state, [mangroves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mangroves "Mangroves") have normally dominated the coast from [Cocoa Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cocoa_Beach,_Florida "Cocoa Beach, Florida") southward; [salt marshes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salt_marsh "Salt marsh") from [St. Augustine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida "St. Augustine, Florida") northward. From St. Augustine south to Cocoa Beach, the coast fluctuates between the two, depending on the annual weather conditions.[\[107\]](#cite_note-ft140107-108) All three mangrove species flower in the spring and early summer. [Propagules](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Propagule "Propagule") are produced from late summer through early autumn.[\[114\]](#cite_note-115) Florida mangrove plant communities covered an estimated 430,000 to 540,000 acres (1,700 to 2,200 km2) in Florida in 1981. Ninety percent of the Florida mangroves are in southern Florida, in [Collier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collier_County,_Florida "Collier County, Florida"), [Lee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_County,_Florida "Lee County, Florida"), [Miami-Dade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami-Dade_County,_Florida "Miami-Dade County, Florida") and [Monroe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monroe_County,_Florida "Monroe County, Florida") counties.

### Reef

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Fish_and_corals_in_John_Pennekamp_Marine_Park_%282351507031%29.jpg/220px-Fish_and_corals_in_John_Pennekamp_Marine_Park_%282351507031%29.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Fish_and_corals_in_John_Pennekamp_Marine_Park_\(2351507031\).jpg)

Fish and corals in [John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Pennekamp_Coral_Reef_State_Park "John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park") near [Key Largo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_Largo "Key Largo")

The Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.[\[115\]](#cite_note-116) It is also the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world, after the [Great Barrier Reef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Barrier_Reef "Great Barrier Reef") and the [Belize Barrier Reef](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belize_Barrier_Reef "Belize Barrier Reef").[\[116\]](#cite_note-117) The reef lies a little bit off of the coast of the Florida Keys. A lot of the reef lies within [John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Pennekamp_Coral_Reef_State_Park "John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park"), which was the first [underwater park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Underwater_park "Underwater park") in the United States.[\[117\]](#cite_note-118) The park contains a lot of tropical vegetation, marine life, and seabirds. The Florida Reef extends into other parks and sanctuaries as well including [Dry Tortugas National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dry_Tortugas_National_Park "Dry Tortugas National Park"), [Biscayne National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biscayne_National_Park "Biscayne National Park"), and the [Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Keys_National_Marine_Sanctuary "Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary"). Almost 1,400 species of marine plants and animals, including more than 40 species of [stony corals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stony_corals "Stony corals") and 500 species of fish, live on the Florida Reef.[\[118\]](#cite_note-119) The Florida Reef, being a delicate ecosystem like other coral reefs, faces many threats including [overfishing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Overfishing "Overfishing"), plastics in the ocean, [coral bleaching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_bleaching "Coral bleaching"), rising sea levels, and changes in [sea surface temperature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_surface_temperature "Sea surface temperature").

### Environmental issues

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/Florida_flamingos.jpg/220px-Florida_flamingos.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Florida_flamingos.jpg)

American flamingos in [South Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Florida "South Florida")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3e/Gator_and_Python.jpg/220px-Gator_and_Python.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Gator_and_Python.jpg)

An [American alligator](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_alligator "American alligator") and an invasive [Burmese python](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burmese_python "Burmese python") in [Everglades National Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everglades_National_Park "Everglades National Park")

Florida is a low per capita energy user.[\[119\]](#cite_note-Energy_Consumption_by_Source_and_Total_Consumption_per_Capita,_Ranked_by_State,_2004-120) As of 2008, it is estimated that approximately 4% of energy in the state is generated through renewable resources.[\[120\]](#cite_note-DoE-profile-121) Florida's energy production is 6% of the U.S. total energy output, while total production of pollutants is lower, with figures of 6% for [nitrogen oxide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitrogen_oxide "Nitrogen oxide"), 5% for [carbon dioxide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbon_dioxide "Carbon dioxide"), and 4% for [sulfur dioxide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sulfur_dioxide "Sulfur dioxide").[\[120\]](#cite_note-DoE-profile-121) Wildfires in Florida occur at all times of the year.[\[121\]](#cite_note-122)

All potable water resources have been controlled by the state government through five regional water authorities since 1972.[\[122\]](#cite_note-123)

[Red tide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_tide "Red tide") has been an issue on the southwest coast of Florida, as well as other areas. While there has been a great deal of conjecture over the cause of the toxic algae bloom, there is no evidence that it is being caused by pollution or that there has been an increase in the duration or frequency of red tides.[\[123\]](#cite_note-Tide's_toxins_trouble_lungs_ashore-124) Red tide is now killing off wildlife or [Tropical fish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tropical_fish "Tropical fish") and coral reefs putting all in danger.[\[124\]](#cite_note-125)

The [Florida panther](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_panther "Florida panther") is close to extinction. A record 23 were killed in 2009, mainly by automobile collisions, leaving about 100 individuals in the wild. The [Center for Biological Diversity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_for_Biological_Diversity "Center for Biological Diversity") and others have therefore called for a special [protected area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protected_area "Protected area") for the panther to be established.[\[125\]](#cite_note-Record_number_of_panthers_killed_by_vehicles_in_2009-126) [Manatees](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Indian_manatee "West Indian manatee") are also dying at a rate higher than their reproduction.[\[126\]](#cite_note-127) [American flamingos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_flamingos "American flamingos") are rare to see in Florida due to being hunted in the 1900s, where it was to a point considered completely extirpated. Now the flamingos are reproducing toward making a comeback to [South Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Florida "South Florida") since it is adamantly considered native to the state and also are now being protected.[\[127\]](#cite_note-128)[\[128\]](#cite_note-129)

Much of Florida has an elevation of less than 12 feet (3.7 m), including many populated areas. Therefore, it is susceptible to [rising sea levels](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_sea_level_rise "Current sea level rise") associated with [global warming](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming "Global warming").[\[129\]](#cite_note-130) The Atlantic beaches that are vital to the state's economy are being washed out to sea due to rising sea levels caused by climate change. The Miami Beach area, close to the continental shelf, is running out of accessible offshore sand reserves.[\[130\]](#cite_note-131) Elevated temperatures can damage coral reefs, causing [coral bleaching](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_bleaching "Coral bleaching"). The first recorded bleaching incident on the Florida Reef was in 1973. Incidents of bleaching have become more frequent in recent decades, in correlation with a rise in [sea surface temperatures](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sea_surface_temperature "Sea surface temperature"). [White band disease](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_band_disease "White band disease") has also adversely affected corals on the Florida Reef.[\[131\]](#cite_note-132)

### Geology

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/90/Floridakeys-nasa.jpg/220px-Floridakeys-nasa.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Floridakeys-nasa.jpg)

The [Florida Keys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Keys "Florida Keys") as seen from a satellite, in December 2003[\[132\]](#cite_note-133)

The Florida peninsula is a porous [plateau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plateau "Plateau") of [karst](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karst "Karst") [limestone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Limestone "Limestone") sitting atop [bedrock](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedrock "Bedrock"), known as the [Florida Platform](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Platform "Florida Platform").

The largest deposits of [potash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Potash "Potash") in the United States are found in Florida.[\[133\]](#cite_note-Industry_overview-134) The largest deposits of [rock phosphate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phosphorite "Phosphorite") in the country are found in Florida.[\[133\]](#cite_note-Industry_overview-134) Most of this is in [Bone Valley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_Valley "Bone Valley").[\[134\]](#cite_note-135)

Extended systems of underwater [caves](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cave "Cave"), [sinkholes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinkholes "Sinkholes") and [springs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_\(hydrosphere\) "Spring (hydrosphere)") are found throughout the state and supply most of the water used by residents.[\[135\]](#cite_note-136) The limestone is topped with [sandy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sand "Sand") soils deposited as ancient beaches over millions of years as global sea levels rose and fell. During the [last glacial period](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Last_glacial_period "Last glacial period"), lower sea levels and a drier climate revealed a much wider peninsula, largely [savanna](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temperate_grasslands,_savannas,_and_shrublands "Temperate grasslands, savannas, and shrublands").[\[136\]](#cite_note-Florida's_Geological_History-137) While there are sinkholes in much of the state, modern sinkholes have tended to be in West-[Central Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Florida "Central Florida").[\[137\]](#cite_note-138)[\[138\]](#cite_note-139) Everglades National Park covers 1,509,000 acres (6,110 km2), throughout [Dade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami-Dade_County,_Florida "Miami-Dade County, Florida"), [Monroe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monroe_County,_Florida "Monroe County, Florida"), and [Collier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collier_County,_Florida "Collier County, Florida") counties in Florida.[\[139\]](#cite_note-140) The [Everglades](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Everglades "Everglades"), an enormously wide, slow-flowing river encompasses the southern tip of the peninsula. Sinkhole damage claims on property in the state exceeded a total of $2 billion from 2006 through 2010.[\[140\]](#cite_note-141) [Winter Park Sinkhole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winter_Park,_Florida#The_Winter_Park_Sinkhole "Winter Park, Florida"), in central Florida, appeared May 8, 1981. It was approximately 350 feet (107 m) wide and 75 feet (23 m) deep. It was one of the largest recent sinkholes to form in the United States. It is now known as Lake Rose.[\[141\]](#cite_note-142) The [Econlockhatchee River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Econlockhatchee_River "Econlockhatchee River") (Econ River for short) is an 54.5-mile-long (87.7 km)[\[142\]](#cite_note-143) north-flowing [blackwater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blackwater_river "Blackwater river") tributary of the [St. Johns River](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Johns_River "St. Johns River"), the longest river in the [U.S. state](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._state "U.S. state") of Florida. The Econ River flows through [Osceola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osceola_County,_Florida "Osceola County, Florida"), [Orange](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_County,_Florida "Orange County, Florida"), and [Seminole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminole_County,_Florida "Seminole County, Florida") counties in [Central Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Florida "Central Florida"), just east of the [Orlando Metropolitan Area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Metropolitan_Area "Orlando Metropolitan Area") (east of [State Road 417](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_State_Road_417 "Florida State Road 417")). It is a designated [Outstanding Florida Waters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outstanding_Florida_Waters "Outstanding Florida Waters").[\[143\]](#cite_note-144)

Earthquakes are rare because Florida is not located near any [tectonic plate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plate_tectonics "Plate tectonics") boundaries.[\[144\]](#cite_note-145)

### Regions

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Florida_counties.jpg/220px-Florida_counties.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Florida_counties.jpg)

The 67 counties in Florida

-   **[Florida Panhandle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Panhandle "Florida Panhandle")**
    -   [Emerald Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emerald_Coast "Emerald Coast")
    -   [Forgotten Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forgotten_Coast "Forgotten Coast")
    -   [North Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Florida "North Florida")
    -   [Pensacola metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pensacola_metropolitan_area "Pensacola metropolitan area")
    -   [Tallahassee metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallahassee_metropolitan_area "Tallahassee metropolitan area")
-   **[North Central Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Central_Florida "North Central Florida")**
    -   [Big Bend](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Bend_\(Florida\) "Big Bend (Florida)")
    -   [Nature Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_Coast "Nature Coast")
    -   [North Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Florida "North Florida")
    -   [Gainesville metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainesville_metropolitan_area,_Florida "Gainesville metropolitan area, Florida")
-   **[Northeast Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northeast_Florida "Northeast Florida")**
    -   [First Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_Coast "First Coast")
    -   [Jacksonville metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville_metropolitan_area "Jacksonville metropolitan area")
    -   [North Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_Florida "North Florida")
-   **[Central West Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_West_Florida "Central West Florida")**
    -   [Nature Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nature_Coast "Nature Coast")
    -   [Tampa Bay area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa_Bay_area "Tampa Bay area")
    -   [Florida Suncoast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Suncoast "Florida Suncoast")
-   **[Central Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Florida "Central Florida")**
    -   [Greater Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Orlando "Greater Orlando")
-   **Central East Florida**
    -   [Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deltona%E2%80%93Daytona_Beach%E2%80%93Ormond_Beach_metropolitan_area "Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area")
    -   [Surf Coast/Fun Coast/Halifax Area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halifax_area "Halifax area")
    -   [Space Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Coast "Space Coast")
    -   [Treasure Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasure_Coast "Treasure Coast")
-   **[Southwest Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Florida "Southwest Florida")**
    -   [Florida Heartland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Heartland "Florida Heartland")
    -   [Florida Everglades](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Everglades "Florida Everglades")
    -   [Florida Suncoast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Suncoast "Florida Suncoast")
    -   [Sarasota metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarasota_metropolitan_area "Sarasota metropolitan area")
    -   [Ten Thousand Islands](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ten_Thousand_Islands "Ten Thousand Islands")
-   **[South Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Florida "South Florida")**
    -   [Everglades](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glades_\(Florida\) "Glades (Florida)")
    -   [Gold Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gold_Coast_\(Florida\) "Gold Coast (Florida)")
    -   [Florida Keys](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Keys "Florida Keys")
    -   [Miami metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_metropolitan_area "Miami metropolitan area")

### Cities and towns

The largest [metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_area "Metropolitan area") in the state as well as the entire southeastern United States is the [Miami metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_metropolitan_area "Miami metropolitan area"), with about 6.06 million people. The [Tampa Bay area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa_Bay_area "Tampa Bay area"), with more than 3.02 million, is the second-largest; the [Orlando metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_metropolitan_area "Orlando metropolitan area"), with more than 2.44 million, is third; and the [Jacksonville metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville_metropolitan_area "Jacksonville metropolitan area"), with more than 1.47 million, is fourth.[\[145\]](#cite_note-146)

Florida has 22 [Metropolitan Statistical Areas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metropolitan_Statistical_Area "Metropolitan Statistical Area") (MSAs) defined by the [United States Office of Management and Budget](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Office_of_Management_and_Budget "United States Office of Management and Budget") (OMB). Forty-three of Florida's 67 counties are in an MSA.

The legal name in Florida for a city, town or village is "municipality". In Florida there is no legal difference between towns, villages and cities.[\[146\]](#cite_note-147)

Florida is a highly urbanized state, with 89 percent of its population living in urban areas in 2000, compared to 79 percent across the U.S.[\[147\]](#cite_note-148)

In 2012, 75% of the population lived within 10 miles (16 km) of the coastline.[\[148\]](#cite_note-149)

Largest cities or towns in Florida

Source:[\[149\]](#cite_note-150)

Rank

[Name](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_Florida "List of cities in Florida")

[County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counties_of_Florida "Counties of Florida")

Pop.

Rank

[Name](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_cities_in_Florida "List of cities in Florida")

[County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counties_of_Florida "Counties of Florida")

Pop.

[![Jacksonville](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/22/N%C3%A4chtliche_Skyline_von_Jacksonville%2C_Florida.JPG/120px-N%C3%A4chtliche_Skyline_von_Jacksonville%2C_Florida.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:N%C3%A4chtliche_Skyline_von_Jacksonville,_Florida.JPG "Jacksonville")  
[Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville,_Florida "Jacksonville, Florida")  
[![Miami](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e2/Brickell_skyline_2012.jpg/120px-Brickell_skyline_2012.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Brickell_skyline_2012.jpg "Miami")  
[Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami,_Florida "Miami, Florida")

1

[Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville,_Florida "Jacksonville, Florida")

[Duval](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duval_County,_Florida "Duval County, Florida")

949,611

11

[Pembroke Pines](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pembroke_Pines,_Florida "Pembroke Pines, Florida")

[Broward](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broward_County,_Florida "Broward County, Florida")

171,178

[![Tampa](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c4/Downtown_Tampa_Skyline.jpg/120px-Downtown_Tampa_Skyline.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Downtown_Tampa_Skyline.jpg "Tampa")  
[Tampa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa,_Florida "Tampa, Florida")  
[![Orlando](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/Lake_Eola_Park_in_Orlando_01.jpg/120px-Lake_Eola_Park_in_Orlando_01.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Lake_Eola_Park_in_Orlando_01.jpg "Orlando")  
[Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida")

2

[Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami,_Florida "Miami, Florida")

[Miami-Dade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami-Dade_County,_Florida "Miami-Dade County, Florida")

442,241

12

[Hollywood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hollywood,_Florida "Hollywood, Florida")

[Broward](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broward_County,_Florida "Broward County, Florida")

153,067

3

[Tampa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa,_Florida "Tampa, Florida")

[Hillsborough](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsborough_County,_Florida "Hillsborough County, Florida")

384,959

13

[Gainesville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainesville,_Florida "Gainesville, Florida")

[Alachua](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alachua_County,_Florida "Alachua County, Florida")

141,085

4

[Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida")

[Orange](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_County,_Florida "Orange County, Florida")

307,573

14

[Miramar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miramar,_Florida "Miramar, Florida")

[Broward](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broward_County,_Florida "Broward County, Florida")

134,721

5

[St. Petersburg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Petersburg,_Florida "St. Petersburg, Florida")

[Pinellas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinellas_County,_Florida "Pinellas County, Florida")

258,308

15

[Coral Springs](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_Springs,_Florida "Coral Springs, Florida")

[Broward](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broward_County,_Florida "Broward County, Florida")

134,394

6

[Hialeah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hialeah,_Florida "Hialeah, Florida")

[Miami-Dade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami-Dade_County,_Florida "Miami-Dade County, Florida")

223,109

16

[Palm Bay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Bay,_Florida "Palm Bay, Florida")

[Brevard](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brevard_County,_Florida "Brevard County, Florida")

119,760

7

[Port St. Lucie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_St._Lucie,_Florida "Port St. Lucie, Florida")

[St. Lucie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Lucie_County,_Florida "St. Lucie County, Florida")

204,851

17

[West Palm Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Palm_Beach,_Florida "West Palm Beach, Florida")

[Palm Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Beach_County,_Florida "Palm Beach County, Florida")

117,415

8

[Tallahassee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallahassee,_Florida "Tallahassee, Florida")

[Leon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_County,_Florida "Leon County, Florida")

196,169

18

[Clearwater](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clearwater,_Florida "Clearwater, Florida")

[Pinellas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinellas_County,_Florida "Pinellas County, Florida")

117,292

9

[Cape Coral](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cape_Coral,_Florida "Cape Coral, Florida")

[Lee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lee_County,_Florida "Lee County, Florida")

194,016

19

[Lakeland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakeland,_Florida "Lakeland, Florida")

[Polk](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polk_County,_Florida "Polk County, Florida")

112,641

10

[Fort Lauderdale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Lauderdale,_Florida "Fort Lauderdale, Florida")

[Broward](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broward_County,_Florida "Broward County, Florida")

182,760

20

[Pompano Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pompano_Beach,_Florida "Pompano Beach, Florida")

[Broward](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broward_County,_Florida "Broward County, Florida")

112,046

## Demographics

### Population

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/51/Population_Density_by_Florida_Census_Tract_-_2020_Census.png/220px-Population_Density_by_Florida_Census_Tract_-_2020_Census.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Population_Density_by_Florida_Census_Tract_-_2020_Census.png)

Population density of Florida according to the 2020 census

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/77/Cuban_American_men_playing_dominoes_in_Little_Havana_Miami%2C_Florida.jpg/220px-Cuban_American_men_playing_dominoes_in_Little_Havana_Miami%2C_Florida.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Cuban_American_men_playing_dominoes_in_Little_Havana_Miami,_Florida.jpg)

[Cuban American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_American "Cuban American") men playing dominoes in [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami")'s [Little Havana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Havana "Little Havana"). In 2010, Cubans made up 34.4% of Miami's population and 6.5% of Florida's.[\[150\]](#cite_note-151)[\[151\]](#cite_note-HisLatFlo-152)

Historical population

Census

Pop.

Note

%±

[1830](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1830_United_States_census "1830 United States census")

34,730

—

[1840](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1840_United_States_census "1840 United States census")

54,477

56.9%

[1850](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1850_United_States_census "1850 United States census")

87,445

60.5%

[1860](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1860_United_States_census "1860 United States census")

140,424

60.6%

[1870](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1870_United_States_census "1870 United States census")

187,748

33.7%

[1880](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1880_United_States_census "1880 United States census")

269,493

43.5%

[1890](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1890_United_States_census "1890 United States census")

391,422

45.2%

[1900](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1900_United_States_census "1900 United States census")

528,542

35.0%

[1910](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1910_United_States_census "1910 United States census")

752,619

42.4%

[1920](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1920_United_States_census "1920 United States census")

968,470

28.7%

[1930](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1930_United_States_census "1930 United States census")

1,468,211

51.6%

[1940](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1940_United_States_census "1940 United States census")

1,897,414

29.2%

[1950](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1950_United_States_census "1950 United States census")

2,771,305

46.1%

[1960](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1960_United_States_census "1960 United States census")

4,951,560

78.7%

[1970](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1970_United_States_census "1970 United States census")

6,789,443

37.1%

[1980](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1980_United_States_census "1980 United States census")

9,746,324

43.6%

[1990](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1990_United_States_census "1990 United States census")

12,937,926

32.7%

[2000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_United_States_census "2000 United States census")

15,982,378

23.5%

[2010](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_United_States_census "2010 United States census")

18,801,310

17.6%

[2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_United_States_census "2020 United States census")

21,538,187

14.6%

2024 (est.)

23,372,215

[\[152\]](#cite_note-153)

8.5%

Sources: 1910–2020[\[153\]](#cite_note-154)

The [U.S. Census Bureau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Census_Bureau "United States Census Bureau") estimated that the population of Florida was 21,477,737 on July 1, 2019, a 14.24% increase since the [2010 United States census](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_United_States_Census "2010 United States Census").[\[154\]](#cite_note-155) The population of Florida in the 2010 census was 18,801,310.[\[155\]](#cite_note-156) Florida was the seventh fastest-growing state in the U.S. in the 12-month period ending July 1, 2012.[\[156\]](#cite_note-157) In 2010, the [center of population](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Center_of_population "Center of population") of Florida was located between [Fort Meade](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Meade,_Florida "Fort Meade, Florida") and [Frostproof](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frostproof,_Florida "Frostproof, Florida"). The center of population has moved less than 5 miles (8 km) to the east and approximately 1 mile (1.6 km) to the north between 1980 and 2010 and has been located in [Polk County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polk_County,_Florida "Polk County, Florida") since the [1960 census](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1960_United_States_Census "1960 United States Census").[\[157\]](#cite_note-158) The population exceeded 19.7 million by December 2014, surpassing the population of the state of [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_\(state\) "New York (state)") for the first time, making Florida the third most populous state.[\[158\]](#cite_note-159)[\[159\]](#cite_note-160) The Florida population was 21,477,737 residents or people according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019 Population Estimates Program.[\[160\]](#cite_note-161) By the 2020 census, its population increased to 21,538,187.

In 2010, [undocumented immigrants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Illegal_immigration "Illegal immigration") constituted an estimated 5.7% of the population. This was the sixth highest percentage of any U.S. state.[\[161\]](#cite_note-New_Arizona_law_puts_police_in_'tenuous'_spot-162)[\[b\]](#cite_note-163) There were an estimated 675,000 illegal immigrants in the state in 2010.[\[162\]](#cite_note-164) Florida has banned [sanctuary cities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanctuary_city "Sanctuary city").[\[163\]](#cite_note-165)

The top countries of origin for Florida's immigrants were [Cuba](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuba "Cuba"), [Haiti](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haiti "Haiti"), [Colombia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colombia "Colombia"), [Mexico](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mexico "Mexico") and [Jamaica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaica "Jamaica") in 2018.[\[164\]](#cite_note-166)

According to [HUD](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Department_of_Housing_and_Urban_Development "United States Department of Housing and Urban Development")'s 2022 [Annual Homeless Assessment Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Annual_Homeless_Assessment_Report_to_Congress "Annual Homeless Assessment Report to Congress"), there were an estimated 25,959 [homeless](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homelessness "Homelessness") people in Florida.[\[165\]](#cite_note-167)[\[166\]](#cite_note-168)

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4f/Ethnic_Origins_in_Florida.png/220px-Ethnic_Origins_in_Florida.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ethnic_Origins_in_Florida.png)

Ethnic origins in Florida

**Florida racial breakdown**

Racial composition

1970[\[167\]](#cite_note-census-169)

1990[\[167\]](#cite_note-census-169)

2000[\[168\]](#cite_note-170)

2010[\[169\]](#cite_note-171)

2020[\[170\]](#cite_note-172)[\[171\]](#cite_note-173)

[Hispanic or Latino](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispanic_or_Latino_American "Hispanic or Latino American") (of any race)

6.6%

12.2%

16.8%

22.5%

26.5%

[Black or African American alone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_American "African American")

15.3%

13.6%

14.6%

16.0%

15.1%

[Asian alone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Asian_American "Asian American")

0.2%

1.2%

1.7%

2.4%

3.0%

[Native American alone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Americans_in_the_United_States "Native Americans in the United States")

0.1%

0.3%

0.3%

0.4%

0.4%

[Two or more races](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multiracial_American "Multiracial American")

—

—

2.3%

2.5%

16.5%

[White alone, not Hispanic or Latino](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Non-Hispanic_whites "Non-Hispanic whites")

77.9%

73.2%

65.4%

57.9%

51.5%

[White alone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_American "White American")

84.2%

83.1%

78.0%

75.0%

57.7%

In 2010, 6.9% of the population (1,269,765) considered themselves to be of only [American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_people "American people") ancestry (regardless of race or ethnicity).[\[172\]](#cite_note-FLdemo-174)[\[173\]](#cite_note-FLpop-175) Many of these were of English or [Scotch-Irish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scots-Irish_American "Scots-Irish American") descent, whose families have lived in the state for so long they choose to identify as having "American" ancestry or do not know their ancestry.[\[174\]](#cite_note-176)[\[175\]](#cite_note-177)[\[176\]](#cite_note-178)[\[177\]](#cite_note-179)[\[178\]](#cite_note-180)[\[179\]](#cite_note-181) In the 1980 [United States census](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_census "United States census"), the largest ancestry group reported in Florida was English with 2,232,514 Floridians claiming they were of English or mostly [English American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_American "English American") ancestry.[\[180\]](#cite_note-182) Some of their ancestry dated to the original [Thirteen Colonies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thirteen_Colonies "Thirteen Colonies").

