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	{{About|the U.S. state of Florida}}		{{Short description|U.S. state}}
	{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2012}}		{{About|the U.S. state|other uses}}
			{{Distinguish|Flo Rida}}
	{{pp-move-indef}}
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			{{pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
			{{Use American English|date=August 2022}}
			{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2022}}
	{{Infobox U.S. state		{{Infobox U.S. state
	|Fullname = State of Florida		| name = Florida
	|Name = Florida		| image_flag = State Flag of Florida.svg
	|Flag = Flag of Florida.svg		| image_seal = Great Seal of Florida.svg
			| nickname = Sunshine State<ref>{{cite web |title=Florida {{!}} Map, Population, History, & Facts |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Florida |website=Encyclopedia Britannica |access-date=June 30, 2020 |archive-date=July 5, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200705070029/https://www.britannica.com/place/Florida |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Florida {{!}} State Facts & History |url=https://www.infoplease.com/us/states/florida |website=www.infoplease.com |access-date=June 30, 2020 |archive-date=June 30, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200630145521/https://www.infoplease.com/us/states/florida |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Florida |url=http://www.americaslibrary.gov/es/fl/es_fl_subj.html |website=www.americaslibrary.gov |access-date=June 30, 2020 |archive-date=April 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200427222524/http://www.americaslibrary.gov/es/fl/es_fl_subj.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
	|Seal = Seal of Florida.svg
			| motto = ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-motto/ |title=State Motto |website=Florida Department of State |access-date=September 14, 2018 |archive-date=January 21, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121154908/http://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-state-symbols/state-motto/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
	|Nickname = The Sunshine State
			| anthem = "]" (state anthem), "]" (state song) {{break}} {{center|]}}
	|Motto = ]
			| population_demonym = Floridian, Floridan
	|StateAnthem = ]
			| OfficialLang = ]<ref name="Article 2, Section 9, Constitution of the State of Florida"/>
	|Demonym = Floridian
			| Languages = * ] only: 67.3%
	|OfficialLang = ]<ref name="Article 2, Section 9, Constitution of the State of Florida"/>
			* ]: 21.2%<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://data.census.gov/table?text=Language&t=Language+Spoken+at+Home&g=0400000US12&tid=ACSST1Y2021.S1601|title=Languages Spoken at Home in Florida|publisher=United States Census Bureau|access-date=January 2, 2022}}</ref>
	|Languages = English 74.5%<br />Spanish 18.7%<ref>{{Cite book| url=http://http%3A//www.mla.org/map_data| title= Florida&nbsp;— Languages| publisher=MLA| accessdate=April 15, 2010| archiveurl= http://web.archive.org/web/20071201170638/http://http%3A//www.mla.org/map_data| archivedate= December 1, 2007}}</ref>
			* Other: 11.5%
	|Map = Florida in United States.svg
			| image_map = Florida in United States.svg
	|Capital = ]
	|LargestCity = ]		| seat = ]
			| LargestCity = ]
	|LargestMetro = ]
			| LargestMetro = ]
	|AreaRank = 22nd
			| LargestCounty = ]
	|TotalAreaUS = 65,755{{GR|2|dateform=mdy}}
			| area_total_km2 = 170,312
	|TotalArea = 170,304{{GR|2|dateform=mdy}}
			| area_total_sq_mi = 65,758<ref>{{cite web
	|WidthUS = 361
			|url=https://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-1.pdf
	|Width = 582
			|publisher=]
	|LengthUS = 447
			|access-date=April 9, 2019
	|Length = 721
			|title=United States Summary: 2010. Population and Housing Unit Counts. 2010 Census of Population and Housing
	|PCWater = 17.9
			|date=September 2012
	|Latitude = 24° 27′ N to 31° 00' N
			|page=41
	|Longitude = 80° 02′ W to 87° 38′ W
			|archive-date=October 19, 2012
	|2010Pop = 19,057,542 (2011 est){{GR|2|dateform=mdy}}
			|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019110435/http://www.census.gov/prod/cen2010/cph-2-1.pdf
	|2010DensityUS = 353.4
			|url-status=live
	|2010Density = 136.4
			}}</ref>
	|PopRank = 4th
			| area_land_km2 = 138,887
	|DensityRank = 8th
			| area_land_sq_mi = 53,625
	|HighestPoint = ]<ref name=USGS>{{cite web|url=http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html|title=Elevations and Distances in the United States|publisher=]|year=2001|accessdate=October 21, 2011}}</ref><ref name=NAVD88>Elevation adjusted to ].</ref>
			| area_water_km2 = 31,424
	|HighestElevUS = 345
			| area_water_sq_mi = 12,133
	|HighestElev = 105
			| area_water_percent = 18.5
	|MeanElevUS = 100
			| area_rank = 22nd
	|MeanElev = 30
			| width_mi = 361
	|LowestPoint = Atlantic Ocean<ref name=USGS/>
			| width_km = 582
	|LowestElevUS = 0
			| length_mi = 447
	|LowestElev = 0
			| length_km = 721
	|Former = Florida Territory
			| Latitude = 24° 27' N to 31° 00' N
	|AdmittanceDate = March 3, 1845
			| Longitude = 80° 02' W to 87° 38' W
	|AdmittanceOrder = 27th
			| population_as_of = 2024
	|Governor = ] (])
			| 2010Pop = {{IncreaseNeutral}} 23,372,215<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts Florida |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/FL |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 Estimate |access-date=December 24, 2024}}</ref>
	|Lieutenant Governor = ] (R)
			| 2020DensityUS = 414.8
	|Legislature = ]
			| 2020Density = 160
	|Upperhouse = ]
			| MedianHouseholdIncome = ${{round|57703|-2}}<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/FL/INC110220|publisher=]|title=US Census Bureau QuickFacts|access-date=April 30, 2022|archive-date=May 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220509045749/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/FL/INC110220|url-status=live}}</ref>
	|Lowerhouse = ]
			| IncomeRank = ]
	|Senators = ] (])<br />] (R)
			| population_rank = 3rd
	|Representative = 19 Republicans, 6 Democrats
			| population_density_rank = 7th
	|TimeZone = ]: ] ]/]
			| elevation_max_point = ]<ref name=USGS>{{cite web |url=http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html |title=Elevations and Distances in the United States |publisher=] |year=2001 |access-date=October 21, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015012701/http://egsc.usgs.gov/isb/pubs/booklets/elvadist/elvadist.html |archive-date=October 15, 2011}}</ref>{{efn|name=NAVD88|Elevation adjusted to ]}}
	|TZ1Where = Peninsula and "]" region
			| elevation_max_ft = 345
	|TimeZone2 = ]: ] ]/]
			| elevation_max_m = 105
	|TZ2Where = ] west of the ]
			| elevation_ft = 100
	|ISOCode = US-FL
			| elevation_m = 30
	|PostalAbbreviation = FL
			| elevation_min_point = Atlantic Ocean<ref name=USGS/>
	|TradAbbreviation = Fla.
			| elevation_min_ft = 0
	|Website = www.myflorida.com
			| elevation_min_m = 0
	|Footnotes =
			| Former = Florida Territory
			| AdmittanceDate = {{Start date and age|1845|03|03}}
			| AdmittanceOrder = 27th
			| Governor = {{nowrap|] (])}}
			| Lieutenant Governor = {{nowrap|] (R)}}
			| Legislature = ]
			| Upperhouse = ]
			| Lowerhouse = ]
			| Judiciary = ]
			| Senators = ] (R){{break}}] (R)
			| Representative = 19 Republicans{{break}}8 ]{{break}} 1 vacant
			| timezone1 = ]
			| utc_offset1 = −05:00
			| timezone1_DST = ]
			| utc_offset1_DST = −04:00
			| timezone1_location = Peninsula and "]" region
			| timezone2 = ]
			| utc_offset2 = −06:00
			| timezone2_DST = ]
			| utc_offset2_DST = −05:00
			| timezone2_location = ] west of the ]
			| iso_code = US-FL
			| postal_code = FL
			| TradAbbreviation = Fla.
			| website = myflorida.com
			| footnotes =
			| Capital = ]
			| Representatives =
	}}		}}
	{{Infobox U.S. state symbols		{{Infobox region symbols|country=United States
	| Flag = Flag of Florida.svg		| image_flag = Flag of Florida.svg
	| Name = Florida		| image_seal = Seal of Florida.svg
			| state = Florida
	| Bird = ]
			| bird = ]
	| Butterfly = ]
			| insect = ]
	| Fish = ], ]
			| fish = ], ]
	| Flower = ]
			| flower = ]
	| Mammal = ], ], ], ]<ref name="FHR">{{cite web |url=http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=37196& |title=SB 230 – State Symbols/Fla. Cracker Horse/Loggerhead Turtle |publisher=Florida House of Representatives |accessdate=April 7, 2012}}</ref>
			| mammal = ], ], ], ]<ref name="FHR">{{cite web |url=http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=37196& |title=SB 230—State Symbols/Fla. Cracker Horse/Loggerhead Turtle |publisher=Florida House of Representatives |access-date=April 7, 2012 |archive-date=August 19, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140819102808/http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/Sections/Bills/billsdetail.aspx?BillId=37196 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	| Reptile = ], ]<ref name=FHR/>
			| reptile = ], ], ]<ref name=FHR/>
	| Amphibian = ]
			| amphibian = ]
	| Tree = ]
	| Beverage = ]		| tree = ]
			| beverage = ]
	| Food = ], Orange
			| food = ], ]
	| Gemstone = ]
			| gemstone = ]
	| StateRock = ] ]
			| rock = ] ]
	| Shell = ]
			| shell = ]
	| Soil = ]
			| soil = ]
	| Song = "]" ("Way Down Upon The Swanee River")
	| Route Marker = Florida 27.svg		| image_route = Florida 27.svg
	| Quarter = 2004 FL Proof.png		| image_quarter = 2004 FL Proof.png
	| QuarterReleaseDate = 2004		| quarter_release_date = 2004
	}}		}}
			'''Florida''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|f|l|ɒr|ɪ|d|ə||audio=En-us-Florida.ogg}} {{respell|FLORR|ih|də}}; {{IPA|es|floˈɾiða|lang}}) is a ] in the ] region of the ]. It borders the ] to the west, ] to the northwest, ] to the north, the ] to the east, and the ] and ] to the south. About two-thirds of Florida occupies a peninsula between the ] and the ]. It has the ] in the ], spanning approximately {{convert|1,350|mi|km}}, not including its many ]s. It is the only state that borders both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of over 21 million, it is the ] and ranks ] as of 2020. Florida spans {{convert|65758|sqmi|km2}}, ranking ] among the states. The ], anchored by the cities of ], ], and ], is the state's largest ], with a population of 6.138 million; the most populous city is ]. Florida's other major population centers include ], ], ], and the state capital of ].
	]
			Various Native American tribes have inhabited Florida for at least 14,000 years. In 1513, ] explorer ] became the first known European to make landfall, calling the region ''La Florida'' (land of flowers) ('']]). Florida subsequently became the first area in the continental U.S. to be permanently settled by Europeans, with the settlement of ], founded in 1565, being the oldest continuously inhabited city. Florida was frequently attacked and coveted by ] before Spain ] in 1819 in exchange for resolving the border dispute along the ] in ]. Florida was admitted as the ] on March 3, 1845, and was the principal location of the ] (1816–1858), the longest and most extensive of the ]. The state seceded from ] on January 10, 1861, becoming one of the seven original ], and was readmitted to the Union after the ] on June 25, 1868.
	'''Florida''' ({{IPAc-en|audio=en-us-Florida.ogg|ˈ|f|l|ɒr|ɪ|d|ə}}) is a state in the ] of the ], bordered to the west by the ], to the north by ] and ] and to the east by the ]. Florida is the ], the ], and the ] of the ]. The state capital is ], its largest city is ], and the ] is the largest metropolitan area in the southeastern United States.
			Since the mid-20th century, Florida has experienced rapid demographic and economic growth. ], with a ] (GSP) of $1.647 trillion, is the ] and the 15th-largest in the world; the main sectors are ], ], ], real estate, and ]. Florida is world-renowned for its ]s, ]s, warm and sunny climate, and nautical recreation; attractions such as ], the ], and ] draw tens of millions of visitors annually. Florida is a popular destination for ], ], 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 ], identity, and daily life; its colonial history and successive waves of migration are reflected in ], ], ], ], and ] influences. Florida has attracted or inspired some of the most prominent American writers, including ], ], and ], and continues to attract celebrities and athletes, especially in ], ], ], and ]. Florida has been considered a ] in ], particularly those in ] and ].
	Much of Florida is situated on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the ]. Its geography is marked by a coastline, by the omnipresence of water and the threat of ]s. Florida ] in the ], encompassing approximately {{convert|1350|mi}}, and is the only state to border both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Much of the state is at or near sea level and its terrain is characterized by ]s. The climate varies from ] in the north to tropical in the south.<ref name="abbott"/> Its symbolic animals like the ], ] and the ], can be found in the ], one of the most famous national parks in the world.
			Florida's climate varies from ] in the north to ] in the south. It is the only state besides ] to have a ], and the only continental state with both a tropical climate, located at the southern portion of the state, and a ]. Florida has several unique ecosystems, including ], the largest tropical wilderness in the U.S. and among the largest in the ]. Unique wildlife include the ], ], ], ], ], ], and ]. The ] is the only living ] in the continental United States, and the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world, after the ] and the ].
	Since the first European contact was made in 1513 by Spanish explorer ] – who named it ''La Florida'' ("Flowery Land") upon landing there during the Easter season, '']''<ref>. Brevard County Parks & Recreation. BrevardParks.com. Retrieved April 3, 2011.</ref> – Florida was a challenge for the European colonial powers before it gained statehood in the United States in 1845. It was a principal location of the ] against the ], and racial segregation after the ]. Today, it is distinguished by its large ] community, and high population growth, as well as its increasing environmental concerns. Its economy relies mainly on tourism, agriculture and ], which developed in the late 19th century. Florida is also known for its ]s, the production of oranges and the ].
	] is a reflection of influences and multiple inheritance; Native American, ], ] and African American heritages can be found in the architecture and cuisine. Florida has attracted many writers such as ], ] and ], and continues to attract celebrities and athletes. It is internationally known for tennis, golf, ] and ].
	==History==		==History==
	{{Main|History of Florida}}		{{Main|History of Florida}}
			] entered Florida at least 14,000 years ago.<ref>{{cite web|last=Dunbar |first=James S. |title=The pre-Clovis occupation of Florida: The Page-Ladson and Wakulla Springs Lodge Data |url=http://www.clovisinthesoutheast.net/dunbar.html |access-date=June 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141012043208/http://www.clovisinthesoutheast.net/dunbar.html |archive-date=October 12, 2014 }}</ref> By the 16th century, the earliest time for which there is a historical record, major ] living in Florida included the ] of the ], the ] of northern and central Florida, the ] of the central Atlantic coast, the ] of the ] area, the ] of southeastern Florida, and the ] of southwest Florida.<ref>{{cite web |title=16th Century Settlements – Florida Department of State |url=https://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-history/16th-century-settlements/ |website=dos.myflorida.com |access-date=12 November 2022}}</ref>
	]]]
	{{See also|Seminole Wars|Florida in the American Civil War}}
	] (1565–1763), the ], Spain (1784–1821), the ], and the United States. France (flag not shown) also controlled part of Florida.]]
	] copper plate engraving of Florida Indians, Circa 1721 "Ceremonies and Religious Dress of all the People of the World"<ref>"Cérémonies et Coutumes Religieuses de tous les Peuples du Monde"</ref>]]
	] cowboy, 19th century]]
	] during the ] in 1864]]
	]
	] 20&nbsp;minutes after surrender during World War II (1945)]]
			===European arrival===
	Archaeological research indicates that Florida was first inhabited by ], the first human inhabitants of the Americas, perhaps as early as 14 thousand years ago. The region was continuously inhabited through the ] (to about 2000&nbsp;BC). After about 500&nbsp;BC the previously relatively uniform Archaic culture began to coalesce into distinctive local cultures.<ref>Milanich, Jerald T. (1998). ''Florida's Indians From Ancient Time to the Present'', pp. 12–37. University Press of Florida.</ref> By the 16th century, the earliest time for which there is a historical record, major Native American groups included the ] (of the ]), the ] (of northern and central Florida), the ] (of the central Atlantic coast), the ] (of the ] area), the ] (of southwest Florida) and the ] (of the southeastern coast).
			{{Main|New Spain|Spanish Florida|French and Indian War|Treaty of Paris (1763)|West Florida|East Florida|Indian Reserve (1763)|American Revolutionary War|Gulf Coast campaign|Treaty of Paris (1783)|Spanish West Florida}}
			] (1539–1543)]]
			] reflects the colors and shapes of the ] and the subsequent ].]]
			] and ] during the ] of 1763 to 1783]]
			Florida was the first region of what is now the ] to be visited and settled by Europeans. The earliest known European explorers came with ]. Ponce de León spotted and landed on the peninsula on April 2, 1513. He named it '']'' (colloquially la Florida) in recognition of the flowery, verdant landscape and because it was the ] season, which the ] called '']'' (Festival of Flowers). The following day they came ashore to seek information and take possession of this new land.<ref>{{cite book|author=Jonathan D. Steigman|title=La Florida Del Inca and the Struggle for Social Equality in Colonial Spanish America|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QTjoOz7WMiIC&pg=PA33|date=September 25, 2005|publisher=University of Alabama Press|isbn=978-0-8173-5257-8|page=33|access-date=September 15, 2019|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204071312/https://books.google.com/books?id=QTjoOz7WMiIC&pg=PA33|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Names on the Land: A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States"/> The story that he was searching for the ] is mythical and appeared only long after his death.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0vr122VYG8 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/l0vr122VYG8 |archive-date=December 21, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Michael Francis: La historia entre Florida y España es de las más ricas de Estados Unidos|website=]|date=May 23, 2012 |access-date=July 18, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
			In May 1539, ] 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 {{convert|70|ft}}, with intertwined and elevated roots making landing difficult.<ref>Davidson, James West. ''After the Fact: The Art of Historical Detection'' Volume 1. Mc Graw Hill, New York 2010, Chapter 1, p. 7.</ref> Europeans introduced ], cattle, horses, sheep, the Castilian language, and more to Florida.<ref>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</ref><!--add text re native depopulation due to disease--> Spain established several settlements in Florida, with varying degrees of success. In 1559, Don ] established a settlement at present-day ], making it one of the first settlements in Florida, but it was mostly abandoned by 1561.
	Florida was the first part of what is now the ] to be visited by Europeans. The earliest known European explorers came with the Spanish ] ], who spotted the peninsula on April 2, 1513. According to his chroniclers, Ponce de León named the region ''La Florida'' ("flowery land") because it was then the ], known in Spanish as '']'' (roughly "Flowery Easter"), and because the vegetation was in bloom.<ref name="Names on the Land: A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States"/> It is possible Juan Ponce de León was not the first European to reach Florida, however; reportedly, at least one indigenous tribesman whom he encountered in Florida in 1513 spoke Spanish.<ref>Smith, Hale G., and Gottlob, Marc (1978). "Spanish-Indian Relationships: Synoptic History and Archaeological Evidence, 1500–1763". In ''Tacachale: Essays on the Indians of Florida and Southeastern Georgia during the Historic Period''. Edited by Jerald Milanich and Samuel Proctor. Gainesville, Florida: University Presses of Florida. ISBN 978-0-8130-0535-5</ref> From 1513 onward, the land became known as "La Florida", although after 1630 and throughout the 18th century, Tegesta (after the ] tribe) was an alternate name of choice for the Florida peninsula following publication of a by the Dutch cartographer ] in ]'s ''History of the New World''.<ref>Ehrenberg, Ralph E. , {{Wayback|url=http://www.broward.org/library/bienes/lii14003.htm|date =20080803204621}}</ref><ref name="De Bow's Review, Vol. XXII Third Series Vol. II"/>
			In 1564–1565, there was a French settlement at ], in present ], which was destroyed by the Spanish.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Hoffman |first=Paul E. |url=https://www.worldcat.org/oclc/20594668 |title=A New Andalucia and a Way to the Orient: the American Southeast During the Sixteenth Century |publisher=Louisiana State University Press |year=2004 |isbn=0-8071-1552-5 |location=Baton Rouge |pages=278 |oclc=20594668}}</ref> Today a reconstructed version of the fort stands in its location within Jacksonville.
	Over the following century, both the Spanish and French established settlements in Florida with varying degrees of success. In 1559, Don ] established a colony at present-day ], one of the first European attempts at settlement in the continental United States. It was abandoned by 1561 due to hurricanes, famine and warring tribes, and the area was not re-inhabited until the 1690s. French Protestant ] founded ] in modern-day Jacksonville in 1564. The following year, the Spanish colony of ] (San Agustín) was established, and forces from there conquered Fort Caroline that same year. The Spanish maintained tenuous control over the region by converting the local tribes, briefly with ] and later with ] friars.
			In 1565, the settlement of ] (San Agustín) was established under the leadership of admiral and governor ], creating what would become the oldest, continuously occupied European settlements in the continental U.S. and establishing the first generation of Floridanos and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://losfloridanos.org/|title=Los Floridanos|website=Los Floridanos|access-date=August 23, 2019|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114000917/http://www.losfloridanos.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{citation|url=http://laflorida.org/florida-stories/|title=Luisa de Abrego: Marriage, Bigamy, and the Spanish Inquisition|publisher=University of South Florida|author=J. Michael Francis, PhD|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204110350/http://laflorida.org/florida-stories/|url-status=live}}</ref>
	The area of Spanish Florida diminished with the establishment of English colonies to the north and French colonies to the west. The English weakened Spanish power in the area by supplying their ] and ] allies with firearms and urging them to raid the Timucuan and Apalachee client-tribes of the Spanish. The English attacked St. Augustine, burning the city and its cathedral to the ground several times, while the citizens hid behind the walls of the ].
			Some Floridanos married or had unions with ], ], or ] women, both slave and free, and their descendants created a mixed-race population of ]s and ]es. The Spanish encouraged ] from the ] to come to Florida as a refuge, promising freedom in exchange for conversion to ]. ] issued a royal proclamation freeing all slaves who fled to Florida and accepted conversion and baptism. Most went to the area around ], but ] also reached Pensacola. St. Augustine had mustered an all-black militia unit defending Florida as early as 1683.<ref>{{citation|url=https://www.nps.gov/articles/sanctuary-in-the-spanish-empire.htm|title=Sanctuary in the Spanish Empire: An African American officer earns freedom in Florida|author=Gene Allen Smith, Texas Christian University|publisher=National Park Service|access-date=April 5, 2018|archive-date=January 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110103703/https://www.nps.gov/articles/sanctuary-in-the-spanish-empire.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
	Florida was attracting a large number of Africans and African Americans from British-occupied North America who sought freedom from slavery. Once in Florida, the Spanish Crown converted them to Roman Catholicism and gave them freedom. Those ex-slaves settled in a community north of St. Augustine, called ], the first freedom settlement of its kind in what became the United States. Many of those slaves were also welcomed by Creek and Seminole Native Americans who had established settlements there at the invitation of the Spanish government.
			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 ]s 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 ] in 1672 and ] in 1742 to defend Florida's capital city from attacks, and to maintain its strategic position in the defense of the ] and the ].
	Great Britain gained control of Florida and other territory diplomatically in 1763 through the ]. The British divided their new acquisitions into ], with its capital at St. Augustine, and ], with its capital at Pensacola. Britain tried to develop the Floridas through the importation of immigrants for labor, but this project ultimately failed. Spain received both Floridas after Britain's defeat by the American colonies and the subsequent ] in 1783, continuing the division into East and West Florida. They offered land grants to anyone who settled in the colonies, and many Americans moved to them.
			In 1738, the ] ] established ] 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/underground/fl2.htm|title=Aboard the Underground Railroad—Fort Mose Site|first=Sarah Dillard|last=Pope|website=Nps.gov|access-date=July 19, 2016|archive-date=April 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140426210615/http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/underground/fl2.htm|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fortmose.org/|title=Fort Mose Historical Society|access-date=July 18, 2016|archive-date=July 7, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707201925/http://www.fortmose.org/|url-status=live}}</ref>
	After settler attacks on Indian towns, ] Indians based in ] began raiding ] settlements, purportedly at the behest of the Spanish. The ] led increasingly frequent incursions into Spanish territory, including the 1817–1818 campaign against the Seminole Indians by ] that became known as the ]. Following the war, the United States effectively controlled East Florida. In 1819, by terms of the ], Spain ceded Florida to the United States in exchange for the American renunciation of any claims on Texas that they might have from the ] and $5 million.
			In ], Spain traded Florida to the ] for control of ], ], which ] by the British during the ]. The trade was done as part of the ] which ended the Seven Years' War. Spain was granted ] 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.<ref>{{cite web |author=Florida Center for Instructional Technology |url=http://fcit.usf.edu/Florida/docs/f/florbrit.htm |title=Floripedia: Florida: As a British territory |publisher=Fcit.usf.edu |access-date=October 2, 2009 |archive-date=December 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121213002156/http://fcit.usf.edu/Florida/docs/f/florbrit.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The British soon constructed the ] connecting St. Augustine to ]. The road crossed the ] at a narrow point called ''Wacca Pilatka'', now the core of ], and formerly referred to by the British name "Cow Ford", reflecting the fact that ] were brought across the river there.<ref>{{cite book |title= Jacksonville's Architectural Heritage |last= Wood |first= Wayne |year= 1992 |publisher= ] |isbn= 978-0-8130-0953-7|page= 22}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |title= The Indian Miscellany |last= Beach |first= William Wallace |year= 1877 |publisher= J. Munsel|page= |url= https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_lqqAAAAAIAAJ}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Wells|first=Judy|title=City had humble beginnings on the banks of the St. Johns|url=http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/030200/ent_S0302FIR.html|access-date=July 2, 2011|newspaper=The Florida Times-Union|date=March 2, 2000|archive-date=October 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121009090448/http://jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/030200/ent_S0302FIR.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
	In 1830, the ] was passed and as settlement increased, pressure grew on the United States government to remove the Indians from their lands in Florida. To the chagrin of Georgia landowners, the Seminoles harbored and integrated runaway blacks, known as the ], and clashes between whites and Indians grew with the influx of new settlers. In 1832, the United States government signed the ] with some of the Seminole chiefs, promising them lands west of the Mississippi River if they agreed to leave Florida voluntarily. Many of the Seminoles left at this time, while those who remained prepared to defend their claims to the land. The U.S. Army arrived in 1835 to enforce the treaty under pressure from white settlers, and the ] began at the end of the year with the ], when Seminoles ambushed and killed or mortally wounded all but one in a group of 110 Army troops, plus Major Dade and seven officers, marching from ] (Tampa) to reinforce ] (Ocala).<ref>, ''Daily National Intelligencer'', January 27, 1836 (Library of Congress)</ref> Between 900 and 1,500 Seminole Indian warriors employed guerrilla tactics against United States Army troops for seven years until 1842. The U.S. government is estimated to have spent between $20 million and $40 million on the war, at the time an astronomical sum.
			The British divided and consolidated the Florida provinces (''Las Floridas'') into ] and ], a division the Spanish Crown kept after the brief British period.<ref>''A History of Florida''. Caroline Mays Brevard, Henry Eastman Bennett p. 77</ref> The British government gave land grants to officers and soldiers who had fought in the ] 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 ], ] and England. There was also a group of settlers who came from the colony of ]. This was the first permanent English-speaking population in what is now ], ], ] and ]. The British constructed good public roads and introduced the cultivation of sugar cane, indigo and fruits, as well as the export of lumber.<ref name="A History of Florida">''A History of Florida''. Caroline Mays Brevard, Henry Eastman Bennett</ref><ref name="The Land Policy in British East Florida">''The Land Policy in British East Florida''. ], 1940</ref>
	]
	On March 3, 1845, Florida became the 27th state of the United States of America, although initially its population grew slowly. White settlers continued to encroach on lands used by the Seminoles, and the United States government resolved to make another effort to move the remaining Seminoles to the West. The ] lasted from 1855 to 1858, and resulted in the removal of most of the remaining Seminoles. Even after three bloody wars, the U.S. Army failed to force all of the Seminole Indians in Florida to the West.<ref>Tindall, George Brown, and David Emory Shi. (edition unknown) ''America: A Narrative History''. W. W. Norton & Company. 412. ISBN 978-0-393-96874-3</ref> Though most of the Seminoles were ] west of the Mississippi, hundreds, including Seminole leader ] (Sam Jones), remained in the ] and refused to leave the native homeland of their ancestors. Their descendants remain there to this day.
			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 ], ] and county-based government.<ref name="A History of Florida"/><ref name="The Land Policy in British East Florida"/> Neither East Florida nor West Florida sent any representatives to Philadelphia to draft the ]. Florida remained a Loyalist stronghold for the duration of the ].<ref>Clark, James C.; "200 Quick Looks at Florida History" p. 20 {{ISBN|1561642002}}</ref>
	White settlers began to establish cotton plantations in Florida, which required numerous laborers. By 1860 Florida had only 140,424 people, of whom 44% were enslaved. There were fewer than 1000 free ] before the Civil War.<ref>{{Dead link|date=April 2010}}</ref>
			Spain regained both East and West Florida after Britain's defeat in the ] and the subsequent ] in 1783, and continued the provincial divisions until 1821.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://fcit.usf.edu/florida/lessons/trnsfer/trnsfer1.htm|title=Transfer of Florida|website=fcit.usf.edu|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=December 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206232047/https://fcit.usf.edu/florida/lessons/trnsfer/trnsfer1.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>
	On January 10, 1861, before the start of the American Civil War, Florida declared its secession from the ]; ten days later, the state became a founding member of the ]. The war ended in 1865. On June 25, 1868, Florida's ] representation was restored. After Reconstruction, white Democrats succeeded in regaining power in the state legislature. In 1885 they created a new constitution, followed by statutes through 1889 that effectively disfranchised most blacks and many poor whites over the next several years. Provisions included ], ], and residency requirements. Disfranchisement for most African Americans in the state persisted until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s gained federal legislation to protect their suffrage.
