Florida is one of the states that located in the southeastern region of the United States. It is bordered to the north by Georgia, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the south by the Straits of Florida, the west by the Gulf of Mexico and to the northwest by Alabama. The nickname of Florida is the Sunshine State. Let’s find out more about interesting Florida facts in this article.
1. Florida is the Third-Most Populous State of the U.S.
Behind California and New York, Florida is the third-most populous state of the United States. When it comes to land, it’s 22nd-most extensive while it’s the 8th in population density. The most populous urban area of Florida is the Miami metropolitan area which is the seventh-most populous in the United States.
2. Florida’s Economy is Fourth-Largest of any U.S. State
The economy of Florida is fourth-largest of any U.S. State. Florida would be the 16-largest economy in the world if it were a country. Florida’s GDP is about 5% GDP of the United States. The Miami Metropolitan Area is the major contributor of Florida’s economy as it has the highest GDP of all the metro areas in Florida, which it’s double if it’s compared to the Tampa Bay Area as the next metro area.
3. Florida Reports More Thunderstorms than any Other US State
Florida reports more thunderstorms than any other US state. Central Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in much part of Florida from late spring until early autumn. Florida is one of the most thundery regions outside of the tropics with some areas reporting more than 90 thunderstorm days per year.
4. The Florida Reef is the World’s Third-Largest Coral Barrier Reef System
After the Great Barrier Reef and Belize Barrier Reef, the Florida Reef is the world’s third-largest coral barrier system. It’s also the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. The Florida Reef is about 4 miles (6 to 7 km) wide and extends (along the 20-meter depth contour) 270 km (170 mi). It lies a few miles from the seaward of the Florida Keys.
5. Florida Has the Longest Coastline in the Contiguous United States
The coastline of Florida is the longest in the contiguous United States. It’s also the second longest after Alaska in the United States. It’s approximately 1,350 miles (2,170 km) in length. Florida also has the most islands (4 ha or larger) in the contiguous United States with 4,510 islands. It’s also second behind Alaska overall.
6. Florida is the Only Continental State that Has a Tropical Climate
Florida has a tropical climate and it’s the only continental state that has one. There are only two U.S. states that has tropical climate: Florida and Hawaii. The climate of Florida actually varies differently between its north and south parts. The northern part of Florida has subtropical climate while the southern part has tropical climate. Miami, West Palm Beach, and Fort Myers are few cities in Florida that have a tropical climate.
7. Florida Has the Top Three Busiest Cruise Ports in the World
The world’s top three busiest cruise ports are located in Florida. PortMiami is the busiest cruise port in the world while Port Canaveral is the second and Port Everglades is the third one. Although PortMiami is the busiest cruise port in the world, it’s not the largest port in Florida. The largest port of Florida is Port Tampa Bay.
8. Jacksonville is the Largest City by Area in the Contiguous United States
The most populous city in Florida is Jacksonville. Jacksonville is the largest city by area in the contiguous United States. Its total area is 874.67 sq mi (2,265.39 km2). Besides the most populated city in Florida, Jacksonville is also the most populous city in the Southeast of the United States and the 12th most populous in the U.S. (2019 est).
9. Florida is the Most Hurricane-Prone State
With subtropical or tropical water on its lengthy coastline, Florida becomes the most hurricane-prone state in the U.S. From June 1 to November 30 (especially from August to October) each year, Hurricanes pose a severe threat in Florida. Statistically, Florida was struck by 114 hurricanes (37 of them major) from 1851 to 2006.
10. Orlando, Florida is Called as Theme Park Capital of the World
Orlando is a city in Florida that called as theme park capital of the world. We can find that 7 of the 10 most visited theme parks in North America are located in the Orlando area. The largest attraction of the Orlando area is the Walt Disney World resort that followed by Universal Orlando. Behind those two multi-faceted resorts, there’s SeaWorld Orlando as the third main attraction.
After we talk about those 10 interesting facts about Florida, I’m sure that there are more interesting Florida facts that we don’t talk about. It’s a great idea to share the interesting facts that you know with us here.
Really interesting post!