As of 2010, those of (non-Hispanic white) European ancestry accounted for 57.9% of Florida's population. Out of the 57.9%, the largest groups were 12.0% [German](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germans "Germans") (2,212,391), 10.7% [Irish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_people "Irish people") (1,979,058), 8.8% English (1,629,832), 6.6% [Italian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italians "Italians") (1,215,242), 2.8% [Polish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_people "Polish people") (511,229), and 2.7% [French](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_people "French people") (504,641).[\[172\]](#cite_note-FLdemo-174)[\[173\]](#cite_note-FLpop-175) [White Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_American "White American") of all European backgrounds are present in all areas of the state. In 1970, non-Hispanic whites constituted nearly 80% of Florida's population.[\[167\]](#cite_note-census-169) Those of [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_American "English American") and [Irish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_American "Irish American") ancestry are present in large numbers in all the urban/suburban areas across the state. Some native white Floridians, especially those who have descended from long-time Florida families, may refer to themselves as "[Florida crackers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_cracker "Florida cracker")"; others see the term as a derogatory one. Like whites in most other states of the southern U.S., they descend mainly from English and [Scots-Irish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scots-Irish_American "Scots-Irish American") settlers, as well as some other [British American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_American "British American") settlers.[\[181\]](#cite_note-183)

As of 2010, those of Hispanic or Latino ancestry accounted for 22.5% (4,223,806) of Florida's population. Out of the 22.5%, the largest groups were 6.5% (1,213,438) [Cuban](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_Americans "Cuban Americans"), and 4.5% (847,550) [Puerto Rican](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stateside_Puerto_Ricans "Stateside Puerto Ricans").[\[151\]](#cite_note-HisLatFlo-152) Florida's [Hispanic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispanics_in_the_United_States "Hispanics in the United States") population includes large communities of [Cuban Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuban_Americans "Cuban Americans") in Miami and Tampa, [Puerto Ricans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puerto_Ricans_in_the_United_States "Puerto Ricans in the United States") in Orlando and Tampa, and Mexican/Central American migrant workers. The Hispanic community continues to grow more affluent and mobile. Florida has a large and diverse Hispanic population, with Cubans and Puerto Ricans being the largest groups in the state. Nearly 80% of Cuban Americans live in Florida, especially South Florida where there is a long-standing and affluent Cuban community.[\[182\]](#cite_note-184) Florida has the second-largest Puerto Rican population after New York, as well as the fastest-growing in the U.S.[\[183\]](#cite_note-185) Puerto Ricans are more widespread throughout the state, though the heaviest concentrations are in the Orlando area of Central Florida.[\[184\]](#cite_note-186) Florida has one of the largest and most diverse Hispanic/Latino populations in the country, especially in [South Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Florida "South Florida") around Miami, and to a lesser degree Central Florida. Aside from the dominant Cuban and Puerto Rican populations, there are also large populations of Mexicans, Colombians, Venezuelans and Dominicans, among numerous other groups, as most Latino groups have sizable numbers in the state.

As of 2010, those of African ancestry accounted for 16.0% of Florida's population, which includes [African Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_American "African American"). Out of the 16.0%, 4.0% (741,879) were [West Indian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Indian "West Indian") or [Afro-Caribbean American](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afro-Caribbean_American "Afro-Caribbean American").[\[172\]](#cite_note-FLdemo-174)[\[173\]](#cite_note-FLpop-175)[\[151\]](#cite_note-HisLatFlo-152) During the early 1900s, [black people](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_people "Black people") made up nearly half of the state's population.[\[185\]](#cite_note-1870census-187) In response to segregation, disfranchisement and agricultural depression, many African Americans migrated from Florida to northern cities in the [Great Migration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Migration_\(African_American\) "Great Migration (African American)"), in waves from 1910 to 1940, and again starting in the later 1940s. They moved for jobs, better education for their children and the chance to vote and participate in society. By 1960, the proportion of African Americans in the state had declined to 18%.[\[186\]](#cite_note-Historical_Census_Browser:_1960_US_Census-188) Conversely, large numbers of northern [whites](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_people "White people") moved to the state.[\[187\]](#cite_note-189) Today, large concentrations of black residents can be found throughout Florida. Aside from blacks descended from African slaves brought to the southern U.S., there are also large numbers of blacks of [West Indian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Indian_American "West Indian American"), [recent African](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/African_immigration_to_the_United_States "African immigration to the United States"), and [Afro-Latino](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black_Hispanic_and_Latino_Americans "Black Hispanic and Latino Americans") immigrant origins, especially in the Miami/South Florida area.[\[188\]](#cite_note-190) Florida has the largest West Indian population of any state, originating from many Caribbean countries, with [Haitian Americans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitian_Americans "Haitian Americans") being the most numerous.

In 2016, Florida had the highest percentage of West Indians in the United States at 4.5%, with 2.3% (483,874) from [Haitian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitians "Haitians") ancestry, 1.5% (303,527) [Jamaican](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamaicans "Jamaicans"), and 0.2% (31,966) [Bahamian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahamians "Bahamians"), with the other West Indian groups making up the rest.[\[189\]](#cite_note-191)

As of 2010, those of Asian ancestry accounted for 2.4% of Florida's population.[\[172\]](#cite_note-FLdemo-174)[\[173\]](#cite_note-FLpop-175)

As of 2011, Florida contains the highest percentage of people over 65 (17.3%) in the U.S.[\[190\]](#cite_note-192) There were 186,102 military retirees living in the state in 2008.[\[191\]](#cite_note-Retired_Military_Personnel-193) About two-thirds of the population was born in another state, the second-highest in the U.S.[\[192\]](#cite_note-194)

In 2020, [Hispanic and Latinos](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispanic_and_Latino "Hispanic and Latino") of any race(s) made up 26.5% of the population, while [Native Hawaiians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Native_Hawaiian "Native Hawaiian") [and Pacific Islanders](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_Islander "Pacific Islander") made up 0.1% of all Broward County residents.[\[193\]](#cite_note-195)

### Languages

In 1988, English was affirmed as the state's [official language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Official_language "Official language") in the [Florida Constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Constitution "Florida Constitution"). [Spanish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_language "Spanish language") is also widely spoken, especially as immigration has continued from Latin America.[\[194\]](#cite_note-196) About 20% percent of the population speaks [Spanish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_language "Spanish language") as their first language, while 27% speaks a [mother language](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mother_language "Mother language") other than English. More than 200 first languages other than English are spoken at home in the state.[\[195\]](#cite_note-MLA-197)[\[196\]](#cite_note-198)

The most common languages spoken in Florida as a first language in 2010 are:[\[195\]](#cite_note-MLA-197)

-   73% English
-   20% Spanish
-   2% Haitian Creole
-   Other languages less than 1% each

### Religion

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Church_of_the_Little_Flower.jpg/220px-Church_of_the_Little_Flower.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Church_of_the_Little_Flower.jpg)

[Church of the Little Flower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Church_of_the_Little_Flower_\(Coral_Gables,_Florida\) "Church of the Little Flower (Coral Gables, Florida)") in [Coral Gables](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_Gables,_Florida "Coral Gables, Florida")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cf/Hindu_Temple_Tampa.jpeg/220px-Hindu_Temple_Tampa.jpeg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Hindu_Temple_Tampa.jpeg)

[Hindu Temple of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_Temple_of_Florida "Hindu Temple of Florida") in [Tampa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa,_Florida "Tampa, Florida")

Florida is mostly [Christian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christians "Christians") (70%),[\[197\]](#cite_note-pew2014-199) although there is a large [irreligious](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irreligious "Irreligious") and relatively significant [Jewish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish "Jewish") community. [Protestants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism "Protestantism") account for almost half of the population, but the [Catholic Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church "Catholic Church") is the largest single denomination in the state mainly due to its large [Hispanic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispanic "Hispanic") population and other groups like [Haitians](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haitians "Haitians"). Protestants are very diverse, although [Baptists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptists "Baptists"), [Methodists](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Methodists "Methodists"), [Pentecostals](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pentecostals "Pentecostals") and [nondenominational Protestants](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nondenominational_Protestants "Nondenominational Protestants") are the largest groups. Smaller Christian groups include [The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_in_Florida "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Florida") and [Jehovah's Witnesses](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah%27s_Witnesses "Jehovah's Witnesses"). There is also a sizable [Jewish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Jews "American Jews") community in [South Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Florida "South Florida"). This is the largest Jewish population in the [southern U.S.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_United_States "Southern United States") and the third-largest in the U.S. behind those of [New York](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_\(state\) "New York (state)") and [California](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/California "California").[\[198\]](#cite_note-200)

In 2010, the three largest denominations in Florida were the [Catholic Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church "Catholic Church"), the [Southern Baptist Convention](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_Baptist_Convention "Southern Baptist Convention"), and the [United Methodist Church](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Methodist_Church "United Methodist Church").[\[199\]](#cite_note-201)

The [Pew Research Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pew_Research_Center "Pew Research Center") survey in 2014 gave the following religious makeup of Florida:[\[200\]](#cite_note-202)

Religion in Florida (2014)[\[197\]](#cite_note-pew2014-199)

[Protestant](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestant "Protestant")

46%

[Catholic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Church "Catholic Church")

21%

[Mormon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Church_of_Jesus_Christ_of_Latter-day_Saints_in_Florida "The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Florida")

1%

[Jehovah's Witness](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah%27s_Witness "Jehovah's Witness")

1%

Other [Christian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christians "Christians")

1%

Nothing in Particular

17%

[Agnostic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agnostic "Agnostic")

4%

[Atheist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atheist "Atheist")

3%

[Jewish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jewish "Jewish")

3%

Other faiths  
(e.g. [Hinduism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinduism "Hinduism"), [Islam](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islam "Islam"), [Buddhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buddhism "Buddhism"), [Sikhism](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikhism "Sikhism"))

3%

## Governance

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/Old_and_New_Florida_State_Capitol%2C_Tallahassee%2C_East_view_20160711_1.jpg/220px-Old_and_New_Florida_State_Capitol%2C_Tallahassee%2C_East_view_20160711_1.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Old_and_New_Florida_State_Capitol,_Tallahassee,_East_view_20160711_1.jpg)

The old and new [Florida State Capitol](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_State_Capitol "Florida State Capitol") in [Tallahassee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallahassee,_Florida "Tallahassee, Florida")

The basic structure, duties, function, and operations of the government of the State of Florida are defined by the [Florida Constitution](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Constitution "Florida Constitution"), which establishes the basic law of the state and guarantees various rights and freedoms of the people. As with the American federal government and all other state governments, Florida's government consists of three separate branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. The legislature enacts bills, which, if signed by the [governor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Governor_of_Florida "Governor of Florida"), become [law](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Statutes "Florida Statutes").

The [Florida Legislature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Legislature "Florida Legislature") comprises the [Florida Senate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Senate "Florida Senate"), which has 40 members, and the [Florida House of Representatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_House_of_Representatives "Florida House of Representatives"), which has 120 members. The governor of Florida is [Ron DeSantis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_DeSantis "Ron DeSantis"). The [Florida Supreme Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Supreme_Court "Florida Supreme Court") consists of a chief justice and six justices.

Florida has 67 [counties](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/County_\(United_States\) "County (United States)"). Some reference materials may show only 66 because [Duval County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duval_County,_Florida "Duval County, Florida") is consolidated with the [City of Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Jacksonville "City of Jacksonville"). There are 379 cities in Florida (out of 411) that report regularly to the Florida Department of Revenue, but there are other incorporated municipalities that do not. The primary revenue source for cities and counties is property tax; properties with unpaid taxes are subject to [tax sales](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tax_sale "Tax sale"), which are held at the county level in May and are highly popular, due to the extensive use of online bidding sites.

The state government's primary revenue source is sales tax. Florida is [one of eight states](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_income_tax#States_with_no_individual_income_tax "State income tax") that do not impose a personal [income tax](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Income_tax "Income tax").

There were 800 [federal corruption](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Corrupt_Practices_Act "Federal Corrupt Practices Act") convictions from 1988 to 2007, more than any other state.[\[201\]](#cite_note-203)

In a 2020 study, Florida was ranked as the 11th hardest state for citizens to vote in.[\[202\]](#cite_note-204) In April 2022, the legislature passed and the governor signed a new election law prohibiting Floridians from using [ranked-choice voting](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ranked-choice_voting_in_the_United_States "Ranked-choice voting in the United States") in all federal, state and municipal elections.[\[203\]](#cite_note-205)

Florida retains the [death penalty](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_penalty "Death penalty"). Authorized methods of execution include the [electric chair](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_chair "Electric chair") and [lethal injection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lethal_injection "Lethal injection").[\[204\]](#cite_note-206)

### Elections history

From 1952 to 1964, most voters were registered Democrats, but the state voted for the Republican presidential candidate in every election except for [1964](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1964_United_States_presidential_election "1964 United States presidential election"). The following year, Congress passed and President [Lyndon B. Johnson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lyndon_B._Johnson "Lyndon B. Johnson") signed the [Voting Rights Act of 1965](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voting_Rights_Act_of_1965 "Voting Rights Act of 1965"), providing for oversight of state practices and enforcement of constitutional voting rights for African Americans and other minorities in order to prevent the discrimination and disenfranchisement which had excluded most of them for decades from the political process.

From the 1930s through much of the 1960s, Florida was essentially a one-party state dominated by white conservative Democrats, who together with other Democrats of the [Solid South](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solid_South "Solid South"), exercised considerable control in Congress. They have gained slightly less federal money from national programs than they have paid in taxes.[\[205\]](#cite_note-207) Since the 1970s, conservative white voters in the state have largely shifted from the Democratic to the Republican Party. Though the majority of registered voters in Florida were Democrats,[\[206\]](#cite_note-208) it continued to support Republican presidential candidates through 2004, except in [1976](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1976_United_States_presidential_election "1976 United States presidential election") and [1996](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1996_United_States_presidential_election "1996 United States presidential election"), when the Democratic nominee was from [the South](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southern_United_States "Southern United States").

In the [2008](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2008_United_States_presidential_election "2008 United States presidential election") and [2012](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_United_States_presidential_election "2012 United States presidential election") presidential elections, [Barack Obama](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barack_Obama "Barack Obama") carried the state as a northern Democrat, attracting high voter turnout, especially among the young, independents, and minority voters, of whom [Hispanics](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hispanics "Hispanics") comprise an increasingly large proportion. 2008 marked the first time since 1944, when [Franklin D. Roosevelt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Franklin_D._Roosevelt "Franklin D. Roosevelt") carried the state for the fourth time, that Florida was carried by a Northern Democrat for president.

The first post-[Reconstruction era](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Reconstruction_era "Reconstruction era") Republican elected to Congress from Florida was [William C. Cramer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_C._Cramer "William C. Cramer") in 1954 from Pinellas County on the Gulf Coast,[\[207\]](#cite_note-William_C._Cramer,_81,_a_Leader_Of_G.O.P._Resurgence_in_South-209) where demographic changes were underway. In this period, African Americans were still [disenfranchised](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Disfranchisement_after_Reconstruction_era "Disfranchisement after Reconstruction era") by the state's constitution and discriminatory practices; in the 19th century, they had made up most of the Republican Party. Cramer built a different Republican Party in Florida, attracting local white conservatives and transplants from northern and midwestern states. In 1966, [Claude R. Kirk Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claude_R._Kirk_Jr. "Claude R. Kirk Jr.") was elected as the first post-Reconstruction Republican governor, in an upset election.[\[208\]](#cite_note-Claude_Roy_Kirk_Jr.-210) In 1968, [Edward J. Gurney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_J._Gurney "Edward J. Gurney"), also a white conservative, was elected as the state's first post-reconstruction Republican US senator.[\[209\]](#cite_note-E._J._Gurney,_82,_Senator_Who_Backed_Nixon-211) In 1970, Democrats took the governorship and the open US Senate seat and maintained dominance for years.

Florida is sometimes considered a bellwether state in presidential elections because every candidate who won the state from 1996 until 2016 won the election.[\[210\]](#cite_note-212) The 2020 election broke that streak when [Donald Trump](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump "Donald Trump") won Florida but lost the election.

In 1998, Democratic voters dominated areas of the state with a high percentage of racial minorities and transplanted white liberals from the northeastern United States, known colloquially as "snowbirds".[\[211\]](#cite_note-The_New_York_Times-213) [South Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Florida "South Florida") and the [Miami metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_metropolitan_area "Miami metropolitan area") became dominated by both racial minorities and white liberals. Because of this, the area has consistently voted as one of the most Democratic areas of the state. The Daytona Beach area is similar demographically and the city of Orlando has a large Hispanic population, which has often favored Democrats. Republicans, made up mostly of white conservatives, have dominated throughout much of the rest of Florida, including Jacksonville and the panhandle and particularly in the more rural and suburban areas. This is characteristic of its voter base throughout the [Deep South](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_South "Deep South").[\[211\]](#cite_note-The_New_York_Times-213)

The fast-growing [I-4 corridor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/I-4_corridor "I-4 corridor") area, which runs through [Central Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Florida "Central Florida") and connects the cities of [Daytona Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida "Daytona Beach, Florida"), [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida"), and [Tampa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa,_Florida "Tampa, Florida")/[St. Petersburg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Petersburg,_Florida "St. Petersburg, Florida"), has had a fairly even breakdown of Republican and Democratic voters. The area has often been seen as a merging point of the conservative northern portion of the state and the liberal southern portion, making it the biggest swing area in the state. Since the late 20th century, the voting results in this area, containing 40% of Florida voters, has often determined who will win the state in federal presidential elections.[\[212\]](#cite_note-The_Washington_Times-214)

Historically, the Democratic Party maintained an edge in voter registration, both statewide and in the state's three most populous counties, [Miami-Dade County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami-Dade_County "Miami-Dade County"), [Broward County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broward_County,_Florida "Broward County, Florida"), and [Palm Beach County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Beach_County "Palm Beach County").[\[213\]](#cite_note-Voter_Registration_by_Party_Affiliation_and_County-215)\[_[when?](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Manual_of_Style/Dates_and_numbers#Chronological_items "Wikipedia:Manual of Style/Dates and numbers")_\]

#### 2000–present

In 2000, [George W. Bush](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_W._Bush "George W. Bush") won the [U.S. presidential election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_United_States_presidential_election "2000 United States presidential election") by a margin of 271–266 in the [Electoral College](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electoral_College_\(United_States\) "Electoral College (United States)").[\[214\]](#cite_note-archives2000-216) Of the 271 electoral votes for Bush, 25 were cast by electors from Florida.[\[215\]](#cite_note-archives1-217) The Florida results were contested and a recount was ordered by the court, with the results settled in a [Supreme Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_the_United_States "Supreme Court of the United States") decision, _[Bush v. Gore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bush_v._Gore "Bush v. Gore")_.

Reapportionment following the 2010 United States census gave the state two more seats in the House of Representatives.[\[216\]](#cite_note-www.tampabay.com-218) The legislature's redistricting, announced in 2012, was quickly challenged in court, on the grounds that it had unfairly benefited Republican interests. In 2015, the Florida Supreme Court ruled on appeal that the congressional districts had to be redrawn because of the legislature's violation of the Fair District Amendments to the state constitution passed in 2010; it accepted a new map in early December 2015.

The political make-up of congressional and legislative districts has enabled Republicans to control the governorship and most statewide elective offices, and 17 of the state's 27 seats in the 2012 [House of Representatives](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_House_of_Representatives_elections_in_Florida,_2012 "United States House of Representatives elections in Florida, 2012").[\[217\]](#cite_note-219) Florida has been listed as a [swing state](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swing_state "Swing state") in presidential elections since 1952, voting for the losing candidate only twice in that period of time.[\[218\]](#cite_note-Florida1-220)

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5b/United_States_presidential_election_in_Florida%2C_2016.svg/220px-United_States_presidential_election_in_Florida%2C_2016.svg.png)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:United_States_presidential_election_in_Florida,_2016.svg)

[Treemap](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treemap "Treemap") of the popular vote by county in the [2016 United States presidential election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_United_States_presidential_election "2016 United States presidential election")

In the closely contested [2000 election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2000_United_States_presidential_election_in_Florida "2000 United States presidential election in Florida"), the state played a pivotal role.[\[214\]](#cite_note-archives2000-216)[\[215\]](#cite_note-archives1-217)[\[219\]](#cite_note-221)[\[220\]](#cite_note-222)[\[221\]](#cite_note-Study_of_Disputed_Florida_Ballots_Finds_Justices_Did_Not_Cast_the_Deciding_Vote-223)[\[222\]](#cite_note-224) Out of more than 5.8 million votes for the two main contenders Bush and [Al Gore](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Gore "Al Gore"), around 500 votes separated the two candidates for the all-decisive Florida electoral votes that landed Bush the election win. Florida's [felony disenfranchisement](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Felony_disenfranchisement "Felony disenfranchisement") law is more severe than most European nations or other American states. A 2002 study in the _[American Sociological Review](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Sociological_Review "American Sociological Review")_ concluded that "if the state's 827,000 disenfranchised felons had voted at the same rate as other Floridians, Democratic candidate Al Gore would have won Florida—and the presidency—by more than 80,000 votes."[\[223\]](#cite_note-225)

In 2008, delegates of both the [Republican Florida primary election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_\(United_States\)_presidential_primaries,_2008#GOP_February_5_rule "Republican Party (United States) presidential primaries, 2008") and [Democratic Florida primary election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_\(United_States\)_presidential_primaries,_2008#Nullified_primaries "Democratic Party (United States) presidential primaries, 2008") were stripped of half of their votes when the conventions met in August due to violation of both parties' national rules.

In the 2010 elections, Republicans solidified their dominance statewide, by winning the governor's mansion, and maintaining firm majorities in both houses of the state legislature. They won four previously Democratic-held seats to create a 19–6 Republican majority delegation representing Florida in the federal House of Representatives.

In 2010, more than 63% of state voters approved the initiated Amendments 5 and 6 to the state constitution, to ensure more fairness in districting. These have become known as the Fair District Amendments. As a result of the [2010 United States Census](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2010_United_States_Census "2010 United States Census"), Florida gained two House of Representative seats in 2012.[\[216\]](#cite_note-www.tampabay.com-218) The legislature issued revised congressional districts in 2012, which were immediately challenged in court by supporters of the above amendments.

The court ruled in 2014, after lengthy testimony, that at least two districts had to be redrawn because of gerrymandering. After this was appealed, in July 2015 the Florida Supreme Court ruled that lawmakers had followed an illegal and unconstitutional process overly influenced by party operatives, and ruled that at least eight districts had to be redrawn. On December 2, 2015, a 5–2 majority of the Court accepted a new map of congressional districts, some of which was drawn by challengers. Their ruling affirmed the map previously approved by [Leon County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_County,_Florida "Leon County, Florida") Judge Terry Lewis, who had overseen the original trial. It particularly makes changes in South Florida. There are likely to be additional challenges to the map and districts.[\[224\]](#cite_note-226)

Voter registration totals as of December 31, 2024[\[225\]](#cite_note-227)

Party

Registered voters

Percentage

[Republican](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republican_Party_\(United_States\) "Republican Party (United States)")

5,635,902

39.53%

[Democratic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Party_\(United_States\) "Democratic Party (United States)")

4,479,820

31.42%

[Unaffiliated](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_voter "Independent voter")

3,710,036

26.02%

Minor parties

431,377

3.03%

Total

14,257,135

100.00%

According to [The Sentencing Project](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Sentencing_Project "The Sentencing Project"), the effect of Florida's felony disenfranchisement law is such that in 2014, "\[m\]ore than one in ten Floridians—and nearly one in four African-American Floridians—are \[were\] shut out of the polls because of felony convictions", although they had completed sentences and parole/probation requirements.[\[226\]](#cite_note-228)

The state switched back to the GOP in the [2016 presidential election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2016_United_States_presidential_election_in_Florida "2016 United States presidential election in Florida"), and again in [2020](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_United_States_presidential_election_in_Florida "2020 United States presidential election in Florida"), when [Donald Trump](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Donald_Trump "Donald Trump") headed the party's ticket both times. 2020 marked the first time Florida sided with the eventual loser of the presidential election since [1992](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1992_United_States_presidential_election_in_Florida "1992 United States presidential election in Florida").