			===Statehood and Indian removal===
	Until the mid-20th century, Florida was the least populous Southern state. In 1900 its population was only 528,542, of whom nearly 44% were African American.<ref>Historical Census Browser, 1900 Federal Census, University of Virginia {{Dead link|date=April 2010}}. Retrieved March 15, 2008.</ref> The ] devastated cotton crops, and early 20th century lynchings and racial violence caused a record number of African Americans to leave the state in the ] to northern and midwestern industrial cities. Forty thousand blacks, roughly one-fifth of their 1900 population, left for better opportunities.<ref>Rogers, Maxine D.; Rivers, Larry E.; Colburn, David R.; Dye, R. Tom & Rogers, William W. (December 1993), , p.5. Retrieved April 9, 2011.</ref> Economic prosperity in the 1920s stimulated tourism to Florida. Combined with its sudden elevation in profile was the ], which brought a brief period of intense land development. Devastating hurricanes in ] and ], followed by the stock market crash and ], brought that period to a halt.
			{{See also|Republic of East Florida|Seminole Wars|Adams–Onís Treaty|Florida Territory|Admission to the Union|List of U.S. states by date of admission to the Union}}
			<!--Add text re status, state governance and constitution, economy-->
			] by ] {{small|(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 ] and ] began moving into northern Florida from the backwoods of ] and ]. 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 ]s.<ref>Ste Claire, Dana (2006). ''Cracker: Cracker Culture in Florida History''. University Press of Florida. {{ISBN|978-0-8130-3028-9}}</ref>
	Florida's economy did not fully recover until the buildup for World War II. The climate, tempered by the growing availability of ], and low cost of living made the state a haven. Migration from the ] and the Northeast sharply increased the population after the war. In recent decades, more migrants have come for the jobs in a developing economy. With a population of more than 18 million according to the 2010 census, Florida is the most populous state in the Southeastern United States, the second most populous state in the South behind Texas, and the fourth most populous in the United States.
			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 ] on September 23. After meetings beginning in June, rebels overcame the garrison at ] (now in ]) and unfurled the flag of the new republic: a single white star on a blue field. This flag would later become known as the "]".
	<center><gallery perrow=6>
	File:Flagler College 2005-Sept fl 104.JPEG|] is the oldest city in the United States, established in 1565 by Spain
	File:Hemingwayhouse.jpg|]
	File:YborCityAug20087thAvBerniniBricks.jpg|Historic ] in Tampa
	File:OldU.S.PostOfficeandCourthouse.jpg|The ] has some of the oldest buildings in Miami
	File:SouthBeachMiamiBeach.jpg|], built throughout the 1920-1930s
	</gallery></center>
	Florida is about fun visiting sites and parks.
			In 1810, parts of West Florida were annexed by the proclamation of President ], who claimed the region as part of the ]. These parts were incorporated into the newly formed ]. The U.S. annexed the Mobile District of West Florida to the ] 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.floridamemory.com/collections/constitution/|title=Florida's Early Constitutions—Florida Memory|access-date=July 16, 2017|archive-date=August 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827045025/https://www.floridamemory.com/collections/constitution/|url-status=live}}</ref>
	==Geography==
	]
	{{main|Geography of Florida}}
	{{See also|List of counties in Florida|List of Florida state parks}}
	Much of the state of Florida is situated on a ] between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean and the ]. Spanning two ]s, it extends to the northwest into a ], extending along the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is bordered on the north by the states of ] and ], and on the west, at the end of the panhandle, by Alabama. It is near several Caribbean countries, particularly ] and ]. Florida is one of the largest states east of the ], and only ] and ] are larger in water area.
			Traditionally, historians argued that ]s based in ] began raiding Georgia settlements and offering havens for runaway slaves. The ] led increasingly frequent incursions into Spanish territory, including the 1817–1818 campaign against the Seminole Indians by ] that became known as the ]. The United States now effectively controlled East Florida. Control was necessary according to Secretary of State ] 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."<ref>Alexander Deconde, ''A History of American Foreign Policy'' (1963) p. 127</ref>
	At 345&nbsp;feet (105&nbsp;m) ], ] is the highest point in Florida and the lowest highpoint of any U.S. state.<ref name="Britton">{{cite web|url=http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW268 |title=The Florida Environment: An Overview |month=July|year=2007 |last=Main |first=Martin B. |last2=Allen |first2=Ginger M.|publisher=], ] |accessdate=January 23, 2008|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhCpOjH |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref> Much of the state south of ] is low-lying and fairly level; however, some places, such as ], feature vistas that rise 50 to 100&nbsp;feet (15{{spaced ndash}}30&nbsp;m) above the water. Much of Central and North Florida, typically 25&nbsp;miles (40&nbsp;km) or more away from the coastline, features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 100 to 250&nbsp;feet (30{{spaced ndash}}76&nbsp;m). The highest point in peninsular Florida, ], is a {{convert|312|ft|m|0|sing=on}} peak in ].<ref name="Sugarloaf">{{cite web|url=http://www.dot.state.fl.us/EMO/ScenicHWY/designated/greenmountain.htm |title=Green Mountain Scenic Byway |publisher=] |accessdate=January 23, 2008}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
			] boat searching the ] for ]s (hiding in foreground) during the ], which lasted from 1835 to 1842]]
	===Boundaries===
			More recent historians describe that after U.S. independence, settlers in ] increased pressure on Seminole lands, and skirmishes near the border led to the ] (1816–1819). The United States purchased Florida from Spain by the ] (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 ] (1823). Passage of the ] (1830) led to the ] (1832), which called for the relocation of all Seminole to ] (now ]).<ref>Mahon, pp. 190–191.</ref> Some resisted, leading to the ], the bloodiest ] in United States history. By 1842, most Seminoles and Black Seminoles, facing starvation, were removed to Indian Territory west of the ]. Perhaps fewer than 200 Seminoles remained in Florida after the ] (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.<ref>Mahon, pp. 201–202</ref>
	The state line begins in the Atlantic Ocean, traveling west, south, and north up the ] of the ]. At the origin of that river, it then follows a straight line nearly due west and slightly north, to the point where the ] of the ] (from Georgia) and the ] (down the Alabama/Georgia line) used to form Florida's Apalachicola River. (Since Woodruff Dam was built, this point has been under Lake Seminole.) The border with Georgia continues north through the lake for a short distance up the former thalweg of the Chattahoochee, then with Alabama runs due west along ] ] to the ], then south along its thalweg to the Gulf via Perdido Bay. The water boundary is {{convert|3|nmi|mi km}} offshore in the Atlantic Ocean<ref name="NOAA">{{cite web |url=http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/mystate/docs/StateCZBoundaries.pdf |title=State Costal Zone Boundaries |author= Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management |publisher = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |date=July 1, 2011 |accessdate=October 28, 2011 }}</ref> and {{convert|9|nmi|mi km}} offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.<ref name="NOAA"/> Much of the state is at or near sea level.
			Florida had become a burden to Spain, which could not afford to send settlers or troops due to the devastation caused by the ]. Madrid, therefore, decided to cede the territory to the United States through the ], which took effect in 1821.<ref>{{cite book|last=Tebeau | first=Charlton W. | author-link=Charlton W. Tebeau | title=A History of Florida |url=https://archive.org/details/historyofflorida00char |url-access=registration | publisher=University of Miami Press | year=1971 | location=Coral Gables, Florida | pages=| isbn=9780870241499 }}</ref> President ] was authorized on March 3, 1821, to take possession of ] and ] for the United States and provide for initial governance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=003/llsl003.db&recNum=678|title=A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774–1875|website=Library of Congress|access-date=July 21, 2015|archive-date=January 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124222705/http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=003%2Fllsl003.db&recNum=678|url-status=live}}</ref> On behalf of the U.S. government, ], whom Jacksonville is named after, served as a military commissioner with the powers of governor of the newly acquired territory for a brief period.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-history/florida-governors/andrew-jackson/|title=Andrew Jackson|publisher=Florida Department of State|access-date=July 18, 2016|archive-date=June 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160628023909/http://dos.myflorida.com/florida-facts/florida-history/florida-governors/andrew-jackson/|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 30, 1822, the U.S. Congress merged ] and part of ] into the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=003/llsl003.db&recNum=695|title=A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774–1875|website=Library of Congress|access-date=July 21, 2015|archive-date=January 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160124222705/http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=003%2Fllsl003.db&recNum=695|url-status=live}}</ref>
	===Climate===
	{{Main|Climate of Florida}}
	{{See also|List of Florida hurricanes|List of all-time high and low temperatures by state}}
	] bearing down on Florida on August 23, 1992.]]
			By the early 1800s, ] was a significant issue throughout the southeastern U.S. and also in Florida. In 1830, the U.S. Congress passed the ] 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 ], and clashes between whites and Indians grew with the influx of new settlers. In 1832, the ] promised to the Seminoles lands west of the Mississippi River if they agreed to leave Florida. Many Seminoles left at this time.
	The climate of Florida is tempered somewhat by the fact that no part of the state is very distant from the ocean. North of Lake Okeechobee, the prevalent climate is ] (]: ''Cfa''), while coastal areas south of the lake (including the ]) have a true ] (Köppen: ''Aw'').<ref name="Ritter">{{cite web|url=http://www.uwsp.edu/geO/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/climate_systems/climate_classification.html |title=Wet/Dry Tropical Climate |author=Ritter, Michael |publisher=University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point |accessdate=July 18, 2007|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhDP0o5 |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref> Mean high temperatures for late July are primarily in the low 90s Fahrenheit (32–34&nbsp;°C). Mean low temperatures for early to mid January range from the low 40s Fahrenheit (4–7&nbsp;°C) in northern Florida to the mid-50s (≈13&nbsp;°C) in southern Florida. With an average daily temperature of {{convert|70.7|F}}, it is the warmest state in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/US/average-annual-state-temperatures.php|title=Average Annual Temperature for Each US State|publisher=]|accessdate=August 19, 2011}}</ref>
			Some Seminoles remained, and the U.S. Army arrived in Florida, leading to the ] (1835–1842). Following the war, approximately 3,000 Seminole and 800 Black Seminole were removed to ]. A few hundred Seminole remained in Florida in the ].
	In the summer, high temperatures in the state seldom exceed 100 °F (38 °C). Several record cold maxima have been in the 30s °F (−1 to 4&nbsp;°C) and record lows have been in the 10s (−12 to −7&nbsp;°C). These temperatures normally extend at most a few days at a time in the northern and central parts of Florida. Southern Florida, however, rarely encounters freezing temperatures.
			{{multiple image
	The hottest temperature ever recorded in Florida was {{convert|109|°F|0}}, which was set on June 29, 1931 in ]. The coldest temperature was {{convert|−2|°F|0}}, on February 13, 1899, just {{convert|25|mi|0}} away, in Tallahassee.
			| align = right
			| direction = vertical
			| header =
			| width = 210
			| image1 = The Call-Collins House, The Grove- Tallahassee, Florida (7157983334).jpg
			| width1 =
			| alt1 =
			| caption1 = The Historic Call-Collins House, the Grove, built by slaves in the 1840s, is an antebellum ] in Tallahassee.
			| image2 = $ 10 reward for runaway slave "SMART" by Geo Willis Navy Agent Pensacola Gazette 22 Aug 1840 p 3.jpg
			| width2 =
			| alt2 =
			| caption2 = 1840 advertisement in the ''Pensacola Gazette'' offering a $10 ($330 in 2022) reward for the return of a ].
			}}
			On March 3, 1845, only one day before the end of President ]'s term in office, Florida became the 27th state,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=005/llsl005.db&recNum=779|title=A Century of Lawmaking for a New Nation: U.S. Congressional Documents and Debates, 1774–1875|website=Library of Congress|access-date=July 21, 2015|archive-date=June 19, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619031820/http://memory.loc.gov/cgi-bin/ampage?collId=llsl&fileName=005%2Fllsl005.db&recNum=779|url-status=live}}</ref> admitted as a ] and no longer a sanctuary for runaway slaves. Initially its population grew slowly.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://population.us/fl/|title=Florida state population|website=population.us|access-date=May 19, 2019|archive-date=April 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190418213105/https://population.us/fl/|url-status=live}}</ref>
			As European settlers continued to encroach on Seminole lands, the United States intervened to move the remaining Seminoles to the West. The ] (1855–1858) resulted in the ] of most of the remaining Seminoles, although hundreds of Seminole Indians remained in the Everglades.<ref>Tindall, George Brown, and David Emory Shi. (edition unknown) ''America: A Narrative History''. W. W. Norton & Company. 412. {{ISBN|978-0-393-96874-3}}</ref>
	Due to the tropical climate Florida ]. However, on very rare occasions, a combination of cold moisture and freezing temperatures can result in snowfall. Frost is more common than snow, occurring several times during the winter months.
			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 ] to South Florida and the ] to hunt for treasure from the ships that ran aground on the treacherous Great ]. Some accepted Spanish land offers along the Miami River. At about the same time, the ] Indians arrived, along with a group of runaway slaves. The area was affected by the ], during which Major ] led several raids against the Indians. Most non-Indian residents were soldiers stationed at ]. It was the most devastating Indian war in American history, causing almost a total loss of population in Miami.
	] on the Florida State Capitol Building in Tallahassee on ]]]
			After the Second Seminole War ended in 1842, William English re-established a plantation started by his uncle on the ]. 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.<ref> retrieved January 26, 2006 {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060110194202/http://www.miamidade.gov/info/history.asp |date=January 10, 2006 }}</ref> The ] 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.
	The ] Plant ]s for the state range from zone 8a (no colder than {{convert|10|F}}) in the inland western ] to zone 11 (no colder than {{convert|40|F}}) in the lower ].<ref>{{cite web|last=United States National Arboretum|title=Florida Hardiness Zones|url=http://publicserver2.sjrwmd.com/waterwise/hardiness_zones.html|publisher=St Johns River Water Management District|accessdate=March 25, 2011}}</ref>
			=== Civil War and Reconstruction ===
	Florida's nickname is the "Sunshine State", but severe weather is a common occurrence in the state. Central Florida is known as the ] capital of the United States, as it experiences more lightning strikes than anywhere else in the country.
			{{Main|Florida in the American Civil War}}
	<ref name="lightning">{{cite web|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/ltgcenter/ltgmain.html |title=Lightning Information Center |publisher=] |accessdate=January 23, 2008|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhEeesh |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref> Florida has the highest average precipitation of any state,{{citation needed|I thought it was Hawaii|date=March 2011}} in large part because afternoon ]s are common in most of the state from late spring until early autumn. A narrow eastern part of the state including Orlando and Jacksonville receives between 2,400 and 2,800 hours of ] annually. The rest of the state, including Miami, receives between 2,800 and 3,200 hours annually.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://maps.howstuffworks.com/united-states-annual-sunshine-map.htm|title=united states annual sunshine map|publisher=HowStuffWorks, Inc|accessdate=March 14, 2011}}</ref>
			{{See also|American Civil War|Reconstruction era}}] during the ] in 1864]]
			American settlers began to establish cotton ] 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 ] before the American Civil War.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070823030234/http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/stats/histcensus/php/state.php |date=August 23, 2007 }}</ref>
			On January 10, 1861, nearly all delegates in the Florida Legislature approved an ordinance of secession,<ref>{{cite web |title=Ordinance of Secession, 1861 |url=https://www.floridamemory.com/exhibits/floridahighlights/secession/ |website=Florida Memory |publisher=State Library & Archives of Florida |access-date=October 22, 2019 |archive-date=July 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712140709/https://www.floridamemory.com/exhibits/floridahighlights/secession/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/civil/jb_civil_florida_1.html|title=Florida Seceded! January 10, 1861{{!}}America's Story from America's Library|website=America's Library|access-date=November 14, 2017|archive-date=September 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919112537/http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/civil/jb_civil_florida_1.html|url-status=live}}</ref> 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 ], allowing it to become one of the founding members of the ].
	Florida leads the United States in tornadoes per area<!---easier than trying to convert from miles to kilometers--> (when including ])<ref name="waterspout">{{Cite news|url=http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2007/jul/01/waterspouts_common_coastal_florida_summer/?breaking_news |title=Waterspouts common off coastal Florida in summer |last=Aten |first=Tim |date=July 1, 2007 |work=] |accessdate=January 23, 2008|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhHt5dn |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref> but they do not typically reach the intensity of those in the ] and ]. ] often accompanies the most severe thunderstorms.
			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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.floridamemory.com/onlineclassroom/floridacivilwar/|title=Florida in the Civil War|first=State Library and Archives of|last=Florida|website=Florida Memory|access-date=May 19, 2019|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402212938/https://www.floridamemory.com/onlineclassroom/floridacivilwar/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>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 {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190430043831/https://www.jstor.org/stable/30147921 |date=April 30, 2019 }}</ref> The largest engagements in the state were the ], on February 20, 1864, and the ], on March 6, 1865. Both were Confederate victories.<ref>Taylor, Paul. (2012) ''Discovering the Civil War in Florida: A Reader and Guide'' (2nd edition). pp. 3–4, 59, 127. Sarasota, Fl.: Pineapple Press.</ref> The war ended in 1865.
	] pose a severe threat during hurricane season, which lasts from June 1 to November 30, although some storms have been known to form out of season. Florida is the most hurricane-prone state, with subtropical or tropical water on a lengthy coastline. From 1851 to 2006, Florida has been struck by 114 hurricanes, 37 of them major—] and above.<ref name="fltoday fact"/> It is rare for a hurricane season to pass without any impact in the state by at least a tropical storm. For storms, ] or higher, 83% have either hit Florida or Texas.<ref name="fltoday fact">{{Cite journal|last=Doe|title=Florida is US lightning capital| url=|work =Florida Today Factbook|location=Melbourne, Florida|page= 34|date=March 28, 2009|id=}}</ref> August to October is the most likely period for a hurricane in Florida.
			Following the American Civil War, Florida's ] representation was restored on June 25, 1868, albeit forcefully after ] 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 ] most blacks and many poor whites.<ref>{{cite book|author=Nancy A. Hewitt|title=Southern Discomfort: Women's Activism in Tampa, Florida, 1880s–1920s|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MbawYOvvUrkC&pg=PA22|year=2001|publisher=University of Illinois Press|isbn=978-0-252-02682-9|page=22|access-date=May 13, 2018|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204020303/https://books.google.com/books?id=MbawYOvvUrkC&pg=PA22|url-status=live}}</ref>
			In the pre-automobile era, railroads played a key role in the state's development, particularly in coastal areas. In 1883, the ] connected Pensacola and the rest of the ] to the rest of the state. In 1884 the ] (later absorbed by ]) opened full service to ]. In 1894 the ] reached ]; in 1896 it reached ] near ]. Numerous other railroads were built all over the interior of the state.
			===20th century===
			] in ], in 1928]]
			Florida's economy has been based primarily upon agricultural products such as citrus fruits, strawberries, nuts, sugarcane and cattle.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Florida-Agriculture-Overview-and-Statistics|title=Florida Agriculture Overview and Statistics – Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services|website=www.fdacs.gov|access-date=January 24, 2021|archive-date=February 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210203113521/https://www.fdacs.gov/Agriculture-Industry/Florida-Agriculture-Overview-and-Statistics|url-status=live}}</ref> The ] devastated cotton crops during the early 20th century.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Palmer |first=Darryl |date=19 May 2014 |title=Boll Weevils and Beyond: Extension Entomology |url=https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/ifascomm/2014/05/19/boll-weevils-and-beyond-extension-entomology/ |access-date=14 December 2022 |website=University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Science}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Lange |first1=Fabian |last2=Olmstead |first2=Alan |last3=Rhode |first3=Paul |date=September 2009 |title=The Impact of the Boll Weevil, 1892–1932 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/40263940 |journal=The Journal of Economic History |volume=69 |issue=3 |pages=685–718 |doi=10.1017/S0022050709001090 |jstor=40263940 |s2cid=154646873 |issn=0022-0507 }}</ref>
			Until the mid-20th century, Florida was the least-populous state in the ]. In 1900, its population was only 528,542, of whom nearly 44% were African American, the same proportion as before the Civil War.<ref>Historical Census Browser, 1900 Federal Census, University of Virginia {{dead link|date=June 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}. Retrieved March 15, 2008.</ref> Forty thousand blacks, roughly one-fifth of their 1900 population levels in Florida, left the state in the ]. They left due to ]s and racial violence and for better opportunities in the North and the West.<ref>Rogers, Maxine D.; Rivers, Larry E.; Colburn, David R.; Dye, R. Tom & Rogers, William W. (December 1993), {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080515152951/http://mailer.fsu.edu/~mjones/rosewood/rosewood.html |date=May 15, 2008 }}, p. 5. Retrieved April 9, 2011.</ref> ] for most African Americans in the state persisted until the ] of the 1960s gained federal legislation in 1965 to enforce protection of their constitutional suffrage.
			]]]
			In response to ] 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 ] organized a bus boycott in Tallahassee to mimic the ] and succeeded in integrating the city's buses.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Tallahassee Bus Boycott 1956-57 |url=https://www.floridamemory.com/learn/classroom/learning-units/civil-rights/tallahasseebusboycott/ |website=Florida Memory |access-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-date=May 7, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210507015758/https://www.floridamemory.com/learn/classroom/learning-units/civil-rights/tallahasseebusboycott/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Students also held sit-ins in 1960 in protest of segregated seating at local lunch counters, and in 1964 an incident at a ] motel pool, in which the owner poured acid into the water during a demonstration, influenced the passage of the ].<ref>{{cite web |title=The Civil Rights Movement in Florida |url=https://www.floridamemory.com/learn/classroom/learning-units/civil-rights/ |website=Florida Memory |access-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-date=October 24, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024201945/https://www.floridamemory.com/learn/classroom/learning-units/civil-rights/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
			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 ], which brought a brief period of intense land development. In 1925, the ] 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 ] and ], followed by the ], brought that period to a halt. Florida's economy did not fully recover until the military buildup for ].
			], built in 1925, was added to the ] in 1979.]]
			In 1939, Florida was described as "still very largely an empty State."<ref>{{cite book|title=Florida. A Guide to the Southernmost State|date=1939|place=New York|author=Federal Writers' Project|publisher=Oxford University Press|page=7}}</ref> Subsequently, the growing availability of ], the climate, and a low cost of living made the state a haven. Migration from the ] and the Northeast sharply increased Florida's population after 1945.
			In the 1960s, many refugees from ], fleeing ]'s communist regime, arrived in Miami at the ], 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".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/american_latino_heritage/freedom_tower.html|title=Freedom Tower—American Latino Heritage: A Discover Our Shared Heritage Travel Itinerary|website=Nps.gov|access-date=May 14, 2018|archive-date=May 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180514142205/https://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/american_latino_heritage/freedom_tower.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In recent decades, more migrants have come for the jobs in a developing economy.
			===21st century===
			] opened on October 1, 1971, near the cities of ] and ].]]
			With a population of more than 18{{spaces}}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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/florida-is-now-officially-the-third-most-populous-state-6554486|title=Florida Is Now Officially the Third Most Populous State|first=Kyle|last=Munzenrieder|date=December 23, 2014|website=Miaminewtimes.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=May 3, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220503032134/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/florida-is-now-officially-the-third-most-populous-state-6554486|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/florida-population-boom-taxes|title=Florida to see population boom over coming years as SALT deductions remain capped|first=Brittany De|last=Lea|date=August 9, 2019|website=FOXBusiness|access-date=September 6, 2019|archive-date=September 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906062556/https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/florida-population-boom-taxes|url-status=live}}</ref> Florida's growth has been widespread, as cities throughout the state have continued to see population growth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/adammillsap/2018/06/06/floridas-population-is-booming-but-should-we-worry-about-income-growth/|title=Florida's Population Is Booming—But Should We Worry About Income Growth?|first=Adam|last=Millsap|website=Forbes|access-date=September 6, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2019|archive-url=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/|url-status=live}}</ref>
			In 2012, the ], a young black man, by ] in ] drew national attention to Florida's ]s, and sparked African American activism, including the ] movement.<ref>{{cite web |author=Nicole Chavez |title=George Zimmerman lawsuit reminds us of how significant the Trayvon Martin case was for a divided country |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/05/us/trayvon-martin-shooting-race-in-america/index.html |website=CNN Digital |access-date=February 11, 2021 |date=December 5, 2019 |archive-date=December 5, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191205212730/https://www.cnn.com/2019/12/05/us/trayvon-martin-shooting-race-in-america/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
			After ] devastated ] 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/17/us/puerto-ricans-orlando.html|title=A Great Migration From Puerto Rico Is Set to Transform Orlando|date=November 17, 2017|newspaper=]|access-date=May 14, 2018|archive-date=December 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201212145235/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/11/17/us/puerto-ricans-orlando.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
			] left on the fence of the Pulse nightclub in ] in 2016]]
			A handful of high-profile mass shootings have occurred in Florida in the 21st century. In June 2016, a gunman ]. It is the deadliest incident in the ], as well as the deadliest terrorist attack in the U.S. since the ] in 2001, and it was the deadliest ] by a single gunman in U.S. history until the ]. In February 2018, 17 people were killed in a ] at ] in ], leading to new gun control regulations at both the state and federal level.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Andone |first1=Dakin |title=Parkland students turned from victims to activists and inspired a wave of new gun safety laws |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/11/us/parkland-change-gun-control-legislation/index.html |website=CNN |date=February 11, 2019 |access-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-date=February 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209163535/https://www.cnn.com/2019/02/11/us/parkland-change-gun-control-legislation/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
			On June 24, 2021, a condominium in ], near ] ], killing at least 97 people.<ref>{{Cite web|last=<!--Not stated-->|date=July 16, 2021|title=97 dead as recovery effort at collapsed Florida condo nears end|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/7/16/97-dead-as-recovery-effort-at-collapsed-florida-condo-nears-end|access-date=July 17, 2021|website=]|language=en-US|archive-date=July 17, 2021|archive-url=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|url-status=live}}</ref> The Surfside collapse is tied with the ] as the ] ] in United States history, behind the ] and the ].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Spocchia |first1=Gina |title=Hyatt Regency walkway collapse: 40 years ago today one of America's deadliest structural collapses took place |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hyatt-regency-walkway-collapse-kansas-b1885876.html |work=The Independent |date=July 17, 2021 |access-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210725205115/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/hyatt-regency-walkway-collapse-kansas-b1885876.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Surfside collapse is reminiscent of other tragic construction failures in the United States |url=https://www.thebharatexpressnews.com/the-surfside-collapse-is-reminiscent-of-other-tragic-construction-failures-in-the-united-states/ |publisher=The Baharat Express News |access-date=July 25, 2021 |archive-date=September 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210917084705/https://www.thebharatexpressnews.com/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
			==Geography==
			{{Main|Geography of Florida}}
			{{See also|List of counties in Florida|List of places in Florida|List of municipalities in Florida|List of islands of Florida|List of Florida state parks}}
			Much of Florida is on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean and the ]. Spanning two ]s, it extends to the northwest into a ], extending along the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is bordered on the north by ] and ], 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, ] being the only one of the fifty states reaching farther south. Florida is west of the ] and {{convert|90|mi}} north of ]. Florida is one of the largest states east of the ], and only ] and ] are larger in water area. The water boundary is {{convert|3|nmi|mi km}} offshore in the Atlantic Ocean<ref name="NOAA">{{cite web|url=http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/mystate/docs/StateCZBoundaries.pdf |title=State Coastal Zone Boundaries |author=Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management |publisher=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration |date=July 1, 2011 |access-date=October 28, 2011 |archive-date=October 15, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111015013333/http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/mystate/docs/StateCZBoundaries.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> and {{convert|9|nmi|mi km}} offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.<ref name="NOAA"/>
			At {{convert|345|ft|0}} ], ] is the ] in Florida and the lowest highpoint of any U.S. state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW268 |title=The Florida Environment: An Overview |date=July 2007 |last1=Main |first1=Martin B. |last2=Allen |first2=Ginger M. |publisher=], ] |access-date=January 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204183859/http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw268 |archive-date=December 4, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Much of the state south of ] 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 ] have ] that rise {{convert|50|to|100|ft|m|0|abbr=on}} above the water. Much of Central and North Florida, typically {{convert|25|mi|0|abbr=on}} or more away from the coastline, have rolling hills with elevations ranging from {{convert|100|to|250|ft|m|0|abbr=on}}. The highest point in peninsular Florida (east and south of the ]), ], is a {{convert|312|ft|0|adj=on}} peak in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dot.state.fl.us/EMO/ScenicHWY/designated/greenmountain.htm|title=Green Mountain Scenic Byway |publisher=] |access-date=January 23, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306190416/http://www.dot.state.fl.us/emo/scenichwy/designated/greenmountain.htm |archive-date=March 6, 2008}}</ref> On average, Florida is the flattest state in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|author=Megan Garber|title=Science: Several U.S. States, Led by Florida, Are Flatter Than a Pancake|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/03/science-several-us-states-led-by-florida-are-flatter-than-a-pancake/284348/|website=The Atlantic|date=March 11, 2014|access-date=March 7, 2017|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=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/|url-status=live}}</ref>
			]
			], the largest lake in Florida, is the ] among the 50 states of the United States and the second-largest natural freshwater lake contained entirely within the ], after ].<ref>{{cite web |author=Heather S. Henkel |url=http://sofia.usgs.gov/virtual_tour/lakeokee/index.html |title=SOFIA Virtual Tour – Lake Okeechobee |publisher=Sofia.usgs.gov |date=2010-04-15 |access-date=2011-11-27 |archive-date=2011-05-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110518213153/http://sofia.usgs.gov/virtual_tour/lakeokee/index.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> The longest river within Florida is the St. Johns River, at {{convert|310|miles|km}} long. The drop in elevation from its headwaters South Florida to its mouth in Jacksonville is less than {{convert|30|feet|m}}.
			===Climate===
			{{Main|Climate of Florida}}
			{{See also|List of Florida hurricanes|U.S. state temperature extremes}}
			], flourishes in Florida's overall warm climate.]]
