13 Fun Facts About Florida

Florida is a state mostly known for many amusement parks and beach resorts. The warm and sunny climate keeps attracting many locals as well as foreigners to its attractions and beaches like the famous Miami Beach. Thus the state got the nickname The Sunshine State in 1970. But there are plenty of more interesting and fun facts about Florida you should know about.

Alligator Capital

Florida is home to an estimated 1.25 million alligators. Thus the state is considered to be one of the few places in the world where these reptiles thrive in such large numbers. The Florida Everglades National Park is one of the world’s most unique and diverse ecosystems where you can find a significant alligator population. Florida has a regulated alligator farming industry that allows controlled harvesting for their meat and hides. There are plenty of options to observe alligators up close in a safe and controlled environment. For example, you can visit wildlife refuges, sanctuaries, and alligator-themed attractions.

Theme Park Haven

Florida offers one of the largest number of theme parks. Especially Orlando City. There are 14+ theme parks. Each theme park has different themed areas that offer live shows and attractions and you will need a couple of days to visit more than one park. The most famous parks are Walt Disney, Universal Studios Florida, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Legoland, Water Parks, Thrill Rides, and Special Event parks.

Everglades

This place is the largest tropical wilderness of its kind in the US. It consists of mangroves, sawgrass marshes, and pine flatwoods. Many animal species live here, and some of them are endangered like leatherback turtles, West Indian manatees, or the Florida panther.

Longest Coastline

Florida has the largest coastline in the contiguous US. It stretches over 1350 miles. The coastline is the second longest after Alaska in general.

Nasa space center

The Kennedy Space Center has been the place where many historical space missions have been launched. For example Apollo moon landings (Apollo 11 in 1969) and Space Shuttles. Also, the center has been involved in testing Mars rovers including Curiosity (landed on Mars in 2012). In recent years the center hosted various commercial missions like SpaceX or United Launch Alliance. The center allows the public to witness the rocket launches from its viewing areas.

Key West Chickens

Back in the 19^th century, Key West was a busy seaport where early settlers brought many chickens. Some of these chickens have their roots in Cuba and Caribbean Islands. Nowadays you can meet them roaming the streets, yards, and public spaces. Since there are so many of them and they keep attracting more tourists, the city established some ordinances to safeguard the well-being of the chickens and to deal with noise and health problems.

Orange Production

Florida is a major producer of oranges in the US. Besides oranges, other common citrus fruits are grapefruits, tangerines, and tangelos. Citrus cultivation in Florida dates back to the 16^th century when people came from Spain and brought citrus trees to this region. The harvest season is usually from October to June with peak production between December and April. Many events and festivals celebrate the citrus heritage of the region. Also, many tourist attractions show foreigners the beauty of the groves and citrus cultivation.

Gatorade Origin

Gatorade is a sports drink invented in 1965 by scientists at the University of Florida lab. The name of the beverage came from the University of Florida’s mascot, the Gators. The beverage was a turning point in sports science and nutrition. It is a blend of water, electrolytes, and carbohydrates. Soon after it spread across and became very popular among other athletes and sports teams. Nowadays it is part of everyday fitness routine and present in gym bags.

Florida Discovery – Ponce de Leon

Ponce de León, explorer, and conquistador, went with Christopher Columbus on his second voyage to the Americas. He is often associated with Florida’s discovery and the search for the legendary Fountain of Youth. A magical spring with waters that could grant you eternal youth. When he arrived in Florida it was Easter season (Pascua Florida in Spanish) which translates as Flowery Easter. Florida at that time was populated mostly by Spanish people. As an honor, he named the land La Florida.

Spanish Influence

The city St. Augustine founded in 1565, stands as the USA’s oldest European-settled city. Spanish influence remains palpable in its charming streets, historic architecture, and cultural heritage, offering a living testament to centuries of transcontinental connection.

Retiree Haven

Sunshine State offers a diverse range of retirement communities catering to various preferences, from serene coastal retreats to vibrant urban enclaves. Active retirees find golf courses, social clubs, and recreational opportunities aplenty. The state’s tax-friendly policies and abundant healthcare options further enhance its appeal. Nowadays many older people have started to lose interest in Florida. The main reason is the inflation and stock market dips that have a significant negative impact on their financial situation.

Art Deco Architecture

Art Deco in Florida dates back to the 1920s and 1930s. South Beach in Miami has many pastel-hued buildings with bold geometric patterns and decorative motifs. The so-called Art Deco Historic District was also the district where Italian fashion designer Gianni Versace lived. And died – when Andrew Cunanan assassinated him. There are over 800 structures standing as living museum of this style. Besides Miami other cities like Miami Beach, St. Petersburg, and Coral Gables have art deco present around too.

State Animal – Florida panther

The Florida Panther is the state animal that embodies the wild spirit of this Sunshine State. Thanks to urbanization this animal that once used to roam freely across Florida landscapes has been pushed to the brink of extinction. Thus Florida panther became the rarest and most imperiled large mammal in the US. There are around 120-230 adult panthers in the population now. Among some initiatives that try to preserve the species are protected areas, for example, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.

There are definitely some more fun facts about Florida, the cool sunshine state, that you can discover. If you are curious, for now, you can continue and do your own research aligned with your current travel interests or needs.

Sources: Wikipedia, TripAdvisor

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