In the [2018 elections](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_United_States_elections "2018 United States elections"), the ratio of Republican to Democratic representation fell from 16:11 to 14:13. The [U.S. Senate election](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_United_States_Senate_election_in_Florida "2018 United States Senate election in Florida") between Democratic incumbent senator [Bill Nelson](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Nelson "Bill Nelson") and then governor [Rick Scott](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rick_Scott "Rick Scott") was close, with 49.93% voting for the incumbent and 50.06% voting for the former governor. Republicans also held onto the governorship in a [close race](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2018_Florida_gubernatorial_election "2018 Florida gubernatorial election") between Republican candidate [Ron DeSantis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ron_DeSantis "Ron DeSantis") and Democratic candidate [Andrew Gillum](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andrew_Gillum "Andrew Gillum"), with 49.6% voting for DeSantis and 49.3% voting for Gillum. In [2022](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_United_States_elections "2022 United States elections"), incumbent Governor DeSantis [won reelection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2022_Florida_gubernatorial_election "2022 Florida gubernatorial election") by a [landslide](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Landslide_victory "Landslide victory") against Democrat [Charlie Crist](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Crist "Charlie Crist"). The unexpectedly large margin of victory led many pundits to question Florida's perennial status as a swing state, and instead identify it as a [red state](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_states_and_blue_states "Red states and blue states").[\[227\]](#cite_note-229)

In November 2021, for the first time in Florida's history, the total number of registered Republican voters exceeded the number of registered Democrats.[\[228\]](#cite_note-230)

### Statutes

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/de/Florida_Supreme_Court_Building_2011.jpg/220px-Florida_Supreme_Court_Building_2011.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Florida_Supreme_Court_Building_2011.jpg)

The [Florida Supreme Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_of_Florida "Supreme Court of Florida") building in [Tallahassee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallahassee,_Florida "Tallahassee, Florida")

In 1972, the state made [personal injury protection](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Personal_injury_protection "Personal injury protection") auto insurance mandatory for drivers, becoming the second in the U.S. to enact a [no-fault insurance](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No-fault_insurance "No-fault insurance") law.[\[229\]](#cite_note-231) The ease of receiving payments under this law is seen as precipitating a major increase in insurance fraud.[\[230\]](#cite_note-232) Auto insurance fraud was the highest in the U.S. in 2011, estimated at close to $1 billion.[\[231\]](#cite_note-233) Fraud is particularly centered in the Miami-Dade and Tampa areas.[\[232\]](#cite_note-234)[\[233\]](#cite_note-235)[\[234\]](#cite_note-236)

[Capital punishment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capital_punishment "Capital punishment") is applied in Florida.[\[235\]](#cite_note-237) If a person committing a predicate felony directly contributed to the death of the victim then the person will be charged with murder in the first degree. The only two sentences available for that statute are life imprisonment and the death penalty.[\[236\]](#cite_note-The_Florida_Statutes.-238)[\[237\]](#cite_note-guidelines-239) If a person commits a predicate felony, but was not the direct contributor to the death of the victim then the person will be charged with murder in the second degree. The maximum prison term is life.[\[236\]](#cite_note-The_Florida_Statutes.-238)[\[237\]](#cite_note-guidelines-239) In 1995, the legislature modified Chapter 921 to provide that felons should serve at least 85% of their sentence.[\[238\]](#cite_note-240)[\[239\]](#cite_note-241)

Florida approved its [lottery](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Lottery "Florida Lottery") by amending the constitution in 1984. It approved slot machines in Broward and [Miami-Dade County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami-Dade_County "Miami-Dade County") in 2004. It has disapproved casinos (outside of sovereign [Seminole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminole "Seminole") and [Miccosukee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miccosukee "Miccosukee") tribal areas) three times: 1978, 1986, and 1994.[\[240\]](#cite_note-242)

### Taxation

Tax is collected by the [Florida Department of Revenue](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Department_of_Revenue "Florida Department of Revenue").

## Economy

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8f/City_of_Miami%2C_FL._USA_%2850751668348%29.jpg/220px-City_of_Miami%2C_FL._USA_%2850751668348%29.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:City_of_Miami,_FL._USA_\(50751668348\).jpg)

The [Brickell Financial District](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brickell_Financial_District "Brickell Financial District") in [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami") contains the largest concentration of international banks in the United States.

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/PensacolaBeach_and_Condos.jpg/220px-PensacolaBeach_and_Condos.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:PensacolaBeach_and_Condos.jpg)

Visitors enjoying the beach at [Pensacola Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pensacola_Beach "Pensacola Beach")

The economy of the state of Florida is the [fourth-largest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._states_and_territories_by_GDP "List of U.S. states and territories by GDP") in the [United States](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States "United States"), with a $1.647 trillion [gross state product](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gross_state_product "Gross state product") (GSP) as of 2024.[\[241\]](#cite_note-GDPByState-243) If Florida were a sovereign nation (2024), it would rank as the [world's 15th-largest economy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_\(nominal\) "List of countries by GDP (nominal)") according to the [International Monetary Fund](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Monetary_Fund "International Monetary Fund"), ahead of [Spain](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spain "Spain") and behind [South Korea](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Korea "South Korea").[\[241\]](#cite_note-GDPByState-243)[\[242\]](#cite_note-244)[\[243\]](#cite_note-245) In the 20th century, tourism, industry, construction, international banking, biomedical and life sciences, healthcare research, simulation training, aerospace and defense, and commercial space travel have contributed to the state's economic development.[\[244\]](#cite_note-246)

Tourism is a large portion of Florida's economy. Florida is home to the world's most visited theme park, the [Magic Kingdom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magic_Kingdom "Magic Kingdom").[\[245\]](#cite_note-247) Florida is also home to the largest single-site employer in the United States, [Walt Disney World](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Walt_Disney_World "Walt Disney World").[\[246\]](#cite_note-248) [PortMiami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PortMiami "PortMiami") is the largest [passenger port](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passenger_port "Passenger port") in the world and one of the largest [cargo ports](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo_port "Cargo port") in the United States.[\[247\]](#cite_note-249) Beach towns have many visitors too as Florida is known around the world for its beaches.

Agriculture is another large part of the Florida economy. Florida is the number one grower of oranges for juice,[\[248\]](#cite_note-250) mangoes,[\[249\]](#cite_note-251) fresh tomatoes,[\[250\]](#cite_note-252) sugar,[\[251\]](#cite_note-253) sweet corn, green beans,[\[252\]](#cite_note-254) beans, cucumbers, watermelons, and more.[\[253\]](#cite_note-stacker.com-255) Florida is also the second biggest producer of strawberries, avocadoes, grapefruit, and peppers in the U.S.[\[253\]](#cite_note-stacker.com-255)[\[254\]](#cite_note-256)

Other large sectors of Florida's economy include finance, government and military (especially in Jacksonville and Pensacola),[\[255\]](#cite_note-257) healthcare, aerospace (especially in the [Space Coast](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Coast "Space Coast")), mining (especially for phosphate in [Bone Valley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bone_Valley "Bone Valley")), fishing, trade, real estate, and tech (especially in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa in the [2020s](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020s "2020s")).

### Transportation

#### Highways

Florida's highway system contains 1,495 mi (2,406 km) of interstate highway, and 10,601 mi (17,061 km) of non-interstate highway, such as state highways and U.S. Highways. Florida's [interstates](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_Highway_System "Interstate Highway System"), [state highways](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_State_Highway_System "Florida State Highway System"), and [U.S. Highways](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Highways "U.S. Highways") are maintained by the [Florida Department of Transportation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Department_of_Transportation "Florida Department of Transportation").[\[256\]](#cite_note-258)

In 2011, there were about 9,000 [retail gas stations](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Filling_station "Filling station") in the state. Floridians consumed 21 million gallons of gasoline daily in 2011, ranking it third in national use behind California and Texas.[\[257\]](#cite_note-259) As of 2024, motorists in Florida have one of the highest rates of car insurance in the U.S.[\[258\]](#cite_note-260)[\[259\]](#cite_note-261) 24% are uninsured.[\[260\]](#cite_note-262)

Drivers between 15 and 19 years of age averaged 364 car crashes a year per ten thousand licensed Florida drivers in 2010. Drivers 70 and older averaged 95 per 10,000 during the same time frame. A spokesperson for the non-profit [Insurance Institute](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insurance_Institute_for_Highway_Safety "Insurance Institute for Highway Safety") stated "Older drivers are more of a threat to themselves."[\[261\]](#cite_note-263)

Intercity bus travel, which utilizes Florida's highway system, is provided by [Greyhound](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greyhound_Lines "Greyhound Lines"), [Megabus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megabus_\(North_America\) "Megabus (North America)"), and [Amtrak Thruway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amtrak_Thruway "Amtrak Thruway").

Before the construction of routes under the [Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Aid_Highway_Act_of_1956 "Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956"), Florida began construction of a long cross-state [toll road](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toll_road "Toll road"), [Florida's Turnpike](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida%27s_Turnpike "Florida's Turnpike"). The first section, from [Fort Pierce](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Pierce,_Florida "Fort Pierce, Florida") south to the [Golden Glades Interchange](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_Glades_Interchange "Golden Glades Interchange") was completed in 1957. After a second section north through Orlando to [Wildwood](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildwood,_Florida "Wildwood, Florida") (near present-day [The Villages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Villages,_Florida "The Villages, Florida")), and a [southward extension](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homestead_Extension_of_Florida%27s_Turnpike "Homestead Extension of Florida's Turnpike") around Miami to [Homestead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homestead,_Florida "Homestead, Florida"), it was finished in 1974.

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/17/SunshineSkywayBridge-4SC_6643-15.jpg/220px-SunshineSkywayBridge-4SC_6643-15.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SunshineSkywayBridge-4SC_6643-15.jpg)

[Sunshine Skyway Bridge](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunshine_Skyway_Bridge "Sunshine Skyway Bridge") over [Tampa Bay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa_Bay "Tampa Bay"), part of Florida's [interstate system](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_Highway_System "Interstate Highway System")

Florida's primary interstate routes include:

-   ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/I-4.svg/24px-I-4.svg.png) [I-4](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_4 "Interstate 4"), which spans 133 miles, bisects the state, connecting [Tampa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa,_Florida "Tampa, Florida"), [Lakeland](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lakeland,_Florida "Lakeland, Florida"), [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida"), and [Daytona Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida "Daytona Beach, Florida"), connecting with [I-75](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_75_in_Florida "Interstate 75 in Florida") in Tampa and I-95 in Daytona Beach.
-   ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/I-10.svg/24px-I-10.svg.png) [I-10](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_10_in_Florida "Interstate 10 in Florida"), which spans 362 miles in Florida, traverses the [panhandle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Panhandle "Florida Panhandle"), connecting [Pensacola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pensacola,_Florida "Pensacola, Florida"), [Tallahassee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallahassee,_Florida "Tallahassee, Florida"), [Lake City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_City,_Florida "Lake City, Florida"), and [Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville,_Florida "Jacksonville, Florida"), with interchanges with I-75 in Lake City and I-95 in Jacksonville. It is the southernmost east–west interstate in the United States terminating in [Santa Monica](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Monica "Santa Monica") with a total length of 2460 miles.
-   ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/93/I-75.svg/24px-I-75.svg.png) [I-75](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_75_in_Florida "Interstate 75 in Florida"), which spans 470 miles in Florida, enters the state near Lake City (45 miles (72 km) west of [Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville,_Florida "Jacksonville, Florida")) and continues southward through [Gainesville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainesville,_Florida "Gainesville, Florida"), [Ocala](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocala,_Florida "Ocala, Florida"), Tampa's eastern suburbs, [Bradenton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bradenton,_Florida "Bradenton, Florida"), [Sarasota](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarasota,_Florida "Sarasota, Florida"), [Fort Myers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Myers,_Florida "Fort Myers, Florida") and [Naples](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naples,_Florida "Naples, Florida"), where it crosses the "[Alligator Alley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alligator_Alley "Alligator Alley")" as a [toll road](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toll_road "Toll road") to [Fort Lauderdale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Lauderdale,_Florida "Fort Lauderdale, Florida") before turning southward and terminating in [Hialeah](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hialeah,_Florida "Hialeah, Florida")/[Miami Lakes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Lakes,_Florida "Miami Lakes, Florida") having interchanges with I-10 in Lake City and I-4 in Tampa. It is the second longest north–south interstate with a total length of 1786 miles and terminates at the Canadian border at [Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sault_Ste._Marie,_Michigan "Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan").
-   ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/61/I-95.svg/24px-I-95.svg.png) [I-95](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_95_in_Florida "Interstate 95 in Florida"), which spans 382 miles in Florida, enters the state near Jacksonville and continues along the Atlantic Coast through Daytona Beach, the [Melbourne/Titusville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Coast "Space Coast"), [Palm Bay](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Bay,_Florida "Palm Bay, Florida"), [Vero Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vero_Beach,_Florida "Vero Beach, Florida"), [Fort Pierce](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Pierce,_Florida "Fort Pierce, Florida"), [Port Saint Lucie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Saint_Lucie,_Florida "Port Saint Lucie, Florida"), [Stuart](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stuart,_Florida "Stuart, Florida"), [West Palm Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Palm_Beach,_Florida "West Palm Beach, Florida"), and [Fort Lauderdale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Lauderdale,_Florida "Fort Lauderdale, Florida"), before terminating in [Downtown Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtown_Miami "Downtown Miami"). It has interchanges with I-10 in Jacksonville and I-4 in Daytona Beach, and there are four auxiliary routes associated with the interstate. It is the longest north–south interstate with a total length of 1924 miles and terminates at the Canadian border northeast of [Houlton, Maine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houlton,_Maine "Houlton, Maine").

#### Airports

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/33/Orlando_International_Airport_terminal_from_arriving_airplane.jpg/220px-Orlando_International_Airport_terminal_from_arriving_airplane.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Orlando_International_Airport_terminal_from_arriving_airplane.jpg)

[Orlando International Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_International_Airport "Orlando International Airport"), the busiest airport in the state with 44.6 million total passengers in 2017[\[262\]](#cite_note-264)

Florida has 131 public airports.[\[263\]](#cite_note-265) Florida's seven large hub and medium hub airports, as classified by the FAA,[\[264\]](#cite_note-266) are the following:

City served

Code

Airport name

FAA  
Category

Enplane­ments

[Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida")

MCO

[Orlando International Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_International_Airport "Orlando International Airport")

Large Hub

21,565,448

[Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami")

MIA

[Miami International Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_International_Airport "Miami International Airport")

Large Hub

20,709,225

[Fort Lauderdale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Lauderdale,_Florida "Fort Lauderdale, Florida")

FLL

[Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood Int'l Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Lauderdale%E2%80%93Hollywood_International_Airport "Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport")

Large Hub

15,817,043

[Tampa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa,_Florida "Tampa, Florida")

TPA

[Tampa International Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa_International_Airport "Tampa International Airport")

Large Hub

9,548,580

[Fort Myers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Myers,_Florida "Fort Myers, Florida")

RSW

[Southwest Florida International Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southwest_Florida_International_Airport "Southwest Florida International Airport")

Medium Hub

4,364,224

[West Palm Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Palm_Beach,_Florida "West Palm Beach, Florida")

PBI

[Palm Beach International Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Beach_International_Airport "Palm Beach International Airport")

Medium Hub

3,110,450

[Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville,_Florida "Jacksonville, Florida")

JAX

[Jacksonville International Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville_International_Airport "Jacksonville International Airport")

Medium Hub

2,701,861

#### Intercity rail

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5f/Brightline_train_at_Fort_Lauderdale_station.jpg/220px-Brightline_train_at_Fort_Lauderdale_station.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Brightline_train_at_Fort_Lauderdale_station.jpg)

The [Brightline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brightline "Brightline") train at [Fort Lauderdale's Brightline station](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Lauderdale_station_\(Brightline\) "Fort Lauderdale station (Brightline)")

-   [Brightline](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brightline "Brightline") is a [diesel–electric](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diesel-electric_train "Diesel-electric train") [higher-speed rail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Higher-speed_rail "Higher-speed rail") system.[\[265\]](#cite_note-267) Service runs from [MiamiCentral](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MiamiCentral "MiamiCentral") station in downtown [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami") to the [Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_International_Airport_Intermodal_Terminal "Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal") in [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida") with stops in [West Palm Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Palm_Beach,_Florida "West Palm Beach, Florida"), [Boca Raton](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boca_Raton,_Florida "Boca Raton, Florida"), [Fort Lauderdale](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Lauderdale,_Florida "Fort Lauderdale, Florida"), and [Aventura](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aventura,_Florida "Aventura, Florida").
-   Florida is also served by [Amtrak](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amtrak "Amtrak"), operating numerous lines throughout, connecting the state's largest cities to points north in the United States and Canada. The busiest Amtrak train stations in Florida in 2011 were: [Sanford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanford_station_\(Amtrak\) "Sanford station (Amtrak)") (259,944), [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando_Health/Amtrak_station "Orlando Health/Amtrak station") (179,142), [Tampa Union Station](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa_Union_Station "Tampa Union Station") (140,785), [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_station_\(Amtrak\) "Miami station (Amtrak)") (94,556), and [Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville_station "Jacksonville station") (74,733).[\[266\]](#cite_note-268) [Sanford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanford,_Florida "Sanford, Florida"), in [Greater Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Orlando "Greater Orlando"), is the southern terminus of the _[Auto Train](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Auto_Train "Auto Train")_, which originates at [Lorton, Virginia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lorton,_Virginia "Lorton, Virginia"), south of Washington, D.C. Until 2005, Orlando was also the eastern terminus of the _[Sunset Limited](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunset_Limited "Sunset Limited")_, which travels across the southern United States via [New Orleans](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Orleans "New Orleans"), [Houston](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Houston "Houston"), and [San Antonio](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Antonio "San Antonio") to its western terminus of Los Angeles. Florida is served by two additional Amtrak trains (the _[Silver Star](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Star_\(Amtrak_train\) "Silver Star (Amtrak train)")_ and the _[Silver Meteor](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Meteor "Silver Meteor")_), which operate between New York City and Miami. [MiamiCentral](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MiamiCentral "MiamiCentral") in [Greater Downtown Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greater_Downtown_Miami "Greater Downtown Miami") and the [Miami Intermodal Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Intermodal_Center "Miami Intermodal Center") near [Miami International Airport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_International_Airport "Miami International Airport") are major hubs for [rapid transit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_transit "Rapid transit"), [commuter rail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commuter_rail "Commuter rail"), [intercity rail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intercity_rail "Intercity rail"), and buses.

#### Public transit

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/70/Miami_Metrorail_Hitachi_train_20190117.jpg/220px-Miami_Metrorail_Hitachi_train_20190117.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Miami_Metrorail_Hitachi_train_20190117.jpg)

[Miami Metrorail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metrorail_\(Miami-Dade_County\) "Metrorail (Miami-Dade County)"), the state's only [rapid transit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_transit "Rapid transit") system. About 15% of Miami residents use public transit daily.

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/Newskyway.jpg/220px-Newskyway.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Newskyway.jpg)

[Jacksonville Skyway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville_Skyway "Jacksonville Skyway"), one of the few [people mover](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_mover "People mover") systems in use in the U.S. today, especially outside of an airport setting

-   Miami: Miami's public transportation is served by [Miami-Dade Transit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami-Dade_Transit "Miami-Dade Transit") that runs [Metrorail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Metrorail "Miami Metrorail"), a [heavy rail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavy_rail "Heavy rail") [rapid transit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rapid_transit "Rapid transit") system, [Metromover](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami-Dade_Metromover "Miami-Dade Metromover"), a [people mover](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/People_mover "People mover") train system in [Downtown Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtown_Miami "Downtown Miami"), and [Metrobus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami-Dade_Transit#Metrobus "Miami-Dade Transit"), Miami's bus system. Metrorail runs throughout [Miami-Dade County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami-Dade_County "Miami-Dade County") and has two lines and 23 stations connecting to Downtown Miami's Metromover and [Tri-Rail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tri-Rail "Tri-Rail"). Metromover has three lines and 21 stations throughout [Downtown Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Downtown_Miami "Downtown Miami"). Outside of Miami-Dade County, public transit in the [Miami metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_metropolitan_area "Miami metropolitan area") is served by [Broward County Transit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Broward_County_Transit "Broward County Transit") and [Palm Tran](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Tran "Palm Tran"); intercounty [commuter rail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Commuter_rail "Commuter rail") service is provided by [Tri-Rail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tri-Rail "Tri-Rail"), with 18 stations including the region's three international airports.[\[267\]](#cite_note-269)
-   Orlando: Orlando is served by the [SunRail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SunRail "SunRail") commuter train, which runs on a 32 miles (51 km) (61 miles (98 km) when complete) line including four stops in downtown. [Lynx bus](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynx_\(Orlando\) "Lynx (Orlando)") serves the greater Orlando area in [Orange](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_County,_Florida "Orange County, Florida"), [Seminole](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seminole_County,_Florida "Seminole County, Florida"), and [Osceola](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osceola_County,_Florida "Osceola County, Florida") counties.[\[268\]](#cite_note-270)
-   Tampa: Tampa and its surrounding area use the [Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hillsborough_Area_Regional_Transit_Authority "Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority") system ("HART"). In addition, downtown Tampa has continuous trolley services in the form of a [heritage trolley](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heritage_trolley "Heritage trolley") powered by [Tampa Electric Company](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa_Electric_Company "Tampa Electric Company"). Pinellas County and St. Petersburg provide similar services through the [Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinellas_Suncoast_Transit_Authority "Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority") or "PSTA". The beaches of [Pinellas County](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinellas_County,_Florida "Pinellas County, Florida") also have a continuous trolley bus. Downtown St. Petersburg has a trolley system.[\[269\]](#cite_note-271)[\[270\]](#cite_note-272)
-   Jacksonville: Jacksonville is served by the [Jacksonville Skyway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville_Skyway "Jacksonville Skyway"), an automated people mover [monorail](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monorail "Monorail") connecting the [Florida State College](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_State_College_at_Jacksonville "Florida State College at Jacksonville") downtown campus, the Northbank central business district, Convention Center, and Southbank locations. The system includes eight stops connected by two lines. [JTA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacksonville_Transportation_Authority "Jacksonville Transportation Authority") bus has 180 vehicles with 56 lines.[\[271\]](#cite_note-273)

## Healthcare

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f8/Aerial-Picture-of-Jackson-e1445995779731.jpg/220px-Aerial-Picture-of-Jackson-e1445995779731.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Aerial-Picture-of-Jackson-e1445995779731.jpg)

[Jackson Memorial Hospital](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_Memorial_Hospital "Jackson Memorial Hospital") in the [Miami Health District](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_District_\(Miami\) "Health District (Miami)"), the primary teaching hospital of the [Miller School of Medicine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miller_School_of_Medicine "Miller School of Medicine") at the [University of Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Miami "University of Miami")

There were 2.7 million [Medicaid](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medicaid "Medicaid") patients in Florida in 2009. The governor has proposed adding $2.6 billion to care for the expected 300,000 additional patients in 2011.[\[272\]](#cite_note-County_Medicaid_tab_rises,_could_get_worse-274) The cost of caring for 2.3 million clients in 2010 was $18.8 billion.[\[273\]](#cite_note-275) This is nearly 30% of Florida's budget.[\[274\]](#cite_note-276) Medicaid paid for 60% of all births in Florida in 2009. The state has a [program](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Medicaid_waiver "Florida Medicaid waiver") for those not covered by Medicaid.

In 2013, Florida refused to participate in providing coverage for the uninsured under the [Affordable Care Act](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Affordable_Care_Act "Affordable Care Act"), colloquially called Obamacare. The Florida legislature also refused to accept additional Federal funding for Medicaid, although this would have helped its constituents at no cost to the state. As a result, Florida is second only to Texas in the percentage of its citizens without health insurance.[\[275\]](#cite_note-277)

In 2022, the largest [hospital network](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hospital_network "Hospital network") in Florida is [HCA Healthcare](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HCA_Healthcare "HCA Healthcare")[\[276\]](#cite_note-278) and the second largest is [AdventHealth](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AdventHealth "AdventHealth").[\[277\]](#cite_note-279)[\[278\]](#cite_note-280) In 2023, the largest hospitals in Florida were [Jackson Memorial Hospital](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jackson_Memorial_Hospital "Jackson Memorial Hospital"), [AdventHealth Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AdventHealth_Orlando "AdventHealth Orlando"), [Tampa General Hospital](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa_General_Hospital "Tampa General Hospital"), [UF Health Shands Hospital](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UF_Health_Shands_Hospital "UF Health Shands Hospital") and [Baptist Hospital of Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baptist_Hospital_of_Miami "Baptist Hospital of Miami").[\[279\]](#cite_note-281)

[Mayo Clinic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayo_Clinic "Mayo Clinic") hosts one of its three major U.S. campuses in Jacksonville. The practice specializes in treating difficult cases through [tertiary care](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tertiary_care "Tertiary care") and [destination medicine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tourism#United_States "Medical tourism").