			] 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 ], the prevalent climate is ] (]: ''Cfa''), while areas south of the lake (including the ]) have a true ] (Köppen: ''Aw'', ''Am'', and ''Af'').<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.uwsp.edu/geO/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/climate_systems/climate_classification.html |title=Wet/Dry Tropical Climate |author=Ritter, Michael |publisher=University of Wisconsin, Stevens Point |access-date=July 18, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101124064306/http://www.uwsp.edu/geo/faculty/ritter/geog101/textbook/climate_systems/climate_classification.html |archive-date=November 24, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Mean high temperatures for late July are primarily in the low 90s Fahrenheit (32–34{{spaces}}°C). Mean low temperatures for early to mid-January range from the low 40s Fahrenheit (4–7{{spaces}}°C) in north Florida to above {{convert|60|°F|0}} from Miami on southward. With an average daily temperature of {{convert|70.7|°F|1}}, it is the warmest state in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/US/average-annual-state-temperatures.php|title=Average Annual Temperature for Each US State|publisher=Current Results Nexus|access-date=August 19, 2011|archive-date=August 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110827213807/http://www.currentresults.com/Weather/US/average-annual-state-temperatures.php|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/US/hottest-states.php|title=Hottest States in the US—Current Results|website=Currentresults.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=April 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409042831/https://www.currentresults.com/Weather-Extremes/US/hottest-states.php|url-status=live}}</ref>
			In the summer, high temperatures in the state rarely exceed {{convert|100|°F|1}}. Several record cold maxima have been in the 30s °F (−1 to 4{{spaces}}°C) and record lows have been in the 10s (−12 to −7{{spaces}}°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.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.weather.gov/mfl/about_cold|title=Cold Weather Hazards|website=]|access-date=June 19, 2018|archive-date=June 19, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619190115/https://www.weather.gov/mfl/about_cold|url-status=live}}</ref> The hottest temperature ever recorded in Florida was {{convert|109|°F|0}}, which was set on June 29, 1931, in ]. The coldest temperature was {{convert|-2|°F|0}}, on February 13, 1899, just {{convert|25|mi|0}} away, in Tallahassee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://floridadisaster.org/kids/temperatures.htm |title=Hazardous Weather: A Florida Guide—Temperatures |publisher=FloridaDisaster.org |access-date=October 9, 2016 |archive-date=June 19, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160619061514/http://www.floridadisaster.org/kids/temperatures.htm |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mymanatee.org/home/government/departments/public-safety/emergency-management/breaking-news/archived-news/temperature-extremes.html |title=Temperature Extremes |date=June 11, 2012 |website=Mymanatee.org |access-date=October 9, 2016 |archive-date=September 7, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907103512/http://www.mymanatee.org/home/government/departments/public-safety/emergency-management/breaking-news/archived-news/temperature-extremes.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
	In 2004, Florida was hit by a record four hurricanes. Hurricanes ] (August 13), ] (September 4–5), ] (September 16), and ] (September 25–26) cumulatively cost the state's economy $42 billion. Additionally, the four storms caused an estimated $45 billion in damage.
	<ref name="ft091231">{{Cite news|title=Weather, politics shook things up|url=|work=Florida Today|location=Melbourne, Florida|page= 1A|date=December 31, 2009|id=}}</ref> In 2005, ] (July 10) became the fifth storm to strike Florida within eleven months. Later, ] (August 25) passed through South Florida and ] (September 20) swept through the ]. ] (October 24) made landfall near ], just south of ], finishing another very active hurricane season. Wilma is the second most expensive hurricane in Florida history, due in part to a five year window in which to file claims.<ref name="Watchdog">{{Cite news|first=Matt|last=Read|title=Watchdog:Discounts may boost price for insurance|url=| work =Florida Today|location=Melbourne, Florida|page= 1B|date=February 2, 2010|id=}}</ref>
			Due to its subtropical and tropical climate, Florida rarely receives measurable ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/has-it-ever-snowed-in-florida.html|title=Has It Ever Snowed in Florida?|website=Worldatlas.com|date=October 25, 2017|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=April 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409042831/https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/has-it-ever-snowed-in-florida.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On rare occasions, a combination of cold moisture and freezing temperatures can result in snowfall in the farthest northern regions like ], ] or ]. ], which is more common than ], sometimes occurs in the panhandle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weather/fl-reg-chance-of-frost-20180101-story.html|title=Brrrrr! South Florida may see frost by week's end|first=Anne|last=Geggis|website=Sun-sentinel.com|date=January 2, 2018 |access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112192143/https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/weather/fl-reg-chance-of-frost-20180101-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The USDA Plant ]s for the state range from zone 8a (no colder than {{convert|10|°F|0|disp=or}}) in the inland western ] to zone 11b (no colder than {{convert|45|°F|0|disp=or}}) in the lower ].<ref>{{cite web|last=United States National Arboretum|title=Florida Hardiness Zones|url=http://publicserver2.sjrwmd.com/waterwise/hardiness_zones.html|publisher=St Johns River Water Management District|access-date=March 25, 2011|archive-date=July 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716160957/http://publicserver2.sjrwmd.com/waterwise/hardiness_zones.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ] also occurs all over the state or climate of Florida.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://miami.cbslocal.com/tag/dense-fog-advisory/|title=Dense Fog Advisory|website=miami.cbslocal.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204013850/https://miami.cbslocal.com/tag/dense-fog-advisory/|url-status=live}}</ref>
	Florida was the site of the second costliest weather disaster in U.S. history, ], which caused more than $25 ] in damage when it struck on August 24, 1992. In a long list of other infamous hurricane strikes are the ], the ], the ], ] in 1960, and ] in 1995. Recent research suggests the number of storms are part of a natural cycle which rises in some years, falls in others.<ref name="Many More Hurricanes To Come">{{Cite news|url=http://www.livescience.com/environment/050831_hurricane_freq.html |title=Many More Hurricanes To Come |last=Than |first=Ker |date=August 31, 2005 |publisher=] |accessdate=December 3, 2007|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhNqAD6 |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref name="NOAA Attributes Recent Increase In Hurricane Activity To Naturally Occurring Multi-Decadal Climate Variability">{{cite web|url=http://www.magazine.noaa.gov/stories/mag184.htm |title=NOAA Attributes Recent Increase In Hurricane Activity To Naturally Occurring Multi-Decadal Climate Variability |publisher=] |accessdate=December 3, 2007|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhOG5i8 |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
	<center>
	{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"		| colspan="13" style="text-align:center;font-size:120%;background:#E8EAFA;"|Average high and low temperatures for various Florida cities
	| colspan="13" style="text-align:center;font-size:120%;background:#E8EAFA;"|Average High and Low temperatures for various Florida Cities
	|- style="background:#e5afaa; color:#000"		|- style="background:#e5afaa; color:#000"
	| '''City'''		| '''°F'''
	| '''Jan'''		| '''Jan'''
	| '''Feb'''		| '''Feb'''
Line 197:		Line 278:
	| '''Dec'''		| '''Dec'''
	|- style="background:#f8f3ca; color:#000"		|- style="background:#f8f3ca; color:#000"
	|]<ref name="jaxweather">{{cite web|url = http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=jax |title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = ] |accessdate =March 5, 2012}}</ref>		|]<ref>{{cite web |url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=jax |title = NowData—NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = ] |access-date = March 5, 2012 |archive-date = November 9, 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181109234659/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=jax |url-status = live }}</ref>
	| 65/42		| 65/42
	| 68/45		| 68/45
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	| 67/44		| 67/44
	|- style="background:#c5dfe1; color:#000"		|- style="background:#c5dfe1; color:#000"
			| ]<ref>{{cite web |url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mfl |title = NowData—NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = ] |access-date = March 5, 2012 |archive-date = July 12, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150712183630/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mfl |url-status = live }}</ref>
	| ]<ref name="eywweather">{{cite web|url=http://www.sercc.com/cgi-bin/sercc/cliMAIN.pl?fl4570 |title=KEY WEST WSO AIRPORT, FLORIDA—Climate Summary |publisher=Southeast Regional Climate Center |accessdate=January 26, 2008|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhDrwyo |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	| 75/65
	| 76/66
	| 79/69
	| 82/72
	| 85/76
	| 88/78
	| 89/80
	| 90/80
	| 88/78
	| 85/76
	| 80/71
	| 76/67
	|- style="background:#f8f3ca; color:#000"
	| ]<ref name="mlbweather"/>
	| 72/51
	| 73/53
	| 77/57
	| 81/61
	| 85/67
	| 88/71
	| 90/73
	| 90/73
	| 88/72
	| 83/67
	| 78/60
	| 73/53
	|- style="background:#c5dfe1; color:#000"
	|Miami<ref name="miaweather">{{cite web|url = http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mfl |title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = ] |accessdate =March 5, 2012}}</ref>
	| 76/60		| 76/60
	| 78/62		| 78/62
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	| 78/63		| 78/63
	|- style="background:#f8f3ca; color:#000"		|- style="background:#f8f3ca; color:#000"
	| ]<ref name="mlbweather">{{cite web|url = http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mlb |title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = ] |accessdate =March 5, 2012}}</ref>		| ]<ref>{{cite web |url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mlb |title = NowData—NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = ] |access-date = March 5, 2012 |archive-date = September 5, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150905111301/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=mlb |url-status = live }}</ref>
	| 71/49		| 71/49
	| 74/52		| 74/52
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	| 63/45		| 63/45
	|- style="background:#f8f3ca; color:#000"		|- style="background:#f8f3ca; color:#000"
	| ]<ref name="tlhweather">{{cite web|url = http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=tae |title = NowData&nbsp;— NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = ] |accessdate =March 5, 2012}}</ref>		| ]<ref>{{cite web |url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=tae |title = NowData—NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = ] |access-date = March 5, 2012 |archive-date = September 5, 2015 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150905085903/http://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=tae |url-status = live }}</ref>
	| 64/39		| 64/39
	| 68/42		| 68/42
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	| 66/41		| 66/41
	|- style="background:#c5dfe1; color:#000"		|- style="background:#c5dfe1; color:#000"
	| ]<ref name="tpaweather">{{cite web|url = http://www.nws.noaa.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=tbw |title = NowData – NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = ] |accessdate =March 5, 2012}}</ref>		| ]<ref>{{cite web |url = https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=tbw |title = NowData—NOAA Online Weather Data |publisher = ] |access-date = March 5, 2012 |archive-date = June 16, 2019 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190616075146/https://w2.weather.gov/climate/xmacis.php?wfo=tbw |url-status = live }}</ref>
	| 70/51		| 70/51
	| 73/54		| 73/54
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	| 78/60		| 78/60
	| 72/54		| 72/54
			|}
	|}</center>
			{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; border: none;"
	<center><gallery perrow=5>
			|- style="background:#e5afaa; color:#000"
	File:Royal Poinciana.jpg|The ] grows in ] and blooms in the winter, an indication of South Florida's ]
			| '''°C'''
	File:Miamisummershower.png|Summer afternoon showers from the ] traveling eastward over ]
			| '''Jan'''
	File:AutumnColors.JPG|] occurs annually in North and Central Florida.
			| '''Feb'''
	File:Jacksonville Snow 2.jpg|Snow is uncommon in Florida, but has occurred in every major Florida city at least once.
			| '''Mar'''
	File:South Beach 20080315.jpg|Winter in Miami. Miami's mild winters make it a major tourist destination in the winter.
			| '''Apr'''
	</gallery></center>
			| '''May'''
			| '''Jun'''
			| '''Jul'''
			| '''Aug'''
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			|}
			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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/ltgcenter/ltgmain.html |title=Lightning Information Center |publisher=] |access-date=January 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090509093118/http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/ltgcenter/ltgmain.html |archive-date=May 9, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Florida has one of the highest average precipitation levels of any state,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/data/usclimate/pcp.state.19712000.climo |title=Total Precipitation in inches by month |publisher=] |access-date=March 31, 2013 |archive-date=April 21, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130421024731/http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/psd/data/usclimate/pcp.state.19712000.climo |url-status=live }}</ref> in large part because afternoon thunderstorms are common in much of the state from late spring until early autumn.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://climatecenter.fsu.edu/topics/thunderstorms|title=Thunderstorms—Florida Climate Center|website=climatecenter.fsu.edu|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=July 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130703125718/http://climatecenter.fsu.edu/topics/thunderstorms|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/maps/pdf/NAM_US_THEM_AnnualSun.pdf |title=united states annual sunshine map |publisher=HowStuffWorks, Inc |access-date=July 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212162419/https://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/maps/pdf/NAM_US_THEM_AnnualSun.pdf |archive-date=December 12, 2019 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
			Florida leads the United States in tornadoes per area<!--easier than trying to convert from miles to kilometers--> (when including ]s),<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2007/jul/01/waterspouts_common_coastal_florida_summer/?breaking_news |title=Waterspouts common off coastal Florida in summer |last=Aten |first=Tim |date=July 1, 2007 |work=] |access-date=January 23, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205104954/http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2007/jul/01/waterspouts_common_coastal_florida_summer/?breaking_news |archive-date=December 5, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref> but they do not typically reach the intensity of those in the ] and ]. ] often accompanies the most severe thunderstorms.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://miami.cbslocal.com/tag/hail-storm/|title=Hail Storm|website=miami.cbslocal.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204070125/https://miami.cbslocal.com/tag/hail-storm/|url-status=live}}</ref>
			] pose a severe threat each year from June{{spaces}}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 ] or higher storms that have struck the United States, 83% have either hit Florida or Texas.<ref name="fltoday fact">{{Cite news |title=Florida is US lightning capital| work =] Factbook |page= 34 |date=March 28, 2009}}</ref>
			From 1851 to 2006, Florida was struck by 114 hurricanes, 37 of them major—] and above.<ref name="fltoday fact"/> It is rare for a hurricane season to pass without any impact in the state by at least a tropical storm.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tripsavvy.com/how-often-do-hurricanes-hit-florida-3266726|title=How Often Hurricanes Make Landfall in Florida|website=Tripsavvy.com|access-date=November 6, 2021|archive-date=April 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210416092628/https://www.tripsavvy.com/how-often-do-hurricanes-hit-florida-3266726|url-status=dead}}</ref>
			In 1992, Florida was the site of what was then the costliest weather disaster in U.S. history, ], which caused more than $25{{spaces}}billion in damages when it struck during August; it held that distinction until 2005, when ] surpassed it, and it has since been surpassed by six other hurricanes. Andrew is the second-costliest hurricane in Florida's history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aoml.noaa.gov/keynotes/keynotes_0817_andrew25.html|title=The 25th Anniversary of Hurricane Andrew|website=Aoml.noaa.gov|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=August 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806144021/https://www.aoml.noaa.gov/keynotes/keynotes_0817_andrew25.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
	===Fauna===		===Fauna===
	{{further|List of mammals of Florida}}		{{Further|Fauna of Florida|List of invasive species in Florida}}
	] in the ]]]		] in the ]]]
			]]]
	Florida is host to many types of wildlife including:
			Florida is host to many types of wildlife, including:
	* Marine Mammals: ], ], ], ]
			* Marine mammals: ], ], ], ]
	* Mammals: ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ]s, ], ], ], ], ]s
			* Mammals: ], ], ], ], ], raccoon, striped skunk, squirrel, ], ], bobcats, ], ], coyote, wild boar, ], ]s, ]
	* Reptiles: ] and ], ], ] and ]s, and ]. In 2012, there were about one million ]s and 1,500 ]s.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Curtis | last=Morgan | title=Crocs crawl back to coast | url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/mh-crocodiles-rebound-20120408,0,5816687.story| newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages= 8B | date=April 9, 2012 | id= }}</ref><!---hard and soft copy sources do not match but are the same article. When link rots, delete this caveat--->
			* Reptiles: ] and ], ], ] and ]s,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/nesting/leatherback/|title=Leatherback Nesting in Florida|website=myfwc.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031144319/https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/nesting/leatherback/|url-status=live}}</ref> ]s, and ]. In 2012, there were about one million ]s and 1,500 ].<ref>{{Cite news | first=Curtis | last=Morgan | title=Crocs crawl back to coast | url=http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/mh-crocodiles-rebound-20120408,0,5816687.story | newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages=8B | date=April 9, 2012 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120410234242/http://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/local/breakingnews/mh-crocodiles-rebound-20120408,0,5816687.story | archive-date=April 10, 2012 }}</ref><!--hard and soft copy sources do not match but are the same article. When link rots, delete this caveat-->
	* Birds: ], ], ], ], ] and ]s, ], ] and ]s, ], ] (state ]), and others. One subspecies of Wild Turkey, '']'', namely subspecies ''osceola'', is found only in the state of Florida.<ref>C. Michael Hogan. 2008. </ref> The state is a wintering location for many species of eastern North American birds.
			* Birds: ],<ref>{{Cite news | first=Keith | last=Winston | title=Predator animals rebound | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20131224/COLUMNISTS0410/312240021/Keith-Winsten-Predator-animals-rebound | newspaper=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages=7B | date=December 24, 2013 | access-date=December 29, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316133407/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20131224/COLUMNISTS0410/312240021/Keith-Winsten-Predator-animals-rebound | archive-date=March 16, 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref> ], ],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/03/birds-animals-flamingos-florida-native/|title=Surprising Origin of American Flamingos Discovered|date=March 10, 2018|website=News.mationalgeographic.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=June 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612141057/https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/03/birds-animals-flamingos-florida-native/|url-status=dead}}</ref> ], ], ], ] and ]s, ], ] and ]s, ], ], ] (state ]), and others. One subspecies of wild turkey, '']'', is found only in Florida.<ref>C. Michael Hogan. 2008. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725174654/http://www.globaltwitcher.com/artspec_information.asp?thingid=2199 |date=July 25, 2017 }}</ref> The state is a wintering location for many species of eastern North American birds.
	*Invertebrates: ], ], ], ]s, the ] butterfly, and the ].
			:As a result of ], there have been small numbers of several new species normally native to cooler areas to the north: ]s, ]s, ]s, and ]s. These have been seen in the northern part of the state.<ref name="ft140107">{{Cite news | first=Keith | last=Winsten | title='Snow' bird species in South | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20140107/NEWS01/301070029/Keith-Winsten-Snow-bird-species-show-up-far-south | newspaper=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages=7B | date=January 7, 2014 | access-date=January 7, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109080920/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20140107/NEWS01/301070029/Keith-Winsten-Snow-bird-species-show-up-far-south | archive-date=January 9, 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
			* Invertebrates: ], termites, ], ]s, the ] butterfly, and the ].
			Florida also has more than 1,500 nonnative animal species.<ref>{{cite web|title=Biological Control of Invasive Insect Pests of Crops and Native Flora in Florida|url=https://reeis.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/0220406-biological-control-of-invasive-insect-pests-of-crops-and-native-flora-in-florida.html|website=Usda.gov/|access-date=June 3, 2018|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=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|url-status=live}}</ref> Some exotic species living in Florida include the ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/|title=Nonnative Species|website=myfwc.com|access-date=May 17, 2018|archive-date=February 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210213223709/https://myfwc.com/wildlifehabitats/nonnatives/|url-status=dead}}</ref>
	The only known calving area for the Northern Right Whale is off the coasts of Florida and Georgia.<ref name="Whale habitat could grow"/><!---the url does ''not'' give box figures which had the right whale text imbedded. It is listed here for "credibility" only but only the print text supports this fact--->
			===Flora===
	The native bear population has risen from a historic low of 300 in the 1970s, to 3,000 in 2011.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Ludmilla | last=Lelis | title=Neighborhoods need to outsmart bears | url=| newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages= 5B | date=December 6, 2011 | id= }}</ref>
			{{Further|Florida mangroves|List of invasive plant species in Florida}}
			]]]
			The state has more than {{convert|26000|mi2}} of forests, covering about half of the state's land area.<ref>{{Cite news| first=Jim | last=Waymer | title=Florida forests help roll out toilet paper | url=https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2020/03/31/coronavirus-fuels-forestry-florida/5088495002/ | newspaper=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages=1A,10A | date=April 1, 2020 | access-date=April 4, 2020 | archive-date=April 3, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403034807/https://www.floridatoday.com/story/news/local/environment/2020/03/31/coronavirus-fuels-forestry-florida/5088495002/ | url-status=live}}</ref>
			There are about 3,000 types of ]s in Florida.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/native-plants.html|title=Native Plants—University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences|website=gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=February 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201054720/https://gardeningsolutions.ifas.ufl.edu/plants/ornamentals/native-plants.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This is the third-most diverse state in the union, behind ] and ], both larger states.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Maria | last=Sonnenberg | title=Florida's flowers | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130921/SPACES/309210025/Florida-s-flowers-brighten-fields | newspaper=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | page=1D | date=September 21, 2013 | access-date=September 21, 2013 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316122002/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20130921/SPACES/309210025/Florida-s-flowers-brighten-fields | archive-date=March 16, 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref> In Florida, wild populations of coconut palms extend up the East Coast from Key West to ], and up the West Coast from ] to ]. Many of the smallest coral islands in the ] 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg043|title=The Coconut Palm in Florida|first=Timothy K. Broschat and Jonathan H.|last=Crane|date=April 4, 2018|website=edis.ifas.ufl.edu|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=February 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209151103/https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg043|url-status=live}}</ref>
	Since their accidental importation from South America into North America in the 1930s, the ] population has increased its territorial range to include most of the Southern United States, including Florida. They are more aggressive than most native ant species and have a painful sting.<ref name="Not all alien invaders are from outer space"/>
			On the east coast of the state, ] have normally dominated the coast from ] southward; ]es from ] northward. From St. Augustine south to Cocoa Beach, the coast fluctuates between the two, depending on the annual weather conditions.<ref name="ft140107"/> All three mangrove species flower in the spring and early summer. ]s are produced from late summer through early autumn.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nhmi.org/mangroves/rep.htm |title= Reproductive Strategies of Mangroves|author=<!--Not stated--> |date= |website=Newfound Harbor Marine Institute |publisher=Seacamp Association |access-date=15 November 2023 |quote=}}</ref> Florida mangrove plant communities covered an estimated {{convert|430,000|to|540,000|acre|km2}} in Florida in 1981. Ninety percent of the Florida mangroves are in southern Florida, in ], ], ] and ] counties.
	A number of non-native snakes and lizards have been released in the wild. In 2010 the state created a hunting season for ] and ]s, ]s, ]s, and ]s.<ref name="State creates season for hunting pythons"/> ]s have also established a firm population in the southern part of the state.
			===Reef===
	<center><gallery perrow=6>
			{{Main|Florida Reef}}
	File:Key deer male.jpg|] in the lower ]
			] near ]]]
	File:Florida Scrub Jay.jpg|The ] is found only in Florida.
			The Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States.<ref>{{cite news|url=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/|title=The biggest coral reef in the continental U.S. is dissolving into the ocean|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=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/|url-status=live}}</ref> It is also the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world, after the ] and the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coris.noaa.gov/portals/florida.html|title=NOAA CoRIS—Regional Portal—Florida|first=National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|last=US Department of Commerce|website=www.coris.noaa.gov|access-date=May 19, 2019|archive-date=June 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605144359/https://www.coris.noaa.gov/portals/florida.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The reef lies a little bit off of the coast of the Florida Keys. A lot of the reef lies within ], which was the first ] in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pennekamppark.com/about/|title=About—Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park|website=pennekamppark.com|access-date=May 19, 2019|archive-date=February 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150206001403/http://pennekamppark.com/about/|url-status=live}}</ref> The park contains a lot of tropical vegetation, marine life, and seabirds. The Florida Reef extends into other parks and sanctuaries as well including ], ], and the ]. Almost 1,400 species of marine plants and animals, including more than 40 species of ] and 500 species of fish, live on the Florida Reef.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://archive.usgs.gov/archive/sites/sofia.usgs.gov/publications/circular/1134/esns/frt.html|title=SOFIA—Circular 1134—the Natural System—Florida Reef Tract|website=archive.usgs.gov|access-date=May 19, 2019|archive-date=July 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731171706/https://archive.usgs.gov/archive/sites/sofia.usgs.gov/publications/circular/1134/esns/frt.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> The Florida Reef, being a delicate ecosystem like other coral reefs, faces many threats including ], plastics in the ocean, ], rising sea levels, and changes in ].
	File:Manatee with calf.PD - colour corrected.jpg|]
	File:Everglades National Park Florida Panther.jpg|], native of ]
	File:Babyleatherbackseaturtle.jpg|]
	File:Grus americana Sasata.jpg|]
	</gallery></center>
	===Environmental issues===		===Environmental issues===
	{{Main|Environment of Florida}}		{{Main|Environment of Florida}}
			{{See also|Environmental issues in Florida}}
	] in Miami]]
			]]]
	Florida is a low per capita energy user.<ref name="Energy Consumption by Source and Total Consumption per Capita, Ranked by State, 2004"/> It is estimated that approximately 4% of energy in the state is generated through renewable resources.<ref name="DoE-profile"/> Florida's energy production is 6% of the nation's total energy output, while total production of pollutants is lower, with figures of 5.6% for ], 5.1% for ], and 3.5% for ].<ref name=DoE-profile />
			] and an invasive ] in ]]]
			Florida is a low per capita energy user.<ref name="Energy Consumption by Source and Total Consumption per Capita, Ranked by State, 2004"/> {{As of|2008}}, it is estimated that approximately 4% of energy in the state is generated through renewable resources.<ref name="DoE-profile"/> 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 ], 5% for ], and 4% for ].<ref name="DoE-profile" /> Wildfires in Florida occur at all times of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Wildland-Fire/Current-Wildfire-Conditions2|title=Current Wildfire Conditions / Wildland Fire / Florida Forest Service / Divisions & Offices / Home—Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services|website=Freshfromflorida.com|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202084929/https://www.freshfromflorida.com/Divisions-Offices/Florida-Forest-Service/Wildland-Fire/Current-Wildfire-Conditions2|url-status=dead}}</ref>
			All potable water resources have been controlled by the state government through five regional water authorities since 1972.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0373/SEC503.HTM&Title=- |title=Florida Statutes |publisher=Leg.state.fl.us |access-date=November 4, 2011 |archive-date=October 31, 2005 |archive-url=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=- |url-status=live }}</ref>
	It is believed that significant petroleum resources are located off Florida's western coast in the ], but that region has been closed to exploration since 1981.<ref name="iht"/>
	] 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.<ref name="Tide's toxins trouble lungs ashore"/>		] 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.<ref name="Tide's toxins trouble lungs ashore"/> Red tide is now killing off wildlife or ] and coral reefs putting all in danger.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2018/8/30/17795892/red-tide-2018-florida-gulf-sarasota-sanibel-okeechobee|title=Why Florida's red tide is killing fish, manatees, and turtles|website=Vox.com|date=August 30, 2018|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=April 16, 2022|archive-url=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|url-status=live}}</ref>
	The ] is close to ]. A record 23 were killed in 2009 predominately by automobile collisions, leaving only about 100 individuals in the wild. The ] and others have therefore called for a special ] for the panther to be established.<ref name="Record number of panthers killed by vehicles in 2009"/> ] are also dying at a rate higher than their reproduction.		The ] is close to extinction. A record 23 were killed in 2009, mainly by automobile collisions, leaving about 100 individuals in the wild. The ] and others have therefore called for a special ] for the panther to be established.<ref name="Record number of panthers killed by vehicles in 2009"/> ] are also dying at a rate higher than their reproduction.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article217064995.html|title=More manatees have died in Florida so far this year than in all of 2017. Here's why|website=Miamiherald.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=August 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210818015949/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article217064995.html|url-status=live}}</ref> ] 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 ] since it is adamantly considered native to the state and also are now being protected.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.npr.org/2018/03/06/590378419/floridas-long-lost-wild-flamingos-were-hiding-in-plain-sight|title=Florida's Long-Lost Wild Flamingos Were Hiding in Plain Sight|website=Npr.org|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=April 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409042832/https://www.npr.org/2018/03/06/590378419/floridas-long-lost-wild-flamingos-were-hiding-in-plain-sight|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article213645084.html|title=Now that we agree these flamingos are Florida natives, it's time to protect them, experts say|website=Miamiherald.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=August 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210827235207/https://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article213645084.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
			Much of Florida has an elevation of less than {{convert|12|ft}}, including many populated areas. Therefore, it is susceptible to ] associated with ].<ref>{{cite news|title=Goodbye, Miami|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/why-the-city-of-miami-is-doomed-to-drown-20130620|access-date=June 21, 2013|newspaper=Rolling Stone|date=June 20, 2013|author=Jeff Goodell|archive-date=May 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180510050815/https://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/why-the-city-of-miami-is-doomed-to-drown-20130620|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/25/us/where-sand-is-gold-the-coffers-are-running-dry-in-florida.html|title=Where Sand Is Gold, the Reserves Are Running Dry|date=August 25, 2013|newspaper=]|access-date=February 16, 2017|archive-date=November 12, 2020|archive-url=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|url-status=live}}</ref> Elevated temperatures can damage coral reefs, causing ]. 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 ]s. ] has also adversely affected corals on the Florida Reef.<ref>Precht and Miller:243–44, 245, 247–48, 249{{break}} {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100811125654/http://serc.fiu.edu/wqmnetwork/boyerj/pubs/NOAA%20Coral%20Florida%20Keys2008.pdf|date=August 11, 2010}} Accessed December 17, 2010</ref>
	Prior to instituting ]s, the state forests and pastures burned for months during the dry season. From the 1940s to the 1970s, the state and federal government assumed control of burning that largely prevented uncontrolled fires.<ref>{{cite web|title=DoF: Florida’s Fire Fulcrum|url=http://firehistory.asu.edu/dof-floridas-fire-fulcrum/|first=Stephen J.|last=Pyne|authorlink=Stephen J. Pyne|month=February|year=2011|work=A Fire History of America (1960–2010)|publisher=]|separator=,|postscript=|accessdate=March 19, 2011}}</ref> In 2010, the state burned a record {{convert|2600000|acre|km2}}.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Jim | last=Waymer | title=Despite burns, fire threat still high | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110314/NEWS01/103140320/Despite-prescribed-burns-Brevard-s-fire-threat-still-high| newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 1A | date=March 14, 2011 | accessdate=March 19, 2011}}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref>
	==== Recycling ====		===Geology===
			{{Main|Geology of Florida}}
	The recycling rate in Florida is estimated at 28% in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cummings |first=Larry |url=http://earth911.com/news/2007/04/27/recycling-in-the-state-of-florida/ |title=Recycling In The State of Florida |publisher=Earth911.com |date=April 27, 2007 |accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref> In 2008, The Energy, Climate Change, and Economic Security Act of 2008 set a goal of progressively improving recycling to reach a 75 percent rate by the year 2020.
