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20 Facts
About Florida

Florida Trivia and Interesting Facts

The state of Florida is synonymous with beautiful beaches and lots of sunshine, but it also has its fair share of history, interesting people, and historic events. Without further ado, here are 20 fascinating facts about the state of Florida.

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Florida State Flag

Location

Florida Location

State Seal

Florida State Seal
1 Florida recently passed New York to become the third most populous state in the United States.
2 Florida's coastline is the longest continuous coastline in the lower 48 states.
3 Florida is home to the first European settlement in North America, Saint Augustine.
4 Florida's citrus production is the highest in the United States and the second highest in the world.
5 Florida is considered the flattest state with its highest points barely surpassing 300 feet above sea level.
6 Both crocodiles and alligators live in the Florida Everglades, and it is the only place on earth where this cohabitation occurs.
7 The American Alligator is the official state reptile of Florida and is used to symbolize Florida's extensive swamplands.
8 Key West, Florida, has the highest average temperature of any city in the United States.
9 The United States' primary launch pad for space flights is located in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
10 No place in Florida is over 60 miles away from the ocean.
11 Florida is home to more golf courses than any other state.
12 Florida first joined the union in 1845 as the 27th state.
13 Florida is the birthplace for numerous famous faces including Sarah Paulson, Ariana Grande, Bob Ross, Tom Petty, Deion Sanders, Josh Gad, and Jim Morrison.
14 Florida's most prominent industries include tourism, the space industry, agriculture, and international trade.
15 Jacksonville is Florida's most populous city and it is the largest city by area in the lower 48 states.
16 The city of Miami is the only metropolitan area to border two national parks - Everglades National Park and Biscayne National Park.
17 Florida places a high value on its natural wonders. The state is home to 159 state parks and 31 state forests.
18 Florida received its name from Spanish explorer Ponce De Leon. He first saw the area in 1513 and named it "Pascua de Florida" which means "Feast of Flowers."
19 Florida's state bird is the mockingbird while its state flower is, appropriately, the orange blossom.
20 Contrary to what many believe, Florida is not the southernmost state in the U.S. Hawaii is further south.
The Alligator
"I live in Florida, and when people ask how close to the beach I am, I say, "Twelve minutes or twelve hours. Depends on which beach you want to go to.""
- Jarod Kintz