## Architecture

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/SouthBeachMiamiBeach.jpg/220px-SouthBeachMiamiBeach.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:SouthBeachMiamiBeach.jpg)

[Miami Art Deco District](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Beach_Architectural_District "Miami Beach Architectural District") in [South Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Beach "South Beach"), built during the 1920s and 1930s

Florida has the largest collection of [Art Deco](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art_Deco "Art Deco") and [Streamline Moderne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Streamline_Moderne "Streamline Moderne") buildings, both in the United States and in the entire world, most of which are located in the [Miami metropolitan area](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_metropolitan_area "Miami metropolitan area"), especially [Miami Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Beach,_Florida "Miami Beach, Florida")'s [Art Deco District](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Beach_Architectural_District "Miami Beach Architectural District"), constructed as the city was becoming a resort destination.[\[280\]](#cite_note-282) A unique architectural design found only in Florida is the post-World War II [Miami Modern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Modern_Architecture "Miami Modern Architecture"), which can be seen in areas such as [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami")'s [MiMo Historic District](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MiMo_Historic_District "MiMo Historic District").[\[281\]](#cite_note-283)

Being of early importance as a regional center of banking and finance, the [architecture of Jacksonville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Architecture_of_Jacksonville "Architecture of Jacksonville") displays a wide variety of styles and design principles. Many of the state's earliest skyscrapers were constructed in Jacksonville, dating as far back as 1902,[\[282\]](#cite_note-284) and last holding a state height record from 1974 to 1981.[\[283\]](#cite_note-285) The city is endowed with one of the largest collections of [Prairie School](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prairie_School "Prairie School") buildings outside of the Midwest.[\[284\]](#cite_note-286) Jacksonville is also noteworthy for its collection of [Mid-Century modern](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mid-Century_modern "Mid-Century modern") architecture.[\[285\]](#cite_note-287)

Some sections of the state feature architectural styles including [Spanish revival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spanish_Colonial_Revival_Style_architecture "Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture"), [Florida vernacular](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_cracker_architecture "Florida cracker architecture"), and [Mediterranean Revival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mediterranean_Revival_Style "Mediterranean Revival Style").[\[286\]](#cite_note-288) A notable collection of these styles can be found in [St. Augustine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Augustine,_Florida "St. Augustine, Florida"), the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement within the borders of the United States.[\[287\]](#cite_note-289)

## Education

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/36/FSUWestcottBuilding-2.jpg/150px-FSUWestcottBuilding-2.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:FSUWestcottBuilding-2.jpg)

[Florida State University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_State_University "Florida State University") in [Tallahassee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tallahassee,_Florida "Tallahassee, Florida")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d8/Shalala_Student_Center.jpg/150px-Shalala_Student_Center.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Shalala_Student_Center.jpg)

[University of Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Miami "University of Miami") in [Coral Gables](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_Gables,_Florida "Coral Gables, Florida")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/UCFlibrary.jpg/150px-UCFlibrary.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UCFlibrary.jpg)

[University of Central Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Central_Florida "University of Central Florida") in [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Florida_International_University.jpg/150px-Florida_International_University.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Florida_International_University.jpg)

[Florida International University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_International_University "Florida International University") in [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/USF_Marshall_Center_Running_of_the_Bulls.JPG/150px-USF_Marshall_Center_Running_of_the_Bulls.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:USF_Marshall_Center_Running_of_the_Bulls.JPG)

[University of South Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_South_Florida "University of South Florida") in [Tampa](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa,_Florida "Tampa, Florida")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2d/UF_SignatureShot.jpg/150px-UF_SignatureShot.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:UF_SignatureShot.jpg)

[University of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Florida "University of Florida") in [Gainesville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainesville,_Florida "Gainesville, Florida")

In 2020, Florida was ranked the third best state in the U.S. for [K-12 education](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%E2%80%9312 "K–12"), outperforming other states in 15 out of 18 metrics in _[Education Week](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_Week "Education Week")_'s 2020 Quality Counts report.[\[288\]](#cite_note-Solodev-2020-290) In terms of K-12 Achievement, which measures progress in areas such as academic excellence and graduation rates, the state was graded "B−" compared to a national average of C.[\[288\]](#cite_note-Solodev-2020-290) Florida's higher education was ranked first and pre-K-12 was ranked 27th best nationwide by _[U.S. News & World Report](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._News_%26_World_Report "U.S. News & World Report")_.[\[289\]](#cite_note-291)

### Primary and secondary education

Florida spent $8,920 for each student in 2016, and was 43rd in the U.S. in expenditures per student.[\[290\]](#cite_note-292)

Florida's primary and secondary school systems are administered by the [Florida Department of Education](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Department_of_Education "Florida Department of Education"). School districts are organized within county boundaries. Each school district has an elected [Board of Education](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Board_of_Education "Board of Education") that sets policy, budget, goals, and approves expenditures. Management is the responsibility of a [Superintendent of schools](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Superintendent_\(education\) "Superintendent (education)").

The [Florida Department of Education](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Department_of_Education "Florida Department of Education") is required by law to train educators in teaching [English for Speakers of Other Languages](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_language_learning_and_teaching "English language learning and teaching") (ESOL).[\[291\]](#cite_note-293)

While Florida's public schools suffer from more than 5,000 unoccupied teacher positions, according to Karla Hernández, teacher and president of United Teachers of Dade, decisions made by the DeSantis administration will make the situation worse. She referred to its blocking of an [Advanced Placement African American studies](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AP_African_American_Studies "AP African American Studies") course,[\[292\]](#cite_note-294) book bans and removing some lessons in courses as "really scary moments in the state of Florida".[\[293\]](#cite_note-295)

In 2023, the state of Florida approved a public school curriculum including videos produced by conservative advocacy group [PragerU](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PragerU "PragerU"), likening climate change skeptics to those who fought Communism and Nazism, implying renewable energy harms the environment, and saying global warming occurs naturally.[\[294\]](#cite_note-Guardian_20230810-296) DeSantis has called climate change "[leftwing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Left-wing_politics "Left-wing politics") stuff".[\[294\]](#cite_note-Guardian_20230810-296)

In August 2023, restrictions have been placed on the teaching of [Shakespearean plays and literature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Shakespeare "William Shakespeare") by Florida teachers in order to comply with state law.[\[295\]](#cite_note-297)[\[296\]](#cite_note-298)[\[297\]](#cite_note-299)

### Higher education

The [State University System of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_University_System_of_Florida "State University System of Florida") was founded in 1905, and is governed by the [Florida Board of Governors](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Board_of_Governors "Florida Board of Governors"). During the 2019 academic year, 346,604 students attended one of these twelve universities.[\[298\]](#cite_note-300) In 2016, Florida charged the second lowest tuition in the U.S. for four-year programs, at $26,000 for in-state students and $86,000 for out-of-state students; this compares with an average of $34,800 for in-state students.[\[299\]](#cite_note-301)

As of 2020, three Florida universities are among the top 10 [largest universities by enrollment](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_United_States_public_university_campuses_by_enrollment "List of United States public university campuses by enrollment") in the United States: The [University of Central Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Central_Florida "University of Central Florida") in [Orlando](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orlando,_Florida "Orlando, Florida") (2nd), the [University of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Florida "University of Florida") in [Gainesville](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gainesville,_Florida "Gainesville, Florida") (4th), and [Florida International University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_International_University "Florida International University") in [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami") (8th).

The [Florida College System](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_College_System "Florida College System") comprises 28 public community and state colleges with 68 campuses spread out throughout the state. In 2016, enrollment exceeded 813,000 students.[\[300\]](#cite_note-302)

The [Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Independent_Colleges_and_Universities_of_Florida "Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida") is an association of 30 private, educational institutions in the state.[\[301\]](#cite_note-303) This Association reported that their member institutions served more than 158,000 students in the fall of 2020.[\[302\]](#cite_note-304)

The [University of Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Miami "University of Miami") in [Coral Gables](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coral_Gables,_Florida "Coral Gables, Florida") is one of the top private research universities in the U.S. Florida's first private university, [Stetson University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stetson_University "Stetson University") in [DeLand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeLand,_Florida "DeLand, Florida"), was founded in 1883.

As of 2023, three universities in Florida are members of the [Association of American Universities](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Association_of_American_Universities "Association of American Universities"): University of Florida, University of Miami and University of South Florida.[\[303\]](#cite_note-305)

## Sports

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/American_Airlines_Arena%2C_Miami%2C_FL%2C_jjron_29.03.2012.jpg/220px-American_Airlines_Arena%2C_Miami%2C_FL%2C_jjron_29.03.2012.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:American_Airlines_Arena,_Miami,_FL,_jjron_29.03.2012.jpg)

[Kaseya Center](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kaseya_Center "Kaseya Center") in [Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami "Miami")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e5/BankAtlanticCenterCrop.JPG/220px-BankAtlanticCenterCrop.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:BankAtlanticCenterCrop.JPG)

[Amerant Bank Arena](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amerant_Bank_Arena "Amerant Bank Arena") in [Sunrise](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunrise,_Florida "Sunrise, Florida")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b4/LoanDepot_Park.jpg/220px-LoanDepot_Park.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:LoanDepot_Park.jpg)

[LoanDepot Park](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LoanDepot_Park "LoanDepot Park") in [Little Havana](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Havana "Little Havana"), home field of the [Miami Marlins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Marlins "Miami Marlins") of [Major League Baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball "Major League Baseball")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fa/Green_flag_at_Daytona.JPG/220px-Green_flag_at_Daytona.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Green_flag_at_Daytona.JPG)

[Daytona International Speedway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway "Daytona International Speedway"), home to various auto racing events, including the [Daytona 500](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_500 "Daytona 500")

Florida has three [NFL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Football_League "National Football League") teams, two [MLB](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball "Major League Baseball") teams, two [NBA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Basketball_Association "National Basketball Association") teams, two [NHL](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Hockey_League "National Hockey League") teams, and two [MLS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Soccer "Major League Soccer") teams. Florida gained its first permanent major-league professional sports team in 1966 when the [American Football League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Football_League "American Football League") added the [Miami Dolphins](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Dolphins "Miami Dolphins"). Florida has given professional sports franchises some subsidies in the form of tax breaks since 1991.[\[304\]](#cite_note-306)

About half of all [Major League Baseball](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Major_League_Baseball "Major League Baseball") teams conduct [spring training](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spring_training "Spring training") in the state, with teams informally organized into the "[Grapefruit League](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grapefruit_League "Grapefruit League")". Throughout MLB history, other teams have held spring training in Florida.

[NASCAR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NASCAR "NASCAR") (headquartered in [Daytona Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_Beach,_Florida "Daytona Beach, Florida")) begins all three of its major auto racing series in Florida at [Daytona International Speedway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_International_Speedway "Daytona International Speedway") in February, featuring the [Daytona 500](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daytona_500 "Daytona 500"). Daytona also has the [Coke Zero Sugar 400](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coke_Zero_Sugar_400 "Coke Zero Sugar 400") NASCAR race weekend in August. NASCAR also has a race weekend at [Homestead-Miami Speedway](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homestead-Miami_Speedway "Homestead-Miami Speedway") in [Homestead](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Homestead,_Florida "Homestead, Florida") in October. The [24 Hours of Daytona](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/24_Hours_of_Daytona "24 Hours of Daytona") is one of the world's most prestigious endurance auto races. The [Grand Prix of St. Petersburg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Prix_of_St._Petersburg "Grand Prix of St. Petersburg") and [Grand Prix of Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Prix_of_Miami_\(Indycar\) "Grand Prix of Miami (Indycar)") have held [IndyCar](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IndyCar "IndyCar") races as well.

Florida is a major [golf](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golf "Golf") hub. The [PGA of America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_Golfers%27_Association_of_America "Professional Golfers' Association of America") is headquartered in [Palm Beach Gardens](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palm_Beach_Gardens,_Florida "Palm Beach Gardens, Florida"), the [PGA Tour](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PGA_Tour "PGA Tour") is headquartered in [Ponte Vedra Beach](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ponte_Vedra_Beach,_Florida "Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida") (a Jacksonville suburb) and the [LPGA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/LPGA "LPGA") is headquartered in Daytona Beach. [The Players Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Players_Championship "The Players Championship"), [WGC-Cadillac Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WGC-Cadillac_Championship "WGC-Cadillac Championship"), [Arnold Palmer Invitational](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arnold_Palmer_Invitational "Arnold Palmer Invitational"), [Honda Classic](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Classic "Honda Classic") and [Valspar Championship](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valspar_Championship "Valspar Championship") are [PGA Tour](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PGA_Tour "PGA Tour") rounds.

Florida has teams in all five American major league sports. Florida's most recent major-league team, [Inter Miami](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Inter_Miami_CF "Inter Miami CF"), began play in MLS in 2020.[\[305\]](#cite_note-307)

The [Miami Masters](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Masters "Miami Masters") is an [ATP World Tour Masters 1000](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATP_World_Tour_Masters_1000 "ATP World Tour Masters 1000") and [WTA Premier](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WTA_Premier_tournaments "WTA Premier tournaments") tennis event, whereas the [Delray Beach International Tennis Championships](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Delray_Beach_International_Tennis_Championships "Delray Beach International Tennis Championships") is an [ATP World Tour 250](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATP_World_Tour_250 "ATP World Tour 250") event.

There are minor league baseball, [football](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_football "American football"), basketball, [ice hockey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_hockey "Ice hockey"), soccer and [indoor football](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indoor_American_football "Indoor American football") teams based in Florida.[\[306\]](#cite_note-308) [Ben Hill Griffin Stadium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Hill_Griffin_Stadium "Ben Hill Griffin Stadium") is the largest football stadium in Florida, the [12th-largest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_NCAA_Division_I_FBS_football_stadiums "List of NCAA Division I FBS football stadiums") stadium in [college football](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/College_football "College football"), and the [18th-largest](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_stadiums_by_capacity "List of stadiums by capacity") stadium in the world, as measured by its official [seating capacity](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seating_capacity "Seating capacity") of 88,548—though, it has often held over 90,000 for Florida's home football games.

Florida's universities have a number of [collegiate sport](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Collegiate_Athletic_Association "National Collegiate Athletic Association") programs. Major college football programs include the [Florida State Seminoles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_State_Seminoles "Florida State Seminoles") and [Miami Hurricanes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miami_Hurricanes "Miami Hurricanes") of the [Atlantic Coast Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_Coast_Conference "Atlantic Coast Conference"), and the [Florida Gators](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Gators "Florida Gators") of the [Southeastern Conference](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Southeastern_Conference "Southeastern Conference").[\[307\]](#cite_note-309) Since 1996, Florida has added four additional teams to the ranks of [Division I FBS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NCAA_Division_I_Football_Bowl_Subdivision "NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision"): [UCF Knights](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UCF_Knights "UCF Knights"), [South Florida Bulls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Florida_Bulls "South Florida Bulls"), [Florida Atlantic Owls](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Atlantic_Owls "Florida Atlantic Owls") and [FIU Panthers](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FIU_Panthers "FIU Panthers").

## State symbols

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/79/Orange_juice-State_beverage_of_Florida.jpg/220px-Orange_juice-State_beverage_of_Florida.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Orange_juice-State_beverage_of_Florida.jpg)

[Orange juice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_juice "Orange juice"), the [state beverage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_beverages "List of U.S. state beverages")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/26/Florida_license_plate_In_God_We_Trust.jpg/220px-Florida_license_plate_In_God_We_Trust.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Florida_license_plate_In_God_We_Trust.jpg)

The "[In God We Trust](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_God_We_Trust "In God We Trust")" motto on [Florida license plate](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vehicle_registration_plates_of_Florida "Vehicle registration plates of Florida") with an [orange blossom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_\(fruit\) "Orange (fruit)"), the [state flower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_and_territory_flowers "List of U.S. state and territory flowers")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1c/Florida_panther_%287013874693%29.jpg/220px-Florida_panther_%287013874693%29.jpg)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Florida_panther_\(7013874693\).jpg)

The [Florida panther](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_panther "Florida panther"), the [state animal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_mammals "List of U.S. state mammals")

[![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/07/Jamaican_tall_Coconuts.JPG/220px-Jamaican_tall_Coconuts.JPG)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Jamaican_tall_Coconuts.JPG)

[Coconut palms](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut "Coconut"), the state palm tree, in [St. Petersburg](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St._Petersburg,_Florida "St. Petersburg, Florida")

The majority of the symbols were chosen after 1950; only the two oldest symbols—the [state flower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_flower "State flower") (chosen in 1909), and the [state bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_birds "List of U.S. state birds") (chosen in 1927)—are not listed in the 2010 [Florida Statutes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Statutes "Florida Statutes").[\[308\]](#cite_note-310)

-   **[Amphibian](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_amphibians "List of U.S. state amphibians")**: [Barking tree frog](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyla_gratiosa "Hyla gratiosa")
-   **[Animal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_mammals "List of U.S. state mammals")**: [Florida panther](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_panther "Florida panther")
-   **[Anthem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_songs "List of U.S. state songs")**: "[Florida (Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_\(Where_the_Sawgrass_Meets_the_Sky\) "Florida (Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky)")"
-   **[Beverage](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_beverages "List of U.S. state beverages")**: [Orange juice](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_juice "Orange juice")
-   **[Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_birds "List of U.S. state birds")**: [Northern mockingbird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Northern_mockingbird "Northern mockingbird")
-   **[Bird](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_birds "List of U.S. state birds")**: [American flamingo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_flamingo "American flamingo")
-   **[Festival](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Festival "Festival")**: "[Calle Ocho-Open House 8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calle_Ocho_Festival "Calle Ocho Festival")"
-   **[Fish  
    (fresh water)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_fish "State fish")**: [Florida largemouth bass](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_largemouth_bass "Florida largemouth bass")
-   **[Fish  
    (salt water)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_fish "State fish")**: [Atlantic sailfish](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantic_sailfish "Atlantic sailfish")
-   **[Flower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_flowers "List of U.S. state flowers")**: [Orange blossom](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_\(fruit\) "Orange (fruit)")
-   **[Fruit](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_foods "List of U.S. state foods")**: [Orange](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orange_\(fruit\) "Orange (fruit)")
-   **[Gem](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_minerals,_rocks,_stones_and_gemstones "List of U.S. state minerals, rocks, stones and gemstones")**: [Moonstone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moonstone_\(gemstone\) "Moonstone (gemstone)")
-   **[Horse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_horse "State horse")**: [Florida Cracker Horse](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Cracker_Horse "Florida Cracker Horse")
-   **[Insect](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_insects "List of U.S. state insects")**: [Zebra longwing](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heliconius_charithonia "Heliconius charithonia")
-   **[Mammal  
    (salt water)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_mammals "List of U.S. state mammals")**: [Common bottlenose dolphin](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Common_bottlenose_dolphin "Common bottlenose dolphin")
-   **[Mammal  
    (marine)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_mammals "List of U.S. state mammals")**: [Florida manatee](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_manatee "Florida manatee")
-   **[Motto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_motto "State motto")**: "[In God We Trust](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/In_God_We_Trust "In God We Trust")"
-   **[Nickname](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_nicknames "List of U.S. state nicknames")**: The Sunshine State
-   **[Palm Tree](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arecaceae "Arecaceae")**: [Coconut palm](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coconut_palm "Coconut palm")
-   **[Pie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_foods "List of U.S. state foods")**: [Key lime pie](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Key_lime_pie "Key lime pie")
-   **[Play](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Play_\(theatre\) "Play (theatre)")**: _[Cross and Sword](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_and_Sword "Cross and Sword")_
-   **[Reptile](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_reptiles "List of U.S. state reptiles")**: [American alligator](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_alligator "American alligator")
-   **[Reptile  
    (salt water)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_reptile "State reptile")**: [Loggerhead sea turtle](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Loggerhead_sea_turtle "Loggerhead sea turtle")
-   **[Rodeo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodeo "Rodeo")**: [Silver Spurs Rodeo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Spurs_Rodeo "Silver Spurs Rodeo")
-   **[Shell](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_shells "List of U.S. state shells")**: [Horse conch](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triplofusus_papillosus "Triplofusus papillosus")
-   **[Soil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_soils "List of U.S. state soils")**: [Myakka soil](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Myakka_\(soil\) "Myakka (soil)")
-   **[Song](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_songs "List of U.S. state songs")**: "[Old Folks at Home](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Old_Folks_at_Home "Old Folks at Home")"
-   **[State day/week](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Day "National Day")**: [Pascua Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pascua_Florida "Pascua Florida")
-   **[Stone](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_minerals,_rocks,_stones_and_gemstones "List of U.S. state minerals, rocks, stones and gemstones")**: [Agatized coral](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lace_agate "Lace agate")
-   **[Tortoise](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortoise "Tortoise")**: [Gopher tortoise](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gopher_tortoise "Gopher tortoise")
-   **[Tree](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_U.S._state_trees "List of U.S. state trees")**: [Sabal palmetto](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabal_palmetto "Sabal palmetto")
-   **[Wildflower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wildflower "Wildflower")**: [Tickseed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coreopsis "Coreopsis")

## Sister states

Sister jurisdiction

Country

Year[\[309\]](#cite_note-2001PDF-311)

[Languedoc-Roussillon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Languedoc-Roussillon "Languedoc-Roussillon")

 ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/c/c3/Flag_of_France.svg/23px-Flag_of_France.svg.png)France

1989

[Taiwan Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan_Province "Taiwan Province")

![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/72/Flag_of_the_Republic_of_China.svg/23px-Flag_of_the_Republic_of_China.svg.png) [Taiwan, R.O.C.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taiwan "Taiwan")

1992

[Wakayama Prefecture](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wakayama_Prefecture "Wakayama Prefecture")

 ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/9/9e/Flag_of_Japan.svg/23px-Flag_of_Japan.svg.png)Japan

1995

[Western Cape](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_Cape "Western Cape")

 ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/af/Flag_of_South_Africa.svg/23px-Flag_of_South_Africa.svg.png)South Africa

1995

[Nueva Esparta](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nueva_Esparta "Nueva Esparta")

 ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/06/Flag_of_Venezuela.svg/23px-Flag_of_Venezuela.svg.png)Venezuela

1999

[Gyeonggi Province](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyeonggi_Province "Gyeonggi Province")

 ![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/09/Flag_of_South_Korea.svg/23px-Flag_of_South_Korea.svg.png)South Korea

2000

## See also

-   [Index of Florida-related articles](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Index_of_Florida-related_articles "Index of Florida-related articles")
-   [List of people from Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_from_Florida "List of people from Florida")
-   [Outline of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Outline_of_Florida "Outline of Florida")
-   [Ships named _Florida_](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ships_named_%27%27Florida%27%27 "Ships named ''Florida''")

## Notes

1.  **[^](#cite_ref-NAVD88_7-0 "Jump up")** Elevation adjusted to [North American Vertical Datum of 1988](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/North_American_Vertical_Datum_of_1988 "North American Vertical Datum of 1988")
2.  **[^](#cite_ref-163 "Jump up")** Behind Nevada, Arizona, New Jersey, California and Texas