			] as seen from a satellite, in December 2003<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.keyshistory.org/keysgeology.html|title=History of Keys Geology|first=Jerry|last=Wilkinson|website=Keyshistory.org|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109050819/http://www.keyshistory.org/keysgeology.html|url-status=live}}</ref>]]
			The Florida peninsula is a porous ] of ] ] sitting atop ], known as the ].
	It directs public entities (schools, state and local public agencies) to report the amount they recycle annually to their counties. Private businesses are encouraged (but not mandated) to report the amount they recycle to their counties. Finally, the section directs DEP to create the Recycling Business Assistance Center.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/pages/laws.htm |title=Recycling Program Statutes and Rules Page &#124; Solid & Hazardous Waste &#124; Waste Mgmt &#124; Florida DEP |publisher=Dep.state.fl.us |date=June 2, 2011 |accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref>
	Under the new law, each county must implement a recyclable materials recycling program that shall have a goal of recycling recyclable solid waste by 40 percent by December 31, 2012, 50 percent by 2014, 60 percent by 2016, 70 percent by 2018, and 75 percent by 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wte.org/wte-features-florida-recycling-law-a3034 |title=WTE features in Florida recycling law |publisher=Wte.org |date=May 28, 2010 |accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref>
	The county with the highest recycling rate is ] with a 43% recycling rate as of 2008.<ref>{{dead link|date=December 2011}}</ref>
			The largest deposits of ] in the United States are found in Florida.<ref name="Industry overview"/> The largest deposits of ] in the country are found in Florida.<ref name="Industry overview"/> Most of this is in ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://baysoundings.com/the-real-cost-of-fertilizer/|title=The Real Cost of Fertilizer|last=Parsons|first=Victoria|date=Spring 2011|work=Bay Soundings|access-date=June 21, 2014|archive-date=March 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324093433/http://baysoundings.com/the-real-cost-of-fertilizer/|url-status=live}}</ref>
	===Geology===
	]
	The Florida peninsula is a porous ] of ] ] sitting atop ] known as the ]. The emergent portion of the platform was created during the ] to ] as the ] filled with silts, clays, and sands. Flora and fauna began appearing during the ]. No land animals were present in Florida prior to the Miocene.
			Extended systems of underwater ]s, ] and ] are found throughout the state and supply most of the water used by residents.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.floridasprings.org/expedition/wakulla/protectingwakulla/springshedmap/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110211052546/http://www.floridasprings.org/expedition/wakulla/protectingwakulla/springshedmap/|url-status=dead|archive-date=February 11, 2011|title=Florida Springs, Springs in Florida, Florida Cave Diving—Florida's Springs: Protecting Nature's Gems—Florida DEP—Springshed Map|date=February 11, 2011|access-date=May 19, 2019}}</ref> The limestone is topped with ]y soils deposited as ancient beaches over millions of years as global sea levels rose and fell. During the ], lower sea levels and a drier climate revealed a much wider peninsula, largely ].<ref name="Florida's Geological History"/> While there are sinkholes in much of the state, modern sinkholes have tended to be in West-].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/circ1182/pdf/15WCFlorida.pdf|title=Sinkholes, West-Central Florida. A link between surface water and ground water|last=Tihansky|first=Ann B.|publisher=], Tampa, Florida|access-date=June 21, 2014|archive-date=October 25, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111025021733/http://pubs.usgs.gov/circ/circ1182/pdf/15WCFlorida.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/maps/galleries/sinkholes/index.php|title=Sinkhole Maps of Florida Counties|year=2007|work=Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education|publisher=]|access-date=June 21, 2014|archive-date=April 10, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130410000535/http://fcit.usf.edu/florida/maps/galleries/sinkholes/index.php|url-status=live}}</ref><!--right over the Floridan aquifer which is being tapped by Orlando and Tampa-St. Pete--> Everglades National Park covers {{convert|1509000|acre|km2}}, throughout ], ], and ] counties in Florida.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/upload/NPIndex2012-2016.pdf|title=The National Parks: Index 2012–2016 |website=nps.gov |publisher=National Park Service |page=47 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113065657/https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/upload/NPIndex2012-2016.pdf |archive-date=13 November 2018 |url-status=live |access-date=November 19, 2018}}</ref> The ], 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{{spaces}}billion from 2006 through 2010.<ref>{{Cite news|title=State Farm seeks 28% rate hike |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-16/state-farm-seeks-rate-hikes-in-property-insurance.html |newspaper=] |location=Melbourne, Florida |page=8B |date=February 16, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110219145835/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-16/state-farm-seeks-rate-hikes-in-property-insurance.html |archive-date=February 19, 2011}}</ref><!--soft copy source does not match hard copy but is the same article--> ], in central Florida, appeared May 8, 1981. It was approximately 350 feet (107{{spaces}}m) wide and 75 feet (23{{spaces}}m) deep. It was one of the largest recent sinkholes to form in the United States. It is now known as Lake Rose.<ref>{{Cite news |author=Huber, Red |date=November 13, 2012 |title=Looking back at Winter Park's famous sinkhole |newspaper=Orlando Sentinel |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/os-fla360-looking-back-at-winter-parks-famous-sinkhole-20121113-story.html |access-date=May 9, 2022 |archive-date=January 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210117021354/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/os-fla360-looking-back-at-winter-parks-famous-sinkhole-20121113-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The ] (Econ River for short) is an {{convert|87.7|km|mi|sp=us|adj=mid|-long|order=flip}}<ref>U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329155652/http://viewer.nationalmap.gov/viewer/|date=March 29, 2012}}, accessed April 21, 2011</ref> north-flowing ] tributary of the ], the longest river in the ] of Florida. The Econ River flows through ], ], and ] counties in ], just east of the ] (east of ]). It is a designated ].<ref>(2013-01-02). {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705021846/http://www.sjrwmd.com/middlestjohnsriver/econriver.html |date=July 5, 2017 }}. Saint Johns River Water Management District. Retrieved on August 4, 2014.</ref>
	The largest deposits of ] in the United States are found in Florida.<ref name="Industry overview"/>
			Earthquakes are rare because Florida is not located near any ] boundaries.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.decodedscience.org/florida-earthquake-history-tectonic-setting/52225|title=Florida's Earthquake History and Tectonic Setting|date=January 23, 2015|website=Decodedscience.org|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=September 3, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180903151028/https://www.decodedscience.org/florida-earthquake-history-tectonic-setting/52225|url-status=live}}</ref>
	Extended systems of underwater caves, ] and ] are found throughout the state and supply most of the water used by residents. The limestone is topped with ]y soils deposited as ancient beaches over millions of years as global sea levels rose and fell. During the ], lower sea levels and a drier climate revealed a much wider peninsula, largely ].<ref name="Florida's Geological History"/> The ], an enormously wide, very 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.<ref>{{Cite news | title=State Farm seeks 28% rate hike | url=http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2011-02-16/state-farm-seeks-rate-hikes-in-property-insurance.html| newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 8B | date=February 16, 2011 }}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref><!---soft copy source does not match hard copy but is the same article--->
			===Regions===
	Florida is tied for last place<ref>with North Dakota</ref> as having the fewest earthquakes of any US state.<ref name="More earthquakes than usual? Not really."/><!----url does not contain box statistics that print edition does and is included for info only----> Because Florida is not located near any ] boundaries, earthquakes are very rare, but not totally unknown.
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			=== Cities and towns ===
	The ] triggered a tsunami that would have struck Central Florida with an estimated {{convert|5|ft|sp=us|sing=on}} wave.<ref>{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref>
			{{See also|List of metropolitan areas of Florida|List of municipalities in Florida|List of urbanized areas in Florida (by population)}}
			The largest ] in the state as well as the entire southeastern United States is the ], with about 6.06{{spaces}}million people. The ], with more than 3.02{{spaces}}million, is the second-largest; the ], with more than 2.44{{spaces}}million, is third; and the ], with more than 1.47{{spaces}}million, is fourth.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/adammillsap/2018/03/23/big-metro-areas-in-florida-keep-getting-bigger/|title=Big Metro Areas in Florida Keep Getting Bigger|first=Adam|last=Millsap|website=Forbes.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=April 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409042852/https://www.forbes.com/sites/adammillsap/2018/03/23/big-metro-areas-in-florida-keep-getting-bigger/|url-status=live}}</ref>
	In January, 1879, a shock of ] VI occurred near ]. There were reports of heavy shaking that knocked plaster from walls and articles from shelves. Similar effects were noted at ] {{convert|50|mi|km}} south. The tremor was felt as far south as Tampa and as far north as ].
			Florida has 22 ]s (MSAs) defined by the ] (OMB). Forty-three of Florida's 67 counties are in an MSA.
	In January 1880, Cuba was the center of two strong earthquakes that sent severe shock waves through the city of ].<ref>See ]</ref>
			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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/Resources.aspx?CNID%3D877 |title=Local Government Vocabulary |website=Florida League of Cities |access-date=May 15, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110234408/http://www.floridaleagueofcities.com/Resources.aspx?CNID=877 |archive-date=November 10, 2013 }}</ref>
	The shock from the ] was felt throughout northern Florida, ringing church bells at St. Augustine and severely jolting other towns along that section of Florida's east coast. Jacksonville residents felt many of the strong aftershocks that occurred in September, October, and November 1886.<ref name="Florida:Earthquake History"/>
			Florida is a highly urbanized state, with 89 percent of its population living in urban areas in
	In 2006, a magnitude 6.0 earthquake centered about {{convert|260|mi|km}} southwest of Tampa in the Gulf of Mexico sent shock waves through southwest and central Florida. The earthquake was too small to trigger a tsunami and no damage was reported.<ref name="6.0 quake in Gulf shakes Southeast"/>|
			2000, compared to 79 percent across the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bebr.ufl.edu/sites/default/files/FloridaPop2005_0.pdf |title=Population data |publisher=bebr.ufl.edu |date=2005 |access-date=November 9, 2019 |archive-date=December 12, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191212162431/https://www.bebr.ufl.edu/sites/default/files/FloridaPop2005_0.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
			In 2012, 75% of the population lived within {{convert|10|miles}} of the coastline.<ref>{{Cite news| first=Hank | last=Fishkind | title=Beaches are critically important to us | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20131109/COLUMNISTS0707/311090013/Hank-Fishkind-Beaches-critically-important-us | newspaper=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages=4B | date=November 9, 2013 | access-date=November 11, 2013 | archive-date=March 16, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316123809/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20131109/COLUMNISTS0707/311090013/Hank-Fishkind-Beaches-critically-important-us | url-status=live}}</ref>
	<center><gallery perrow=4>
	File:Everglades National Park cypress.jpg|] in ]
	File:BahiaHonda.jpg|] in the ]
	File:Juniper Springs Ocala National Forest.jpg|] in North Florida
	</gallery></center>
			{{Largest cities
	==Demographics==
			| country = Florida
	<!---please ensure new material is in main article before summarizing it here--->
			| stat_ref = Source:<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/rdo.html|title=2020 Decennial US Census|publisher=]|date=November 2021|access-date=November 26, 2021|archive-date=December 8, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208195041/https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/about/rdo.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
			| list_by_pop =
			| div_name =
			| div_link = Counties of Florida{{!}}County
			| city_1 = Jacksonville, Florida{{!}}Jacksonville
			| div_1 = Duval County, Florida{{!}}Duval
			| pop_1 = 949,611
			| img_1 = Nächtliche Skyline von Jacksonville, Florida.JPG
			| city_2 = Miami, Florida{{!}}Miami
			| div_2 = Miami-Dade County, Florida{{!}}Miami-Dade
			| pop_2 = 442,241
			| img_2 = Brickell skyline 2012.jpg
			| city_3 = Tampa, Florida{{!}}Tampa
			| div_3 = Hillsborough County, Florida{{!}}Hillsborough
			| pop_3 = 384,959
			| img_3 = Downtown Tampa Skyline.jpg
			| city_4 = Orlando, Florida{{!}}Orlando
			| div_4 = Orange County, Florida{{!}}Orange
			| pop_4 = 307,573
			| img_4 = Lake Eola Park in Orlando 01.jpg
			| city_5 = St. Petersburg, Florida{{!}}St. Petersburg
			| div_5 = Pinellas County, Florida{{!}}Pinellas
			| pop_5 = 258,308
			| img_5 =
			| city_6 = Hialeah, Florida{{!}}Hialeah
			| div_6 = Miami-Dade County, Florida{{!}}Miami-Dade
			| pop_6 = 223,109
			| img_6 =
			| city_7 = Port St. Lucie, Florida{{!}}Port St. Lucie
			| div_7 = St. Lucie County, Florida{{!}}St. Lucie
			| pop_7 = 204,851
			| img_7 =
			| city_8 = Tallahassee, Florida{{!}}Tallahassee
			| div_8 = Leon County, Florida{{!}}Leon
			| pop_8 = 196,169
			| img_8 =
			| city_9 = Cape Coral, Florida{{!}}Cape Coral
			| div_9 = Lee County, Florida{{!}}Lee
			| pop_9 = 194,016
			| img_9 =
			| city_10 = Fort Lauderdale, Florida{{!}}Fort Lauderdale
			| div_10 = Broward County, Florida{{!}}Broward
			| pop_10 = 182,760
			| img_10 =
			| city_11 = Pembroke Pines, Florida{{!}}Pembroke Pines
			| div_11 = Broward County, Florida{{!}}Broward
			| pop_11 = 171,178
			| img_11 =
			| city_12 = Hollywood, Florida{{!}}Hollywood
			| div_12 = Broward County, Florida{{!}}Broward
			| pop_12 = 153,067
			| img_12 =
			| city_13 = Gainesville, Florida{{!}}Gainesville
			| div_13 = Alachua County, Florida{{!}}Alachua
			| pop_13 = 141,085
			| img_13 =
			| city_14 = Miramar, Florida{{!}}Miramar
			| div_14 = Broward County, Florida{{!}}Broward
			| pop_14 = 134,721
			| img_14 =
			| city_15 = Coral Springs, Florida{{!}}Coral Springs
			| div_15 = Broward County, Florida{{!}}Broward
			| pop_15 = 134,394
			| img_15 =
			| city_16 = Palm Bay, Florida{{!}}Palm Bay
			| div_16 = Brevard County, Florida{{!}}Brevard
			| pop_16 = 119,760
			| img_16 =
			| city_17 = West Palm Beach, Florida{{!}}West Palm Beach
			| div_17 = Palm Beach County, Florida{{!}}Palm Beach
			| pop_17 = 117,415
			| img_17 =
			| city_18 = Clearwater, Florida{{!}}Clearwater
			| div_18 = Pinellas County, Florida{{!}}Pinellas
			| pop_18 = 117,292
			| img_18 =
			| city_19 = Lakeland, Florida{{!}}Lakeland
			| div_19 = Polk County, Florida{{!}}Polk
			| pop_19 = 112,641
			| img_19 =
			| city_20 = Pompano Beach, Florida{{!}}Pompano Beach
			| div_20 = Broward County, Florida{{!}}Broward
			| pop_20 = 112,046
			| img_20 =
			}}
			== Demographics ==
	{{Main|Demographics of Florida}}		{{Main|Demographics of Florida}}
			{{See also|Culture of Florida}}
	===Population===		===Population===
			]
	{{USCensusPop
			] men playing dominoes in ]'s ]. In 2010, Cubans made up 34.4% of Miami's population and 6.5% of Florida's.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTP10|archive-url = https://archive.today/20200212214535/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTP10|url-status = dead|archive-date = February 12, 2020|title = Miami, Florida Race and Hispanic or Latino Origin: 2010 Census Summary File 1|access-date = October 27, 2015|website = American FactFinder|publisher = US Census Bureau}}</ref><ref name=HisLatFlo/>]]
	|1830 = 34730
			{{US Census population
	|1840 = 54477
	|1850 = 87445		| 1830 = 34730
	|1860 = 140424		| 1840 = 54477
	|1870 = 187748		| 1850 = 87445
	|1880 = 269493		| 1860 = 140424
	|1890 = 391422		| 1870 = 187748
	|1900 = 528542		| 1880 = 269493
	|1910 = 752619		| 1890 = 391422
	|1920 = 968470		| 1900 = 528542
	|1930 = 1468211		| 1910 = 752619
	|1940 = 1897414		| 1920 = 968470
	|1950 = 2771305		| 1930 = 1468211
	|1960 = 4951560		| 1940 = 1897414
	|1970 = 6789443		| 1950 = 2771305
	|1980 = 9746324		| 1960 = 4951560
	|1990 = 12937926		| 1970 = 6789443
	|2000 = 15982378		| 1980 = 9746324
	|2010 = 18801310		| 1990 = 12937926
			| 2000 = 15982378
	|footnote = Sources: 1910–2010<ref>{{cite web|author=Resident Population Data |url=http://2010.census.gov/2010census/data/apportionment-pop-text.php |title=Resident Population Data – 2010 Census |publisher=2010.census.gov |accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref>
			| 2010 = 18801310
			| 2020 = 21538187
			| estimate = 23372215
			| estref = <ref>{{Cite web |title=QuickFacts: Florida |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/FL | website=Census.gov | publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=December 20, 2024}}</ref>
			| estyear = 2024
			| footnote = Sources: 1910–2020<ref>{{cite web |title=Historical Population Change Data (1910-2020) |url=https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/dec/popchange-data-text.html |website=Census.gov |publisher=United States Census Bureau |access-date=May 1, 2021 |archive-date=April 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429012609/https://www.census.gov/data/tables/time-series/dec/popchange-data-text.html |url-status=dead }}</ref>
	}}		}}
	The ] estimates that the population of Florida was 19,057,542 on July 1, 2011, a 1.36% increase since the ].<ref name=PopEstUS>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/popest/data/state/totals/2011/tables/NST-EST2011-01.csv|title=Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2011|format=]|work=2011 Population Estimates|publisher=], Population Division|date=December 2011|accessdate=December 21, 2011}}</ref> The ] of Florida is located in ], in the town of ].<ref name="Population and Population Centers by State: 2000"/> As of 2009, Florida's population was estimated to be 18,537,969. The state grew 128,814, or 0.7% from 2007. Using the latest population estimates, Florida is the nation's thirtieth-fastest-growing state. During Florida's recent peak growth year of 2005, it was the nation's fifth fastest growing state and grew at an annual rate of 2.2%.<ref name="2008est"/>
			The ] estimated that the population of Florida was 21,477,737 on July 1, 2019, a 14.24% increase since the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/FL,US/PST045219|title=Table 1. Annual Estimates of the Resident Population for the United States, Regions, States, and Puerto Rico: April 1, 2010 to July 1, 2019|date=January 29, 2019|publisher=]|access-date=January 4, 2019|archive-date=June 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200610161658/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/FL,US/PST045219|url-status=live}}</ref> The population of Florida in the 2010 census was 18,801,310.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=12|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130814015143/http://www.census.gov/2010census/popmap/ipmtext.php?fl=12|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 14, 2013|title=2010 Census Interactive Population Search|author=Website Services & Coordination Staff (WSCS)|website=census.gov|access-date=July 21, 2015}}</ref> Florida was the seventh fastest-growing state in the U.S. in the 12-month period ending July 1, 2012.<ref>{{cite web|last=Weissmann|first=Jordan|title=The Fastest-Growing States in America (and Why They're Booming)|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2012/12/the-fastest-growing-states-in-america-and-why-theyre-booming/266541/|website=The Atlantic|access-date=August 14, 2014|date=December 22, 2012|archive-date=May 25, 2017|archive-url=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/|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2010, the ] of Florida was located between ] and ]. The center of population has moved less than {{convert|5|mi|0}} to the east and approximately {{convert|1|mi|1}} to the north between 1980 and 2010 and has been located in ] since the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Florida's Population Center Migrates through History|url=http://www.bebr.ufl.edu/articles/floridas-population-center-migrates-through-history|publisher=University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research|access-date=August 14, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130814015104/http://www.bebr.ufl.edu/articles/floridas-population-center-migrates-through-history|archive-date=August 14, 2013}}</ref> The population exceeded 19.7{{spaces}}million by December 2014, surpassing the population of the state of ] for the first time, making Florida the third most populous state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/395312/florida-leaves-new-york-behind-its-rear-view-mirror-john-fund|title=Florida Leaves New York Behind in Its Rear-View Mirror |date=December 23, 2014|website=National Review |first1= John |last1=Fund |access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=May 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170525200510/http://www.nationalreview.com/corner/395312/florida-leaves-new-york-behind-its-rear-view-mirror-john-fund|url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2014/12/23/florida-surpasses-ny-as-3rd-most-populous-state.html|title=Florida surpasses NY as 3rd most populous state |first=Jacob|last=Pramuk|date=December 23, 2014|website=CNBC |access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=April 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405224242/https://www.cnbc.com/2014/12/23/florida-surpasses-ny-as-3rd-most-populous-state.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Florida population was 21,477,737 residents or people according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019 Population Estimates Program.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.florida-demographics.com/|title=Florida Demographics—Get Current Census Data for Florida|website= florida-demographics.com|access-date=May 19, 2019|archive-date=October 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181024232311/https://www.florida-demographics.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> By the 2020 census, its population increased to 21,538,187.
	About two-thirds of the population was born in another state, the second highest in the country.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.democracynow.org/2009/4/6/a_ponzi_state_univ_of_south |title="A Ponzi State"–Univ. of South Florida Professor Examines the Economic Crisis in Florida|author=Amy Goodman |date=April 6, 2009 |work =Democracy Now! |quote= }}</ref>
	In 2010, illegal immigrants constituted an estimated 5.7% of the population. This was the sixth highest percentage of any state in the country.<ref name="New Arizona law puts police in 'tenuous' spot"/><!---as often happens, the box score figures listed in Misplaced Pages article are from print edition and did not appear in the online article---><ref>behind Nevada, Arizona, New Jersey, California and Texas</ref> There were an estimated 675,000 illegal immigrants in the state in 2010.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Matt | last=Reed | title=E-Verify best way to find illegals | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110118/COLUMNISTS0207/101180318/1086/Matt+Reed++Fearmongering+on+E-Verify+shields+illegals| work=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 1B | date=January 18, 2011 }}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref><!---hard copy titles differ but are the same article---><!---paragraph needs to be reworked--->		In 2010, ] constituted an estimated 5.7% of the population. This was the sixth highest percentage of any U.S. state.<ref name="New Arizona law puts police in 'tenuous' spot"/><!--as often happens, the box score figures listed in Misplaced Pages article are from print edition and did not appear in the online article-->{{efn|Behind Nevada, Arizona, New Jersey, California and Texas}} There were an estimated 675,000 illegal immigrants in the state in 2010.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Matt |last=Reed |title=E-Verify best way to find illegals |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110118/COLUMNISTS0207/101180318/1086/Matt+Reed++Fearmongering+on+E-Verify+shields+illegals |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140504000756/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110118/COLUMNISTS0207/101180318/1086/Matt%2BReed%2B%2BFearmongering%2Bon%2BE-Verify%2Bshields%2Billegals |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 4, 2014 |work=Florida Today |location=Melbourne, Florida |page=1B |date=January 18, 2011 }}</ref><!--hard copy titles differ but are the same article--><!--paragraph needs to be reworked--> Florida has banned ].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/09/politics/sanctuary-city-bans-states/index.html|title=Florida is about to ban sanctuary cities. At least 11 other states have, too|first=Catherine E.|last=Shoichet|website=CNN|date=May 9, 2019|access-date=September 3, 2019|archive-date=June 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616132746/https://www.cnn.com/2019/05/09/politics/sanctuary-city-bans-states/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
			The top countries of origin for Florida's immigrants were ], ], ], ] and ] in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/immigrants-florida|title=Immigrants in Florida|date=January 2015 }}</ref>
	There were 186,102 military retirees living in the state in 2008.<ref name="Retired Military Personnel"/>
			According to ]'s 2022 ], there were an estimated 25,959 ] people in Florida.<ref>{{Cite web |title=2007-2022 PIT Counts by State |url=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}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.huduser.gov/portal/sites/default/files/pdf/2022-AHAR-Part-1.pdf|title=The 2022 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report (AHAR) to Congress}}</ref>
	===Racial makeup===
			]
			{| class="wikitable sortable collapsible" style="font-size: 90%;"
	According to the ], Florida had a population of 18,801,310. In terms of race and ethnicity, the state was:
			|+ '''Florida racial breakdown'''
	*75.0% White (57.9% Non-Hispanic White alone)
	*16.0% Black or African American
	*0.4% American Indian and Alaska Native
	*2.4% Asian
	*0.1% Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander
	*3.6% from Some Other Race
	*2.5% from Two or More Races
	*Hispanics and Latinos of any race made up 22.5% of the population.<ref>. ''2010 Census Redistricting Data (Public Law 94-171) Summary File''. ]. Retrieved November 14, 2011.</ref>
	===Ancestry groups===
	The largest reported ancestries in the 2000 Census were German (11.8%), Irish (10.3%), English (9.2%), ] (8%), Italian (6.3%), ] (5.2%), ] (3.0%) French (2.8%), ] (2.7%) and Scottish (1.8%).<ref name="Factstreet"/>
	In the 2000 Census, 1,278,586 people in Florida self-identified as having "American" ancestry, most of these people are of English descent and some are of ] descent however have families that have been in the state so long, in many cases since the colonial period, that they choose to identify simply as having "American" ancestry or do not in fact know their own ancestry.<ref name="Factstreet">{{cite web|url=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 |title=Florida Factstreet |publisher=US Census Bureau |accessdate=December 3, 2007|archiveurl=ttp://www.webcitation.org/5uNhLPtXf |archivedate=November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref><ref> By Dominic J. Pulera.</ref><ref>Reynolds Farley, 'The New Census Question about Ancestry: What Did It Tell Us?', ''Demography'', Vol. 28, No. 3 (August 1991), pp. 414, 421.</ref><ref>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.</ref><ref>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.</ref><ref>Mary C. Waters, ''Ethnic Options: Choosing Identities in America'' (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1990), p. 36.</ref> In the 1980 ] the largest ancestry group reported in Florida was ] with 2,232,514 Floridians citing that they were of ] or mostly ] ancestry.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/population/www/censusdata/files/pc80-s1-10/tab03.pdf |title=Ancestry of the Population by State: 1980 – Table 3 |format=PDF |accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref> Their ancestry primarily goes back to the original thirteen colonies and for this reason many of them today simply claim "American" ancestry, though they are of predominately ] stock. They were followed by ] at 1,617,433.
	Before the ], when ] was legal, and during the ] era that followed, ] made up nearly half of the state's population.<ref name="1870census"/> Their proportion declined over the next century, as many moved north in the ] while large numbers of northern ] moved to the state. In 1970, non-Hispanic whites were nearly 80% of Florida's population.<ref>{{cite web|title=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|publisher=U.S. Census Bureau|url=http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0056/twps0056.html|accessdate=January 3, 2012}}</ref> Recently, the state's proportion of black residents has begun to grow again. Today, large concentrations of black residents can be found in northern Florida (notably in Jacksonville, ], ], and Pensacola), the ] area, the Orlando area, especially in Orlando and ].
	Florida's ] population includes large communities of ] in Miami and Tampa, ] in Orlando and Tampa, and Central American migrant workers in inland West-Central and South Florida. The Hispanic community continues to grow more affluent and mobile.