## References

1.  **[^](#cite_ref-1 "Jump up")** ["Florida | Map, Population, History, & Facts"](https://www.britannica.com/place/Florida). _Encyclopedia Britannica_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200705070029/https://www.britannica.com/place/Florida) from the original on July 5, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
2.  **[^](#cite_ref-2 "Jump up")** ["Florida | State Facts & History"](https://www.infoplease.com/us/states/florida). _www.infoplease.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200630145521/https://www.infoplease.com/us/states/florida) from the original on June 30, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
3.  **[^](#cite_ref-3 "Jump up")** ["Florida"](http://www.americaslibrary.gov/es/fl/es_fl_subj.html). _www.americaslibrary.gov_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200427222524/http://www.americaslibrary.gov/es/fl/es_fl_subj.html) from the original on April 27, 2020. Retrieved June 30, 2020.
4.  **[^](#cite_ref-4 "Jump up")** ["State Motto"](http://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-motto/). _Florida Department of State_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160121154908/http://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-motto/) from the original on January 21, 2016. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
5.  **[^](#cite_ref-5 "Jump up")** ["United States Summary: 2010. Population and Housing Unit Counts. 2010 Census of Population and Housing"](https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-1.pdf) (PDF). [United States Census Bureau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Census_Bureau "United States Census Bureau"). September 2012. p. 41. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121019110435/http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-1.pdf) (PDF) from the original on October 19, 2012. Retrieved April 9, 2019.
6.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-USGS_6-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-USGS_6-1) ["Elevations and Distances in the United States"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111015012701/http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html). [United States Geological Survey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Geological_Survey "United States Geological Survey"). 2001. Archived from [the original](https://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html) on October 15, 2011. Retrieved October 21, 2011.
7.  **[^](#cite_ref-8 "Jump up")** ["U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts Florida"](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/FL). U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 Estimate. Retrieved December 24, 2024.
8.  **[^](#cite_ref-9 "Jump up")** ["Household Income in States and Metropolitan Areas: 2023"](https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/2024/demo/acsbr-023.pdf) (PDF). Retrieved January 12, 2025.
9.  **[^](#cite_ref-Article_2,_Section_9,_Constitution_of_the_State_of_Florida_10-0 "Jump up")** ["Article 2, Section 9, Constitution of the State of Florida"](https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Constitution#A2S09). State of Florida. 1988. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180914203652/https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Constitution#A2S09) from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
10.  **[^](#cite_ref-11 "Jump up")** ["Languages Spoken at Home in Florida"](https://data.census.gov/table?text=Language&t=Language+Spoken+at+Home&g=0400000US12&tid=ACSST1Y2021.S1601). United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2022.
11.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-FHR_12-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-FHR_12-1) ["SB 230—State Symbols/Fla. Cracker Horse/Loggerhead Turtle \[RPCC\]"](http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=37196&). Florida House of Representatives. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140819102808/http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=37196) from the original on August 19, 2014. Retrieved April 7, 2012.
12.  **[^](#cite_ref-13 "Jump up")** Dunbar, James S. ["The pre-Clovis occupation of Florida: The Page-Ladson and Wakulla Springs Lodge Data"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141012043208/http://www.clovisinthesoutheast.net/dunbar.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.clovisinthesoutheast.net/dunbar.html) on October 12, 2014. Retrieved June 23, 2011.
13.  **[^](#cite_ref-14 "Jump up")** ["16th Century Settlements – Florida Department of State"](https://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-history/16th-century-settlements/). _dos.myflorida.com_. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
14.  **[^](#cite_ref-15 "Jump up")** Jonathan D. Steigman (September 25, 2005). [_La Florida Del Inca and the Struggle for Social Equality in Colonial Spanish America_](https://books.google.com/books?id=QTjoOz7WMiIC&pg=PA33). University of Alabama Press. p. 33. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-8173-5257-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8173-5257-8 "Special:BookSources/978-0-8173-5257-8"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204071312/https://books.google.com/books?id=QTjoOz7WMiIC&pg=PA33) from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved September 15, 2019.
15.  **[^](#cite_ref-Names_on_the_Land:_A_Historical_Account_of_Place-Naming_in_the_United_States_16-0 "Jump up")** From the 1601 publication by the pre-eminent historian of 16th-century Spanish exploration in America, [Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antonio_de_Herrera_y_Tordesillas "Antonio de Herrera y Tordesillas"), in [Stewart, George](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_R._Stewart "George R. Stewart") (1945). [_Names on the Land: A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States_](https://archive.org/details/namesofland0000unse). New York: Random House. pp. [11](https://archive.org/details/namesofland0000unse/page/11)–12. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-1-59017-273-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-1-59017-273-5 "Special:BookSources/978-1-59017-273-5").
16.  **[^](#cite_ref-17 "Jump up")** ["Michael Francis: La historia entre Florida y España es de las más ricas de Estados Unidos"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0vr122VYG8). _[YouTube](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/YouTube "YouTube")_. May 23, 2012. [Archived](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/l0vr122VYG8) from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
17.  **[^](#cite_ref-18 "Jump up")** Davidson, James West. _After the Fact: The Art of Historical Detection_ Volume 1. Mc Graw Hill, New York 2010, Chapter 1, p. 7.
18.  **[^](#cite_ref-19 "Jump up")** Proclamation, presented by Dennis O. Freytes, MPA, MHR, BBA, Chair/Facilitator, 500th Florida Discovery Council Round Table, VP NAUS SE Region; Chair Hispanic Achievers Grant Council
19.  **[^](#cite_ref-20 "Jump up")** Hoffman, Paul E. (2004). [_A New Andalucia and a Way to the Orient: the American Southeast During the Sixteenth Century_](https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/20594668). Baton Rouge: Louisiana State University Press. p. 278. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [0-8071-1552-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8071-1552-5 "Special:BookSources/0-8071-1552-5"). [OCLC](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/OCLC_\(identifier\) "OCLC (identifier)") [20594668](https://search.worldcat.org/oclc/20594668).
20.  **[^](#cite_ref-21 "Jump up")** ["Los Floridanos"](http://losfloridanos.org/). _Los Floridanos_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201114000917/http://www.losfloridanos.org/) from the original on November 14, 2020. Retrieved August 23, 2019.
21.  **[^](#cite_ref-22 "Jump up")** [J. Michael Francis](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._Michael_Francis "J. Michael Francis"), [_Luisa de Abrego: Marriage, Bigamy, and the Spanish Inquisition_](http://laflorida.org/florida-stories/), University of South Florida, [archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204110350/http://laflorida.org/florida-stories/) from the original on February 4, 2021, retrieved April 5, 2018
22.  **[^](#cite_ref-23 "Jump up")** Gene Allen Smith, Texas Christian University, [_Sanctuary in the Spanish Empire: An African American officer earns freedom in Florida_](https://www.nps.gov/articles/sanctuary-in-the-spanish-empire.htm), National Park Service, [archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210110103703/https://www.nps.gov/articles/sanctuary-in-the-spanish-empire.htm) from the original on January 10, 2021, retrieved April 5, 2018
23.  **[^](#cite_ref-24 "Jump up")** Pope, Sarah Dillard. ["Aboard the Underground Railroad—Fort Mose Site"](http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/underground/fl2.htm). _Nps.gov_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140426210615/http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/underground/fl2.htm) from the original on April 26, 2014. Retrieved July 19, 2016.
24.  **[^](#cite_ref-25 "Jump up")** ["Fort Mose Historical Society"](http://www.fortmose.org/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160707201925/http://www.fortmose.org/) from the original on July 7, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
25.  **[^](#cite_ref-26 "Jump up")** Florida Center for Instructional Technology. ["Floripedia: Florida: As a British territory"](http://fcit.usf.edu/Florida/docs/f/florbrit.htm). Fcit.usf.edu. [Archived](https://archive.today/20121213002156/http://fcit.usf.edu/Florida/docs/f/florbrit.htm) from the original on December 13, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2009.
26.  **[^](#cite_ref-27 "Jump up")** Wood, Wayne (1992). _Jacksonville's Architectural Heritage_. [University Press of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_Press_of_Florida "University Press of Florida"). p. 22. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-8130-0953-7](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8130-0953-7 "Special:BookSources/978-0-8130-0953-7").
27.  **[^](#cite_ref-28 "Jump up")** Beach, William Wallace (1877). [_The Indian Miscellany_](https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_lqqAAAAAIAAJ). J. Munsel. p. [125](https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_lqqAAAAAIAAJ/page/n126).
28.  **[^](#cite_ref-29 "Jump up")** Wells, Judy (March 2, 2000). ["City had humble beginnings on the banks of the St. Johns"](http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/030200/ent_S0302FIR.html). _The Florida Times-Union_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121009090448/http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/030200/ent_S0302FIR.html) from the original on October 9, 2012. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
29.  **[^](#cite_ref-30 "Jump up")** _A History of Florida_. Caroline Mays Brevard, Henry Eastman Bennett p. 77
30.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-A_History_of_Florida_31-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-A_History_of_Florida_31-1) _A History of Florida_. Caroline Mays Brevard, Henry Eastman Bennett
31.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-The_Land_Policy_in_British_East_Florida_32-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-The_Land_Policy_in_British_East_Florida_32-1) _The Land Policy in British East Florida_. [Charles L. Mowat](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/C._L._Mowat "C. L. Mowat"), 1940
32.  **[^](#cite_ref-33 "Jump up")** Clark, James C.; "200 Quick Looks at Florida History" p. 20 [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [1561642002](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1561642002 "Special:BookSources/1561642002")
33.  **[^](#cite_ref-34 "Jump up")** ["Transfer of Florida"](https://fcit.usf.edu/florida/lessons/trnsfer/trnsfer1.htm). _fcit.usf.edu_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201206232047/https://fcit.usf.edu/florida/lessons/trnsfer/trnsfer1.htm) from the original on December 6, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
34.  **[^](#cite_ref-35 "Jump up")** Ste Claire, Dana (2006). _Cracker: Cracker Culture in Florida History_. University Press of Florida. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-8130-3028-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8130-3028-9 "Special:BookSources/978-0-8130-3028-9")
35.  **[^](#cite_ref-36 "Jump up")** ["Florida's Early Constitutions—Florida Memory"](https://www.floridamemory.com/collections/constitution/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170827045025/https://www.floridamemory.com/collections/constitution/) from the original on August 27, 2017. Retrieved July 16, 2017.
36.  **[^](#cite_ref-37 "Jump up")** Alexander Deconde, _A History of American Foreign Policy_ (1963) p. 127
37.  **[^](#cite_ref-38 "Jump up")** Mahon, pp. 190–191.
38.  **[^](#cite_ref-39 "Jump up")** Mahon, pp. 201–202
39.  **[^](#cite_ref-40 "Jump up")** [Tebeau, Charlton W.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlton_W._Tebeau "Charlton W. Tebeau") (1971). [_A History of Florida_](https://archive.org/details/historyofflorida00char). Coral Gables, Florida: University of Miami Press. pp. [114–118](https://archive.org/details/historyofflorida00char/page/114). [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9780870241499](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780870241499 "Special:BookSources/9780870241499").
40.  **[^](#cite_ref-41 "Jump up")** ["A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774–1875"](http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=003/llsl003.db&recNum=678). _Library of Congress_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160124222705/http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=003%2Fllsl003.db&recNum=678) from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
41.  **[^](#cite_ref-42 "Jump up")** ["Andrew Jackson"](http://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-history/florida-governors/andrew-jackson/). Florida Department of State. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160628023909/http://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-history/florida-governors/andrew-jackson/) from the original on June 28, 2016. Retrieved July 18, 2016.
42.  **[^](#cite_ref-43 "Jump up")** ["A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774–1875"](http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=003/llsl003.db&recNum=695). _Library of Congress_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160124222705/http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=003%2Fllsl003.db&recNum=695) from the original on January 24, 2016. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
43.  **[^](#cite_ref-44 "Jump up")** ["A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774–1875"](http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=005/llsl005.db&recNum=779). _Library of Congress_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150619031820/http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=005%2Fllsl005.db&recNum=779) from the original on June 19, 2015. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
44.  **[^](#cite_ref-45 "Jump up")** ["Florida state population"](https://population.us/fl/). _population.us_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190418213105/https://population.us/fl/) from the original on April 18, 2019. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
45.  **[^](#cite_ref-46 "Jump up")** Tindall, George Brown, and David Emory Shi. (edition unknown) _America: A Narrative History_. W. W. Norton & Company. 412. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-393-96874-3](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-393-96874-3 "Special:BookSources/978-0-393-96874-3")
46.  **[^](#cite_ref-47 "Jump up")** [History of Miami-Dade county](http://www.miamidade.gov/info/history.asp) retrieved January 26, 2006 [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20060110194202/http://www.miamidade.gov/info/history.asp) January 10, 2006, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
47.  **[^](#cite_ref-48 "Jump up")** [Historical Census Browser, Retrieved October 31, 2007](http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/stats/histcensus/php/state.php) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20070823030234/http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/stats/histcensus/php/state.php) August 23, 2007, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
48.  **[^](#cite_ref-49 "Jump up")** ["Ordinance of Secession, 1861"](https://www.floridamemory.com/exhibits/floridahighlights/secession/). _Florida Memory_. State Library & Archives of Florida. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190712140709/https://www.floridamemory.com/exhibits/floridahighlights/secession/) from the original on July 12, 2019. Retrieved October 22, 2019.
49.  **[^](#cite_ref-50 "Jump up")** ["Florida Seceded! January 10, 1861|America's Story from America's Library"](http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/civil/jb_civil_florida_1.html). _America's Library_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170919112537/http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/civil/jb_civil_florida_1.html) from the original on September 19, 2017. Retrieved November 14, 2017.
50.  **[^](#cite_ref-51 "Jump up")** Florida, State Library and Archives of. ["Florida in the Civil War"](https://www.floridamemory.com/onlineclassroom/floridacivilwar/). _Florida Memory_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190402212938/https://www.floridamemory.com/onlineclassroom/floridacivilwar/) from the original on April 2, 2019. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
51.  **[^](#cite_ref-52 "Jump up")** Taylor, R. (1988). Rebel Beef: Florida Cattle and the Confederate Army, 1862-1864. The Florida Historical Quarterly, 67(1), 15–31. Retrieved from [http://www.jstor.org/stable/30147921](http://www.jstor.org/stable/30147921) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190430043831/https://www.jstor.org/stable/30147921) April 30, 2019, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
52.  **[^](#cite_ref-53 "Jump up")** Taylor, Paul. (2012) _Discovering the Civil War in Florida: A Reader and Guide_ (2nd edition). pp. 3–4, 59, 127. Sarasota, Fl.: Pineapple Press.
53.  **[^](#cite_ref-54 "Jump up")** Nancy A. Hewitt (2001). [_Southern Discomfort: Women's Activism in Tampa, Florida, 1880s–1920s_](https://books.google.com/books?id=MbawYOvvUrkC&pg=PA22). University of Illinois Press. p. 22. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0-252-02682-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-252-02682-9 "Special:BookSources/978-0-252-02682-9"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204020303/https://books.google.com/books?id=MbawYOvvUrkC&pg=PA22) from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved May 13, 2018.
54.  **[^](#cite_ref-55 "Jump up")** ["Florida Agriculture Overview and Statistics – Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services"](https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Florida-Agriculture-Overview-and-Statistics). _www.fdacs.gov_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210203113521/https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Florida-Agriculture-Overview-and-Statistics) from the original on February 3, 2021. Retrieved January 24, 2021.
55.  **[^](#cite_ref-56 "Jump up")** Palmer, Darryl (May 19, 2014). ["Boll Weevils and Beyond: Extension Entomology"](https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ifascomm/2014/05/19/boll-weevils-and-beyond-extension-entomology/). _University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science_. Retrieved December 14, 2022.
56.  **[^](#cite_ref-57 "Jump up")** Lange, Fabian; Olmstead, Alan; Rhode, Paul (September 2009). ["The Impact of the Boll Weevil, 1892–1932"](https://www.jstor.org/stable/40263940). _The Journal of Economic History_. **69** (3): 685–718\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10.1017/S0022050709001090](https://doi.org/10.1017%2FS0022050709001090). [ISSN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISSN_\(identifier\) "ISSN (identifier)") [0022-0507](https://search.worldcat.org/issn/0022-0507). [JSTOR](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JSTOR_\(identifier\) "JSTOR (identifier)") [40263940](https://www.jstor.org/stable/40263940). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [154646873](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:154646873).
57.  **[^](#cite_ref-58 "Jump up")** Historical Census Browser, 1900 Federal Census, University of Virginia [\[1\]](http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/stats/histcensus/php/state/php) \[_[dead link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Link_rot "Wikipedia:Link rot")_\]. Retrieved March 15, 2008.
58.  **[^](#cite_ref-59 "Jump up")** Rogers, Maxine D.; Rivers, Larry E.; Colburn, David R.; Dye, R. Tom & Rogers, William W. (December 1993), ["Documented History of the Incident Which Occurred at Rosewood, Florida in January 1923"](http://mailer.fsu.edu/~mjones/rosewood/rosewood.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080515152951/http://mailer.fsu.edu/~mjones/rosewood/rosewood.html) May 15, 2008, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), p. 5. Retrieved April 9, 2011.
59.  **[^](#cite_ref-60 "Jump up")** ["The Tallahassee Bus Boycott 1956-57"](https://www.floridamemory.com/learn/classroom/learning-units/civil-rights/tallahasseebusboycott/). _Florida Memory_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210507015758/https://www.floridamemory.com/learn/classroom/learning-units/civil-rights/tallahasseebusboycott/) from the original on May 7, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
60.  **[^](#cite_ref-61 "Jump up")** ["The Civil Rights Movement in Florida"](https://www.floridamemory.com/learn/classroom/learning-units/civil-rights/). _Florida Memory_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201024201945/https://www.floridamemory.com/learn/classroom/learning-units/civil-rights/) from the original on October 24, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
61.  **[^](#cite_ref-62 "Jump up")** Federal Writers' Project (1939). _Florida. A Guide to the Southernmost State_. New York: Oxford University Press. p. 7.
62.  **[^](#cite_ref-63 "Jump up")** ["Freedom Tower—American Latino Heritage: A Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary"](https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/american_latino_heritage/freedom_tower.html). _Nps.gov_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180514142205/https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/american_latino_heritage/freedom_tower.html) from the original on May 14, 2018. Retrieved May 14, 2018.
63.  **[^](#cite_ref-64 "Jump up")** Munzenrieder, Kyle (December 23, 2014). ["Florida Is Now Officially the Third Most Populous State"](https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/florida-is-now-officially-the-third-most-populous-state-6554486). _Miaminewtimes.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220503032134/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/florida-is-now-officially-the-third-most-populous-state-6554486) from the original on May 3, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
64.  **[^](#cite_ref-65 "Jump up")** Lea, Brittany De (August 9, 2019). ["Florida to see population boom over coming years as SALT deductions remain capped"](https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/florida-population-boom-taxes). _FOXBusiness_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190906062556/https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/florida-population-boom-taxes) from the original on September 6, 2019. Retrieved September 6, 2019.
65.  **[^](#cite_ref-66 "Jump up")** Millsap, Adam. ["Florida's Population Is Booming—But Should We Worry About Income Growth?"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/adammillsap/2018/06/06/floridas-population-is-booming-but-should-we-worry-about-income-growth/). _Forbes_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190905224515/https://www.forbes.com/sites/adammillsap/2018/06/06/floridas-population-is-booming-but-should-we-worry-about-income-growth/) from the original on September 5, 2019. Retrieved September 6, 2019.
66.  **[^](#cite_ref-67 "Jump up")** Nicole Chavez (December 5, 2019). ["George Zimmerman lawsuit reminds us of how significant the Trayvon Martin case was for a divided country"](https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/05/us/trayvon-martin-shooting-race-in-america/index.html). _CNN Digital_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191205212730/https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/05/us/trayvon-martin-shooting-race-in-america/index.html) from the original on December 5, 2019. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
67.  **[^](#cite_ref-68 "Jump up")** ["A Great Migration From Puerto Rico Is Set to Transform Orlando"](https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/17/us/puerto-ricans-orlando.html). _[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")_. November 17, 2017. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201212145235/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/17/us/puerto-ricans-orlando.html) from the original on December 12, 2020. Retrieved May 14, 2018.
68.  **[^](#cite_ref-69 "Jump up")** Andone, Dakin (February 11, 2019). ["Parkland students turned from victims to activists and inspired a wave of new gun safety laws"](https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/11/us/parkland-change-gun-control-legislation/index.html). _CNN_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210209163535/https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/11/us/parkland-change-gun-control-legislation/index.html) from the original on February 9, 2021. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
69.  **[^](#cite_ref-70 "Jump up")** ["97 dead as recovery effort at collapsed Florida condo nears end"](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/16/97-dead-as-recovery-effort-at-collapsed-florida-condo-nears-end). _[Al Jazeera](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Jazeera_English "Al Jazeera English")_. July 16, 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210717012610/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/16/97-dead-as-recovery-effort-at-collapsed-florida-condo-nears-end) from the original on July 17, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
70.  **[^](#cite_ref-71 "Jump up")** Spocchia, Gina (July 17, 2021). ["Hyatt Regency walkway collapse: 40 years ago today one of America's deadliest structural collapses took place"](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hyatt-regency-walkway-collapse-kansas-b1885876.html). _The Independent_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210725205115/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hyatt-regency-walkway-collapse-kansas-b1885876.html) from the original on July 25, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
71.  **[^](#cite_ref-72 "Jump up")** ["The Surfside collapse is reminiscent of other tragic construction failures in the United States"](https://www.thebharatexpressnews.com/the-surfside-collapse-is-reminiscent-of-other-tragic-construction-failures-in-the-united-states/). The Baharat Express News. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210917084705/https://www.thebharatexpressnews.com/) from the original on September 17, 2021. Retrieved July 25, 2021.
72.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-NOAA_73-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-NOAA_73-1) Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (July 1, 2011). ["State Coastal Zone Boundaries"](http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/mystate/docs/StateCZBoundaries.pdf) (PDF). National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20111015013333/http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/mystate/docs/StateCZBoundaries.pdf) (PDF) from the original on October 15, 2011. Retrieved October 28, 2011.
73.  **[^](#cite_ref-74 "Jump up")** Main, Martin B.; Allen, Ginger M. (July 2007). ["The Florida Environment: An Overview"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101204183859/http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw268). [University of Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Florida "University of Florida"), [Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Food_and_Agricultural_Sciences "Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences"). Archived from [the original](http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW268) on December 4, 2010. Retrieved January 23, 2008.
74.  **[^](#cite_ref-75 "Jump up")** ["Green Mountain Scenic Byway"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080306190416/http://www.dot.state.fl.us/emo/scenichwy/designated/greenmountain.htm). [Florida Department of Transportation](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Department_of_Transportation "Florida Department of Transportation"). Archived from [the original](http://www.dot.state.fl.us/EMO/ScenicHWY/designated/greenmountain.htm) on March 6, 2008. Retrieved January 23, 2008.
75.  **[^](#cite_ref-76 "Jump up")** Megan Garber (March 11, 2014). ["Science: Several U.S. States, Led by Florida, Are Flatter Than a Pancake"](https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/03/science-several-us-states-led-by-florida-are-flatter-than-a-pancake/284348/). _The Atlantic_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204070340/https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/03/science-several-us-states-led-by-florida-are-flatter-than-a-pancake/284348/) from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved March 7, 2017.
76.  **[^](#cite_ref-77 "Jump up")** Heather S. Henkel (April 15, 2010). ["SOFIA Virtual Tour – Lake Okeechobee"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110518213153/http://sofia.usgs.gov/virtual_tour/lakeokee/index.html). Sofia.usgs.gov. Archived from [the original](https://sofia.usgs.gov/virtual_tour/lakeokee/index.html) on May 18, 2011. Retrieved November 27, 2011.
77.  **[^](#cite_ref-78 "Jump up")** Ritter, Michael. ["Wet/Dry Tropical Climate"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101124064306/http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/climate_systems/climate_classification.html). University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point. Archived from [the original](http://www.uwsp.edu/geO/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/climate_systems/climate_classification.html) on November 24, 2010. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
78.  **[^](#cite_ref-79 "Jump up")** ["Average Annual Temperature for Each US State"](http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/US/average-annual-state-temperatures.php). Current Results Nexus. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110827213807/http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/US/average-annual-state-temperatures.php) from the original on August 27, 2011. Retrieved August 19, 2011.
79.  **[^](#cite_ref-80 "Jump up")** ["Hottest States in the US—Current Results"](https://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/US/hottest-states.php). _Currentresults.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220409042831/https://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/US/hottest-states.php) from the original on April 9, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
80.  **[^](#cite_ref-81 "Jump up")** ["Cold Weather Hazards"](https://www.weather.gov/mfl/about_cold). _[National Weather Service Miami, Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Weather_Service_Miami,_Florida "National Weather Service Miami, Florida")_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180619190115/https://www.weather.gov/mfl/about_cold) from the original on June 19, 2018. Retrieved June 19, 2018.
81.  **[^](#cite_ref-82 "Jump up")** ["Hazardous Weather: A Florida Guide—Temperatures"](http://floridadisaster.org/kids/temperatures.htm). FloridaDisaster.org. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160619061514/http://www.floridadisaster.org/kids/temperatures.htm) from the original on June 19, 2016. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
82.  **[^](#cite_ref-83 "Jump up")** ["Temperature Extremes"](https://www.mymanatee.org/home/government/departments/public-safety/emergency-management/breaking-news/archived-news/temperature-extremes.html). _Mymanatee.org_. June 11, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160907103512/http://www.mymanatee.org/home/government/departments/public-safety/emergency-management/breaking-news/archived-news/temperature-extremes.html) from the original on September 7, 2016. Retrieved October 9, 2016.
83.  **[^](#cite_ref-84 "Jump up")** ["Has It Ever Snowed in Florida?"](https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/has-it-ever-snowed-in-florida.html). _Worldatlas.com_. October 25, 2017. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220409042831/https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/has-it-ever-snowed-in-florida.html) from the original on April 9, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
84.  **[^](#cite_ref-85 "Jump up")** Geggis, Anne (January 2, 2018). ["Brrrrr! South Florida may see frost by week's end"](http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weather/fl-reg-chance-of-frost-20180101-story.html). _Sun-sentinel.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201112192143/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weather/fl-reg-chance-of-frost-20180101-story.html) from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
85.  **[^](#cite_ref-86 "Jump up")** United States National Arboretum. ["Florida Hardiness Zones"](http://publicserver2.sjrwmd.com/waterwise/hardiness_zones.html). St Johns River Water Management District. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110716160957/http://publicserver2.sjrwmd.com/waterwise/hardiness_zones.html) from the original on July 16, 2011. Retrieved March 25, 2011.
86.  **[^](#cite_ref-87 "Jump up")** ["Dense Fog Advisory"](https://miami.cbslocal.com/tag/dense-fog-advisory/). _miami.cbslocal.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204013850/https://miami.cbslocal.com/tag/dense-fog-advisory/) from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
87.  **[^](#cite_ref-88 "Jump up")** ["NowData—NOAA Online Weather Data"](https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=jax). [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Oceanic_and_Atmospheric_Administration "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181109234659/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=jax) from the original on November 9, 2018. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
88.  **[^](#cite_ref-89 "Jump up")** ["NowData—NOAA Online Weather Data"](https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mfl). [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Oceanic_and_Atmospheric_Administration "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150712183630/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mfl) from the original on July 12, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
89.  **[^](#cite_ref-90 "Jump up")** ["NowData—NOAA Online Weather Data"](https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mlb). [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Oceanic_and_Atmospheric_Administration "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150905111301/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mlb) from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
90.  **[^](#cite_ref-pnsweather_91-0 "Jump up")** ["Pensacola FAA ARPT, Florida—Climate Summary"](http://www.sercc.com/cgi-bin/sercc/cliMAIN.pl?fl6997). Southeast Regional Climate Center. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080118011757/http://www.sercc.com/cgi-bin/sercc/cliMAIN.pl?fl6997) from the original on January 18, 2008. Retrieved January 26, 2008.
91.  **[^](#cite_ref-92 "Jump up")** ["NowData—NOAA Online Weather Data"](https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=tae). [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Oceanic_and_Atmospheric_Administration "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150905085903/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=tae) from the original on September 5, 2015. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
92.  **[^](#cite_ref-93 "Jump up")** ["NowData—NOAA Online Weather Data"](https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=tbw). [National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Oceanic_and_Atmospheric_Administration "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190616075146/https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=tbw) from the original on June 16, 2019. Retrieved March 5, 2012.
93.  **[^](#cite_ref-94 "Jump up")** ["Lightning Information Center"](http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/ltgcenter/ltgmain.html). [National Weather Service](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Weather_Service "National Weather Service"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090509093118/http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/ltgcenter/ltgmain.html) from the original on May 9, 2009. Retrieved January 23, 2008.
94.  **[^](#cite_ref-95 "Jump up")** ["Total Precipitation in inches by month"](http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/data/usclimate/pcp.state.19712000.climo). [NOAA](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NOAA "NOAA"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130421024731/http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/data/usclimate/pcp.state.19712000.climo) from the original on April 21, 2013. Retrieved March 31, 2013.
95.  **[^](#cite_ref-96 "Jump up")** ["Thunderstorms—Florida Climate Center"](http://climatecenter.fsu.edu/topics/thunderstorms). _climatecenter.fsu.edu_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130703125718/http://climatecenter.fsu.edu/topics/thunderstorms) from the original on July 3, 2013. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
96.  **[^](#cite_ref-97 "Jump up")** ["united states annual sunshine map"](https://web.archive.org/web/20191212162419/https://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/maps/pdf/NAM_US_THEM_AnnualSun.pdf) (PDF). HowStuffWorks, Inc. Archived from [the original](https://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/maps/pdf/NAM_US_THEM_AnnualSun.pdf) (PDF) on December 12, 2019. Retrieved July 16, 2019.
97.  **[^](#cite_ref-98 "Jump up")** Aten, Tim (July 1, 2007). ["Waterspouts common off coastal Florida in summer"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101205104954/http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2007/jul/01/waterspouts_common_coastal_florida_summer/?breaking_news). _[Naples Daily News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naples_Daily_News "Naples Daily News")_. Archived from [the original](http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2007/jul/01/waterspouts_common_coastal_florida_summer/?breaking_news) on December 5, 2010. Retrieved January 23, 2008.
98.  **[^](#cite_ref-99 "Jump up")** ["Hail Storm"](https://miami.cbslocal.com/tag/hail-storm/). _miami.cbslocal.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204070125/https://miami.cbslocal.com/tag/hail-storm/) from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
99.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-fltoday_fact_100-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-fltoday_fact_100-1) "Florida is US lightning capital". _[Florida Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Today "Florida Today") Factbook_. March 28, 2009. p. 34.
100.  **[^](#cite_ref-101 "Jump up")** ["How Often Hurricanes Make Landfall in Florida"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210416092628/https://www.tripsavvy.com/how-often-do-hurricanes-hit-florida-3266726). _Tripsavvy.com_. Archived from [the original](https://www.tripsavvy.com/how-often-do-hurricanes-hit-florida-3266726) on April 16, 2021. Retrieved November 6, 2021.
101.  **[^](#cite_ref-102 "Jump up")** ["The 25th Anniversary of Hurricane Andrew"](http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/keynotes/keynotes_0817_andrew25.html). _Aoml.noaa.gov_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200806144021/https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/keynotes/keynotes_0817_andrew25.html) from the original on August 6, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
102.  **[^](#cite_ref-103 "Jump up")** ["Leatherback Nesting in Florida"](http://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/nesting/leatherback/). _myfwc.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201031144319/https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/nesting/leatherback/) from the original on October 31, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
103.  **[^](#cite_ref-104 "Jump up")** Morgan, Curtis (April 9, 2012). ["Crocs crawl back to coast"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120410234242/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/mh-crocodiles-rebound-20120408,0,5816687.story). _[Florida Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Today "Florida Today")_. Melbourne, Florida. pp. 8B. Archived from [the original](http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/mh-crocodiles-rebound-20120408,0,5816687.story) on April 10, 2012.
104.  **[^](#cite_ref-105 "Jump up")** Winston, Keith (December 24, 2013). ["Predator animals rebound"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150316133407/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20131224/COLUMNISTS0410/312240021/Keith-Winsten-Predator-animals-rebound). _Florida Today_. Melbourne, Florida. pp. 7B. Archived from [the original](http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20131224/COLUMNISTS0410/312240021/Keith-Winsten-Predator-animals-rebound) on March 16, 2015. Retrieved December 29, 2013.
105.  **[^](#cite_ref-106 "Jump up")** ["Surprising Origin of American Flamingos Discovered"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141057/https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/03/birds-animals-flamingos-florida-native/). _News.nationalgeographic.com_. March 10, 2018. Archived from [the original](https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/03/birds-animals-flamingos-florida-native/) on June 12, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
106.  **[^](#cite_ref-107 "Jump up")** C. Michael Hogan. 2008. [_Wild turkey: Meleagris gallopavo_, GlobalTwitcher.com, ed. N. Stromberg](http://www.globaltwitcher.com/artspec_information.asp?thingid=2199) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170725174654/http://www.globaltwitcher.com/artspec_information.asp?thingid=2199) July 25, 2017, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
107.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-ft140107_108-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-ft140107_108-1) Winsten, Keith (January 7, 2014). ["'Snow' bird species in South"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140109080920/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20140107/NEWS01/301070029/Keith-Winsten-Snow-bird-species-show-up-far-south). _Florida Today_. Melbourne, Florida. pp. 7B. Archived from [the original](http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20140107/NEWS01/301070029/Keith-Winsten-Snow-bird-species-show-up-far-south) on January 9, 2014. Retrieved January 7, 2014.
108.  **[^](#cite_ref-109 "Jump up")** ["Biological Control of Invasive Insect Pests of Crops and Native Flora in Florida"](https://reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/0220406-biological-control-of-invasive-insect-pests-of-crops-and-native-flora-in-florida.html). _Usda.gov/_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204010914/https://reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/0220406-biological-control-of-invasive-insect-pests-of-crops-and-native-flora-in-florida.html) from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved June 3, 2018.
109.  **[^](#cite_ref-110 "Jump up")** ["Nonnative Species"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210213223709/https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/). _myfwc.com_. Archived from [the original](http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/) on February 13, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2018.
110.  **[^](#cite_ref-111 "Jump up")** Waymer, Jim (April 1, 2020). ["Florida forests help roll out toilet paper"](https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2020/03/31/coronavirus-fuels-forestry-florida/5088495002/). _Florida Today_. Melbourne, Florida. pp. 1A, 10A. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200403034807/https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2020/03/31/coronavirus-fuels-forestry-florida/5088495002/) from the original on April 3, 2020. Retrieved April 4, 2020.
111.  **[^](#cite_ref-112 "Jump up")** ["Native Plants—University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences"](http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/native-plants.html). _gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210201054720/https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/native-plants.html) from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
112.  **[^](#cite_ref-113 "Jump up")** Sonnenberg, Maria (September 21, 2013). ["Florida's flowers"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150316122002/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130921/SPACES/309210025/Florida-s-flowers-brighten-fields). _Florida Today_. Melbourne, Florida. p. 1D. Archived from [the original](http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130921/SPACES/309210025/Florida-s-flowers-brighten-fields) on March 16, 2015. Retrieved September 21, 2013.
113.  **[^](#cite_ref-114 "Jump up")** Crane, Timothy K. Broschat and Jonathan H. (April 4, 2018). ["The Coconut Palm in Florida"](http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg043). _edis.ifas.ufl.edu_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210209151103/https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg043) from the original on February 9, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
114.  **[^](#cite_ref-115 "Jump up")** ["Reproductive Strategies of Mangroves"](https://www.nhmi.org/mangroves/rep.htm). _Newfound Harbor Marine Institute_. Seacamp Association. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
115.  **[^](#cite_ref-116 "Jump up")** ["The biggest coral reef in the continental U.S. is dissolving into the ocean"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/05/04/the-largest-coral-reef-in-the-continental-u-s-is-dissolving-into-the-ocean/). _Washington Post_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204230141/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/energy-environment/wp/2016/05/04/the-largest-coral-reef-in-the-continental-u-s-is-dissolving-into-the-ocean/) from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
116.  **[^](#cite_ref-117 "Jump up")** US Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. ["NOAA CoRIS—Regional Portal—Florida"](https://www.coris.noaa.gov/portals/florida.html). _www.coris.noaa.gov_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190605144359/https://www.coris.noaa.gov/portals/florida.html) from the original on June 5, 2019. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
117.  **[^](#cite_ref-118 "Jump up")** ["About—Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park"](http://pennekamppark.com/about/). _pennekamppark.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150206001403/http://pennekamppark.com/about/) from the original on February 6, 2015. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
118.  **[^](#cite_ref-119 "Jump up")** ["SOFIA—Circular 1134—the Natural System—Florida Reef Tract"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200731171706/https://archive.usgs.gov/archive/sites/sofia.usgs.gov/publications/circular/1134/esns/frt.html). _archive.usgs.gov_. Archived from [the original](https://archive.usgs.gov/archive/sites/sofia.usgs.gov/publications/circular/1134/esns/frt.html) on July 31, 2020. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
119.  **[^](#cite_ref-Energy_Consumption_by_Source_and_Total_Consumption_per_Capita,_Ranked_by_State,_2004_120-0 "Jump up")** ["Energy Consumption by Source and Total Consumption per Capita, Ranked by State, 2004"](http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/states/sep_sum/html/pdf/rank_use_per_cap.pdf) (PDF). [U.S. Department of Energy](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Department_of_Energy "U.S. Department of Energy"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100115102441/http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/states/sep_sum/html/pdf/rank_use_per_cap.pdf) (PDF) from the original on January 15, 2010. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
120.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-DoE-profile_121-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-DoE-profile_121-1) ["State Energy Profiles: Florida"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080107073030/http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=FL). U.S. Department of Energy. Archived from [the original](http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=FL) on January 7, 2008. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
121.  **[^](#cite_ref-122 "Jump up")** ["Current Wildfire Conditions / Wildland Fire / Florida Forest Service / Divisions & Offices / Home—Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190202084929/https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Wildland-Fire/Current-Wildfire-Conditions2). _Freshfromflorida.com_. Archived from [the original](https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Wildland-Fire/Current-Wildfire-Conditions2) on February 2, 2019. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
122.  **[^](#cite_ref-123 "Jump up")** ["Florida Statutes"](http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0373/SEC503.HTM&Title=-). Leg.state.fl.us. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20051031235651/http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0373%2FSEC503.HTM&Title=-) from the original on October 31, 2005. Retrieved November 4, 2011.
123.  **[^](#cite_ref-Tide's_toxins_trouble_lungs_ashore_124-0 "Jump up")** Daley, Beth (March 28, 2005). ["Tide's toxins trouble lungs ashore"](https://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/03/28/tides_toxins_trouble_lungs_ashore/). _[The Boston Globe](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Boston_Globe "The Boston Globe")_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120216042000/http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/03/28/tides_toxins_trouble_lungs_ashore/) from the original on February 16, 2012. Retrieved December 3, 2007.
124.  **[^](#cite_ref-125 "Jump up")** ["Why Florida's red tide is killing fish, manatees, and turtles"](https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2018/8/30/17795892/red-tide-2018-florida-gulf-sarasota-sanibel-okeechobee). _Vox.com_. August 30, 2018. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220416182027/https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2018/8/30/17795892/red-tide-2018-florida-gulf-sarasota-sanibel-okeechobee) from the original on April 16, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
125.  **[^](#cite_ref-Record_number_of_panthers_killed_by_vehicles_in_2009_126-0 "Jump up")** Williams Hale, Leslie (December 29, 2009). ["Record number of panthers killed by vehicles in 2009"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101205105129/http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/dec/29/16-record-number-panthers-killed-vehicles-2009/). _[Naples News](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naples_News "Naples News")_. Archived from [the original](http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/dec/29/16-record-number-panthers-killed-vehicles-2009/) on December 5, 2010. Retrieved January 1, 2010.
126.  **[^](#cite_ref-127 "Jump up")** ["More manatees have died in Florida so far this year than in all of 2017. Here's why"](https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article217064995.html). _Miamiherald.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210818015949/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article217064995.html) from the original on August 18, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
127.  **[^](#cite_ref-128 "Jump up")** ["Florida's Long-Lost Wild Flamingos Were Hiding in Plain Sight"](https://www.npr.org/2018/03/06/590378419/floridas-long-lost-wild-flamingos-were-hiding-in-plain-sight). _Npr.org_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220409042832/https://www.npr.org/2018/03/06/590378419/floridas-long-lost-wild-flamingos-were-hiding-in-plain-sight) from the original on April 9, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
128.  **[^](#cite_ref-129 "Jump up")** ["Now that we agree these flamingos are Florida natives, it's time to protect them, experts say"](https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article213645084.html). _Miamiherald.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210827235207/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article213645084.html) from the original on August 27, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
129.  **[^](#cite_ref-130 "Jump up")** Jeff Goodell (June 20, 2013). ["Goodbye, Miami"](https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/why-the-city-of-miami-is-doomed-to-drown-20130620). _Rolling Stone_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180510050815/https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/why-the-city-of-miami-is-doomed-to-drown-20130620) from the original on May 10, 2018. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
130.  **[^](#cite_ref-131 "Jump up")** ["Where Sand Is Gold, the Reserves Are Running Dry"](https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/25/us/where-sand-is-gold-the-coffers-are-running-dry-in-florida.html). _[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")_. August 25, 2013. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201112023518/https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/25/us/where-sand-is-gold-the-coffers-are-running-dry-in-florida.html) from the original on November 12, 2020. Retrieved February 16, 2017.
131.  **[^](#cite_ref-132 "Jump up")** Precht and Miller:243–44, 245, 247–48, 249  
    [The State of Coral Reef Ecosystems of the Florida Keys](http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/boyerj/pubs/NOAA%20Coral%20Florida%20Keys2008.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100811125654/http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/boyerj/pubs/NOAA%20Coral%20Florida%20Keys2008.pdf) August 11, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") Accessed December 17, 2010
132.  **[^](#cite_ref-133 "Jump up")** Wilkinson, Jerry. ["History of Keys Geology"](http://www.keyshistory.org/keysgeology.html). _Keyshistory.org_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201109050819/http://www.keyshistory.org/keysgeology.html) from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
133.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-Industry_overview_134-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-Industry_overview_134-1) ["Industry overview"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100214155711/http://www.hoovers.com/chemical-manufacturing---agricultural-/--ID__161--/free-ind-fr-profile-basic.xhtml). _First research_. [Hoover's](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hoover%27s "Hoover's"). March 25, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://www.hoovers.com/chemical-manufacturing---agricultural-/--ID__161--/free-ind-fr-profile-basic.xhtml) on February 14, 2010.
134.  **[^](#cite_ref-135 "Jump up")** Parsons, Victoria (Spring 2011). ["The Real Cost of Fertilizer"](http://baysoundings.com/the-real-cost-of-fertilizer/). _Bay Soundings_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150324093433/http://baysoundings.com/the-real-cost-of-fertilizer/) from the original on March 24, 2015. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
135.  **[^](#cite_ref-136 "Jump up")** ["Florida Springs, Springs in Florida, Florida Cave Diving—Florida's Springs: Protecting Nature's Gems—Florida DEP—Springshed Map"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110211052546/http://www.floridasprings.org/expedition/wakulla/protectingwakulla/springshedmap/). February 11, 2011. Archived from [the original](http://www.floridasprings.org/expedition/wakulla/protectingwakulla/springshedmap/) on February 11, 2011. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
136.  **[^](#cite_ref-Florida's_Geological_History_137-0 "Jump up")** Allen, Ginger M.; Main, Martin B (May 2005). ["Florida's Geological History"](http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW208). _Florida Cooperative Extension Service_. University of Florida. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101204183821/http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw208) from the original on December 4, 2010. Retrieved January 20, 2009.
137.  **[^](#cite_ref-138 "Jump up")** Tihansky, Ann B. ["Sinkholes, West-Central Florida. A link between surface water and ground water"](https://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/circ1182/pdf/15WCFlorida.pdf) (PDF). [U.S. Geological Survey](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Geological_Survey "U.S. Geological Survey"), Tampa, Florida. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20111025021733/http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/circ1182/pdf/15WCFlorida.pdf) (PDF) from the original on October 25, 2011. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
138.  **[^](#cite_ref-139 "Jump up")** ["Sinkhole Maps of Florida Counties"](http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/maps/galleries/sinkholes/index.php). _Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education_. [University of South Florida](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_South_Florida "University of South Florida"). 2007. [Archived](https://archive.today/20130410000535/http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/maps/galleries/sinkholes/index.php) from the original on April 10, 2013. Retrieved June 21, 2014.
139.  **[^](#cite_ref-140 "Jump up")** ["The National Parks: Index 2012–2016"](https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/upload/NPIndex2012-2016.pdf) (PDF). _nps.gov_. National Park Service. p. 47. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181113065657/https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/upload/NPIndex2012-2016.pdf) (PDF) from the original on November 13, 2018. Retrieved November 19, 2018.
140.  **[^](#cite_ref-141 "Jump up")** ["State Farm seeks 28% rate hike"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110219145835/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-16/state-farm-seeks-rate-hikes-in-property-insurance.html). _[Florida Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Today "Florida Today")_. Melbourne, Florida. February 16, 2011. p. 8B. Archived from [the original](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-16/state-farm-seeks-rate-hikes-in-property-insurance.html) on February 19, 2011.
141.  **[^](#cite_ref-142 "Jump up")** Huber, Red (November 13, 2012). ["Looking back at Winter Park's famous sinkhole"](http://www.orlandosentinel.com/os-fla360-looking-back-at-winter-parks-famous-sinkhole-20121113-story.html). _Orlando Sentinel_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210117021354/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/os-fla360-looking-back-at-winter-parks-famous-sinkhole-20121113-story.html) from the original on January 17, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
142.  **[^](#cite_ref-143 "Jump up")** U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. [The National Map](https://viewer.nationalmap.gov/viewer/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120329155652/http://viewer.nationalmap.gov/viewer/) March 29, 2012, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), accessed April 21, 2011
143.  **[^](#cite_ref-144 "Jump up")** (2013-01-02). ["Econlockhatchee River"](http://sjrwmd.com/middlestjohnsriver/econriver.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170705021846/http://www.sjrwmd.com/middlestjohnsriver/econriver.html) July 5, 2017, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"). Saint Johns River Water Management District. Retrieved on August 4, 2014.
144.  **[^](#cite_ref-145 "Jump up")** ["Florida's Earthquake History and Tectonic Setting"](https://www.decodedscience.org/florida-earthquake-history-tectonic-setting/52225). _Decodedscience.org_. January 23, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180903151028/https://www.decodedscience.org/florida-earthquake-history-tectonic-setting/52225) from the original on September 3, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
145.  **[^](#cite_ref-146 "Jump up")** Millsap, Adam. ["Big Metro Areas in Florida Keep Getting Bigger"](https://www.forbes.com/sites/adammillsap/2018/03/23/big-metro-areas-in-florida-keep-getting-bigger/). _Forbes.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220409042852/https://www.forbes.com/sites/adammillsap/2018/03/23/big-metro-areas-in-florida-keep-getting-bigger/) from the original on April 9, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
146.  **[^](#cite_ref-147 "Jump up")** ["Local Government Vocabulary"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131110234408/http://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/Resources.aspx?CNID=877). _Florida League of Cities_. Archived from [the original](http://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/Resources.aspx?CNID%3D877) on November 10, 2013. Retrieved May 15, 2012.
147.  **[^](#cite_ref-148 "Jump up")** ["Population data"](https://www.bebr.ufl.edu/sites/default/files/FloridaPop2005_0.pdf) (PDF). bebr.ufl.edu. 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191212162431/https://www.bebr.ufl.edu/sites/default/files/FloridaPop2005_0.pdf) (PDF) from the original on December 12, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
148.  **[^](#cite_ref-149 "Jump up")** Fishkind, Hank (November 9, 2013). ["Beaches are critically important to us"](http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20131109/COLUMNISTS0707/311090013/Hank-Fishkind-Beaches-critically-important-us). _Florida Today_. Melbourne, Florida. pp. 4B. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150316123809/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20131109/COLUMNISTS0707/311090013/Hank-Fishkind-Beaches-critically-important-us) from the original on March 16, 2015. Retrieved November 11, 2013.
149.  **[^](#cite_ref-150 "Jump up")** ["2020 Decennial US Census"](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/rdo.html). [2020 US Census](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_US_Census "2020 US Census"). November 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211208195041/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/rdo.html) from the original on December 8, 2021. Retrieved November 26, 2021.
150.  **[^](#cite_ref-151 "Jump up")** ["Miami, Florida Race and Hispanic or Latino Origin: 2010 Census Summary File 1"](https://archive.today/20200212214535/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTP10). _American FactFinder_. US Census Bureau. Archived from [the original](http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTP10) on February 12, 2020. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
151.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-HisLatFlo_152-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-HisLatFlo_152-1) [_**c**_](#cite_ref-HisLatFlo_152-2) ["Florida Hispanic or Latino by Type: 2010 Census Summary File 1"](https://www.census.gov/). [United States Census Bureau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Census_Bureau "United States Census Bureau"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/) from the original on December 27, 1996. Retrieved October 26, 2015.
152.  **[^](#cite_ref-153 "Jump up")** ["QuickFacts: Florida"](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/FL). _Census.gov_. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved December 20, 2024.
153.  **[^](#cite_ref-154 "Jump up")** ["Historical Population Change Data (1910-2020)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20210429012609/https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/dec/popchange-data-text.html). _Census.gov_. United States Census Bureau. Archived from [the original](https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/dec/popchange-data-text.html) on April 29, 2021. Retrieved May 1, 2021.
154.  **[^](#cite_ref-155 "Jump up")** ["Table 1. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2019"](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/FL,US/PST045219). [U.S. Census Bureau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Census_Bureau "U.S. Census Bureau"). January 29, 2019. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20200610161658/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/FL,US/PST045219) from the original on June 10, 2020. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
155.  **[^](#cite_ref-156 "Jump up")** Website Services & Coordination Staff (WSCS). ["2010 Census Interactive Population Search"](https://archive.today/20130814015143/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=12). _census.gov_. Archived from [the original](http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=12) on August 14, 2013. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
156.  **[^](#cite_ref-157 "Jump up")** Weissmann, Jordan (December 22, 2012). ["The Fastest-Growing States in America (and Why They're Booming)"](https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/12/the-fastest-growing-states-in-america-and-why-theyre-booming/266541/). _The Atlantic_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170525081826/https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/12/the-fastest-growing-states-in-america-and-why-theyre-booming/266541/) from the original on May 25, 2017. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
157.  **[^](#cite_ref-158 "Jump up")** ["Florida's Population Center Migrates through History"](https://archive.today/20130814015104/http://www.bebr.ufl.edu/articles/floridas-population-center-migrates-through-history). University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research. Archived from [the original](http://www.bebr.ufl.edu/articles/floridas-population-center-migrates-through-history) on August 14, 2013. Retrieved August 14, 2014.
158.  **[^](#cite_ref-159 "Jump up")** Fund, John (December 23, 2014). ["Florida Leaves New York Behind in Its Rear-View Mirror"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170525200510/http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/395312/florida-leaves-new-york-behind-its-rear-view-mirror-john-fund). _National Review_. Archived from [the original](http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/395312/florida-leaves-new-york-behind-its-rear-view-mirror-john-fund) on May 25, 2017. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
159.  **[^](#cite_ref-160 "Jump up")** Pramuk, Jacob (December 23, 2014). ["Florida surpasses NY as 3rd most populous state"](https://www.cnbc.com/2014/12/23/florida-surpasses-ny-as-3rd-most-populous-state.html). _CNBC_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190405224242/https://www.cnbc.com/2014/12/23/florida-surpasses-ny-as-3rd-most-populous-state.html) from the original on April 5, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
160.  **[^](#cite_ref-161 "Jump up")** ["Florida Demographics—Get Current Census Data for Florida"](https://www.florida-demographics.com/). _florida-demographics.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181024232311/https://www.florida-demographics.com/) from the original on October 24, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
161.  **[^](#cite_ref-New_Arizona_law_puts_police_in_'tenuous'_spot_162-0 "Jump up")** Slevin, Peter (April 30, 2010). ["New Arizona law puts police in 'tenuous' spot"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/29/AR2010042904970.html). _[The Washington Post](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Washington_Post "The Washington Post")_. Washington, D.C. p. A4. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121110131615/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/29/AR2010042904970.html) from the original on November 10, 2012.
162.  **[^](#cite_ref-164 "Jump up")** Reed, Matt (January 18, 2011). ["E-Verify best way to find illegals"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140504000756/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110118/COLUMNISTS0207/101180318/1086/Matt%2BReed%2B%2BFearmongering%2Bon%2BE-Verify%2Bshields%2Billegals). _Florida Today_. Melbourne, Florida. p. 1B. Archived from [the original](http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110118/COLUMNISTS0207/101180318/1086/Matt+Reed++Fearmongering+on+E-Verify+shields+illegals) on May 4, 2014.
163.  **[^](#cite_ref-165 "Jump up")** Shoichet, Catherine E. (May 9, 2019). ["Florida is about to ban sanctuary cities. At least 11 other states have, too"](https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/09/politics/sanctuary-city-bans-states/index.html). _CNN_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190616132746/https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/09/politics/sanctuary-city-bans-states/index.html) from the original on June 16, 2019. Retrieved September 3, 2019.
164.  **[^](#cite_ref-166 "Jump up")** ["Immigrants in Florida"](https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/immigrants-florida). January 2015.
165.  **[^](#cite_ref-167 "Jump up")** ["2007-2022 PIT Counts by State"](https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.huduser.gov%2Fportal%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Fxls%2F2007-2022-PIT-Counts-by-State.xlsx&wdOrigin=BROWSELINK).
166.  **[^](#cite_ref-168 "Jump up")** ["The 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress"](https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2022-AHAR-Part-1.pdf) (PDF).
167.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-census_169-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-census_169-1) [_**c**_](#cite_ref-census_169-2) Gibson, Campbell; Jung, Kay (September 2002). ["Historical Census Statistics on Population Totals By Race, 1790 to 1990, and By Hispanic Origin, 1970 to 1990, For The United States, Regions, Divisions, and States"](https://web.archive.org/web/20141224151538/http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0056/twps0056.html). U. S. Census Bureau Population Division. Archived from [the original](https://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0056/twps0056.html) on December 24, 2014.
168.  **[^](#cite_ref-170 "Jump up")** ["FL"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230321020039/https://censusviewer.com/city/FL). _censusviewer.com_. Archived from [the original](https://censusviewer.com/city/FL) on March 21, 2023. Retrieved April 16, 2024.
169.  **[^](#cite_ref-171 "Jump up")** Center for New Media and Promotions(C2PO). ["2010 Census Data"](https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.2010.html). _Census.gov_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170522200920/https://census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.2010.html) from the original on May 22, 2017. Retrieved April 7, 2020.`{{[cite web](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Template:Cite_web "Template:Cite web")}}`: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list ([link](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:CS1_maint:_numeric_names:_authors_list "Category:CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list"))
170.  **[^](#cite_ref-172 "Jump up")** ["Race and Ethnicity in the United States: 2010 Census and 2020 Census"](https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/race-and-ethnicity-in-the-united-state-2010-and-2020-census.html). _Census.gov_. United States Census Bureau. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210815165418/https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/race-and-ethnicity-in-the-united-state-2010-and-2020-census.html) from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
171.  **[^](#cite_ref-173 "Jump up")** ["The Chance That Two People Chosen at Random Are of Different Race or Ethnicity Groups Has Increased Since 2010"](https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/08/2020-united-states-population-more-racially-ethnically-diverse-than-2010.html). _Census.gov_. United States Census Bureau. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220412101107/https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/08/2020-united-states-population-more-racially-ethnically-diverse-than-2010.html) from the original on April 12, 2022. Retrieved April 19, 2022.
172.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-FLdemo_174-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-FLdemo_174-1) [_**c**_](#cite_ref-FLdemo_174-2) [_**d**_](#cite_ref-FLdemo_174-3) ["Florida Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data"](https://www.census.gov/). [United States Census Bureau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Census_Bureau "United States Census Bureau"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/) from the original on December 27, 1996. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
173.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-FLpop_175-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-FLpop_175-1) [_**c**_](#cite_ref-FLpop_175-2) [_**d**_](#cite_ref-FLpop_175-3) ["Florida: Selected Social Characteristics in the United States—2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates"](https://www.census.gov/). [United States Census Bureau](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Census_Bureau "United States Census Bureau"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/) from the original on December 27, 1996. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
174.  **[^](#cite_ref-176 "Jump up")** ["Florida Factstreet"](https://archive.today/20200212052421/http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFFacts?_event=Search&geo_id=&_geoContext=&_street=&_county=&_cityTown=&_state=04000US12&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&pctxt=fph&pgsl=010). US Census Bureau. Archived from [the original](http://factfinder.census.gov/servlet/SAFFFacts?_event=Search&geo_id=&_geoContext=&_street=&_county=&_cityTown=&_state=04000US12&_zip=&_lang=en&_sse=on&pctxt=fph&pgsl=010) on February 12, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2007.
175.  **[^](#cite_ref-177 "Jump up")** Pulera, Dominic (October 20, 2004). [_Sharing the Dream: White Males in Multicultural America_](https://books.google.com/books?id=SVoAXh-dNuYC&pg=PA57). A&C Black. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [9780826416438](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780826416438 "Special:BookSources/9780826416438"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150907093623/https://books.google.com/books?id=SVoAXh-dNuYC&pg=PA57) from the original on September 7, 2015. Retrieved October 23, 2018 – via Google Books.
176.  **[^](#cite_ref-178 "Jump up")** Reynolds Farley, 'The New Census Question about Ancestry: What Did It Tell Us?', _Demography_, Vol. 28, No. 3 (August 1991), pp. 414, 421.
177.  **[^](#cite_ref-179 "Jump up")** Stanley Lieberson and Lawrence Santi, 'The Use of Nativity Data to Estimate Ethnic Characteristics and Patterns', _Social Science Research_, Vol. 14, No. 1 (1985), pp. 44–6.
178.  **[^](#cite_ref-180 "Jump up")** Stanley Lieberson and Mary C. Waters, 'Ethnic Groups in Flux: The Changing Ethnic Responses of American Whites', _Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science_, Vol. 487, No. 79 (September 1986), pp. 82–86.
179.  **[^](#cite_ref-181 "Jump up")** Mary C. Waters, _Ethnic Options: Choosing Identities in America_ (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1990), p. 36.
180.  **[^](#cite_ref-182 "Jump up")** ["Ancestry of the Population by State: 1980—Table 3"](https://www.census.gov/population/www/censusdata/files/pc80-s1-10/tab03.pdf) (PDF). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120224233043/http://www.census.gov/population/www/censusdata/files/pc80-s1-10/tab03.pdf) (PDF) from the original on February 24, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2011.
181.  **[^](#cite_ref-183 "Jump up")** [David Hackett Fischer](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Hackett_Fischer "David Hackett Fischer"), _[Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albion%27s_Seed:_Four_British_Folkways_in_America "Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America")_, New York: [Oxford University Press](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxford_University_Press "Oxford University Press"), 1989, pp.633–639
182.  **[^](#cite_ref-184 "Jump up")** Data Access and Dissemination Systems (DADS). ["American FactFinder—Results"](https://archive.today/20200212213707/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTP10&prodType=table). _census.gov_. Archived from [the original](http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTP10&prodType=table) on February 12, 2020. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
183.  **[^](#cite_ref-185 "Jump up")** ["Thedailyjournal—Puerto Rico's population exodus is all about jobs"](http://content.usatoday.com/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=thedailyjournal&sParam=53490820.story). _usatoday.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150904011425/http://content.usatoday.com/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=thedailyjournal&sParam=53490820.story) from the original on September 4, 2015. Retrieved July 21, 2015.
184.  **[^](#cite_ref-186 "Jump up")** Brinkmann, Paul. ["How many Puerto Ricans have moved to Florida? State's numbers questioned"](http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/brinkmann-on-business/os-bz-puerto-rico-numbers-20180105-story.html). _Orlandosentinel.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190203014108/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/brinkmann-on-business/os-bz-puerto-rico-numbers-20180105-story.html) from the original on February 3, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
185.  **[^](#cite_ref-1870census_187-0 "Jump up")** ["Compendium of the Ninth Census:Population, with race"](http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1870e-02.pdf) (PDF). US Census Bureau. p. 14. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100808224024/http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1870e-02.pdf) (PDF) from the original on August 8, 2010. Retrieved December 3, 2007.
186.  **[^](#cite_ref-Historical_Census_Browser:_1960_US_Census_188-0 "Jump up")** ["Historical Census Browser: 1960 US Census"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070808165831/http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/stats/histcensus/php/start.php?year=V1960). _University of Virginia, Geospatial and Statistical Data Center_. [University of Virginia Library](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Virginia_Library "University of Virginia Library"). 2004. Archived from [the original](http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/stats/histcensus/php/start.php?year=V1960) on August 8, 2007. Retrieved August 29, 2008.
187.  **[^](#cite_ref-189 "Jump up")** Gregory, James. ["Florida Migration History 1850-2018"](https://depts.washington.edu/moving1/Florida.shtml). _Civil Rights and Labor History Consortium_. University of Washington. Retrieved November 19, 2023.
188.  **[^](#cite_ref-190 "Jump up")** ["As Caribbean immigration rises, Miami's black population becomes more foreign"](https://www.miamiherald.com/article18228377.html). _Miamiherald.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210912173415/https://www.miamiherald.com/article18228377.html) from the original on September 12, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
189.  **[^](#cite_ref-191 "Jump up")** ["Grid View: Table B04006—Census Reporter"](https://censusreporter.org/data/table/?table=B04006&geo_ids=04000US12&primary_geo_id=04000US12#valueType%7Cpercentage). _censusreporter.org_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204014540/https://censusreporter.org/data/table/?table=B04006&geo_ids=04000US12&primary_geo_id=04000US12#valueType%7Cpercentage) from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved October 10, 2017.
190.  **[^](#cite_ref-192 "Jump up")** Michael B. Sauter; Douglas A. McIntyre (May 10, 2011). ["The States with the Oldest And Youngest Residents"](http://247wallst.com/2011/05/10/the-states-with-the-oldest-and-youngest-residents/3/). wallst.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20121010090050/http://247wallst.com/2011/05/10/the-states-with-the-oldest-and-youngest-residents/3/) from the original on October 10, 2012. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
191.  **[^](#cite_ref-Retired_Military_Personnel_193-0 "Jump up")** "Retired Military Personnel". _The Intercom_. Patrick Air Force Base, Florida: Military Officers Association of Cape Canaveral. June 2009. p. 4.
192.  **[^](#cite_ref-194 "Jump up")** Amy Goodman (April 6, 2009). [""A Ponzi State"—Univ. of South Florida Professor Examines the Economic Crisis in Florida"](http://www.democracynow.org/2009/4/6/a_ponzi_state_univ_of_south). _Democracy Now!_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201109033730/https://www.democracynow.org/2009/4/6/a_ponzi_state_univ_of_south) from the original on November 9, 2020. Retrieved April 12, 2010.
193.  **[^](#cite_ref-195 "Jump up")** ["U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Florida"](https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/FL/RHI825216#viewtop). _Census Bureau QuickFacts_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204041614/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/FL/RHI825216#viewtop) from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
194.  **[^](#cite_ref-196 "Jump up")** ["Immigrants in Florida"](https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/immigrants-florida). _Americanmigrationcouncil.org_. January 1, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204011518/https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/immigrants-florida) from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
195.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-MLA_197-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-MLA_197-1) ["Florida"](http://www.mla.org/map_data). [Modern Language Association](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Language_Association "Modern Language Association"). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20071201170638/http://www.mla.org/map_data) from the original on December 1, 2007. Retrieved August 11, 2013.
196.  **[^](#cite_ref-198 "Jump up")** MacDonald, Victoria M. (April 2004). ["The Status of English Language Learners in Florida: Trends and Prospects"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140209171845/http://www.collier.k12.fl.us/ell/docs/Status%20of%20ELL%20in%20Florida.pdf) (PDF). Education Policy Research Unit, [Arizona State University](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arizona_State_University "Arizona State University"). Archived from [the original](http://www.collier.k12.fl.us/ell/docs/Status%20of%20ELL%20in%20Florida.pdf) (PDF) on February 9, 2014. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
197.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-pew2014_199-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-pew2014_199-1) ["Religious Landscape Study"](https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/florida/). Pew Forum. May 11, 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201124100357/https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/florida/) from the original on November 24, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2015.
198.  **[^](#cite_ref-200 "Jump up")** ["Jewish Population of the United States, by State (2011)"](https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/US-Israel/usjewpop.html). _Jewish Virtual Library_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170121170748/http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/US-Israel/usjewpop.html) from the original on January 21, 2017. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
199.  **[^](#cite_ref-201 "Jump up")** ["The Association of Religion Data Archives | State Membership Report"](http://www.thearda.com/rcms2010/r/s/12/rcms2010_12_state_adh_2010.asp). www.thearda.com. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20131202224254/http://www.thearda.com/rcms2010/r/s/12/rcms2010_12_state_adh_2010.asp) from the original on December 2, 2013. Retrieved November 15, 2013.
200.  **[^](#cite_ref-202 "Jump up")** Pew Research Center, ["Religious Landscape Study: Florida"](https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/florida/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201124100357/https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/florida/) November 24, 2020, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")
201.  **[^](#cite_ref-203 "Jump up")** ["Editorial:Culture of corruption"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140107202129/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110107/OPINION/110106021/Our-Views-Culture-of-corruption-Jan-7-). _Florida Today_. Melbourne, Florida. January 7, 2011. p. 1A. Archived from [the original](http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110107/OPINION/110106021/Our-Views-Culture-of-corruption-Jan-7-) on January 7, 2014.
202.  **[^](#cite_ref-204 "Jump up")** J. Pomante II, Michael; Li, Quan (December 15, 2020). ["Cost of Voting in the American States: 2020"](https://doi.org/10.1089%2Felj.2020.0666). _Election Law Journal: Rules, Politics, and Policy_. **19** (4): 503–509\. [doi](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doi_\(identifier\) "Doi (identifier)"):[10.1089/elj.2020.0666](https://doi.org/10.1089%2Felj.2020.0666). [S2CID](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S2CID_\(identifier\) "S2CID (identifier)") [225139517](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:225139517).
203.  **[^](#cite_ref-205 "Jump up")** Shackford, Scott (April 28, 2022). ["Florida, Tennessee Ban Ranked-Choice Voting Despite Citizen Support"](https://reason.com/2022/04/28/florida-tennessee-ban-ranked-choice-voting-despite-citizen-support/). _Reason_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220429232815/https://reason.com/2022/04/28/florida-tennessee-ban-ranked-choice-voting-despite-citizen-support/) from the original on April 29, 2022. Retrieved April 30, 2022.
204.  **[^](#cite_ref-206 "Jump up")** ["Methods of Execution"](https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/executions/methods-of-execution). _Death Penalty Information Center_.
205.  **[^](#cite_ref-207 "Jump up")** ["Alabama : Federal Taxes Paid vs. Federal Spending Received : 1981–present"](https://files.taxfoundation.org/legacy/docs/ftsbs-timeseries-20071016-.pdf) (PDF). _Files.taxfoundation.org_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190412030238/https://files.taxfoundation.org/legacy/docs/ftsbs-timeseries-20071016-.pdf) (PDF) from the original on April 12, 2019. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
206.  **[^](#cite_ref-208 "Jump up")** ["Voter Registration—Current by County—Division of Elections—Florida Department of State"](https://web.archive.org/web/20161024133158/http://dos.myflorida.com/elections/data-statistics/voter-registration-statistics/voter-registration-monthly-reports/voter-registration-current-by-county/). October 24, 2016. Archived from [the original](http://dos.myflorida.com/elections/data-statistics/voter-registration-statistics/voter-registration-monthly-reports/voter-registration-current-by-county/) on October 24, 2016.