	]s of all European backgrounds are present in all areas of the state. Those of ] and ] ancestry are present in large numbers in all the urban/suburban areas across the state. Native white Floridians, especially those who have descended from long-time Florida families, affectionately refer to themselves as "]s". Like whites in most of the other Southern states, they descend mainly from ] and ] settlers, as well as some other British settlers.<ref>David Hackett Fischer, ''Albion's Seed: Four British Folkways in America'', New York: Oxford University Press, 1989, pp.633–639</ref>
	===Cities and metropolitan areas===
	{{See also|List of urbanized areas in Florida (by population)|Florida census statistical areas|List of municipalities in Florida|Florida locations by per capita income}}
	]
	]
	{| class="wikitable sortable"
	|-		|-
			! Racial composition !! 1970<ref name="census" /> !! 1990<ref name="census">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0056/twps0056.html |title=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 |publisher= U. S. Census Bureau Population Division |date=September 2002 |first1=Campbell |last1=Gibson |first2=Kay |last2=Jung |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141224151538/http://www.census.gov/population/www/documentation/twps0056/twps0056.html |archive-date=December 24, 2014 }}</ref> !! 2000<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://censusviewer.com/city/FL|title=FL|website=censusviewer.com|access-date=April 16, 2024|archive-date=March 21, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230321020039/https://censusviewer.com/city/FL|url-status=dead}}</ref>!! 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.2010.html|title=2010 Census Data|author=Center for New Media and Promotions(C2PO)|website=Census.gov|access-date=April 7, 2020|archive-date=May 22, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170522200920/https://census.gov/programs-surveys/decennial-census/decade.2010.html|url-status=live}}</ref> !! 2020<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=US Census |title=Race and Ethnicity in the United States: 2010 Census and 2020 Census |url=https://www.census.gov/library/visualizations/interactive/race-and-ethnicity-in-the-united-state-2010-and-2020-census.html |access-date=April 19, 2022 |website=Census.gov |archive-date=August 15, 2021 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Bureau |first=US Census |title=The Chance That Two People Chosen at Random Are of Different Race or Ethnicity Groups Has Increased Since 2010 |url=https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2021/08/2020-united-states-population-more-racially-ethnically-diverse-than-2010.html |access-date=April 19, 2022 |website=Census.gov |archive-date=April 12, 2022 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	!colspan=7|Largest cities in Florida<center>
	|-		|-
			| ] (of any race) || 6.6% || 12.2% || 16.8% || 22.5% || 26.5%
	! Rank
	! City
	! Year of Incorporation
	! Metropolitan Area
	! Population<br />(2010 census)
	! Population Density<br />(people per mi<sup>2</sup>)
	! City's Size<br />(mi<sup>2</sup>)
	|-		|-
			| ] ||15.3% || 13.6% || 14.6% || 16.0% || 15.1%
	| align=center | 1
			|-
	| ]
			| ] || 0.2% || 1.2% || 1.7% || 2.4% || 3.0%
	| 1832
	| ]
	| align=right | {{Nts|821,784}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|1,061.6}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|885}}
	|-		|-
			| ] || 0.1% || 0.3% || 0.3% || 0.4% || 0.4%
	| align=center | 2
	| ]
	| 1896
	| ]
	| align=right | {{Nts|408,568}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|12,139.5}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|55.3}}
	|-		|-
			| ] ||—||—|| 2.3% || 2.5% || 16.5%
	| align=center | 3
	| ]
	| 1855
	| ]
	| align=right | {{Nts|335,709}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|2,969.6}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|170.6}}
	|-		|-
			| ] || 77.9% || 73.2% || 65.4% || 57.9% || 51.5%
	| align=center | 4
	| ]
	| 1903
	| ]
	| align=right | {{Nts|244,769}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|1,800}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|137.6}}
	|-		|-
			| ] || 84.2% || 83.1% || 78.0% || 75.0% ||57.7%
	| align=center | 5
	| ]
	| 1885
	| ]
	| align=right | {{Nts|238,300}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|2,327.3}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|110.7}}
	|-
	| align=center | 6
	| ]
	| 1925
	| ]
	| align=right | {{Nts|224,669}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|11,701.2}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|19.7}}
	|-
	| align=center | 7
	| ]
	| 1825
	| ]
	| align=right | {{Nts|181,376}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|1,809.3}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|103.1}}
	|-
	| align=center | 8
	| ]
	| 1911
	| ]
	| align=right | {{Nts|165,521}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|5,221.8}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|36.0}}
	|-
	| align=center | 9
	| ]
	| 1961
	| ]
	| align=right | {{Nts|164,603}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|1,444.5}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|76.7}}
	|-
	| align=center | 10
	| ]
	| 1960
	| ]
	| align=right | {{Nts|154,750}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|4,671.9}}
	| align=right | {{Nts|34.4}}
	|}		|}
			In 2010, 6.9% of the population (1,269,765) considered themselves to be of only ] ancestry (regardless of race or ethnicity).<ref name=FLdemo>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |title=Florida Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data |publisher=] |access-date=October 27, 2015 |archive-date=December 27, 1996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=FLpop>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |title=Florida: Selected Social Characteristics in the United States—2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates |publisher=] |access-date=October 27, 2015 |archive-date=December 27, 1996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Many of these were of English or ] 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.<ref>{{cite web |url=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 |title=Florida Factstreet |publisher=US Census Bureau |access-date=December 3, 2007 |archive-url=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 |archive-date=February 12, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=SVoAXh-dNuYC&pg=PA57|title=Sharing the Dream: White Males in Multicultural America|first=Dominic|last=Pulera|date=October 20, 2004|publisher=A&C Black|access-date=October 23, 2018|via=Google Books|isbn=9780826416438|archive-date=September 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907093623/https://books.google.com/books?id=SVoAXh-dNuYC&pg=PA57|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Reynolds Farley, 'The New Census Question about Ancestry: What Did It Tell Us?', ''Demography'', Vol. 28, No. 3 (August 1991), pp. 414, 421.</ref><ref>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.</ref><ref>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.</ref><ref>Mary C. Waters, ''Ethnic Options: Choosing Identities in America'' (Berkeley: University of California Press, 1990), p. 36.</ref> In the 1980 ], the largest ancestry group reported in Florida was English with 2,232,514 Floridians claiming they were of English or mostly ] ancestry.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov/population/www/censusdata/files/pc80-s1-10/tab03.pdf |title=Ancestry of the Population by State: 1980—Table 3 |access-date=November 4, 2011 |archive-date=February 24, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120224233043/http://www.census.gov/population/www/censusdata/files/pc80-s1-10/tab03.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> Some of their ancestry dated to the original ].
			{{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% ] (2,212,391), 10.7% ] (1,979,058), 8.8% English (1,629,832), 6.6% ] (1,215,242), 2.8% ] (511,229), and 2.7% ] (504,641).<ref name=FLdemo/><ref name=FLpop/> ]s of all European backgrounds are present in all areas of the state. In 1970, non-Hispanic whites constituted nearly 80% of Florida's population.<ref name="census"/> Those of ] and ] 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 "]s"; 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 ] settlers, as well as some other ] settlers.<ref>], '']'', New York: ], 1989, pp.633–639</ref>
	<td>
	<div style="float:left;" class="center">
			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) ], and 4.5% (847,550) ].<ref name=HisLatFlo>{{cite web |url=https://www.census.gov |title=Florida Hispanic or Latino by Type: 2010 Census Summary File 1 |publisher=] |access-date=October 26, 2015 |archive-date=December 27, 1996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19961227012639/https://www.census.gov/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Florida's ] population includes large communities of ] in Miami and Tampa, ] 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.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTP10&prodType=table|title=American FactFinder—Results|author=Data Access and Dissemination Systems (DADS)|website=census.gov|access-date=July 21, 2015|archive-url=https://archive.today/20200212213707/http://factfinder.census.gov/faces/tableservices/jsf/pages/productview.xhtml?pid=DEC_10_SF1_QTP10&prodType=table|archive-date=February 12, 2020|url-status=dead}}</ref> Florida has the second-largest Puerto Rican population after New York, as well as the fastest-growing in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://content.usatoday.com/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=thedailyjournal&sParam=53490820.story|title=Thedailyjournal—Puerto Rico's population exodus is all about jobs|website=usatoday.com|access-date=July 21, 2015|archive-date=September 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904011425/http://content.usatoday.com/dist/custom/gci/InsidePage.aspx?cId=thedailyjournal&sParam=53490820.story|url-status=live}}</ref> Puerto Ricans are more widespread throughout the state, though the heaviest concentrations are in the Orlando area of Central Florida.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/brinkmann-on-business/os-bz-puerto-rico-numbers-20180105-story.html|title=How many Puerto Ricans have moved to Florida? State's numbers questioned|first=Paul|last=Brinkmann|website=Orlandosentinel.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203014108/https://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/brinkmann-on-business/os-bz-puerto-rico-numbers-20180105-story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Florida has one of the largest and most diverse Hispanic/Latino populations in the country, especially in ] 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.
	{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
	|-
	!colspan=3|Largest metropolitan areas in Florida
	|-
	! Rank
	! Metropolitan area
	! Population
	|-
	| 1
	| ]
	| 5,564,635
	|-
	| 2
	| ]
	| 2,783,243
	|-
	| 3
	| ]
	| 2,134,411
	|-
	| 4
	| ]
	| 1,345,596
	|-
	| 5
	| ]
	| 702,281
	|}
	</div>
	</td></tr></table>
			{{as of|2010}}, those of African ancestry accounted for 16.0% of Florida's population, which includes ]s. Out of the 16.0%, 4.0% (741,879) were ] or ].<ref name=FLdemo/><ref name=FLpop/><ref name=HisLatFlo/> During the early 1900s, ] made up nearly half of the state's population.<ref name="1870census"/> In response to segregation, disfranchisement and agricultural depression, many African Americans migrated from Florida to northern cities in the ], 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%.<ref name="Historical Census Browser: 1960 US Census"/> Conversely, large numbers of northern ] moved to the state.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://depts.washington.edu/moving1/Florida.shtml |title= Florida Migration History 1850-2018|last=Gregory |first= James |date= |website=Civil Rights and Labor History Consortium |publisher=University of Washington |access-date=19 November 2023 |quote=}}</ref> 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 ], ], and ] immigrant origins, especially in the Miami/South Florida area.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.miamiherald.com/article18228377.html|title=As Caribbean immigration rises, Miami's black population becomes more foreign|website=Miamiherald.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=September 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912173415/https://www.miamiherald.com/article18228377.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Florida has the largest West Indian population of any state, originating from many Caribbean countries, with ] being the most numerous.
	The largest ] in the state as well as the entire southeastern United States is the ], with about 5.5 million people. The ], with over 2.7 million people, is the second largest; the ], with over 2.1 million people, is the third; and the [[Jacksonville metropolitan area, with over 1.3 million people, is fourth.
			In 2016, Florida had the highest percentage of West Indians in the United States at 4.5%, with 2.3% (483,874) from ] ancestry, 1.5% (303,527) ], and 0.2% (31,966) ], with the other West Indian groups making up the rest.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://censusreporter.org/data/table/?table=B04006&geo_ids=04000US12&primary_geo_id=04000US12#valueType%7Cpercentage|title=Grid View: Table B04006—Census Reporter|website=censusreporter.org|access-date=October 10, 2017|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204014540/https://censusreporter.org/data/table/?table=B04006&geo_ids=04000US12&primary_geo_id=04000US12#valueType%7Cpercentage|url-status=live}}</ref>
	Florida has twenty ]s (MSAs) defined by the ] (OMB). Thirty-nine of Florida's sixty-seven counties are in an MSA. Reflecting the distribution of population in Florida, Metropolitan areas in the state are concentrated around the coast of the peninsula. They form a continuous band on the east coast of Florida, stretching from the Jacksonville MSA to the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach MSA, including every county on the east coast, with the exception of ]. There is also a continuous band of MSAs on the west coast of the peninsula from the Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater MSA to the Naples-Marco Island MSA, including all of the coastal counties from ] to ]. The interior of the northern half of the peninsula also has several MSAs, connecting the east and west coast MSAs. A few MSAs are scattered across the Florida panhandle.
			{{as of|2010}}, those of Asian ancestry accounted for 2.4% of Florida's population.<ref name=FLdemo/><ref name=FLpop/>
	<center><gallery widths=160px heights=120px>>
	File:Biscayne Boulevard night 20101202.jpg|<center>]</center>
	File:Downtowntampa08.jpg|<center>]</center>
	File:OrlandoNightSkyline.jpg|<center>]</center>
	File:Friendship_Fountain_at_Night.JPG |<center>]</center>
	File:Sarasota Florida - 83d40m - from mainland across bay front to Gulf of Mexico - new bridge.JPG|<center>]</center>
	</gallery></center>
			As of 2011, Florida contains the highest percentage of people over 65 (17.3%) in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://247wallst.com/2011/05/10/the-states-with-the-oldest-and-youngest-residents/3/ |title=The States with the Oldest And Youngest Residents |author=Michael B. Sauter |author2=Douglas A. McIntyre |date=May 10, 2011 |publisher=wallst.com |access-date=January 24, 2015 |archive-date=October 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010090050/http://247wallst.com/2011/05/10/the-states-with-the-oldest-and-youngest-residents/3/ |url-status=live }}</ref> There were 186,102 military retirees living in the state in 2008.<ref name="Retired Military Personnel"/> About two-thirds of the population was born in another state, the second-highest in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.democracynow.org/2009/4/6/a_ponzi_state_univ_of_south |title="A Ponzi State"—Univ. of South Florida Professor Examines the Economic Crisis in Florida |author=Amy Goodman |date=April 6, 2009 |website=Democracy Now! |access-date=April 12, 2010 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109033730/https://www.democracynow.org/2009/4/6/a_ponzi_state_univ_of_south |url-status=live }}</ref>
	===Languages===
	]
	As of 2005, 74.54% of Florida residents age 5 and older spoke English at home as a first language, while 18.65% spoke Spanish, and ] (almost entirely ]) was spoken by 1.73% of the population. In all, 25.45% of Florida's population age 5 and older spoke a language other than English.<ref name="autogenerated1"/>
			In 2020, ]s of any race(s) made up 26.5% of the population, while ]s ]s made up 0.1% of all Broward County residents.<ref>{{cite web |title=U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: Florida |url=https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/FL/RHI825216#viewtop |website=Census Bureau QuickFacts |access-date=April 2, 2018 |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204041614/https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/FL/RHI825216#viewtop |url-status=live }}</ref>
	Florida's ] system identified over 150 first languages other than English spoken in the homes of students.{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}} In 1990, the ] won a ] against the state ] that required educators to be trained in teaching ].<!--removed non-specific link. -->{{Citation needed|date=July 2011}}
			===Languages===
			{{See also|Demographics of Florida#Languages|Miami accent}}
			In 1988, English was affirmed as the state's ] in the ]. ] is also widely spoken, especially as immigration has continued from Latin America.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/immigrants-florida|title=Immigrants in Florida|date=January 1, 2015|website=Americanmigrationcouncil.org|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=February 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204011518/https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/immigrants-florida|url-status=live}}</ref> About 20% percent of the population speaks ] as their first language, while 27% speaks a ] other than English. More than 200 first languages other than English are spoken at home in the state.<ref name="MLA">{{cite web|url=http://www.mla.org/map_data|title=Florida|publisher=]|access-date=August 11, 2013|archive-date=December 1, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201170638/http://www.mla.org/map_data|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=The Status of English Language Learners in Florida: Trends and Prospects |last=MacDonald |first=Victoria M. |publisher=Education Policy Research Unit, ] |date=April 2004 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |url=http://www.collier.k12.fl.us/ell/docs/Status%20of%20ELL%20in%20Florida.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140209171845/http://www.collier.k12.fl.us/ell/docs/Status%20of%20ELL%20in%20Florida.pdf |archive-date=February 9, 2014 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
			The most common languages spoken in Florida as a first language in 2010 are:<ref name="MLA"/>
	], of the ] provides that "English is the ] of the State of Florida." This provision was adopted in 1988 by a vote following an Initiative ].
			* 73% English
			* 20% Spanish
			* 2% Haitian Creole
			* Other languages less than 1% each
	===Religion===		===Religion===
			] in ]]]
	As of the year 2000, the three largest denominational groups in Florida are Catholic, ], and ].<ref name="thearda"/>
			] in ]]]
			Florida is mostly ] (70%),<ref name="pew2014"/> although there is a large ] and relatively significant ] community. ] account for almost half of the population, but the ] is the largest single denomination in the state mainly due to its large ] population and other groups like ]. Protestants are very diverse, although ], ], ] and ] are the largest groups. Smaller Christian groups include ] and ]. There is also a sizable ] community in ]. This is the largest Jewish population in the ] and the third-largest in the U.S. behind those of ] and ].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/US-Israel/usjewpop.html |title=Jewish Population of the United States, by State (2011) |encyclopedia=Jewish Virtual Library |access-date=September 13, 2013 |archive-date=January 21, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170121170748/http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/US-Israel/usjewpop.html |url-status=live }}</ref>
			In 2010, the three largest denominations in Florida were the ], the ], and the ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thearda.com/rcms2010/r/s/12/rcms2010_12_state_adh_2010.asp |title=The Association of Religion Data Archives &#124; State Membership Report |publisher=www.thearda.com |access-date=November 15, 2013 |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202224254/http://www.thearda.com/rcms2010/r/s/12/rcms2010_12_state_adh_2010.asp |url-status=live }}</ref>
	Florida is mostly Protestant, but Roman Catholicism is the single largest denomination in the state. There is also a sizable ] community, located mainly in ]; this is the largest Jewish population in the south and the third largest in the country behind New York and California.<ref>http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/US-Israel/usjewpop.html</ref> Florida's current religious affiliations are shown in the table below:<ref>{{dead link|date=November 2011}} {{Wayback|url=http://pewforum.org/religion08/state.php?StateID=2|date =20080306022052}}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref>
	* Roman Catholic, 26%
			The ] survey in 2014 gave the following religious makeup of Florida:<ref>Pew Research Center, {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124100357/https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/florida/ |date=November 24, 2020 }}</ref>
	* Protestant, 48%
			{{bar box
	** ], 9%
			|title = Religion in Florida (2014)<ref name="pew2014">{{cite web|url=http://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/florida/|title=Religious Landscape Study|date=May 11, 2015|publisher=Pew Forum|access-date=June 7, 2015|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124100357/https://www.pewforum.org/religious-landscape-study/state/florida/|url-status=live}}</ref>
	** ], 6%
			|float =
	** ], 3%
			|bars =
	* Jewish, 3%
			{{bar percent|]|purple|46}}
	* ], 1%
			{{bar percent|]|dodgerblue|21}}
	* Muslim, 1%
			{{bar percent|]|DeepSkyBlue|1}}
	* ], 1%
			{{bar percent|]|Aquamarine|1}}
	* other religions, 1%
			{{bar percent|Other ]|mediumblue|1}}
	* non-religious, 16%
			{{bar percent|Nothing in Particular|pink|17}}
			{{bar percent|]|#A020F0|4}}
			{{bar percent|]|red|3}}
			{{bar percent|]|green|3}}
			{{bar percent|Other faiths{{break}}{{small|(e.g. ], ], ], ])}}|grey|3}}
			}}
	==Governance==		==Governance==
	{{Main|Government of Florida}}		{{Main|Government of Florida}}
	{{See also|List of Florida Governors|United States Congressional Delegations from Florida|Florida Cabinet}}		{{See also|List of governors of Florida|United States congressional delegations from Florida|List of United States senators from Florida|Florida Cabinet}}
	] buildings.]]		] in ]]]
			The basic structure, duties, function, and operations of the government of the State of Florida are defined by the ], 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 ], become ].
			The ] comprises the ], which has 40 members, and the ], which has 120 members. The governor of Florida is ]. The ] consists of a chief justice and six justices.
	The basic structure, duties, function, and operations of the government of the state of Florida are defined and established by the ], which establishes the basic law of the state and guarantees various rights and freedoms of the people. The state government consists of three separate branches: judicial, executive, and legislative. The legislature enacts bills, which, if signed by the ], become ].
			Florida has 67 ]. Some reference materials may show only 66 because ] is consolidated with the ]. 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 ]s, which are held at the county level in May and are highly popular, due to the extensive use of online bidding sites.
	The ] comprises the ], which has 40 members, and the ], which has 120 members. The current Governor of Florida is ].
	The ] consists of a Chief Justice and six Justices.
			The state government's primary revenue source is sales tax. Florida is ] that do not impose a personal ].
	There are 67 ] in Florida, but some reports show only 66 because of ], which is consolidated with the ]. 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 source of revenue for the state government is sales tax (Florida does not impose a personal ]), but the primary revenue source for cities and counties is property tax.
			There were 800 ] convictions from 1988 to 2007, more than any other state.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Editorial:Culture of corruption |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110107/OPINION/110106021/Our-Views-Culture-of-corruption-Jan-7- |work=Florida Today |location=Melbourne, Florida |page=1A |date=January 7, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107202129/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110107/OPINION/110106021/Our-Views-Culture-of-corruption-Jan-7- |archive-date=January 7, 2014 }}</ref>
	===Political history===
	<!--really need a "Politics of Florida" superarticle that would contain this and point to political strength article--->
	From 1885 to 1889, the state legislature passed statutes with provisions to reduce voting by blacks and poor whites, which had threatened white Democratic power with a populist coalition. As these groups were stripped from voter rolls, white Democrats established power in a one-party state, as happened across the South. In 1900 African Americans comprised 44% of the state's population,<ref name="Historical Census Browser: 1900 US Census"/> the same proportion as before the Civil War, but they were effectively disfranchised. From 1877 to 1948, Florida voted for the Democratic candidate for president in every election except for the ].
			In a 2020 study, Florida was ranked as the 11th hardest state for citizens to vote in.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=J. Pomante II |first1=Michael |last2=Li |first2=Quan |title=Cost of Voting in the American States: 2020 |journal=Election Law Journal: Rules, Politics, and Policy |date=December 15, 2020 |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=503–509 |doi=10.1089/elj.2020.0666 |s2cid=225139517 |doi-access=free }}</ref> In April 2022, the legislature passed and the governor signed a new election law prohibiting Floridians from using ] in all federal, state and municipal elections.<ref>{{cite news|title=Florida, Tennessee Ban Ranked-Choice Voting Despite Citizen Support|url=https://reason.com/2022/04/28/florida-tennessee-ban-ranked-choice-voting-despite-citizen-support/|author=Shackford, Scott|date=April 28, 2022|work=Reason|access-date=April 30, 2022|archive-date=April 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220429232815/https://reason.com/2022/04/28/florida-tennessee-ban-ranked-choice-voting-despite-citizen-support/|url-status=live}}</ref>
	]]]
	In response to segregation, disfranchisement and agricultural depression, many African Americans migrated from Florida to northern cities in the ], in waves from 1910–1940, 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. Given migration of other groups into Florida (as noted in other sections of this article), by 1960 the proportion of African Americans in the state had declined to 18%.<ref name="Historical Census Browser: 1960 US Census"/>
			Florida retains the ]. Authorized methods of execution include the ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://deathpenaltyinfo.org/executions/methods-of-execution|title=Methods of Execution|website=Death Penalty Information Center}}</ref>
	{{further2|]}}
	Since 1952, despite having a majority of registered Democrats, the state has voted for the Republican presidential candidate in every election except for the ], ], and ] elections, when the Democrat was from the ], and the ] election, which was the first time since ] that Florida had voted for a Northern Democrat. The first post-reconstruction Republican ] was elected in 1954.<ref name="William C. Cramer, 81, a Leader Of G.O.P. Resurgence in South"/> The state's first post-reconstruction Republican ] was elected in 1968,<ref name="E. J. Gurney, 82, Senator Who Backed Nixon"/> two years after the first post-reconstruction Republican ].<ref name="Claude Roy Kirk, Jr."/>
			===Elections history===
	{| class="wikitable" style="float:right; font-size:83%; text-align:center; margin:10px"
			{{Further|Elections in Florida|Politics of Florida|Political party strength in Florida|United States presidential elections in Florida}}
	|+ '''Presidential elections results'''
			From 1952 to 1964, most voters were registered Democrats, but the state voted for the Republican presidential candidate in every election except for ]. The following year, Congress passed and President ] signed the ], 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.
	|- style="background:lightgrey;"
	! Year
	! ]
	! ]
	|-
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|]
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|48.22% ''4,045,624
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|'''50.96%''' ''4,282,074
	|-
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''52.10%''' ''3,964,522
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|47.09% ''3,583,544
	|-
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''48.85%''' ''2,912,790
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|48.84% ''2,912,253
	|-
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|]
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|42.32% ''2,244,536
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|'''48.02%''' ''2,546,870
	|-
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''40.89%''' ''2,173,310
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|39.00% '' ''2,072,698
	|-
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''60.87%''' ''2,618,885
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|38.51% ''1,656,701
	|-
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''65.32%''' ''2,730,350
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|34.66% ''1,448,816
	|-
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''55.52%''' ''2,046,951
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|38.50% ''1,419,475
	|-
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|]
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|46.64% ''1,469,531
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|'''51.93%''' ''1,636,000
	|-
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''71.91%''' ''1,857,759
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|27.80% ''718,117
	|-
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''40.53%''' ''886,804
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|30.93% ''676,794
	|-
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|]
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|48.85% ''905,941
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|'''51.15%''' ''948,540
	|-
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|]
	| style="background:#fff3f3;"|'''51.51%''' ''795,476
	| style="background:#f0f0ff;"|48.49% ''748,700
	|}
			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 ], exercised considerable control in Congress. They have gained slightly less federal money from national programs than they have paid in taxes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://files.taxfoundation.org/legacy/docs/ftsbs-timeseries-20071016-.pdf|title=Alabama : Federal Taxes Paid vs. Federal Spending Received : 1981–present|website=Files.taxfoundation.org|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=April 12, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412030238/https://files.taxfoundation.org/legacy/docs/ftsbs-timeseries-20071016-.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> 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,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dos.myflorida.com/elections/data-statistics/voter-registration-statistics/voter-registration-monthly-reports/voter-registration-current-by-county/|archive-url=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/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 24, 2016|title=Voter Registration—Current by County—Division of Elections—Florida Department of State|date=October 24, 2016}}</ref> it continued to support Republican presidential candidates through 2004, except in ] and ], when the Democratic nominee was from ].
	In 1998, Democrats were described as most dominant in areas of the state with high percentages of racial minorities, as well as transplanted white liberals coming primarily from the Northeastern United States.<ref name="The New York Times"/> ] and the ] was a good example of this as it had a particularly high level of both racial minorities and white liberals. Because of this, the area has been one of the most Democratic areas of the state. The Daytona Beach area has been, to a lesser extent, somewhat similar to South Florida demographically and the city of Orlando had a large Hispanic population, which often favored Democrats. Republicans remain dominant throughout much of the rest of Florida particularly in the more rural and suburban areas, as is the case throughout the ].<ref name="The New York Times" />
			In the ] and ] presidential elections, ] carried the state as a northern Democrat, attracting high voter turnout, especially among the young, independents, and minority voters, of whom ] comprise an increasingly large proportion. 2008 marked the first time since 1944, when ] carried the state for the fourth time, that Florida was carried by a Northern Democrat for president.
	The fast growing ] area, which runs through ] and connects the cities of ], ], and ]/], had a fairly similar number of both Republican and Democratic voters. The area is often 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. In recent times, whichever way the I-4 corridor area, containing 40% of Florida voters, votes has often determined who will win the state of Florida in presidential elections.<ref name="The Washington Times"/>
			The first post-] Republican elected to Congress from Florida was ] in 1954 from Pinellas County on the Gulf Coast,<ref name="William C. Cramer, 81, a Leader Of G.O.P. Resurgence in South"/> where demographic changes were underway. In this period, African Americans were still ] 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, ] was elected as the first post-Reconstruction Republican governor, in an upset election.<ref name="Claude Roy Kirk Jr."/> In 1968, ], also a white conservative, was elected as the state's first post-reconstruction Republican US senator.<ref name="E. J. Gurney, 82, Senator Who Backed Nixon"/> In 1970, Democrats took the governorship and the open US Senate seat and maintained dominance for years.
	The Democratic Party has maintained an edge in voter registration, both statewide and in 40 of the 67 counties, including ], ], and ], the state's three most populous counties.<ref name="Voter Registration by Party Affiliation and County"/>
			Florida is sometimes considered a bellwether state in presidential elections because every candidate who won the state from 1996 until 2016 won the election.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chris |first1=Moody |title=Florida is the true US presidential election bellwether state |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/1/florida-is-the-uss-true-presidential-election-bellwether |website=www.aljazeera.com |access-date=February 11, 2021 |archive-date=November 17, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117071439/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/10/1/florida-is-the-uss-true-presidential-election-bellwether |url-status=live }}</ref> The 2020 election broke that streak when ] won Florida but lost the election.
	There were 800 ] convictions from 1988 to 2007, more than any other state.<ref>{{Cite news | title=Editorial:Culture of corruption | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110107/OPINION/110106021/Our-Views-Culture-of-corruption-Jan-7-| work=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 1A | date=January 7, 2011}}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref>
			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".<ref name="The New York Times"/> ] and the ] 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 ].<ref name="The New York Times" />
	====Recent elections====
	{{Main|United States presidential election in Florida, 2000}}
			The fast-growing ] area, which runs through ] and connects the cities of ], ], and ]/], 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.<ref name="The Washington Times"/>
	In 2000, ] won the ] by a margin of 271–266 in the ].<ref name="archives2000"/> Of the 271 electoral votes for Bush, 25 were cast by electors from Florida.<ref name="archives1"/> Reapportionment following the ] gave the state two more seats in the House of Representatives.<ref name=CENSUS>Leary, Alex: St. Petersburg Times, December 21, 2010</ref>
			Historically, the Democratic Party maintained an edge in voter registration, both statewide and in the state's three most populous counties, ], ], and ].<ref name="Voter Registration by Party Affiliation and County"/>{{when|date=March 2022}}
	Despite the Democratic advantage in registration, as of 2008, Republicans controlled the governorship and most other statewide elective offices; both houses of the state legislature; and 15 of the state's 25 seats in the ]. Florida has been listed as a ] in Presidential elections since 1950, voting for the losing candidate once in that period of time.<!---Dole 1992. Actually since it voted reliably Democrat, it has been mostly right since 1932.---><ref name="Florida1"/> In the closely contested ] the state played a pivotal role.<ref name="archives2000"/><ref name="archives1"/><ref>''See'' , 531 U.S. 98 (2000)</ref><ref>''See also'' , 531 U.S. 70 (2000).</ref><ref name="Study of Disputed Florida Ballots Finds Justices Did Not Cast the Deciding Vote"/><ref>''Cf''. Fla. Stat. § 103.011 () ("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.")</ref>
			====2000–present====
	In 2008, delegates of both the ] and ] were stripped of half of their votes when the conventions met in August due to violation of both parties' national rules.
			In 2000, ] won the ] by a margin of 271–266 in the ].<ref name="archives2000"/> Of the 271 electoral votes for Bush, 25 were cast by electors from Florida.<ref name="archives1"/> The Florida results were contested and a recount was ordered by the court, with the results settled in a ] decision, '']''.
			Reapportionment following the 2010 United States census gave the state two more seats in the House of Representatives.<ref name="www.tampabay.com">Leary, Alex: {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101224164152/http://www.tampabay.com/news/politics/national/article1141209.ece |date=December 24, 2010 }}, ''St. Petersburg Times'', December 21, 2010</ref> 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.
	In the 2010 elections, Republicans solidified their dominance state-wide, by winning the governor's mansion, 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.
	As a result of the ], Florida will gain two House of Representative seats in 2012.<ref name=CENSUS />
			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 ].<ref>{{cite news|last=Pear|first=Robert|title=Elections 2012, State Results|url=http://elections.nytimes.com/2012/results/states/florida|newspaper=]|access-date=April 15, 2013|archive-date=February 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220151058/https://www.nytimes.com/elections/2012/results/states/florida.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Florida has been listed as a ] in presidential elections since 1952, voting for the losing candidate only twice in that period of time.<!--Nixon in 1960 and Bush in 1992. Since the state had voted reliably Democrat into the mid-20th century, it has been mostly aligned with the winning vote since 1932.--><ref name="Florida1"/>
	===Statutes===
			] of the popular vote by county in the ]]]
	<!---really no other place for this sort of thing since there is confusion over elections and politics. No place under "government".-->
	All potable water resources have been controlled by the state government through five regional water authorities since 1972.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch0373/SEC503.HTM&Title=- |title=Florida Statutes |publisher=Leg.state.fl.us |accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref>
			In the closely contested ], the state played a pivotal role.<ref name="archives2000"/><ref name="archives1"/><ref>''See'' {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015060335/https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/00-949.ZPC.html |date=October 15, 2007 }}, 531 U.S. 98 (2000)</ref><ref>''See also'' {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126125832/https://www.law.cornell.edu/supct/html/00-836.ZPC.html |date=January 26, 2021 }}, 531 U.S. 70 (2000).</ref><ref name="Study of Disputed Florida Ballots Finds Justices Did Not Cast the Deciding Vote"/><ref>''Cf''. Fla. Stat. § 103.011 ( {{Webarchive|url=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 |date=April 9, 2022 }}) ("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.")</ref> Out of more than 5.8{{spaces}}million votes for the two main contenders Bush and ], around 500 votes separated the two candidates for the all-decisive Florida electoral votes that landed Bush the election win. Florida's ] law is more severe than most European nations or other American states. A 2002 study in the '']'' 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."<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170421090255/https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2016/02/maryland-felon-voting/462000/ |date=April 21, 2017 }}, ''The Atlantic'', February 9, 2016, accessed March 23, 2016</ref>
	The state repealed mandatory auto inspection in 1981.<ref name="New laws include auto inspection repeal"/>
			In 2008, delegates of both the ] and ] were stripped of half of their votes when the conventions met in August due to violation of both parties' national rules.