207.  **[^](#cite_ref-William_C._Cramer,_81,_a_Leader_Of_G.O.P._Resurgence_in_South_209-0 "Jump up")** Saxon, Wolfgang (October 27, 2003). ["William C. Cramer, 81, a Leader of G.O.P. Resurgence in South"](https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E03EFDF1131F934A15753C1A9659C8B63). _[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080919042944/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E03EFDF1131F934A15753C1A9659C8B63) from the original on September 19, 2008. Retrieved February 26, 2008.
208.  **[^](#cite_ref-Claude_Roy_Kirk_Jr._210-0 "Jump up")** ["Claude Roy Kirk, Jr"](https://web.archive.org/web/20081202150529/http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/museum/collections/governors/about.cfm?id=43). Office of Cultural and Historic Programs, State of Florida. Archived from [the original](http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/museum/collections/governors/about.cfm?id=43) on December 2, 2008. Retrieved February 26, 2008.
209.  **[^](#cite_ref-E._J._Gurney,_82,_Senator_Who_Backed_Nixon_211-0 "Jump up")** Thomas, Robert McG Jr. (May 23, 1996). ["E. J. Gurney, 82, Senator Who Backed Nixon"](https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D01E4DD1E39F930A15756C0A960958260). _[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080919042856/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D01E4DD1E39F930A15756C0A960958260) from the original on September 19, 2008. Retrieved February 26, 2008.
210.  **[^](#cite_ref-212 "Jump up")** Chris, Moody. ["Florida is the true US presidential election bellwether state"](https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/1/florida-is-the-uss-true-presidential-election-bellwether). _www.aljazeera.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201117071439/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/1/florida-is-the-uss-true-presidential-election-bellwether) from the original on November 17, 2020. Retrieved February 11, 2021.
211.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-The_New_York_Times_213-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-The_New_York_Times_213-1) Navarro, Mireya (September 21, 1998). ["Florida's Split: Will It Play in the Panhandle?"](https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C01E1D81330F932A1575AC0A96E958260). _[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210220154033/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/21/us/florida-s-split-will-it-play-in-the-panhandle.html) from the original on February 20, 2021. Retrieved May 2, 2010.
212.  **[^](#cite_ref-The_Washington_Times_214-0 "Jump up")** Lengell, Sean. ["As I-4 corridor goes, so goes Florida"](http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20080128/NATION/3421225/1001). _The Washington Times_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080131084327/http://washingtontimes.com/article/20080128/NATION/3421225/1001) from the original on January 31, 2008.
213.  **[^](#cite_ref-Voter_Registration_by_Party_Affiliation_and_County_215-0 "Jump up")** ["Voter Registration by Party Affiliation and County"](https://web.archive.org/web/20111124083756/http://election.dos.state.fl.us/voterreg/registration.asp). Florida Department of State. January 2008. Archived from [the original](http://election.dos.state.fl.us/voterreg/registration.asp) on November 24, 2011. Retrieved February 26, 2008.
214.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-archives2000_216-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-archives2000_216-1) ["U.S. Electoral College"](https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/votes/2000.html). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101121105847/http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/votes/2000.html) from the original on November 21, 2010.
215.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-archives1_217-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-archives1_217-1) ["Florida Certificate of Vote"](https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/2000_certificates/vote_florida.html). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110919083339/http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/2000_certificates/vote_florida.html) from the original on September 19, 2011.
216.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-www.tampabay.com_218-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-www.tampabay.com_218-1) Leary, Alex: ["Florida gains two U.S. House seats in Census"](http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/article1141209.ece) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20101224164152/http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/article1141209.ece) December 24, 2010, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), _St. Petersburg Times_, December 21, 2010
217.  **[^](#cite_ref-219 "Jump up")** Pear, Robert. ["Elections 2012, State Results"](http://elections.nytimes.com/2012/results/states/florida). _[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210220151058/https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2012/results/states/florida.html) from the original on February 20, 2021. Retrieved April 15, 2013.
218.  **[^](#cite_ref-Florida1_220-0 "Jump up")** ["Florida"](http://www.270towin.com/states/Florida). 270towin.com. January 2, 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210128211209/https://www.270towin.com/states/florida) from the original on January 28, 2021. Retrieved January 2, 2010.
219.  **[^](#cite_ref-221 "Jump up")** _See_ [_Bush_ _v_. _Gore_](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/00-949.ZPC.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20071015060335/https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/00-949.ZPC.html) October 15, 2007, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), 531 U.S. 98 (2000)
220.  **[^](#cite_ref-222 "Jump up")** _See also_ [_Bush_ _v_. _Palm Beach County Canvassing Board_](https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/00-836.ZPC.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210126125832/https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/00-836.ZPC.html) January 26, 2021, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), 531 U.S. 70 (2000).
221.  **[^](#cite_ref-Study_of_Disputed_Florida_Ballots_Finds_Justices_Did_Not_Cast_the_Deciding_Vote_223-0 "Jump up")** Fessenden, Ford; Broder, John M. (November 12, 2001). ["Study of Disputed Florida Ballots Finds Justices Did Not Cast the Deciding Vote"](https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/12/politics/12VOTE.html). _[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160831061950/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/12/politics/12VOTE.html) from the original on August 31, 2016. Retrieved February 16, 2017.
222.  **[^](#cite_ref-224 "Jump up")** _Cf_. Fla. Stat. § 103.011 ([web version](http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0103/SEC011.HTM&Title=-%3E2000-%3ECh0103-%3ESection%20011#0103.011) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220409043143/http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0103%2FSEC011.HTM&Title=-%3E2000-%3ECh0103-%3ESection%20011#0103.011) April 9, 2022, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine")) ("Votes cast for the actual candidates for President and Vice President shall be counted as votes cast for the presidential electors supporting such candidates. The Department of State shall certify as elected the presidential electors of the candidates for President and Vice President who receive the highest number of votes.")
223.  **[^](#cite_ref-225 "Jump up")** [Matt Ford, "Restoring Voting Rights for Felons in Maryland"](https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/02/maryland-felon-voting/462000/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170421090255/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/02/maryland-felon-voting/462000/) April 21, 2017, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), _The Atlantic_, February 9, 2016, accessed March 23, 2016
224.  **[^](#cite_ref-226 "Jump up")** [Mary Ellen Klas, "Florida Supreme Court approves congressional map drawn by challengers"](http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article47576450.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160314023536/http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article47576450.html) March 14, 2016, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), _Tampa Bay Times_, December 2, 2015, accessed December 11, 2016
225.  **[^](#cite_ref-227 "Jump up")** ["Voter Registration—By Party Affiliation"](https://dos.myflorida.com/elections/data-statistics/voter-registration-statistics/voter-registration-reportsxlsx/voter-registration-by-party-affiliation/). Florida Department of State. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
226.  **[^](#cite_ref-228 "Jump up")** Brent Staples, "Florida Leads the Pack—in Felon Disenfranchisement", _[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")_, November 7, 2014, accessed March 23, 2016
227.  **[^](#cite_ref-229 "Jump up")** Narea, Nicole (November 11, 2022). ["It's official: Florida is a red state"](https://www.vox.com/midterm-elections-2022/2022/11/11/23452549/midterm-elections-2022-results-florida-republicans-red-wave-swing-state). _Vox_. Retrieved November 22, 2022.
228.  **[^](#cite_ref-230 "Jump up")** ["The Collapse of the Florida Democratic Party"](http://www.floridapoliticalreview.com/the-collapse-of-the-florida-democratic-party/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220104183733/http://www.floridapoliticalreview.com/the-collapse-of-the-florida-democratic-party/) January 4, 2022, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), _Florida Political Review_, January 4, 2022, accessed January 12, 2022
229.  **[^](#cite_ref-231 "Jump up")** ["Florida's Motor Vehicle : No-Fault Law : Report Number 2006-102"](http://archive.flsenate.gov/data/publications/2006/senate/reports/interim_reports/pdf/2006-102bilong.pdf) (PDF). _Archive.flsenate.gov_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180729182151/http://archive.flsenate.gov/data/Publications/2006/Senate/reports/interim_reports/pdf/2006-102bilong.pdf) (PDF) from the original on July 29, 2018. Retrieved October 23, 2018.
230.  **[^](#cite_ref-232 "Jump up")** ["Personal Injury Protection (PIP)"](http://www.flsenate.gov/PublishedContent/Session/2012/InterimReports/2012-203bi.pdf) (PDF). The Florida Senate, Committee on Banking and Insurance. August 2011. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120105105520/http://flsenate.gov/PublishedContent/Session/2012/InterimReports/2012-203bi.pdf) (PDF) from the original on January 5, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
231.  **[^](#cite_ref-233 "Jump up")** ["Corruption at Miami-Dade auto accident clinics creates huge financial burden on drivers"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120515012653/http://www.unitedautocourtsreport.com/blog/?p=558). _United Auto Courts Report_. United Auto Insurance Co. January 15, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.unitedautocourtsreport.com/blog/?p=558) on May 15, 2012. Retrieved February 9, 2012.
232.  **[^](#cite_ref-234 "Jump up")** Deslatte, Aaron (January 26, 2012). ["Scott says PIP program 'has to be fixed'"](https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20170525200505/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2012-01-26/business/os-pip-governor-20120126_1_auto-injury-insurance-costs-auto-insurance-law). _Orlando Sentinel_. Archived from [the original](http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-pip-governor-20120126,0,2175419.story) on May 25, 2017.
233.  **[^](#cite_ref-235 "Jump up")** Mitchell, Tia (January 25, 2012). ["Scott-backed bill to combat fraud advances in House"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120211135709/http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/25/2608553/scott-backed-bill-to-combat-fraud.html). _Miami Herald_. Archived from [the original](http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/25/2608553/scott-backed-bill-to-combat-fraud.html) on February 11, 2012.
234.  **[^](#cite_ref-236 "Jump up")** ["House version of PIP reform gets Scott endorsement"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130323031404/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/house-version-pip-reform-gets-scott-endorsement). _Tampa Bay Times_. January 25, 2012. Archived from [the original](http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/house-version-pip-reform-gets-scott-endorsement) on March 23, 2013.
235.  **[^](#cite_ref-237 "Jump up")** ["Facts about capital punishment—the death penalty"](http://www.religioustolerance.org/execut3.htm). _www.religioustolerance.org_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170713215816/http://www.religioustolerance.org/execut3.htm) from the original on July 13, 2017. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
236.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-The_Florida_Statutes._238-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-The_Florida_Statutes._238-1) _The Florida Statutes._
237.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-guidelines_239-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-guidelines_239-1) ["FL sentencing guidelines"](http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2010/775.082). FL Senate. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201124075255/https://flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2010/775.082) from the original on November 24, 2020. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
238.  **[^](#cite_ref-240 "Jump up")** Knapp, Andrew (October 16, 2010). ["Crime rate decreases 5.5%"](https://web.archive.org/web/20140712134439/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20101016/NEWS01/10160312/1006/Crime+rate+decreases+5.5+percent). _Florida Today_. Melbourne, Florida. pp. 1B. Archived from [the original](http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20101016/NEWS01/10160312/1006/Crime+rate+decreases+5.5+percent) on July 12, 2014.
239.  **[^](#cite_ref-241 "Jump up")** ["The 2010 Florida Statutes"](http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0900-0999/0921/Sections/0921.002.html). State of Florida. October 16, 2010. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204070340/http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0900-0999%2F0921%2FSections%2F0921.002.html) from the original on February 4, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
240.  **[^](#cite_ref-242 "Jump up")** Haridopolos, Mike (March 11, 2014). ["Legislature aims to rewrite gaming rules. 'Complex' issue affects billions of dollars in state revenue"](https://web.archive.org/web/20150924051235/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20140311/COLUMNISTS0205/303110004/Legislature-aims-rewrite-state-gaming-rules). _Florida Today_. Melbourne, Florida. pp. 1A. Archived from [the original](http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20140311/COLUMNISTS0205/303110004/Legislature-aims-rewrite-state-gaming-rules) on September 24, 2015. Retrieved March 11, 2014.
241.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-GDPByState_243-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-GDPByState_243-1) ["GDP by State"](https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gdp-state). _GDP by State | U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA)_. Bureau of Economic Analysis. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180817010902/https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gdp-state) from the original on August 17, 2018. Retrieved March 26, 2021.[https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/qgdpstate0621.pdf](https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/qgdpstate0621.pdf) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210820201411/https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/qgdpstate0621.pdf) August 20, 2021, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine") Bureau of Economic Analysis – Full release and tables Gross Domestic Product by State, 1st Quarter 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2021.
242.  **[^](#cite_ref-244 "Jump up")** ["World Economic Outlook Database, October 2021"](https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2021/October/weo-report?c=512,914,612,171,614,311,213,911,314,193,122,912,313,419,513,316,913,124,339,638,514,218,963,616,223,516,918,748,618,624,522,622,156,626,628,228,924,233,632,636,634,238,662,960,423,935,128,611,321,243,248,469,253,642,643,939,734,644,819,172,132,646,648,915,134,652,174,328,258,656,654,336,263,268,532,944,176,534,536,429,433,178,436,136,343,158,439,916,664,826,542,967,443,917,544,941,446,666,668,672,946,137,546,674,676,548,556,678,181,867,682,684,273,868,921,948,943,686,688,518,728,836,558,138,196,278,692,694,962,142,449,564,565,283,853,288,293,566,964,182,359,453,968,922,714,862,135,716,456,722,942,718,724,576,936,961,813,726,199,733,184,524,361,362,364,732,366,144,146,463,528,923,738,578,537,742,866,369,744,186,925,869,746,926,466,112,111,298,927,846,299,582,487,474,754,698,&s=NGDPD,&sy=2021&ey=2021&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1). _IMF.org_. [International Monetary Fund](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Monetary_Fund "International Monetary Fund"). October 2021. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220103115846/https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WEO/weo-database/2021/October/weo-report?c=512,914,612,171,614,311,213,911,314,193,122,912,313,419,513,316,913,124,339,638,514,218,963,616,223,516,918,748,618,624,522,622,156,626,628,228,924,233,632,636,634,238,662,960,423,935,128,611,321,243,248,469,253,642,643,939,734,644,819,172,132,646,648,915,134,652,174,328,258,656,654,336,263,268,532,944,176,534,536,429,433,178,436,136,343,158,439,916,664,826,542,967,443,917,544,941,446,666,668,672,946,137,546,674,676,548,556,678,181,867,682,684,273,868,921,948,943,686,688,518,728,836,558,138,196,278,692,694,962,142,449,564,565,283,853,288,293,566,964,182,359,453,968,922,714,862,135,716,456,722,942,718,724,576,936,961,813,726,199,733,184,524,361,362,364,732,366,144,146,463,528,923,738,578,537,742,866,369,744,186,925,869,746,926,466,112,111,298,927,846,299,582,487,474,754,698,&s=NGDPD,&sy=2021&ey=2021&ssm=0&scsm=1&scc=0&ssd=1&ssc=0&sic=0&sort=country&ds=.&br=1) from the original on January 3, 2022. Retrieved January 10, 2022.
243.  **[^](#cite_ref-245 "Jump up")** ["GDP (Current US$)"](https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD?locations=US&most_recent_value_desc=true). _The World Bank_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210728204255/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD?locations=US&most_recent_value_desc=true) from the original on July 28, 2021. Retrieved July 28, 2021.
244.  **[^](#cite_ref-246 "Jump up")** Stronge, William B. (2008). [_The sunshine economy : an economic history of Florida since the Civil War_](https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hcbe_facbooks/185/). Gainesville: University Press of Florida. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [978-0813032016](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0813032016 "Special:BookSources/978-0813032016"). Retrieved November 12, 2022.
245.  **[^](#cite_ref-247 "Jump up")** ["Museum Index 2022"](https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2022.pdf) (PDF). _aecom.com_. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
246.  **[^](#cite_ref-248 "Jump up")** ["Walt Disney World External Affairs"](https://disneyconnect.com/disneyworld/). _Walt Disney World External Affairs_.
247.  **[^](#cite_ref-249 "Jump up")** ["The 15 cities with the most cruise tourists – where does Venice rank?"](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/galleries/the-worlds-busiest-cruise-ports/). _The Telegraph_. July 28, 2017.
248.  **[^](#cite_ref-250 "Jump up")** ["The U.S. and World Situation: Citrus"](https://web.archive.org/web/20120604113031/http://www.fas.usda.gov/htp/horticulture/citrus/2004%20Citrus.pdf) (PDF). _USDA_. April 2004. Archived from [the original](https://www.fas.usda.gov/htp/horticulture/citrus/2004%20Citrus.pdf) (PDF) on June 4, 2012.
249.  **[^](#cite_ref-251 "Jump up")** Rusnak, Paul (March 27, 2021). ["More Florida Mangoes, Please! Scientists Are Working on It"](https://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/more-florida-mangoes-please-scientists-are-working-on-it/).
250.  **[^](#cite_ref-252 "Jump up")** ["FE1027/FE1027: The US Tomato Industry: An Overview of Production and Trade"](https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE1027). _edis.ifas.ufl.edu_.
251.  **[^](#cite_ref-253 "Jump up")** ["Does the US Grow All the Sugar It Consumes?"](https://www.sugars.com/does-the-us-grow-all-the-sugar-it-consumes). _www.sugars.com_. March 29, 2021.
252.  **[^](#cite_ref-254 "Jump up")** ["Corn, Green Bean Prices Rise After Florida Freezes"](https://archive.today/20120707024227/http://calorielab.com/labnotes/20101231/green-bean-prices-sweet-corn-florida-freeze-damage/). _calorielab.com_. Archived from [the original](http://calorielab.com/labnotes/20101231/green-bean-prices-sweet-corn-florida-freeze-damage/) on July 7, 2012.
253.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-stacker.com_255-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-stacker.com_255-1) ["Most valuable crops grown in Florida"](https://stacker.com/florida/most-valuable-crops-grown-florida). _Stacker_.
254.  **[^](#cite_ref-256 "Jump up")** ["How Plant City became the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World"](https://www.wtsp.com/article/life/welcome-to-florida/plant-city-florida-strawberry-festival/67-7876c747-a445-4f8e-aef8-b9694d55f1c6). _wtsp.com_. March 3, 2022.
255.  **[^](#cite_ref-257 "Jump up")** "State-by-State Listing of Major U.S. Military Bases—Florida". Archived from the original on December 8, 2010. Retrieved July 6, 2009.
256.  **[^](#cite_ref-258 "Jump up")** ["Transportation Data and Analytics Office"](http://www.fdot.gov/statistics/hwysys/). _Florida Department of Transportation_. September 4, 2018. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180914084552/http://www.fdot.gov/statistics/hwysys/) from the original on September 14, 2018. Retrieved September 14, 2018.
257.  **[^](#cite_ref-259 "Jump up")** Moody, R. Norman (January 30, 2011). ["Guidelines tight to drive a fuel tanker"](http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110130/NEWS01/101300318/Beachline-huge-artery-tankers). _[Florida Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Today "Florida Today")_. Melbourne, Florida. p. 2A. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150924035917/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110130/NEWS01/101300318/Beachline-huge-artery-tankers) from the original on September 24, 2015. Retrieved February 19, 2011.
258.  **[^](#cite_ref-260 "Jump up")** Lee, Medora (February 19, 2024). ["Car insurance prices soar even as inflation eases. Which states have the highest rates?"](https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2024/02/19/car-insurance-price-by-state/72617803007/). _[USA Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USA_Today "USA Today")_. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
259.  **[^](#cite_ref-261 "Jump up")** Gusner, Penny (January 2, 2024). ["Car Insurance Rates By State 2024"](https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/rates-by-state/). _[Forbes](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forbes "Forbes")_. Retrieved March 31, 2024.
260.  **[^](#cite_ref-262 "Jump up")** ["Recession Marked by Bump in Uninsured Motorists"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110902084352/http://www.ircweb.org/News/IRCUM2011_042111.pdf) (PDF). Archived from [the original](http://www.ircweb.org/news/ircum2011_042111.pdf) (PDF) on September 2, 2011. Retrieved November 4, 2011.
261.  **[^](#cite_ref-263 "Jump up")** Kennerley, Britt (September 18, 2011). ["Olde drivers take fewer risks"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110927042854/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110918/NEWS01/109180309/Aging-out-driver-s-seat). _[Florida Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Today "Florida Today")_. Melbourne, Florida. p. 11A. Archived from [the original](http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110918/NEWS01/109180309/Aging-out-driver-s-seat) on September 27, 2011.
262.  **[^](#cite_ref-264 "Jump up")** ["Orlando International Airport Busiest in Florida with Record Passenger Traffic in 2017"](https://web.archive.org/web/20200104055904/https://orlandoairports.net/press/2018/02/06/orlando-international-airport-busiest-florida-record-passenger-traffic-2017/). _Orlando International Airport (MCO)_. Greater Orlando Aviation Authority. February 6, 2018. Archived from [the original](https://www.orlandoairports.net/press/2018/02/06/orlando-international-airport-busiest-florida-record-passenger-traffic-2017/) on January 4, 2020. Retrieved March 28, 2020.
263.  **[^](#cite_ref-265 "Jump up")** ["Florida Drug Threat Assessment-Overview"](https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs5/5169/overview.htm). National Drug Intelligence Center. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090831002548/http://www.usdoj.gov/ndic/pubs5/5169/overview.htm) from the original on August 31, 2009. Retrieved July 18, 2007.
264.  **[^](#cite_ref-266 "Jump up")** ["Calendar Year 2017 Enplanements at All Airports (Primary, Non-primary Commercial Service, and General Aviation) by State and Airport, Updated 7 October 2018"](https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/passenger_allcargo_stats/passenger/media/cy17-all-enplanements.pdf) (PDF). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190111213629/https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/passenger_allcargo_stats/passenger/media/cy17-all-enplanements.pdf) (PDF) from the original on January 11, 2019. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
265.  **[^](#cite_ref-267 "Jump up")** ["All Aboard Florida—Miami to Orlando Passenger Rail Service"](https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0672). _Federal Railroad Authority_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170628032825/https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0672) from the original on June 28, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2015.
266.  **[^](#cite_ref-268 "Jump up")** ["Amtrak Fact Sheet, Fiscal Year 2011, State of Florida"](http://www.amtrak.com/pdf/factsheets/FLORIDA11.pdf) (PDF). Amtrak. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160916015130/https://www.amtrak.com/pdf/factsheets/FLORIDA11.pdf) (PDF) from the original on September 16, 2016. Retrieved April 20, 2016.
267.  **[^](#cite_ref-269 "Jump up")** Services, Miami-Dade County Online. ["Metrorail—Miami-Dade County"](https://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metrorail.asp). _Miamidade.gov_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190111065006/http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metrorail.asp) from the original on January 11, 2019. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
268.  **[^](#cite_ref-270 "Jump up")** ["SunRail—A Better Way To Go"](http://sunrail.com/). _sunrail.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210126145254/https://sunrail.com/) from the original on January 26, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
269.  **[^](#cite_ref-271 "Jump up")** ["Home—Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority"](http://www.gohart.org/). _Gohart.org_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071818/http://www.gohart.org/) from the original on February 14, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
270.  **[^](#cite_ref-272 "Jump up")** ["Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority—PSTA"](https://www.psta.net/). _Psta.net_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220423081919/https://www.psta.net/) from the original on April 23, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
271.  **[^](#cite_ref-273 "Jump up")** ["Jacksonville Transportation Authority—Skyway"](https://www.jtafla.com/schedules/skyway/). _Jtafla.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20211019035036/https://www.jtafla.com/schedules/skyway/) from the original on October 19, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
272.  **[^](#cite_ref-County_Medicaid_tab_rises,_could_get_worse_274-0 "Jump up")** Hobson, Will (January 16, 2010). ["County Medicaid tab rises, could get worse"](http://www.newsherald.com/articles/tab-80645-city-worse.html). _The Miami Herald_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110817132244/http://www.newsherald.com/articles/tab-80645-city-worse.html) from the original on August 17, 2011.
273.  **[^](#cite_ref-275 "Jump up")** Ryan, MacKenzie (December 26, 2010). ["Qualifying for care a minefield"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101205061359/http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/Medicaid/deputy_secretary/recent_presentations/florida_medicaid_020410.pdf) (PDF). _Florida Today_. Melbourne, Florida. p. 3A. Archived from [the original](http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/Medicaid/deputy_secretary/recent_presentations/florida_medicaid_020410.pdf) (PDF) on December 5, 2010.
274.  **[^](#cite_ref-276 "Jump up")** Marshal, James (December 26, 2010). ["Sunday debate: No: Longtime official lost touch with voters"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130821050729/http://m.floridatoday.com/news.jsp?key=369240&rc=op). _Florida Today_. Melbourne, Florida. p. 19A. Archived from [the original](http://m.floridatoday.com/news.jsp?key=369240&rc=op) on August 21, 2013.
275.  **[^](#cite_ref-277 "Jump up")** ["Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2013"](https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2014/demo/p60-250.html). _Census.gov_. United States Census Bureau. Retrieved November 12, 2022.
276.  **[^](#cite_ref-278 "Jump up")** ["HCA Healthcare (HCA) to Build New Hospitals in Florida"](https://nasdaq.com/articles/hca-healthcare-hca-to-build-new-hospitals-in-florida). _[Nasdaq](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nasdaq "Nasdaq")_. December 3, 2021. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
277.  **[^](#cite_ref-279 "Jump up")** Ross, Nikki (January 2, 2019). ["Florida Hospital is now AdventHealth"](https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2019/01/02/florida-hospital-is-now-adventhealth/6400897007/). _[The Daytona Beach News-Journal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Daytona_Beach_News-Journal "The Daytona Beach News-Journal")_. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
278.  **[^](#cite_ref-280 "Jump up")** Bruner, Katrine (March 10, 2022). ["Florida's hospital systems remained profitable in 2020 despite pandemic, report says"](https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/health-news-florida/2022-03-10/floridas-hospital-systems-remained-profitable-in-2020-despite-pandemic-report-says). _wusf Public Media_. Retrieved July 19, 2023.
279.  **[^](#cite_ref-281 "Jump up")** Erickson, Chris (January 6, 2023). ["Largest Hospitals in Florida"](https://bizjournals.com/tampabay/subscriber-only/2023/01/06/largest-hospitals-in-florida.html). _[Tampa Bay Business Journal](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tampa_Bay_Business_Journal "Tampa Bay Business Journal")_. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
280.  **[^](#cite_ref-282 "Jump up")** ["Miami Beach"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101122110824/http://www.bassmuseum.org/miami). _Bass Museum of Art_. Archived from [the original](http://www.bassmuseum.org/miami) on November 22, 2010.
281.  **[^](#cite_ref-283 "Jump up")** ["Tour Miami's Art Deco District—MiamiAndBeaches.com—Miami and The Beaches"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180918160712/https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/things-to-do/attractions/tour-miami-modern-buildings-in-south-beach-s-art-d). September 18, 2018. Archived from [the original](https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/things-to-do/attractions/tour-miami-modern-buildings-in-south-beach-s-art-d) on September 18, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2019.
282.  **[^](#cite_ref-284 "Jump up")** Ennis Davis (March 6, 2008). ["A Century of Florida's Tallest Skyscrapers"](http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2008-mar-a-century-of-floridas-tallest-skyscrapers). Metro Jacksonville. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170525200929/http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2008-mar-a-century-of-floridas-tallest-skyscrapers) from the original on May 25, 2017. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
283.  **[^](#cite_ref-285 "Jump up")** ["Wells Fargo Center, Jacksonville"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160509205636/http://www.emporis.com/buildings/118945/wells-fargo-center-jacksonville-fl-usa). Emporis. Archived from the original on May 9, 2016. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
284.  **[^](#cite_ref-286 "Jump up")** Wayne W. Wood. ["Jacksonville's Lost Treasures"](http://www.prairieschooltraveler.com/html/fl/lost/Lost-Treasures.html). Prairie School Traveler. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170525200928/http://www.prairieschooltraveler.com/html/fl/lost/Lost-Treasures.html) from the original on May 25, 2017. Retrieved April 23, 2016.
285.  **[^](#cite_ref-287 "Jump up")** ["When Does Modern Architecture Become Historic?"](https://jaxhistory.wordpress.com/tag/mid-century-modern/). Jacksonville Historical Society. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20160826232827/https://jaxhistory.wordpress.com/tag/mid-century-modern/) from the original on August 26, 2016. Retrieved April 23, 2016.
286.  **[^](#cite_ref-288 "Jump up")** ["Official: Design rules haven't cost Palm Bay new businesses"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130825042936/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090423/COLUMNISTS0207/904230319/1086). _Florida Today_. Archived from [the original](http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090423/COLUMNISTS0207/904230319/1086) on August 25, 2013. Retrieved June 1, 2009.
287.  **[^](#cite_ref-289 "Jump up")** ["Florida: St. Augustine Town Plan Historic District"](http://www.nps.gov/nr//travel/geo-flor/24.htm). National Park Service. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150430164443/http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/geo-flor/24.htm) from the original on April 30, 2015. Retrieved May 8, 2016.
288.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-Solodev-2020_290-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-Solodev-2020_290-1) Solodev (October 16, 2020). ["Florida Moves Up in National Ranking"](https://www.fldoe.org/newsroom/latest-news/florida-moves-up-in-national-ranking.stml). _www.fldoe.org_. Retrieved June 28, 2022.
289.  **[^](#cite_ref-291 "Jump up")** ["Rankings"](https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education). _www.usnews.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210413110230/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education) from the original on April 13, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
290.  **[^](#cite_ref-292 "Jump up")** ["Education Spending Per Student by State"](http://www.governing.com/gov-data/education-data/state-education-spending-per-pupil-data.html). _Governing.com_. February 9, 2012. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180702004654/http://www.governing.com/gov-data/education-data/state-education-spending-per-pupil-data.html) from the original on July 2, 2018. Retrieved August 14, 2018.
291.  **[^](#cite_ref-293 "Jump up")** ["League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) et al. vs. State Board of Education et al. Consent Decree"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130617222621/http://www.fldoe.org/aala/lulac.asp). [United States District Court](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_District_Court "United States District Court") for the Southern District of Florida. August 14, 1990. Archived from [the original](http://www.fldoe.org/aala/lulac.asp) on June 17, 2013. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
292.  **[^](#cite_ref-294 "Jump up")** JON JACKSON (January 19, 2023). ["DeSantis Admin Defends Banning African American Studies Class"](https://www.newsweek.com/ron-desantis-administration-defends-banning-african-american-studies-class-florida-1775151). newsweek. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
293.  **[^](#cite_ref-295 "Jump up")** FATMA KHALED (January 29, 2023). ["Ron DeSantis' 'Scary' Actions Will 'Exacerbate' Teacher Shortage: Educator"](https://www.newsweek.com/ron-desantis-scary-actions-will-exacerbate-teacher-shortage-educator-1777365). _FATMA KHALED_. Newsweek. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
294.  ^ [Jump up to: _**a**_](#cite_ref-Guardian_20230810_296-0) [_**b**_](#cite_ref-Guardian_20230810_296-1) Milman, Oliver (August 10, 2023). ["Videos denying climate science approved by Florida as state curriculum"](https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/10/florida-ron-desantis-climate-vidoes-school-curriculum). _The Guardian_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20230811045427/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/10/florida-ron-desantis-climate-vidoes-school-curriculum) from the original on August 11, 2023.
295.  **[^](#cite_ref-297 "Jump up")** Patterson, Jeff (August 8, 2023). ["'Teachers are frightened': Hillsborough schools putting restrictions on Shakespeare to avoid sexual content"](https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/teachers-are-frightened-hillsborough-schools-putting-restrictions-on-shakespeare-to-avoid-sexual-content). _[WFLA-TV](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/WFLA-TV "WFLA-TV")_. [Archived](https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20230814010856/https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/teachers-are-frightened-hillsborough-schools-putting-restrictions-on-shakespeare-to-avoid-sexual-content/) from the original on August 14, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
296.  **[^](#cite_ref-298 "Jump up")** Lichtenberg, Drew (August 13, 2023). ["Make Shakespeare Dirty Again"](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/13/opinion/shakespeare-canceled-schools.html). _[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")_. [Archived](https://archive.today/20230813105514/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/13/opinion/shakespeare-canceled-schools.html) from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
297.  **[^](#cite_ref-299 "Jump up")** Lichtenberg, Drew (September 10, 2023). ["Shakespeare's 'Sublimely, Disturbingly Smutty Effect' Must Endure"](https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/10/opinion/canceled-shakespeare-schools.html). _[The New York Times](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_New_York_Times "The New York Times")_. [Archived](https://archive.today/20230910112044/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/10/opinion/canceled-shakespeare-schools.html) from the original on September 10, 2023. Retrieved September 11, 2023.
298.  **[^](#cite_ref-300 "Jump up")** ["Accountability plan"](https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020_SYSTEM_Accountability_Plan_Final.pdf) (PDF). _www.flbog.edu_. 2020. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210517034242/https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020_SYSTEM_Accountability_Plan_Final.pdf) (PDF) from the original on May 17, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
299.  **[^](#cite_ref-301 "Jump up")** ["Higher education in Britain is still good value compared with America"](https://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2017/03/daily-chart). _Economist_. March 2, 2017. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170302042820/http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2017/03/daily-chart) from the original on March 2, 2017. Retrieved March 2, 2017.
300.  **[^](#cite_ref-302 "Jump up")** ["Factbook"](http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/15267/urlt/FactBook2016.pdf) (PDF). _www.fldoe.org_. 2016. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210515220255/https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/15267/urlt/FactBook2016.pdf) (PDF) from the original on May 15, 2021. Retrieved April 13, 2021.
301.  **[^](#cite_ref-303 "Jump up")** ["Official website of ICUF"](http://www.icuf.org/). Icuf.org. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20100529013848/http://icuf.org/) from the original on May 29, 2010. Retrieved November 4, 2011.
302.  **[^](#cite_ref-304 "Jump up")** ["ICUF – Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida"](https://icuf.org/). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210224210120/https://icuf.org/) from the original on February 24, 2021. Retrieved March 9, 2021.
303.  **[^](#cite_ref-305 "Jump up")** ["Our Members"](https://www.aau.edu/sites/default/files/AAU-Files/Who-We-Are/AAU%20Member%20Universities%20listed%20by%20year_updated%202023.pdf) (PDF). Associate of American Universities.
304.  **[^](#cite_ref-306 "Jump up")** Peltier, Michael (November 5, 2011). ["Lawmaker's bill would fine teams that black out games"](https://web.archive.org/web/20130117104716/http://www.cbs12.com/news/nfl-4736484-fasano-teams.html). _[Florida Today](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Today "Florida Today")_. Melbourne, Florida. pp. 4B. Archived from [the original](http://www.cbs12.com/news/nfl-4736484-fasano-teams.html) on January 17, 2013.
305.  **[^](#cite_ref-307 "Jump up")** ["Miami MLS expansion team to begin play in 2020"](https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/01/29/miami-mls-expansion-team-begin-play-2020) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210204011959/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/01/29/miami-mls-expansion-team-begin-play-2020) February 4, 2021, at the [Wayback Machine](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wayback_Machine "Wayback Machine"), MLSsoccer.com, January 29, 2018.
306.  **[^](#cite_ref-308 "Jump up")** ["State of Florida.com—Florida Professional Sports Teams"](https://www.stateofflorida.com/professional-sports.aspx). _Stateofflorida.com_. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20181023200533/https://www.stateofflorida.com/professional-sports.aspx) from the original on October 23, 2018. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
307.  **[^](#cite_ref-309 "Jump up")** ["Florida's 7 FBS head coaches explain college football's most chaotic state"](https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/8/22/17717562/florida-college-football-history-coaches-explain). _Sbnation.com_. August 22, 2018. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220409043332/https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/8/22/17717562/florida-college-football-history-coaches-explain) from the original on April 9, 2022. Retrieved May 9, 2022.
308.  **[^](#cite_ref-310 "Jump up")** ["The 2010 Florida Statutes"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110517120206/http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?Mode=View%20Statutes&Submenu=1&Tab=statutes&CFID=158130341&CFTOKEN=97891679). [Florida Legislature](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florida_Legislature "Florida Legislature"). Archived from [the original](http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?Mode=View%20Statutes&Submenu=1&Tab=statutes&CFID=33448909&CFTOKEN=67441032) on May 17, 2011. Retrieved May 21, 2011.
309.  **[^](#cite_ref-2001PDF_311-0 "Jump up")** ["Florida Sister City/Sister State Directory 2001"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080627165012/http://internationalaffairs.flgov.com/pdf/sister.pdf) (PDF). State of Florida. 2001. Archived from [the original](http://internationalaffairs.flgov.com/pdf/sister.pdf) (PDF) on June 27, 2008. Retrieved August 19, 2010.

-   Mahon, John K.; Brent R. Weisman (1996). "Florida's Seminole and Miccosukee Peoples". In Gannon, Michael (Ed.). _The New History of Florida_, pp. 183–206. University Press of Florida. [ISBN](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ISBN_\(identifier\) "ISBN (identifier)") [0-8130-1415-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-8130-1415-8 "Special:BookSources/0-8130-1415-8").

## Bibliography

-   Viviana Díaz Balsera and Rachel A. May (eds.), _La Florida: Five Hundred Years of Hispanic Presence._ Gainesville, Florida: University Press of Florida, 2014.
-   Dunn, Hampton., and Paul Eugen Camp. _Collecting Florida: the Hampton Dunn Collection and Other Floridiana_, Special Collections Department, University of South Florida Libraries. Tampa Florida: University of South Florida Libraries, 2006.
-   Michael Gannon (ed.), _The History of Florida._ Gainesville, Florida: University Press of Florida, 2013.
-   Levine Jacki. 2023. _Once Upon a Time in Florida : Stories of Life in the Land of Promises._ St. Petersburg FL: Florida Humanities.

## External links

-   [State website](http://www.myflorida.com/)
-   [Florida State Guide, from the Library of Congress](https://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/states/florida/index.html)
-   [Florida Memory Project](http://www.floridamemory.com/). Over 300,000 photographs and documents from the State Library & Archives of Florida.
-   [Online collection of the Spanish Land Grants](https://web.archive.org/web/20130502174501/http://floridamemory.com/collections/spanishlandgrants/)
-   [USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Florida](https://www.usgs.gov/state/state.asp?State=FL)
-   [Florida Rivers and Watersheds—Florida DEP](http://www.protectingourwater.org/)
-   [U.S. Census Bureau](https://web.archive.org/web/20120814085519/http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/12000.html)
-   [Economic and farm demographics fact sheet from the USDA](https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/state-fact-sheets/state-data.aspx?StateFIPS=12&StateName=Florida)
-   [Energy & Environmental Data For Florida](https://www.eia.gov/state/?sid=FL)
-   [_Heliconius charitonia_, zebra longwing](http://entomology.ifas.ufl.edu/creatures/bfly/zebra_longwing.htm). Florida state butterfly, on the [UF](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Florida "University of Florida") / [IFAS](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Institute_of_Food_and_Agricultural_Sciences "Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences") Featured Creatures web site.
-   [TerraFly Property Value and Aerial Imagery Spatio-temporal animation Real Estate Trends in Florida](https://web.archive.org/web/20120515123847/http://cake.fiu.edu/Trends/)
-   [List of searchable databases produced by Florida state agencies](http://godort.libguides.com/floridadbs) hosted by the [American Library Association Government Documents Roundtable](https://web.archive.org/web/20091013010530/http://wikis.ala.org/godort/index.php/Main_Page)

[28°N 82°W﻿ / ﻿28°N 82°W](https://geohack.toolforge.org/geohack.php?pagename=Florida&params=28_N_82_W_dim:300000_region:US-FL_type:adm1st&title=State+of+Florida)

дай короткое содержание статьи