	In 1972, the state made ] auto insurance mandatory for drivers, becoming the second in the nation to enact a ] law. The ease of receiving payments under this law is seen as precipitating a major increase in insurance fraud.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Personal Injury Protection (PIP)|url=http://www.flsenate.gov/PublishedContent/Session/2012/InterimReports/2012-203bi.pdf|month=August|year=2011|publisher=The Florida Senate, Committee on Banking and Insurance|accessdate=February 9, 2012}}</ref> Auto insurance fraud was the highest in the nation in 2011, estimated at close to $1 billion.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Corruption at Miami-Dade auto accident clinics creates huge financial burden on drivers|url=http://www.unitedautocourtsreport.com/blog/?p=558|date=January 15, 2012|work=United Auto Courts Report|publisher=United Auto Insurance Co.|accessdate=February 9, 2012}}</ref> Fraud is particularly centered in the Miami-Dade metropolitan and Tampa areas.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-pip-governor-20120126,0,2175419.story |title=Scott says PIP program 'has to be fixed' |author=Deslatte, Aaron |date=January 26, 2012 |work=Orlando Sentinel}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/25/2608553/scott-backed-bill-to-combat-fraud.html |title=Scott-backed bill to combat fraud advances in House|author=Mitchell, Tia |date=January 25, 2012 |work=Miami Herald}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/house-version-pip-reform-gets-scott-endorsement |title=House version of PIP reform gets Scott endorsement |date=January 25, 2012 |work=Tampa Bay Times}}</ref>
			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.
	===Law enforcement===
	{{Further|List of law enforcement agencies in Florida|Crime in Florida}}
	Florida was ranked the fifth most dangerous state in 2009. Ranking was based on the record of serious felonies committed in 2008.<ref>{{dead link|date=November 2011}}. Retrieved March 23, 2009.</ref>
			In 2010, more than 63% of state voters approved the initiated Amendments{{spaces}}5 and{{spaces}}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 ], Florida gained two House of Representative seats in 2012.<ref name="www.tampabay.com" /> The legislature issued revised congressional districts in 2012, which were immediately challenged in court by supporters of the above amendments.
	The state was the sixth highest ]med state in 2010. It ranked first in mortgage fraud in 2009.<ref>{{Cite news | title=Don't get scammed | url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/floridatoday/access/2245280991.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jan+22%2C+2011&author=&pub=Florida+Today&edition=&startpage=A.13&desc=Don%27t+get+scammed| newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 13A | date=January 22, 2011 | accessdate=March 17, 2011}}</ref>
			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 ] 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.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160314023536/http://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/state-politics/article47576450.html |date=March 14, 2016 }}, ''Tampa Bay Times'', December 2, 2015, accessed December 11, 2016</ref>
	In 2009, 44% of highway fatalities involved alcohol.<ref name="ft100207"/>
			{| class="wikitable sortable floatright" style="text-align: right;" width="32%"
	Florida is one of seven states that prohibit the ]. This law was passed in 1987.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Kaustuv | last=Basu | title=Change would relax handgun law | url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/floridatoday/access/2231943421.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&date=Jan+7%2C+2011&author=KAUSTUV+BASU&pub=Florida+Today&edition=&startpage=B.1&desc=Change+would+relax+handgun+law| work=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 1B | date=January 7, 2011 | accessdate=March 17, 2011}}</ref>
			|+ Voter registration totals as of November 30, 2024<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dos.myflorida.com/elections/data-statistics/voter-registration-statistics/voter-registration-reportsxlsx/voter-registration-by-party-affiliation/|title=Voter Registration—By Party Affiliation|publisher=Florida Department of State|access-date=November 19, 2024 }}</ref>
			|-
			! colspan = 2 | Party
			! Registered voters
			! Percentage
			|-
			| {{party color cell|Republican Party (United States)}}
			|]
			| style="text-align:center;"| 5,633,700
			| style="text-align:center;"| 39.46%
			|-
			| {{party color cell|Democratic Party (United States)}}
			| ]
			| style="text-align:center;"| 4,497,119
			| style="text-align:center;"| 31.50%
			|-
			| {{party color cell|Independent (politician)}}
			| ]
			| style="text-align:center;"| 3,719,066
			| style="text-align:center;"| 26.05%
			|-
			| {{party color cell|Other parties (US)}}
			|Minor parties
			| style="text-align:center;" | 428,587
			| style="text-align:center;" | 3.00%
			|-
			! colspan="2" | Total
			! style="text-align:center;" | 14,278,472
			! style="text-align:center;" | 100.00%
			|-
			|}
			According to ], the effect of Florida's felony disenfranchisement law is such that in 2014, "ore than one in ten Floridians—and nearly one in four African-American Floridians—are shut out of the polls because of felony convictions", although they had completed sentences and parole/probation requirements.<ref>Brent Staples, "Florida Leads the Pack—in Felon Disenfranchisement", '']'', November 7, 2014, accessed March 23, 2016</ref>
	==Health==
	There were 2.7 million ] patients in Florida in 2009. The governor has proposed adding $2.6 billion to care for the expected 300,000 additional patients in 2011.<ref name="County Medicaid tab rises, could get worse"/><!---$8,666 per patient.---> The cost of caring for 2.3 million clients in 2010 was $18.8 billion.<ref>{{Cite news | first=MacKenzie | last=Ryan | title=Qualifying for care a minefield | url=http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/Medicaid/deputy_secretary/recent_presentations/florida_medicaid_020410.pdf| work= Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 3A | date=December 26, 2010 }}</ref> <!---softcopy differs significantly from hard copy. But it is the original source of material. When it disappears online, we are left with the newspaper as hard copy---> <!---and, no, I don't know why "governor's estimates differ from actuals---> This is nearly 30% of Florida's budget.<ref>{{Cite news | first=James | last=Marshal | title=Sunday debate: No: Longtime official lost touch with voters | url=http://m.floridatoday.com/news.jsp?key=369240&rc=op| work==Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 19A | date=December 26, 2010 }}</ref>
			The state switched back to the GOP in the ], and again in ], when ] headed the party's ticket both times. 2020 marked the first time Florida sided with the eventual loser of the presidential election since ].
	Medicaid paid for 60% of all births in Florida in 2009.<ref name="Watchdog"/>
			In the ], the ratio of Republican to Democratic representation fell from 16:11 to 14:13. The ] between Democratic incumbent senator ] and then governor ] 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 ] between Republican candidate ] and Democratic candidate ], with 49.6% voting for DeSantis and 49.3% voting for Gillum. In ], incumbent Governor DeSantis ] by a ] against Democrat ]. 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 ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Narea |first=Nicole |date=2022-11-11 |title=It's official: Florida is a red state |url=https://www.vox.com/midterm-elections-2022/2022/11/11/23452549/midterm-elections-2022-results-florida-republicans-red-wave-swing-state |access-date=2022-11-22 |website=Vox |language=en}}</ref>
	The state has a ] for those not covered by Medicaid.
			In November 2021, for the first time in Florida's history, the total number of registered Republican voters exceeded the number of registered Democrats.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220104183733/http://www.floridapoliticalreview.com/the-collapse-of-the-florida-democratic-party/ |date=January 4, 2022 }}, ''Florida Political Review'', January 4, 2022, accessed January 12, 2022</ref>
	Some people suffer from various allergies from plants at varying seasons including pollen from ]s and ] shrubs.<ref name="Rough week ahead for allergy sufferers"/><!---note that soft copy is "cached" meaning you have to pay to see it-->
	==Architecture==		===Statutes===
			{{See also|Law of Florida}}
	<!---could be moved under "culture" later--->
			] building in ]]]
	While many houses and commercial buildings look similar to ], the state has appropriated some unique styles in some section of the state including ], ], and ].<ref>{{Dead link|date=April 2010}}</ref><ref name="Official: Design rules haven't cost Palm Bay new businesses"/>
			<!--Really no other place for this sort of thing since there is confusion over elections and politics. No place under "government".-->
			In 1972, the state made ] auto insurance mandatory for drivers, becoming the second in the U.S. to enact a ] law.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.flsenate.gov/data/publications/2006/senate/reports/interim_reports/pdf/2006-102bilong.pdf|title=Florida's Motor Vehicle : No-Fault Law : Report Number 2006-102|website=Archive.flsenate.gov|access-date=October 23, 2018|archive-date=July 29, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180729182151/http://archive.flsenate.gov/data/Publications/2006/Senate/reports/interim_reports/pdf/2006-102bilong.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> The ease of receiving payments under this law is seen as precipitating a major increase in insurance fraud.<ref>{{cite web|title=Personal Injury Protection (PIP)|url=http://www.flsenate.gov/PublishedContent/Session/2012/InterimReports/2012-203bi.pdf|date=August 2011|publisher=The Florida Senate, Committee on Banking and Insurance|access-date=February 9, 2012|archive-date=January 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105105520/http://flsenate.gov/PublishedContent/Session/2012/InterimReports/2012-203bi.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> Auto insurance fraud was the highest in the U.S. in 2011, estimated at close to $1{{spaces}}billion.<ref>{{cite web|title=Corruption at Miami-Dade auto accident clinics creates huge financial burden on drivers|url=http://www.unitedautocourtsreport.com/blog/?p=558|date=January 15, 2012|website=United Auto Courts Report|publisher=United Auto Insurance Co.|access-date=February 9, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120515012653/http://www.unitedautocourtsreport.com/blog/?p=558|archive-date=May 15, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref> Fraud is particularly centered in the Miami-Dade and Tampa areas.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/politics/os-pip-governor-20120126,0,2175419.story |archive-url=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 |url-status=dead |archive-date=May 25, 2017 |title=Scott says PIP program 'has to be fixed' |author=Deslatte, Aaron |date=January 26, 2012 |work=Orlando Sentinel }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/25/2608553/scott-backed-bill-to-combat-fraud.html |title=Scott-backed bill to combat fraud advances in House |author=Mitchell, Tia |date=January 25, 2012 |work=Miami Herald |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211135709/http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/01/25/2608553/scott-backed-bill-to-combat-fraud.html |archive-date=February 11, 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/house-version-pip-reform-gets-scott-endorsement |title=House version of PIP reform gets Scott endorsement |date=January 25, 2012 |work=Tampa Bay Times |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130323031404/http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/the-buzz-florida-politics/content/house-version-pip-reform-gets-scott-endorsement |archive-date=March 23, 2013 }}</ref>
			] is applied in Florida.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.religioustolerance.org/execut3.htm|title=Facts about capital punishment—the death penalty|website=www.religioustolerance.org|access-date=May 19, 2019|archive-date=July 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170713215816/http://www.religioustolerance.org/execut3.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="The Florida Statutes.">''The Florida Statutes.''</ref><ref name=guidelines>{{cite web|title=FL sentencing guidelines|url=http://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2010/775.082|publisher=FL Senate|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124075255/https://flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2010/775.082|url-status=live}}</ref> 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.<ref name="The Florida Statutes."/><ref name=guidelines/> In 1995, the legislature modified Chapter 921 to provide that felons should serve at least 85% of their sentence.<ref>{{cite news | first=Andrew | last=Knapp | title=Crime rate decreases 5.5% | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20101016/NEWS01/10160312/1006/Crime+rate+decreases+5.5+percent | newspaper=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages=1B | date=October 16, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140712134439/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20101016/NEWS01/10160312/1006/Crime+rate+decreases+5.5+percent | archive-date=July 12, 2014 | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0900-0999/0921/Sections/0921.002.html |title=The 2010 Florida Statutes |date=October 16, 2010 |publisher=State of Florida |access-date=May 9, 2022 |archive-date=February 4, 2021 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	==Economy==
	]]]
	] is the world's largest cruise ship port, and is the headquarters of many of the world's largest cruise companies.]]
	] in Miami contains the largest concentration of international banks in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nestseekers.com/Guides/Neighborhood/3059 |title=Brickell Neighborhood Guide |publisher=Nestseekers.com |accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.miamisignaturehomes.com/brickell-real-estate-n26555.html |title=Brickell Real Estate – Millionaires Row |publisher=Miamisignaturehomes.com |accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref>]]
	]'s climate is ideal for growing ].]]
			Florida approved its ] by amending the constitution in 1984. It approved slot machines in Broward and ] in 2004. It has disapproved casinos (outside of sovereign ] and ] tribal areas) three times: 1978, 1986, and 1994.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Mike | last=Haridopolos | title=Legislature aims to rewrite gaming rules. 'Complex' issue affects billions of dollars in state revenue | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20140311/COLUMNISTS0205/303110004/Legislature-aims-rewrite-state-gaming-rules | newspaper=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages=1A | date=March 11, 2014 | access-date=March 11, 2014 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924051235/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20140311/COLUMNISTS0205/303110004/Legislature-aims-rewrite-state-gaming-rules | archive-date=September 24, 2015 | url-status=dead }}</ref>
	Historically, the economy of Florida was dependent on agricultural products such as citrus, sugar, cotton and cattle. In the twentieth 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.{{citation needed|date=February 2012}}
			===Taxation===
	The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Florida in 2010 was $748 billion.<ref>{{cite web|title=GDP by State|url=http://greyhill.com/gdp-by-state|publisher=Greyhill Advisors|accessdate=September 14, 2011}}</ref> Its GDP is the ] economy in the United States.<ref name="Gross Domestic Product by state Table 8:Gross Domestic Product by State in Current Dollars, 2003-2006"/> In 2010, it became the fourth largest exporter of trade goods.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Mark | last=Szakonyi | title=Florida is No. 4 in US exports | url=http://assets.bizjournals.com/jacksonville/blog/trade_trucks_trains/2011/02/florida-jumps-to-no-4-in-exports.html| newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 14A | date=March 7, 2011 | id= }}</ref><!---soft copy and hard copy are two different articles with essentially the same material---> The major contributors to the state's gross output in 2007 were general services, financial services, trade, transportation and public utilities, manufacturing and construction respectively. In 2010–11, the state budget was $70.5 billion, having reached a high of $73.8 billion in 2006–07.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011103060312| first=Paul | last=Flemming | title=Budget battle set to begin | newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 1A | date=March 6, 2011 | accessdate=March 21, 2011}}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref> Chief Executive Magazine name Florida the third "Best State for Business" in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|title=Site Selection Rankings|url=http://greyhill.com/site-selection-rankings/|publisher=Greyhill Advisors|accessdate=October 18, 2011}}</ref>
			Tax is collected by the ].
			== Economy ==
	The economy is driven almost entirely by its nineteen metropolitan areas. In 2004, they had a combined total of 95.7% of the state's domestic product.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://usmayors.org/metroeconomies/Top100_2006.pdf |title=The Role of Metro Areas In The US Economy |format=PDF |accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref>
			{{Main|Economy of Florida|Agriculture in Florida}}
			] in ] contains the largest concentration of international banks in the United States.]]
			]]]
			The economy of the state of Florida is the ] in the ], with a $1.647{{spaces}}trillion ] (GSP) as of 2024.<ref name="GDPByState" /> If Florida were a sovereign nation (2024), it would rank as the ] according to the ], ahead of ] and behind ].<ref name="GDPByState">{{cite web |title=GDP by State |url=https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gdp-state |access-date=March 26, 2021 |website=GDP by State &#124; U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) |publisher=Bureau of Economic Analysis |archive-date=August 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180817010902/https://www.bea.gov/data/gdp/gdp-state |url-status=live }}https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/qgdpstate0621.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820201411/https://www.bea.gov/sites/default/files/2021-06/qgdpstate0621.pdf |date=August 20, 2021 }} Bureau of Economic Analysis – Full release and tables Gross Domestic Product by State, 1st Quarter 2021. Retrieved July 4, 2021.</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=October 2021 |title=World Economic Outlook Database, October 2021 |url=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 |access-date=January 10, 2022 |website=IMF.org |publisher=] |archive-date=January 3, 2022 |archive-url=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 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=GDP (Current US$) |url=https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD?locations=US&most_recent_value_desc=true |access-date=July 28, 2021 |website=The World Bank |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728204255/https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD?locations=US&most_recent_value_desc=true |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Stronge |first1=William B. |title=The sunshine economy : an economic history of Florida since the Civil War |date=2008 |publisher=University Press of Florida |location=Gainesville |isbn=978-0813032016 |url=https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hcbe_facbooks/185/ |access-date=12 November 2022}}</ref>
			Tourism is a large portion of Florida's economy. Florida is home to the world's most visited theme park, the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aecom.com/wp-content/uploads/documents/reports/AECOM-Theme-Index-2022.pdf |title=Museum Index 2022|website=aecom.com|access-date=29 September 2023}}</ref> Florida is also home to the largest single-site employer in the United States, ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://disneyconnect.com/disneyworld/|title=Walt Disney World External Affairs|website=Walt Disney World External Affairs}}</ref> ] is the largest ] in the world and one of the largest ]s in the United States.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/cruises/galleries/the-worlds-busiest-cruise-ports/|title=The 15 cities with the most cruise tourists – where does Venice rank?|date=July 28, 2017|website=The Telegraph}}</ref> Beach towns have many visitors too as Florida is known around the world for its beaches.
	===Personal income===
	<!---may be broader than that and need renaming--->
	Preliminary data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis shows that in 2011, ] was $39,563, ranking 27th in the nation.<ref name="STATE PERSONAL INCOME 2011"/>
			Agriculture is another large part of the Florida economy. Florida is the number one grower of oranges for juice,<ref>{{cite web |title=The U.S. and World Situation: Citrus |url=http://www.fas.usda.gov/htp/horticulture/citrus/2004%20Citrus.pdf |website=USDA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120604113031/http://www.fas.usda.gov/htp/horticulture/citrus/2004%20Citrus.pdf |archive-date=4 June 2012 |date=April 2004}}</ref> mangoes,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.growingproduce.com/fruits/more-florida-mangoes-please-scientists-are-working-on-it/|title=More Florida Mangoes, Please! Scientists Are Working on It|first=Paul|last=Rusnak|date=March 27, 2021}}</ref> fresh tomatoes,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FE1027|title=FE1027/FE1027: The US Tomato Industry: An Overview of Production and Trade|website=edis.ifas.ufl.edu}}</ref> sugar,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.sugars.com/does-the-us-grow-all-the-sugar-it-consumes|title=Does the US Grow All the Sugar It Consumes?|date=March 29, 2021|website=www.sugars.com}}</ref> sweet corn, green beans,<ref>{{cite web |title=Corn, Green Bean Prices Rise After Florida Freezes |url=http://calorielab.com/labnotes/20101231/green-bean-prices-sweet-corn-florida-freeze-damage/ |website=calorielab.com |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120707024227/http://calorielab.com/labnotes/20101231/green-bean-prices-sweet-corn-florida-freeze-damage/ |archive-date=7 July 2012}}</ref> beans, cucumbers, watermelons, and more.<ref name="stacker.com">{{Cite web|url=https://stacker.com/florida/most-valuable-crops-grown-florida|title=Most valuable crops grown in Florida|website=Stacker}}</ref> Florida is also the second biggest producer of strawberries, avocadoes, grapefruit, and peppers in the U.S.<ref name="stacker.com"/><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.wtsp.com/article/life/welcome-to-florida/plant-city-florida-strawberry-festival/67-7876c747-a445-4f8e-aef8-b9694d55f1c6|title=How Plant City became the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World|date=March 3, 2022|website=wtsp.com}}</ref>
	The state was one of the few states to not have a state ] law of its own and was therefore obliged to follow federal minimum wage law. This changed in 2004, when voters passed a constitutional amendment establishing a state minimum wage and (unique among minimum wage laws) mandating that it be adjusted for inflation annually. For 2010, the calculated Florida minimum wage was lower than the federal rate of $7.25, so the federal rate controlled.<ref name="minwage"/>
			Other large sectors of Florida's economy include finance, government and military (especially in Jacksonville and Pensacola),<ref>"State-by-State Listing of Major U.S. Military Bases—Florida". Archived from the original on December 8, 2010. Retrieved July 6, 2009.</ref> healthcare, aerospace (especially in the ]), mining (especially for phosphate in ]), fishing, trade, real estate, and tech (especially in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa in the ]).
	Florida is one of the ] that do not impose a personal ].
			==Healthcare==
	According to a study by ], Florida has 4 cities in the top 25 cities in the country with the most credit card debt.<ref name="Top Cities With Credit Card Debt">{{cite news| url=http://money.cnn.com/2011/03/04/pf/cities_credit_card_debt/index.htm | work=CNN | first=Blake | last=Ellis | title=Cities with the most credit card debt | date=March 4, 2011}}</ref>
			{{See also|List of hospitals in Florida|Abortion in Florida}}
			] in the ], the primary teaching hospital of the ] at the ]]]
			There were 2.7{{spaces}}million ] patients in Florida in 2009. The governor has proposed adding $2.6{{spaces}}billion to care for the expected 300,000 additional patients in 2011.<ref name="County Medicaid tab rises, could get worse"/><!--$8,666 per patient.--> The cost of caring for 2.3{{spaces}}million clients in 2010 was $18.8{{spaces}}billion.<ref>{{Cite news|first=MacKenzie |last=Ryan |title=Qualifying for care a minefield |url=http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/Medicaid/deputy_secretary/recent_presentations/florida_medicaid_020410.pdf |work=Florida Today |location=Melbourne, Florida |page=3A |date=December 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205061359/http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/Medicaid/deputy_secretary/recent_presentations/florida_medicaid_020410.pdf |archive-date=December 5, 2010 }}</ref> <!--softcopy differs significantly from hard copy. But it is the original source of material. When it disappears online, we are left with the newspaper as hard copy--> <!--and, no, I don't know why "governor's estimates differ from actuals--> This is nearly 30% of Florida's budget.<ref>{{Cite news | first=James | last=Marshal | title=Sunday debate: No: Longtime official lost touch with voters | url=http://m.floridatoday.com/news.jsp?key=369240&rc=op | work=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | page=19A | date=December 26, 2010 | url-status=dead | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821050729/http://m.floridatoday.com/news.jsp?key=369240&rc=op | archive-date=August 21, 2013 }}</ref> Medicaid paid for 60% of all births in Florida in 2009. The state has a ] for those not covered by Medicaid.
			In 2013, Florida refused to participate in providing coverage for the uninsured under the ], 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.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Bureau |first1=US Census |title=Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2013 |url=https://www.census.gov/library/publications/2014/demo/p60-250.html |website=Census.gov |access-date=12 November 2022}}</ref>
	There were 2.4 million Floridians living in poverty in 2008. 18.4% of children 18 and younger were living in poverty.<ref name="Poverty estimates pain sad picture"/> Miami is the sixth poorest big city in the United States.<ref>{{cite web|author=Bill Glauber and Ben Poston |url=http://www.jsonline.com/news/wisconsin/103929588.html |title=Milwaukee now fourth poorest city in nation |publisher=JSOnline |date=September 28, 2010 |accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref>
			In 2022, the largest ] in Florida is ]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nasdaq.com/articles/hca-healthcare-hca-to-build-new-hospitals-in-florida|title=HCA Healthcare (HCA) to Build New Hospitals in Florida|date=2021-12-03|website=]|access-date=2023-07-19}}</ref> and the second largest is ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.news-journalonline.com/story/news/local/flagler/2019/01/02/florida-hospital-is-now-adventhealth/6400897007/|title=Florida Hospital is now AdventHealth|last=Ross|first=Nikki|date=2019-01-02|website=]|access-date=2023-07-19}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://wusfnews.wusf.usf.edu/health-news-florida/2022-03-10/floridas-hospital-systems-remained-profitable-in-2020-despite-pandemic-report-says|title=Florida's hospital systems remained profitable in 2020 despite pandemic, report says|last=Bruner|first=Katrine|date=2022-03-10|website=wusf Public Media|access-date=2023-07-19}}</ref>
	The state also had the second-highest credit card delinquency rate, with 1.45% of cardholders in the state more than 90 days delinquent on one or more credit cards.<ref name=TBFP />
			In 2023, the largest hospitals in Florida were ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bizjournals.com/tampabay/subscriber-only/2023/01/06/largest-hospitals-in-florida.html|title=Largest Hospitals in Florida|last=Erickson|first=Chris|date=2023-01-06|website=]|url-access=subscription|access-date=2023-07-20}}</ref>
			] hosts one of its three major U.S. campuses in Jacksonville. The practice specializes in treating difficult cases through ] and ].
	In 2010, over 2.5 million Floridians were on food stamps, up from 1.2 million in 2007. To qualify, Floridians must make less than 133% of the federal poverty level, which would be under $29,000 for a family of four.<ref name="2.5 million on Fla. food stamps"/>
	===Real estate===		==Architecture==
			{{See also|Architecture of Miami|Architecture of Jacksonville}}
	In the early 20th century, land speculators discovered Florida, and businessmen such as ] and ] developed railroad systems, which led people to move in, drawn by the weather and local economies. From then on, tourism boomed, fueling a cycle of development that overwhelmed a great deal of farmland.
			] in ], built during the 1920s and 1930s]]
			Florida has the largest collection of ] and ] buildings, both in the United States and in the entire world, most of which are located in the ], especially ]'s ], constructed as the city was becoming a resort destination.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.bassmuseum.org/miami |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101122110824/http://www.bassmuseum.org/miami |archive-date=November 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |title=Miami Beach |work=Bass Museum of Art }}</ref> A unique architectural design found only in Florida is the post-World War{{spaces}}II ], which can be seen in areas such as ]'s ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/things-to-do/attractions/tour-miami-modern-buildings-in-south-beach-s-art-d|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180918160712/https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/things-to-do/attractions/tour-miami-modern-buildings-in-south-beach-s-art-d|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 18, 2018|title=Tour Miami's Art Deco District—MiamiAndBeaches.com—Miami and The Beaches|date=September 18, 2018|access-date=May 19, 2019}}</ref>
			Being of early importance as a regional center of banking and finance, the ] 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,<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2008-mar-a-century-of-floridas-tallest-skyscrapers |title= A Century of Florida's Tallest Skyscrapers |author= Ennis Davis |date= March 6, 2008 |publisher= Metro Jacksonville |access-date= April 12, 2016 |archive-date= May 25, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170525200929/http://www.metrojacksonville.com/article/2008-mar-a-century-of-floridas-tallest-skyscrapers |url-status= live }}</ref> and last holding a state height record from 1974 to 1981.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.emporis.com/buildings/118945/wells-fargo-center-jacksonville-fl-usa |title= Wells Fargo Center, Jacksonville |publisher= Emporis |access-date= April 12, 2016 |archive-date= May 9, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160509205636/http://www.emporis.com/buildings/118945/wells-fargo-center-jacksonville-fl-usa |url-status= usurped }}</ref> The city is endowed with one of the largest collections of ] buildings outside of the Midwest.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.prairieschooltraveler.com/html/fl/lost/Lost-Treasures.html |title= Jacksonville's Lost Treasures |author= Wayne W. Wood |publisher= Prairie School Traveler |access-date= April 23, 2016 |archive-date= May 25, 2017 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170525200928/http://www.prairieschooltraveler.com/html/fl/lost/Lost-Treasures.html |url-status= live }}</ref> Jacksonville is also noteworthy for its collection of ] architecture.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://jaxhistory.wordpress.com/tag/mid-century-modern/ |title=When Does Modern Architecture Become Historic? |publisher=Jacksonville Historical Society |access-date=April 23, 2016 |archive-date=August 26, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826232827/https://jaxhistory.wordpress.com/tag/mid-century-modern/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
	Because of the collective effect on the insurance industry of the hurricane claims of 2004, homeowners insurance has risen 40% to 60% and deductibles have risen.<ref name="ft091231"/>
			Some sections of the state feature architectural styles including ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090423/COLUMNISTS0207/904230319/1086|title=Official: Design rules haven't cost Palm Bay new businesses|access-date=June 1, 2009|work=Florida Today|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130825042936/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090423/COLUMNISTS0207/904230319/1086|archive-date=August 25, 2013}}</ref> A notable collection of these styles can be found in ], the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement within the borders of the United States.<ref>{{cite web| url=http://www.nps.gov/nr//travel/geo-flor/24.htm| title=Florida: St. Augustine Town Plan Historic District| publisher=National Park Service| access-date=May 8, 2016| archive-date=April 30, 2015| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150430164443/http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/geo-flor/24.htm| url-status=live}}</ref>
	At the end of the third quarter in 2008, Florida had the highest mortgage delinquency rate in the country, with 7.8% of mortgages delinquent at least 60 days.<ref name="TBFP">{{Cite news|url=http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20081203/BUSINESS/812030301/1003/BUSINESS|title = State scores well in credit card, mortgage payment delinquency|work=] |date = December 3, 2008 |accessdate=December 3, 2008}} {{Dead link|date=April 2010}}</ref><!--note that ref title refers to ANOTHER state---> A 2009 list of national housing markets that were hard hit in the real estate crash included a disproportionate number in Florida.<ref name="America's 25 Weakest Housing Markets"/> The early 21st century building boom left Florida with 300,000 vacant homes in 2009, according to state figures.<ref name="Our views:Playing with fire"/> In 2009, the US Census Bureau estimated that Floridians spent an average 49.1% of personal income on housing-related costs, the third highest percentage in the country.<ref name="Census Bureau: 1 in 3 Virginians Pays Plenty for Housing"/>
			==Education==
	In the third quarter of 2009, there were 278,189 delinquent loans, 80,327 foreclosures.<ref name="No to noncourt foreclosures"/> Sales of existing homes for February 2010 was 11,890, up 21% from the same month in 2009. Only two metropolitan areas showed a decrease in homes sold: ] and ]. The average sales price for an existing house was $131,000, 7% decrease from the prior year.<ref name="Brevard home sales down">{{Cite news|first=Wayne T.|last=Price|title=Area home sales down|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/floridatoday/access/1991621571.html?FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Mar+24%2C+2010&author=WAYNE+T+PRICE&pub=Florida+Today&edition=&startpage=C.6&desc=Brevard+home+sales+down|work =Florida Today|location=Melbourne, Florida|page= 6C|date=March 24, 2010|accessdate=March 27, 2011}}</ref>{{Dubious|Paid article title indicates a discussion of one county only, not entire state|date=March 2011}}
			{{Main|Education in Florida}}
			{{See also|List of colleges and universities in Florida|List of high schools in Florida|List of school districts in Florida}}
			] in ]]]
			] in ]]]
			] in ]]]
			] in ]]]
			] in ]]]
			] in ]]]
			In 2020, Florida was ranked the third best state in the U.S. for ], outperforming other states in 15 out of 18 metrics in '']''{{'}}s 2020 Quality Counts report.<ref name="Solodev-2020">{{Cite web |last=Solodev |date=October 16, 2020 |title=Florida Moves Up in National Ranking |url=https://www.fldoe.org/newsroom/latest-news/florida-moves-up-in-national-ranking.stml |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=www.fldoe.org |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref name="Solodev-2020" /> Florida's higher education was ranked first and pre-K-12 was ranked 27th best nationwide by '']''.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education|title= Rankings|website= www.usnews.com|access-date= April 13, 2021|archive-date= April 13, 2021|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210413110230/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/rankings/education|url-status= live}}</ref>
			===Primary and secondary education===
	===Labor===
			Florida spent $8,920 for each student in 2016, and was 43rd in the U.S. in expenditures per student.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.governing.com/gov-data/education-data/state-education-spending-per-pupil-data.html|title=Education Spending Per Student by State|website=Governing.com|date=February 9, 2012|access-date=August 14, 2018|archive-date=July 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180702004654/http://www.governing.com/gov-data/education-data/state-education-spending-per-pupil-data.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
	<!--leave one paragraph subtopic alone. Visiting editors can see more readily where to insert material--->
	As of February 2011, the state's unemployment rate was 11.5%.<ref>; Local Area Unemployment Statistics</ref>
			Florida's primary and secondary school systems are administered by the ]. School districts are organized within county boundaries. Each school district has an elected ] that sets policy, budget, goals, and approves expenditures. Management is the responsibility of a ].
	In 2009, there were 89,706 federal workers employed within the state.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Jim | last=Waymer | title=Shutdown spares essential services | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110407/NEWS01/104070326/Government-shutdown-would-spare-essential-services| newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages= 1A | date=April 7, 2011 | id= }}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref>
			The ] is required by law to train educators in teaching ] (ESOL).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fldoe.org/aala/lulac.asp |title=League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) et al. vs. State Board of Education et al. Consent Decree |publisher=] for the Southern District of Florida |date=August 14, 1990 |access-date=May 24, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617222621/http://www.fldoe.org/aala/lulac.asp |archive-date=June 17, 2013 }}</ref>
	In 2012, government was a top employer in all counties in the state. This was mainly due to the prevalence of teachers, whose school boards employ nearly 1 out of every 30 workers in the state. The military was the top employer in three counties.<ref>{{Cite news | title=Study:Government a top employer in Florida | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/viewart/20120516/NEWS01/305160046/Study-Government-top-employer-Florida| newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages= 12B | date=May 16, 2012 | id= }}</ref>
			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 ] course,<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newsweek.com/ron-desantis-administration-defends-banning-african-american-studies-class-florida-1775151 | title=DeSantis Admin Defends Banning African American Studies Class | publisher=newsweek | date=January 19, 2023 | access-date=12 February 2023 | author=JON JACKSON}}</ref> book bans and removing some lessons in courses as "really scary moments in the state of Florida".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.newsweek.com/ron-desantis-scary-actions-will-exacerbate-teacher-shortage-educator-1777365 | title=Ron DeSantis' 'Scary' Actions Will 'Exacerbate' Teacher Shortage: Educator | publisher=Newsweek | work=FATMA KHALED | date=January 29, 2023 | access-date=12 February 2023 | author=FATMA KHALED}}</ref>
	===Agriculture and fishing===
	Historically, Florida's economy was based upon cattle farming and agriculture (especially ], ], tomatoes, and ]). <!---this needs merging with the following sentence--->
			In 2023, the state of Florida approved a public school curriculum including videos produced by conservative advocacy group ], likening climate change skeptics to those who fought Communism and Nazism, implying renewable energy harms the environment, and saying global warming occurs naturally.<ref name=Guardian_20230810/> DeSantis has called climate change "] stuff".<ref name=Guardian_20230810>{{cite news |last1=Milman |first1=Oliver |title=Videos denying climate science approved by Florida as state curriculum |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/10/florida-ron-desantis-climate-vidoes-school-curriculum |newspaper=The Guardian |date=10 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230811045427/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/aug/10/florida-ron-desantis-climate-vidoes-school-curriculum |archive-date=11 August 2023 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	The second largest industry is agriculture. ] fruit, especially oranges, are a major part of the economy, and Florida produces the majority of citrus fruit grown in the U.S.—in 2006 67% of all citrus, 74% of oranges, 58% of ]s, and 54% of ]. About 95% of commercial orange production in the state is destined for processing (mostly as ], the official ]).<ref name="Commodity Profile: Citrus"/> ] continues to be an issue of concern. Other products include ], ], tomatoes and ].<ref name="Crop Profile for Celery in Florida"/> The state is the largest producer of ] and ] for the country.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://calorielab.com/labnotes/20101231/green-bean-prices-sweet-corn-florida-freeze-damage/ |title=Corn, Green Bean Prices Rise After Florida Freezes |date=January 1, 2011 |publisher=Calorielab |quote= }}</ref>
			In August 2023, restrictions have been placed on the teaching of ] by Florida teachers in order to comply with state law.<ref>{{cite news |last=Patterson |first=Jeff |title='Teachers are frightened': Hillsborough schools putting restrictions on Shakespeare to avoid sexual content |url=https://www.wfla.com/news/hillsborough-county/teachers-are-frightened-hillsborough-schools-putting-restrictions-on-shakespeare-to-avoid-sexual-content |date=August 8, 2023 |work=] |url-status=live |archive-url=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/ |archive-date=August 14, 2023 |access-date=August 13, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lichtenberg |first=Drew |title=Make Shakespeare Dirty Again |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/13/opinion/shakespeare-canceled-schools.html |date=August 13, 2023 |work=] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20230813105514/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/08/13/opinion/shakespeare-canceled-schools.html |archivedate=August 13, 2023 |accessdate=August 13, 2023 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Lichtenberg |first=Drew |title=Shakespeare's 'Sublimely, Disturbingly Smutty Effect' Must Endure |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/10/opinion/canceled-shakespeare-schools.html |date=September 10, 2023 |work=] |url-status=live |archiveurl=https://archive.today/20230910112044/https://www.nytimes.com/2023/09/10/opinion/canceled-shakespeare-schools.html |archivedate=September 10, 2023 |accessdate=September 11, 2023}}</ref>
	The Everglades Agricultural Area is a major center for agriculture. The environmental impact of agriculture—especially ]—is a major issue in Florida today.
			===Higher education===
	In 2009, fishing was a $6 billion industry, employing 60,000 jobs for sports and commercial purposes.<ref name="Locals to protest fish regulation"/><!---not that great a ref. Text can be replaced when a better snippet is available-->
			The ] was founded in 1905, and is governed by the ]. During the 2019 academic year, 346,604 students attended one of these twelve universities.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020_SYSTEM_Accountability_Plan_Final.pdf |title=Accountability plan |date=2020 |website=www.flbog.edu |access-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-date=May 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517034242/https://www.flbog.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020_SYSTEM_Accountability_Plan_Final.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2017/03/daily-chart |title=Higher education in Britain is still good value compared with America |access-date=March 2, 2017 |date=March 2, 2017 |website=Economist |archive-date=March 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302042820/http://www.economist.com/blogs/graphicdetail/2017/03/daily-chart |url-status=live }}</ref>
			As of 2020, three Florida universities are among the top 10 ] in the United States: The ] in ] (2nd), the ] in ] (4th), and ] in ] (8th).
	===Mining===
	], concentrated in the ], is the state's third-largest industry. The state produces about 75% of the phosphate required by farmers in the United States and 25% of the world supply, with about 95% used for agriculture (90% for ] and 5% for livestock feed supplements) and 5% used for other products.<ref name="About Phosphate"/>
			The ] comprises 28 public community and state colleges with 68 campuses spread out throughout the state. In 2016, enrollment exceeded 813,000 students.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/15267/urlt/FactBook2016.pdf |title=Factbook |date=2016 |website=www.fldoe.org |access-date=April 13, 2021 |archive-date=May 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515220255/https://www.fldoe.org/core/fileparse.php/15267/urlt/FactBook2016.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
	===Government===
	Since the arrival of the NASA ] on Cape Canaveral (most notably Kennedy Space Center) in 1962, Florida has developed a sizable ].
			The ] is an association of 30 private, educational institutions in the state.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.icuf.org/ |title=Official website of ICUF |publisher=Icuf.org |access-date=November 4, 2011 |archive-date=May 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100529013848/http://icuf.org/ |url-status=live }}</ref> This Association reported that their member institutions served more than 158,000 students in the fall of 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://icuf.org/|title=ICUF – Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida|access-date=March 9, 2021|archive-date=February 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224210120/https://icuf.org/|url-status=live}}</ref>
	Another major economic engine in Florida is the ]. There are currently 24 military bases in the state, housing three ]s; ] in Tampa, ] in ], and ] in Tampa. There are 109,390 U.S. military personnel currently stationed in Florida,<ref>{{Cite news|title=State-by-State Listing of Major U.S. Military Bases&nbsp;— Florida|url=http://usmilitary.about.com/library/milinfo/statefacts/blfl.htm|id=|accessdate=July 6, 2009|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhAw3UW |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref> contributing, directly and indirectly, $52 billion a year to the state's economy.<ref name="Military-friendly bill cruise"/>
			The ] in ] is one of the top private research universities in the U.S. Florida's first private university, ] in ], was founded in 1883.
	===Industry===
	{{unreferenced section|date=February 2012}}
	] has the second-largest concentration of medical and research facilities in the United States.<ref>http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/08/28/v-fullstory/2379490/a-new-university-of-miami-research.html</ref>]]
	After the watershed events of ] in 1992, the State of Florida began investing in economic development through OTTED (Office of Trade, Tourism, and Economic Development). Governor ] realized that watershed events such as Andrew negatively impacted Florida's backbone industry of tourism severely. The office was directed to target Medical/Bio-Sciences among others. Three years later, The ] (TSRI) announced it had chosen Florida for its' newest expansion. In 2003, TSRI announced plans to establish a major science center in Palm Beach, a {{convert|364000|sqft}} facility on {{convert|100|acres}}, which TSRI planned to occupy in 2006.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.scripps.edu/newsandviews/e_20031013/news.html |title=TSRI Plans to Open Major Science Center in Palm Beach County, Florida |last1= |first1= |last2= |first2= |date=October 2003 |work=News & Views |publisher=The Scripps Research Institute |accessdate=May 14, 2012}}</ref>
			As of 2023, three universities in Florida are members of the ]: University of Florida, University of Miami and University of South Florida.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.aau.edu/sites/default/files/AAU-Files/Who-We-Are/AAU%20Member%20Universities%20listed%20by%20year_updated%202023.pdf |title=Our Members |publisher=Associate of American Universities}}</ref>
	At the same time that Scripps started operations in Florida, ], an investment firm that held {{convert|7000|acres}} of land immediately South East of ] began formulating new possibilities for its land use after the decline in tourism to the state. Tavistock decided to use part of the land to establish a Bio-Sciences cluster. In 2005, the State of Florida along with Tavistock Group and the University of Central Florida agreed that Tavistock would donate {{convert|50|acres}} and $12.5 Million (which the state would match for a total of $25 Million) to start the UCF College of Medicine and the Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences. The UCF College of Medicine won approval from the State Board of Governors in 2006. That decision was key to attracting ] to Central Florida. Tavistock then donated another {{convert|50|acres}} and $17.5 Million to Sanford-Burnham which allowed Sanford-Burnham's East Coast expansion. In February and March 2007, ] and the ](respectively) announced Lake Nona as the site of two new hospitals. {{citation needed|date=March 2012}}
			==Transportation==
	Other prospective tenants of the Lake Nona Medical City included ], the ] research center, and ].{{citation needed|date=March 2012}}
			{{Main|Transportation in Florida}}
			===Highways===
	It was determined in 2008 from a study done by Arduin, Laffer and Moore Econometrics that the Lake Nona Medical City cluster has in two years reached 80% of the Milken Numbers which were based on the commitments made by the economic development statements. The study then released new projections for the 10 year period which included 30,000 jobs created and a $7.6 Billion economic impact.<ref>http://www.cityoforlando.net/elected/mayor/soc04_medical.htm</ref>
			{{Further|Florida State Highway System|List of state roads in Florida|County roads in Florida}}
			Florida's highway system contains {{convert|1495|mi|abbr=on}} of interstate highway, and {{convert|10601|mi|abbr=on}} of non-interstate highway, such as state highways and U.S. Highways. Florida's ], ], and ] are maintained by the ].<ref>{{cite web| title=Transportation Data and Analytics Office | url=http://www.fdot.gov/statistics/hwysys/ | website=Florida Department of Transportation | date=September 4, 2018 | access-date=September 14, 2018 | archive-date=September 14, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914084552/http://www.fdot.gov/statistics/hwysys/ | url-status=live}}</ref>
			In 2011, there were about 9,000 ] in the state. Floridians consumed 21{{spaces}}million gallons of gasoline daily in 2011, ranking it third in national use behind California and Texas.<ref>{{Cite news | first=R. Norman | last=Moody | title=Guidelines tight to drive a fuel tanker | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110130/NEWS01/101300318/Beachline-huge-artery-tankers | newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | page=2A | date=January 30, 2011 | access-date=February 19, 2011 | archive-date=September 24, 2015 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924035917/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110130/NEWS01/101300318/Beachline-huge-artery-tankers | url-status=live }}</ref><!--soft copy does ''not'' contain box scores given here and is only listed for (what?) versimilitude?-->
	<!---sounds mostly b.s.-->
			As of 2024, motorists in Florida have one of the highest rates of car insurance in the U.S.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2024/02/19/car-insurance-price-by-state/72617803007/ |title=Car insurance prices soar even as inflation eases. Which states have the highest rates? |work=] |last=Lee |first=Medora |date=19 February 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/advisor/car-insurance/rates-by-state/ |title=Car Insurance Rates By State 2024 |work=] |last=Gusner |first=Penny |date=2 January 2024 |access-date=March 31, 2024}}</ref> 24% are uninsured.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ircweb.org/news/ircum2011_042111.pdf |title=Recession Marked by Bump in Uninsured Motorists |access-date=November 4, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110902084352/http://www.ircweb.org/News/IRCUM2011_042111.pdf |archive-date=September 2, 2011 }}</ref>
	{{unreferenced section|date=February 2012}}
	Florida has become a simulation training cluster.{{citation needed|date=March 2012}} There are the aerospace and defense industries. Companies have expanded. The ], the division responsible for popular games such as the ] as well as other sports games, has given way to a cluster of highly skilled digital media workers who transformed their craft into simulation and simulation training. The United States Military has been the driving force and primary client of these simulation training firms.<!---Naval Training Center, Orlando?-->{{citation needed|date=March 2012}} It has since spilled over into local police and fire agencies across the country and across the world. Aviation simulation has also benefited greatly from the advances of the Central Florida simulation training cluster.{{citation needed|date=March 2012}}
			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 ] stated "Older drivers are more of a threat to themselves."<ref>{{Cite news|first=Britt |last=Kennerley |title=Olde drivers take fewer risks |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110918/NEWS01/109180309/Aging-out-driver-s-seat |newspaper=] |location=Melbourne, Florida |page=11A |date=September 18, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927042854/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110918/NEWS01/109180309/Aging-out-driver-s-seat |archive-date=September 27, 2011 }}</ref>
	====Tourism====
	Tourism makes up the largest sector of the state economy. Warm weather and hundreds of miles of beaches attract about 60 million visitors to the state every year. Florida was the top destination state in 2011. 42% of poll respondents living in the Northeast United States said they planned on visiting Florida over ].<ref>{{Cite news | title=Vacation trends | url=| newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages= 1E | date=March 13, 2011 | id= }}</ref>
			Intercity bus travel, which utilizes Florida's highway system, is provided by ], ], and ].
	]s, especially in the ] area, make up a significant portion of tourism. The ] is the largest vacation resort in the world, consisting of four ]s and more than 20 hotels in ]; it, and ], ], ], and other major parks drive state tourism. Many beach towns are also popular tourist destinations, particularly in the winter months. 23.2 million tourists visited Florida beaches in 2000, spending $21.9 billion.<ref name="Beaches get pumped up"/><!---"box" with actual figure in it is only available in print edition--->
			Before the construction of routes under the ], Florida began construction of a long cross-state ], ]. The first section, from ] south to the ] was completed in 1957. After a second section north through Orlando to ] (near present-day ]), and a ] around Miami to ], it was finished in 1974.
	The public has a right to beach access under the ]. However, some areas have access effectively blocked by private owners for a long distance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.law.fsu.edu/Journals/Landuse/vol18_2/sullivan.pdf |title=Laying out an "unwelcome mat" to public beach access |format=PDF |accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref><!---probably should be merged with above--->
			] over ], part of Florida's ]]]
	===Energy===
			Florida's primary interstate routes include:
	Florida ranks 45th out of 50 states in total energy consumption per capita, despite the heavy reliance on commercial and residential air conditioning. This includes coal, natural gas, petroleum, and retail electricity sales.<ref name="Energy Consumption by Source and Total Consumption per Capita, Ranked by State, 2004"/><sup>''{{failed verification|date=May 2012}}''</sup>
			* {{jct|country=USA|I|4}}, which spans 133 miles, bisects the state, connecting ], ], ], and ], connecting with ] in Tampa and I-95 in Daytona Beach.
			* {{jct|state=FL|I|10}}, which spans 362 miles in Florida, traverses the ], connecting ], ], ], and ], 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 ] with a total length of 2460 miles.
			* {{jct|state=FL|I|75}}, which spans 470 miles in Florida, enters the state near Lake City ({{convert|45|mi}} west of ]) and continues southward through ], ], Tampa's eastern suburbs, ], ], ] and ], where it crosses the "]" as a ] to ] before turning southward and terminating in ]/] 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 ].
			* {{jct|state=FL|I|95}}, which spans 382 miles in Florida, enters the state near Jacksonville and continues along the Atlantic Coast through Daytona Beach, the ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ], before terminating in ]. 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 ].
	==Education==		===Airports===
	{{Main|Education in Florida}}		{{See also|List of airports in Florida|Aviation in Florida}}
			], the busiest airport in the state with 44.6{{spaces}}million total passengers in 2017<ref>{{cite web |title=Orlando International Airport Busiest in Florida with Record Passenger Traffic in 2017 |url=https://www.orlandoairports.net/press/2018/02/06/orlando-international-airport-busiest-florida-record-passenger-traffic-2017/ |website=Orlando International Airport (MCO) |publisher=Greater Orlando Aviation Authority |date=February 6, 2018 |access-date=March 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200104055904/https://orlandoairports.net/press/2018/02/06/orlando-international-airport-busiest-florida-record-passenger-traffic-2017/ |archive-date=January 4, 2020 |url-status=dead }}</ref>]]
			Florida has 131 public airports.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs5/5169/overview.htm |title=Florida Drug Threat Assessment-Overview |publisher=National Drug Intelligence Center |access-date=July 18, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831002548/http://www.usdoj.gov/ndic/pubs5/5169/overview.htm |archive-date=August 31, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref> Florida's seven large hub and medium hub airports, as classified by the FAA,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/passenger_allcargo_stats/passenger/media/cy17-all-enplanements.pdf |title=Calendar Year 2017 Enplanements at All Airports (Primary, Non-primary Commercial Service, and General Aviation) by State and Airport, Updated 7 October 2018 |access-date=November 9, 2019 |archive-date=January 11, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111213629/https://www.faa.gov/airports/planning_capacity/passenger_allcargo_stats/passenger/media/cy17-all-enplanements.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> are the following:
	Florida's public primary and secondary schools are administered by the ].
			{| class="wikitable sortable"
			|- valign=baseline
	===State University System===
			! style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;" | City served
	The ] was founded in 1905, and is governed by the ]. During the 2010 academic year, 312,216 students attended one of these member institutions.
			! style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;" | Code
			! style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;" | Airport name
			! style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:left;" | FAA{{break}}Category
			! style="white-space:nowrap; text-align:right;" | Enplane{{shy}}ments
			<!--lines above and below must not be blank-->
			|- valign=top
			| ]
			| style="text-align:center;"| MCO
			| ]
			| Large Hub
			| align=right | 21,565,448 <!--2009: 16,371,016; 2008: 17,288,480; 2007: 17,614,679; 2006: 16,807,534; 2005: 16,592,133-->
			|- valign=top
	<center><gallery perrow=6>
			| ]
	File:Samuel H. Coleman Memorial Library.jpg|]<br><small>]</small>
			| align=center | MIA
	File:FAU Alumni Plaza.jpg|]<br><small>]</small>
			| ]
	File:AcademiccoreFGCU.jpg|]<br><small>]</small>
			| Large Hub
	File:FIU OE.JPG|]<br><small>Miami</small>
			| align=right | 20,709,225 <!--2009: 16,187,768; 2008: 16,377,488; 2007: 16,194,162; 2006: 15,664,791; 2005: 15,092,763-->
	File:FSUWestcottBuilding.jpg|]<br><small>]</small>
	File:Palmcourt.jpg|]<br><small>]</small>
	File:UCFlibrary.jpg|]<br><small>]</small>
	File:Gville_UF_Century_Tower01.jpg|]<br><small>]</small>
	File:UNF Student Union pic.jpg|]<br><small>]</small>
	File:Sundomecloseup.JPG|]<br><small>]</small>
	File:PIMG0125.JPG|]<br><small>]</small>
	</gallery></center>
			|- valign=top
	===Private universities===
			| ]
	Florida's first private university, ], was founded in 1883. The ] is an association of 28 private, educational institutions in the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.icuf.org/ |title=Official website of ICUF |publisher=Icuf.org |accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref> This Association reported that their member institutions served over 121,000 students in the fall of 2006.<ref name="2005-2006 Accountability Report: Quality, Productivity, Diversity, and Access"/>
			| style="text-align:center;"| FLL
	<center><gallery perrow=6>
			| ]
	File:Barry university.jpg|]<br><small>]</small>
			| Large Hub
	File:Flagler College - Lobby inside Ponce de Leon Hotel.JPG|]<br><small>]</small>
			| align=right | 15,817,043 <!--2009: 10,258,118; 2008: 11,020,091; 2007: 11,079,250; 2006: 10,204,579; 2005: 10,729,468-->
	File:University of Miami Otto G. Richter Library.jpg|]<br><small>]</small>
	File:Nova Library West.JPG|]<br><small>]</small>
	File:220stetson-delandhall-DSC0145.jpg|]<br><small>]</small>
	File:UT minaret.JPG|]<br><small>]</small>
	</gallery></center>
			|- valign=top
	==Infrastructure==
			| ]
			| style="text-align:center;"| TPA
			| ]
			| Large Hub
			| align=right | 9,548,580 <!--2009: 8,263,294; 2008: 8,871,917; 2007: 9,306,036; 2006: 9,187,865; 2005: 9,297,643-->
			|- valign=top
	===Communication===
			| ]
	27% of Floridians exclusively own cell phones for communication; no landline. Nationally, figures vary from 13–35%, with the higher percentages an indication of lower income.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/apr/20/arkansas-mississippi-rely-on-cellphones-most/?page=all |title=Arkansas, Mississippi rely on cellphones most |author=Alan Fram |date=April 20, 2011 |work= Florida Today |publisher=Florida Today |quote= }}</ref>
			| style="text-align:center;"| RSW
			| ]
			| Medium Hub
			| align=right | 4,364,224 <!--2009: 3,668,279; 2008: 3,770,681; 2007: 3,986,928; 2006: 3,764,223; 2005: 3,701,665-->
			|- valign=top
	===Transportation===
			| ]
	{{Main|Transportation in Florida}}
			| style="text-align:center;"| PBI
	] is the state's only ] system. About 15% of Miamians use public transit daily.]]
			| ]
			| Medium Hub
			| align=right | 3,110,450 <!--2009: 3,004,076; 2008: 3,232,009; 2007: 3,475,345; 2006: 3,418,310; 2005: 3,496,936-->
			|- valign=top
	====Public transit====
	Miami's public transportation is served by ] that runs ], a ] ] system, ], a ] train system in ], and ], Miami's bus system. Metrorail runs throughout ] and has two lines and 23 stations connecting to Downtown Miami's Metromover and ]. Metromover has three lines and 21 stations throughout ]. Outside of ], public transit in the ] is served by ] and ]; intercounty ] service is provided by ], with 18 stations including the region's three international airports.
	Orlando utilizes the ] bus system as well as a downtown bus service called LYMMO, and has attempted to plan a local ] service for years. A ] service – ] – has been approved by all concerning counties and is in final planning stages.
	Tampa and its surrounding area use the ] system ( "HART"). In addition, downtown Tampa has continuous trolley services in the form of a ] powered by ]. Pinellas County and St. Petersburg provide similar services through the ] or "PSTA". The beaches of ] also have a continuous trolley bus. Downtown St. Petersburg has a trolley system.
	{| class="wikitable"
	|-
	!colspan=6|Public transit usage in Florida
	|-
	! Rank
	! City
	! Daily weekday<br>passenger ridership
	! Population<br>served
	! % Daily<br>transit riders
	! Modes of transit
	|-
	| 1
	| Miami
	| 369,600<ref>http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/news_technical_reports.asp</ref>
	| 2,496,435
	| 14.8%
	| ] (commuter rail), ] (heavy rail), ] (people mover), & Metrobus
	|-
	| 2
	| ]
	| 125,710
	| 1,748,066
	| 7.2%
	| ] (commuter rail), & ] (bus)
	|-
	| 3
	| ]
	| 84,061
	| 2,134,411
	| 3.9%
	| ] (bus)
	|-
	| 4
	| ]
	| 40,000<ref name="gohart.org">http://www.gohart.org/departments/marketing/press/press-release-12-2-08.html</ref>
	| 1,229,226
	| 3.2%
	| ] (bus), & ]
	|-
	| 5
	| ]
	| 34,000<ref name="gohart.org"/>
	| 1,320,134
	| 2.6%
	| ] (commuter rail), & ] (bus)
	|-
	| 6
	| ]		| ]
			| style="text-align:center;"| JAX
	| 28,220
			| ]
	| 821,784
			| Medium Hub
	| 3.4%
			| align=right | 2,701,861 <!--2009: 2,777,041; 2008: 2,965,973; 2007: 3,138,015; 2006: 2,971,953; 2005: 2,890,298-->
	| ]: Bus, and ] (people mover)
	|}		|}
	====Highways====		===Intercity rail===
			] train at ]]]
	{{Further|State Roads in Florida}}
			* ] is a ] ] system.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0672|title=All Aboard Florida—Miami to Orlando Passenger Rail Service|website=Federal Railroad Authority|access-date=February 17, 2015|archive-date=June 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170628032825/https://www.fra.dot.gov/Page/P0672|url-status=live}}</ref> Service runs from ] station in downtown ] to the ] in ] with stops in ], ], ], and ].
	] crosses ], and is one of the largest bridges in the state.]]
			* Florida is also served by ], 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: ] (259,944), ] (179,142), ] (140,785), ] (94,556), and ] (74,733).<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.amtrak.com/pdf/factsheets/FLORIDA11.pdf |title= Amtrak Fact Sheet, Fiscal Year 2011, State of Florida |publisher= Amtrak |access-date= April 20, 2016 |archive-date= September 16, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160916015130/https://www.amtrak.com/pdf/factsheets/FLORIDA11.pdf |url-status= live }}</ref> ], in ], is the southern terminus of the '']'', which originates at ], south of Washington, D.C. Until 2005, Orlando was also the eastern terminus of the '']'', which travels across the southern United States via ], ], and ] to its western terminus of Los Angeles. Florida is served by two additional Amtrak trains (the '']'' and the '']''), which operate between New York City and Miami. ] in ] and the ] near ] are major hubs for ], ], ], and buses.
			===Public transit===
	Florida's ], ] and ] are maintained by the ]. Florida's ] contains 1,473&nbsp;miles (2,371&nbsp;km) of highway, and there are 9,934&nbsp;miles (15,987&nbsp;km) of non-interstate highway in the state, such as ] and ].
			{{Further|Transportation in South Florida}}
			], the state's only ] system. About 15% of Miami residents use public transit daily.]]
			], one of the few ] systems in use in the U.S. today, especially outside of an airport setting]]
			* Miami: Miami's public transportation is served by ] that runs ], a ] ] system, ], a ] train system in ], and ], Miami's bus system. Metrorail runs throughout ] and has two lines and 23 stations connecting to Downtown Miami's Metromover and ]. Metromover has three lines and 21 stations throughout ]. Outside of Miami-Dade County, public transit in the ] is served by ] and ]; intercounty ] service is provided by ], with 18 stations including the region's three international airports.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metrorail.asp|title=Metrorail—Miami-Dade County|first=Miami-Dade County Online|last=Services|website=Miamidade.gov|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=January 11, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190111065006/http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/metrorail.asp|url-status=live}}</ref>
			* Orlando: Orlando is served by the ] commuter train, which runs on a {{convert|32|mi}} ({{convert|61|mi}} when complete) line including four stops in downtown. ] serves the greater Orlando area in ], ], and ] counties.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sunrail.com/|title=SunRail—A Better Way To Go|website=sunrail.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=January 26, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126145254/https://sunrail.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>
			* Tampa: Tampa and its surrounding area use the ] system ("HART"). In addition, downtown Tampa has continuous trolley services in the form of a ] powered by ]. Pinellas County and St. Petersburg provide similar services through the ] or "PSTA". The beaches of ] also have a continuous trolley bus. Downtown St. Petersburg has a trolley system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gohart.org/|title=Home—Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority|website=Gohart.org|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=February 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214071818/http://www.gohart.org/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.psta.net/|title=Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority—PSTA|website=Psta.net|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=April 23, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220423081919/https://www.psta.net/|url-status=live}}</ref>
			* Jacksonville: Jacksonville is served by the ], an automated people mover ] connecting the ] downtown campus, the Northbank central business district, Convention Center, and Southbank locations. The system includes eight stops connected by two lines. ] bus has 180 vehicles with 56 lines.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.jtafla.com/schedules/skyway/|title=Jacksonville Transportation Authority—Skyway|website=Jtafla.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=October 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019035036/https://www.jtafla.com/schedules/skyway/|url-status=live}}</ref>
			==Sports==
	In 2011, there were about 9,000 ] in the state.On an average day, Floridians consume 21 million gallons of gasoline, ranking it third in national use.<ref>behind California and Texas</ref><ref>{{Cite news | first=R. Norman | last=Moody | title=Guidelines tight to drive a fuel tanker | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110130/NEWS01/101300318/Beachline-huge-artery-tankers| newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 2A | date=January 30, 2011 }}</ref><!---soft copy does NOT contain box scores given here and is only listed for (what?) versimilitude?--->
			{{Main|Sports in Florida}}
			{{See also|Sports teams in Florida}}
			] in ]]]
			] in ]]]
			] in ], home field of the ] of ]]]
			], home to various auto racing events, including the ]]]
			Florida has three ] teams, two ] teams, two ] teams, two ] teams, and two ] teams. Florida gained its first permanent major-league professional sports team in 1966 when the ] added the ]. Florida has given professional sports franchises some subsidies in the form of tax breaks since 1991.<ref>{{Cite news|first=Michael |last=Peltier |title=Lawmaker's bill would fine teams that black out games |url=http://www.cbs12.com/news/nfl-4736484-fasano-teams.html |newspaper=] |location=Melbourne, Florida |pages=4B |date=November 5, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117104716/http://www.cbs12.com/news/nfl-4736484-fasano-teams.html |archive-date=January 17, 2013 }}</ref><!--soft copy is ''not'' the same as hard copy but is similar in content-->
			About half of all ] teams conduct ] in the state, with teams informally organized into the "]". Throughout MLB history, other teams have held spring training in Florida.
	Motorists have the 45th worst rate of car insurance in the country. 24% are uninsured.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ircweb.org/news/ircum2011_042111.pdf |title=Recession Marked by Bump in Uninsured Motorists |format=PDF |accessdate=November 4, 2011}}</ref> 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 ] said that "Older drivers are more of a threat to themselves."<ref>{{Cite news | first=Britt | last=Kennerley | title=Olde drivers take fewer risks | url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20110918/NEWS01/109180309/Aging-out-driver-s-seat| newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 11A | date=September 18, 2011 }}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref>
			] (headquartered in ]) begins all three of its major auto racing series in Florida at ] in February, featuring the ]. Daytona also has the ] NASCAR race weekend in August. NASCAR also has a race weekend at ] in ] in October. The ] is one of the world's most prestigious endurance auto races. The ] and ] have held ] races as well.
	State highways are numbered according to convention. The first digits of state highways<ref>with some exceptions (such as ] connecting Interstate 95 to the ])</ref> are numbered with the first digit indicating what area of the state the road is in, from 1 in the north and east to 9 in the south and west. Major north-south state roads generally have one- or two-digit odd route numbers that increase from east to west, while major east-west state roads generally have one- or two-digit even route numbers that increase from north to south. Roads of secondary importance usually have three-digit route numbers. The first digit ''x'' of their route number is the same as the first digit of the road with two-digit number ''x''0 to the immediate north. The three-digit route numbers also increase from north to south for even numbers and east to west for odd numbers.
			Florida is a major ] hub. The ] is headquartered in ], the ] is headquartered in ] (a Jacksonville suburb) and the ] is headquartered in Daytona Beach. ], ], ], ] and ] are ] rounds.
	Following this convention, ], or Alton Rd. on Miami Beach, is farther east than ], which is Krome Ave, or the farthest west north-south road in Miami-Dade County. One notable exception to the convention is ], or the Palmetto Expressway (pictured at the right heading north) which, although even numbered, is signed north-south. State roads can have anywhere from one to four digits depending on the importance and location of the road.<ref>{{dead link|date=November 2011}}. Retrieved March 29, 2009. {{Wayback|url=http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/misc/RoadListing.htm|date =20080822052416}}{{dead link|date=November 2011}}</ref> County roads often follow this same system.
			Florida has teams in all five American major league sports. Florida's most recent major-league team, ], began play in MLS in 2020.<ref> {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210204011959/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/01/29/miami-mls-expansion-team-begin-play-2020 |date=February 4, 2021 }}, MLSsoccer.com, January 29, 2018.</ref>
	Prior to the construction of routes under the ], Florida began construction of a long cross-state ], ]. The first section, from ] south to the ] was completed in 1957. After a second section north through Orlando to ] (near present-day ]), and a ] around Miami to ], it was finished in 1974.
			The ] is an ] and ] tennis event, whereas the ] is an ] event.
	Florida's primary interstate routes include:
	* ] ], which bisects the state, connecting ], ], ], and ], connecting with ] in ] and ] in ].
	* ] ], which traverses the panhandle, connecting ], ], ] and ], with junctions with ] in ] and ] in ].
	* ] ], which enters the state near ] ({{convert|45|mi}} west of ]) and continues southward through ], ], ]'s eastern suburbs, ], ], ] and ], where it crosses the "]" as a ] to ] before turning southward and terminating in ]/] having junctions with ] in ] and ] in ].
	* ] ], which enters the state near ] and continues along the Atlantic Coast through ] ], ], ], ], ], ], ], and ] before terminating in ], with junctions with ] in ] and ] in ].
			There are minor league baseball, ], basketball, ], soccer and ] teams based in Florida.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.stateofflorida.com/professional-sports.aspx|title=State of Florida.com—Florida Professional Sports Teams|website=Stateofflorida.com|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=October 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181023200533/https://www.stateofflorida.com/professional-sports.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> ] is the largest football stadium in Florida, the ] stadium in ], and the ] stadium in the world, as measured by its official ] of 88,548—though, it has often held over 90,000 for Florida's home football games.
	====Intercity rail====
	] connects all major cities in Florida. This ] serves ] and ] ] service.]]
	Florida is served by ], 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: ] (259,944), ] (179,142), ] (140,785), ] (94,556), and ] (74,733).<ref>www.amtrak.com/pdf/factsheets/FLORIDA11.pdf</ref> ], in ], is the southern terminus of the ], which originates at ], south of Washington, D.C.. Orlando is also the eastern terminus of the ], which travels across the southern United States via ], ], and ] to its western terminus of Los Angeles. Florida is served by two additional Amtrak trains (the ] and the ]), which operate between New York City and Miami. ], the city's new ] is under construction, and is expected to be completed in 2013.
			Florida's universities have a number of ] programs. Major college football programs include the ] and ] of the ], and the ] of the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/8/22/17717562/florida-college-football-history-coaches-explain|title=Florida's 7 FBS head coaches explain college football's most chaotic state|website=Sbnation.com|date=August 22, 2018|access-date=May 9, 2022|archive-date=April 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220409043332/https://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2018/8/22/17717562/florida-college-football-history-coaches-explain|url-status=live}}</ref> Since 1996, Florida has added four additional teams to the ranks of ]: ], ], ] and ].
	The Miami metropolitan area is connected by ], a {{convert|70.9|mi}} long line with 18 stations which operates on Amtrak rails.
			==State symbols==
	The ] was preparing to build a ] between ], ] and ].<ref name="Lakeland Brief Mar 2010"/> This was to be the first phase of the ] system.<ref name="Environmental Studies"/> Soil work began in July 2010<ref name="Bullet Train Work Begins With Soil in I-4 Median"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=137356&catid=250 |title=Work begins on Florida's high speed rail|publisher=WTSP.com |date=July 19, 2010|accessdate=August 2, 2010|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhBku6W |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref> and construction of the line was slated to begin in 2011, with the initial Tampa-Orlando phase completed by 2014.<ref name="TBO Payment"/> The second phase, would have extended the line to Miami. Governor Scott, however, refused federal funds and the project has been canceled.
			{{Main|List of Florida state symbols}}
			], the ]]]
			]" motto on ] with an ], the ]]]
			], the ]]]
			], the state palm tree, in ]]]
			The majority of the symbols were chosen after 1950; only the two oldest symbols—the ] (chosen in 1909), and the ] (chosen in 1927)<!--, and the ] (chosen in 1970)-->—are not listed in the 2010 ].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?Mode=View%20Statutes&Submenu=1&Tab=statutes&CFID=33448909&CFTOKEN=67441032 |title=The 2010 Florida Statutes |publisher=] |access-date=May 21, 2011 |archive-date=May 17, 2011 |archive-url=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 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
			{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
	====Airports====
			* ''']''': ]
	] is the world's 10th-largest cargo airport, and the state's busiest airport.]]
	{{See also|List of airports in Florida}}		* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': "]"
	Major ] in Florida which processed more than 15 million passengers each in 2010 are ] (35,698,025), ] (34,877,899), ] (22,412,627) and ] (16,645,765).
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': "]"
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': "]"
			* ''']''': The Sunshine State
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': '']''
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': "]"
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			* ''']''': ]
			{{div col end}}
			==Sister states==
	Secondary airports, with annual passenger traffic exceeding 5 million each in 2010, include ] (Fort Myers) (7,514,316), ] (West Palm Beach) (5,887,723), and ] (5,601,500).<ref>www.aci-na.org/sites/default/files/_rankings-2010nam_.xls</ref>
	Florida's extensive coastline made it a perceived target during World War II, so the government built airstrips throughout the state; today, approximately 400 airports are still in service. According to the ], Florida has 131 public airports, and more than 700 private airports, airstrips, heliports, and seaplane bases.<ref name="NDIC">{{cite web|url=http://www.usdoj.gov/ndic/pubs5/5169/overview.htm |title=Florida Drug Threat Assessment-Overview |publisher=National Drug Intelligence Center |accessdate=July 18, 2007|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhDIcgB |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	==Sports==
	{{See also|Florida Sports Hall of Fame|List of sports teams in Florida}}
	Fourteen, about half, of all ] teams conduct ] in the state. Throughout MLB history other teams, at one time or another, held spring training in Florida.
	Yet Florida did not have a permanent major-league-level professional sports team until the ] added the ] in 1966. The state now has three ] teams, two ] teams, two ] teams, and two ] teams.
	The state of Florida has given professional sports franchises some subsidies in the form of tax breaks since 1991.<ref>{{Cite news | first=Michael | last=Peltier | title=Lawmaker's bill would fine teams that black out games | url=http://www.cbs12.com/news/nfl-4736484-fasano-teams.html| newspaper=] | location=Melbourne, Florida | pages= 4B | date=November 5, 2011 | id= }}</ref><!---soft copy is NOT the same as hard copy but is similar in content--->
	Three of the ]'s teams are in Florida.
	Golf, tennis, and ] are popular. ] (headquartered in ]) begins all three of its major Series in Florida at ], and ends all three Series in November at ]. The ] is headquartered in ] while the ] is headquartered in Daytona Beach.
	Minor league baseball, ], basketball, ], soccer and ] teams are based in Florida. Florida's universities have a number of ] teams. Florida is the traditional home for ] ], with teams informally organized into the "]".
	{| class="wikitable"		{| class="wikitable"
	|-		|-
			!style=background:bisque|Sister jurisdiction
	!Club
			!style=background:bisque|Country
	!League
			!style=background:bisque|Year<ref name="2001PDF"/>
	!Venue
	!Championships
	|-		|-
			||]||{{Flagu|France}}||1989
	|]
	|]
	|] (Miami Gardens)
	|2 (], ])
	|-		|-
			||]||{{flagdeco|ROC}} ]||1992
	|]
	|]
	|] (Miami)
	|1 (])
	|-		|-
			||]||{{Flagu|Japan}}||1995
	|]
	|]
	|] (Miami)
	|2 (], ])
	|-		|-
			||]||{{Flagu|South Africa}}||1995
	|]
	|]
	|] (])
	|0
	|-		|-
			||]||{{Flagu|Venezuela}}||1999
	|]
	|National Football League
	|] (Tampa)
	|1 (])
	|-		|-
			||]||{{Flagu|South Korea}}||2000
	|]
	|Major League Baseball
	|] (St. Petersburg)
	|0
	|-
	|]
	|National Hockey League
	|] (Tampa)
	|1 (])
	|-
	|]
	|National Basketball Association
	|] (Orlando)
	|0
	|-
	|]
	|National Football League
	|] (Jacksonville)
	|0
	|}		|}
	===Auto-racing tracks===
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	* ]
	<center><gallery perrow=6>
	File:American Airlines Arena, Miami, FL, jjron 29.03.2012.jpg|]<br>Miami<br><small>]</small>
	File:AmwayCenterFirstGame.jpg|]<br>]<br><small>]</small>
	File:EverBank1.jpg|]<br>]<br><small>]</small>
	File:Dolphinstadiumvikes.jpg|]<br>]<br><small>] & ]</small>
	File:St Pete Times Forum At Sunset.jpg|]<br>]<br><small>] & ]</small>
	File:TropGround.jpg|]<br>]<br><small>]</small>
	</gallery></center>
	==Sister states==
	{| class="wikitable" style="margin:1em auto;"
	|-
	!style=background:navajowhite|Sister jurisdiction
	!style=background:navajowhite|Country
	!style=background:navajowhite|Year<ref name="2001PDF"/>
	|-
	||]||{{Flagicon|France}} France||1989
	|-
	||]||{{Flagicon|Taiwan}} ]||1992
	|-
	||]||{{Flagicon|Japan}} Japan||1995
	|-
	||]||{{Flagicon|South Africa}} South Africa||1995
	|-
	||]||{{Flagicon|Venezuela}} ]||1999
	|-
	||]||{{Flagicon|South Korea}} ]||2000
	|}
	{{clear}}		{{clear}}
	==See also==		==See also==
			{{Portal|Florida|United States}}
	{{ports|History|New Spain|British Empire|Geography|North America|Northern America|United States|Florida}}
			* ]
	{{cto}}
			* ]
	*]
	*]		* ]
	*]		* ]
	*]
			==Notes==
	{{clear}}
			{{notelist}}
	==References==		==References==
	{{reflist|30em|refs=
			{{reflist|refs=
	<ref name="1870census">{{cite web|url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1870e-02.pdf |title=Compendium of the Ninth Census:Population, with race. |publisher=US Census Bureau |page=14 |accessdate=December 3, 2007 |format=PDF|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhC8LxJ |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="1870census">{{cite web|url=http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1870e-02.pdf |title=Compendium of the Ninth Census:Population, with race |publisher=US Census Bureau |page=14 |access-date=December 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100808224024/http://www2.census.gov/prod2/decennial/documents/1870e-02.pdf |archive-date=August 8, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	<ref name="2001PDF">{{cite web|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080627165012/http://internationalaffairs.flgov.com/pdf/sister.pdf |archivedate=June 27, 2008 |publisher=State of Florida|url=http://internationalaffairs.flgov.com/pdf/sister.pdf|format=PDF|title=Florida Sister City/Sister State Directory 2001|year=2001 |accessdate=August 19, 2010}}</ref>		<ref name="2001PDF">{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080627165012/http://internationalaffairs.flgov.com/pdf/sister.pdf |archive-date=June 27, 2008 |publisher=State of Florida|url=http://internationalaffairs.flgov.com/pdf/sister.pdf|title=Florida Sister City/Sister State Directory 2001|year=2001 |access-date=August 19, 2010}}</ref>
	<ref name="2008est">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/popest/states/NST-ann-est.html|title=Annual Population Estimates 2000 to 2008|publisher=US Census Bureau|accessdate=December 25, 2008|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5QkijRXXD |archivedate = July 31, 2007|deadurl=no}}</ref>		<ref name="DoE-profile">{{cite web |url=http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=FL |title=State Energy Profiles: Florida |publisher=U.S. Department of Energy |access-date=January 27, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080107073030/http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=FL |archive-date=January 7, 2008 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
			<!-- Not in use
	<ref name="DoE-profile">{{cite web|url=http://tonto.eia.doe.gov/state/state_energy_profiles.cfm?sid=FL |title=State Energy Profiles: Florida |publisher=US Department of Energy |accessdate=January 27, 2008|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhD3iaM |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="minwage">{{cite web|url=http://www.dol.gov/whd/state/tipped.htm#Florida |title=Florida's Minimum Wage Rates |publisher=U.S. Department of Labor |date=October 15, 2009 |access-date=November 8, 2012}}</ref>
			Not in use-->
	<ref name="abbott">{{cite web|url=http://www2.johnabbott.qc.ca/webpages/departments/geoscience/intro/Koppen/KoppenMap.htm |title=Köppen Climate Classification Map |publisher=John Abbott College, Geosciences Department |accessdate=July 18, 2007|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhDXR7h |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>		<ref name="pnsweather">{{cite web|url=http://www.sercc.com/cgi-bin/sercc/cliMAIN.pl?fl6997 |title=Pensacola FAA ARPT, Florida—Climate Summary |publisher=Southeast Regional Climate Center |access-date=January 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080118011757/http://www.sercc.com/cgi-bin/sercc/cliMAIN.pl?fl6997 |archive-date=January 18, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>
			<!-- Not in use
	<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.mla.org/map_data |title=Most spoken languages in Florida |publisher=] |accessdate=October 6, 2008|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071201170638/http%3A//www.mla.org/map_data |archivedate = December 1, 2007|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
			<ref name="About Phosphate">{{cite web|url=http://www.phosphateflorida.com/mosaic.asp?page=about_phosphate |title=About Phosphate |publisher=] |access-date=November 17, 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070923012437/http://www.phosphateflorida.com/mosaic.asp?page=about_phosphate |archive-date = September 23, 2007}}</ref>
			Not in use-->
	<!--unused ref		<!-- Not in use
			<ref name="America's 25 Weakest Housing Markets">{{Cite journal|url=https://www.forbes.com/realestate/2009/01/07/housing-cities-realestate-forbeslife-cx_do_0107realestateweak.html |title=America's 25 Weakest Housing Markets |author=Orr, Deborah |periodical=Forbes |date=January 7, 2009 |access-date=January 25, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090122022234/http://www.forbes.com/realestate/2009/01/07/housing-cities-realestate-forbeslife-cx_do_0107realestateweak.html |archive-date=January 22, 2009 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	<ref name="autogenerated2">{{cite web|url=http://www.mla.org/map_data |title=MLA Language Map Data Center |publisher=] |accessdate=October 6, 2008|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20071201170638/http%3A//www.mla.org/map_data |archivedate = December 1, 2007|deadurl=yes}}</ref>
	-->		Not in use-->
			<ref name="Article 2, Section 9, Constitution of the State of Florida">{{cite web |url=https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Constitution#A2S09 |title=Article 2, Section 9, Constitution of the State of Florida |publisher=State of Florida |access-date=September 14, 2018 |date=1988 |archive-date=September 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180914203652/https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Constitution#A2S09 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	<!--unused ref
	<ref name="census">{{cite web|title=2000 Census |url=ftp://ftp.census.gov/census_2000/datasets/Summary_File_4/Florida/flgeo_uf4.zip |publisher=US Census Bureau |accessdate=July 18, 2007 |format=ZIP}}</ref>
	-->
			<!-- Not in use
	<ref name="iht">{{Cite news|url=http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/10/13/business/oil.php?page=1 |title=Gulf of Mexico's depths beckon |author=Mouawad, Jad |date=October 13, 2005 |work=] |accessdate=February 2, 2008|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhELuk0 |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="Beaches get pumped up">{{Cite news|first=Jim |last=Waymer |title=Beaches get pumped up |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100215/NEWS01/2150312/Beaches-get-pumped-up |work=Florida Today |location=Melbourne, Florida |page=13A |date=February 15, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100217092145/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100215/NEWS01/2150312/Beaches-get-pumped-up |archive-date=February 17, 2010 }}</ref>
			Not in use-->
			<!-- Not in use
	<ref name="minwage">{{cite web|url=http://www.floridajobs.org/minimumwage/index.htm |title=Florida's Minimum Wage |publisher=State of Florida, Agency for Workforce Innovation |date=October 15, 2009 |accessdate=July 16, 2010|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhEnu0t |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="Census Bureau: 1 in 3 Virginians Pays Plenty for Housing">{{Cite news |url=http://www.sungazette.net/articles/2009/10/16/quarterly_real_estate_guide/re790d.txt |title=Census Bureau: 1 in 3 Virginians Pays Plenty for Housing |work=Arlington Sun Gazette |date=October 15, 2009 |last=McCaffrey |first=Scott |access-date=October 16, 2009 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20101120124359/http://www.sungazette.net/articles/2009/10/16/quarterly_real_estate_guide/re790d.txt |archive-date=November 20, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
			Not in use-->
			<ref name="Claude Roy Kirk Jr.">{{cite web|url=http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/museum/collections/governors/about.cfm?id=43 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081202150529/http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/museum/collections/governors/about.cfm?id=43 |archive-date=December 2, 2008 |title=Claude Roy Kirk, Jr. |publisher=Office of Cultural and Historic Programs, State of Florida |access-date=February 26, 2008}}</ref>
	<ref name="pnsweather">{{cite web|url=http://www.sercc.com/cgi-bin/sercc/cliMAIN.pl?fl6997 |title=PENSACOLA FAA ARPT, FLORIDA—Climate Summary |publisher=Southeast Regional Climate Center |accessdate=January 26, 2008|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhEz8G7 |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<!-- Not in use
	<ref name="tlhweather">{{cite web|url=http://www.sercc.com/cgi-bin/sercc/cliMAIN.pl?fl8758 |title=TALLAHASSEE WSO AP, FLORIDA—Climate Summary |publisher=Southeast Regional Climate Center |accessdate=January 26, 2008|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhHNzpS |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="Commodity Profile: Citrus">{{cite web|url=http://aic.ucdavis.edu/profiles/Citrus-2006.pdf |title=Commodity Profile: Citrus |publisher=Agricultural Issues Center, ] |access-date=November 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100331082917/http://aic.ucdavis.edu/profiles/Citrus-2006.pdf |archive-date=March 31, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
			Not in use-->
			<ref name="County Medicaid tab rises, could get worse">{{Cite news|first=Will |last=Hobson |title=County Medicaid tab rises, could get worse |url=http://www.newsherald.com/articles/tab-80645-city-worse.html |work=The Miami Herald |date=January 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110817132244/http://www.newsherald.com/articles/tab-80645-city-worse.html |archive-date=August 17, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	<ref name="tpaweather">{{cite web|url=http://www.sercc.com/cgi-bin/sercc/cliMAIN.pl?fl8788 |title=TAMPA WSCMO ARPT, FLORIDA—Climate Summary |publisher=Southeast Regional Climate Center |accessdate=January 26, 2008|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhHTQm5 |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<!-- Not in use
	<ref name="2.5 million on Fla. food stamps">{{Cite news|first=Josh|last=Hafenbrack|title=2.5 million on Fla. food stamps|url=http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2010-03-09/news/fl-food-stamps-record-20100308_1_food-stamps-don-winstead-canned| work=]|location=Fort Lauderdale, Florida|date=March 9, 2010| accessdate=July 16, 2010|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhIY7cZ |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="Crop Profile for Celery in Florida">{{cite web|url=http://www.ipmcenters.org/cropprofiles/docs/FLCelery.html |title=Crop Profile for Celery in Florida |publisher=NSF Center for Integrated Pest Management, ] |access-date=November 17, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809071738/http://www.ipmcenters.org/cropprofiles/docs/FLCelery.html |archive-date=August 9, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
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			<ref name="E. J. Gurney, 82, Senator Who Backed Nixon">{{Cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D01E4DD1E39F930A15756C0A960958260 |title=E. J. Gurney, 82, Senator Who Backed Nixon |last=Thomas |first=Robert McG Jr. |date=May 23, 1996 |newspaper=] |access-date=February 26, 2008 |archive-date=September 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919042856/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D01E4DD1E39F930A15756C0A960958260 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	<ref name="2005-2006 Accountability Report: Quality, Productivity, Diversity, and Access">{{cite web|url=http://www.icuf.org/_docs/2005-2006_Acct_Report.pdf |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070925205651/http://www.icuf.org/_docs/2005-2006_Acct_Report.pdf |archivedate=September 25, 2007 |title=2005–2006 Accountability Report: Quality, Productivity, Diversity, and Access |last=Atherton |first=Blair |date = August 2006|accessdate=September 14, 2007 |format=PDF}}</ref>
			<ref name="Energy Consumption by Source and Total Consumption per Capita, Ranked by State, 2004">{{cite web|url=http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/states/sep_sum/html/pdf/rank_use_per_cap.pdf |title=Energy Consumption by Source and Total Consumption per Capita, Ranked by State, 2004 |publisher=] |access-date=January 27, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115102441/http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/states/sep_sum/html/pdf/rank_use_per_cap.pdf |archive-date=January 15, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	<!-- unused ref
	<ref name="2006 North America Airports Traffic Statistics">{{cite web|url=http://www.aci-na.org/asp/traffic.asp?art=215 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20071103200444/http://www.aci-na.org/asp/traffic.asp?art=215 |archivedate=November 3, 2007 |title=2006 North America Airports Traffic Statistics |publisher=] |accessdate=October 18, 2007}}</ref>
	-->
			<ref name="Florida's Geological History">{{cite web|url=http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW208 |first=Ginger M. |last=Allen |author2=Main, Martin B |title=Florida's Geological History |date=May 2005 |website=Florida Cooperative Extension Service |publisher=University of Florida |access-date=January 20, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101204183821/http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/uw208 |archive-date=December 4, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	<ref name="6.0 quake in Gulf shakes Southeast">{{Cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/science/09/10/gulf.quake/index.html |title=6.0 quake in Gulf shakes Southeast |publisher=CNN |date=September 11, 2006 |accessdate=December 3, 2007|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhIo58G |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	<ref name="About Phosphate">{{cite web|url=http://www.phosphateflorida.com/mosaic.asp?page=about_phosphate |title=About Phosphate |publisher=] |accessdate=November 17, 2007 |archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070923012437/http://www.phosphateflorida.com/mosaic.asp?page=about_phosphate |archivedate = September 23, 2007}}</ref>		<ref name="Florida1">{{cite web |url=http://www.270towin.com/states/Florida |title=Florida |date=January 2, 2010 |publisher=270towin.com |access-date=January 2, 2010 |archive-date=January 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128211209/https://www.270towin.com/states/florida |url-status=live }}</ref>
			<ref name="Historical Census Browser: 1960 US Census">{{cite web|title=Historical Census Browser: 1960 US Census |website=University of Virginia, Geospatial and Statistical Data Center |publisher=] |year=2004 |url=http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/stats/histcensus/php/start.php?year=V1960 |access-date=August 29, 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070808165831/http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/stats/histcensus/php/start.php?year=V1960 |archive-date=August 8, 2007 }}</ref>
	<ref name="America's 25 Weakest Housing Markets">{{Cite journal|url=http://www.forbes.com/realestate/2009/01/07/housing-cities-realestate-forbeslife-cx_do_0107realestateweak.html?partner=relatedstoriesbox |title=America's 25 Weakest Housing Markets |author=Orr, Deborah |periodical='']'' |date=January 7, 2009 |accessdate=January 25, 2009|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhJGN59 |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="Industry overview">{{cite web|url=http://www.hoovers.com/chemical-manufacturing---agricultural-/--ID__161--/free-ind-fr-profile-basic.xhtml |title=Industry overview |date=March 25, 2010 |work=First research |publisher=] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100214155711/http://www.hoovers.com/chemical-manufacturing---agricultural-/--ID__161--/free-ind-fr-profile-basic.xhtml |archive-date=February 14, 2010 }}</ref>
	<ref name="Article 2, Section 9, Constitution of the State of Florida">{{cite web | url=http://www.leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?mode=constitution&submenu=3&tab=statutes#A02S09 | title= Article 2, Section 9, Constitution of the State of Florida | publisher=State of Florida | accessdate=December 8, 2008|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhJUz8h |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
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	<ref name="Beaches get pumped up">{{Cite news|first=Jim|last=Waymer|title=Beaches get pumped up|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100215/NEWS01/2150312/Beaches-get-pumped-up| work =Florida Today|location=Melbourne, Florida|page= 13A|date=February 15, 2010}}{{Dead link|date=April 2010}}</ref>
			<ref name="Locals to protest fish regulation">{{Cite news|first=Wayne T. |last=Price |title=Locals to protest fish regulation |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100223/BUSINESS/2230313/Locals-to-protest-fish-regulations |work=Florida Today |location=Melbourne, Florida |page=8C |date=February 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207052954/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100223/BUSINESS/2230313/Locals-to-protest-fish-regulations |archive-date=February 7, 2015 }}</ref>
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	<ref name="Bullet Train Work Begins With Soil in I-4 Median">{{cite web|url=http://www.theledger.com/article/20100720/NEWS/7205036/1338 |title=Bullet Train Work Begins With Soil in I-4 Median |work=]|location=Lakeland, Florida|date=July 20, 2010 |accessdate=August 2, 2010}}</ref>
			<ref name="Military-friendly bill cruise">{{Cite news|first=Jim|last=Ash|title=Military-friendly bill cruise| work=Florida Today|location=Melbourne, Florida|page= 9B|date=April 15, 2009}}</ref>
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	<ref name="Census Bureau: 1 in 3 Virginians Pays Plenty for Housing">{{Cite news|url=http://www.sungazette.net/articles/2009/10/16/quarterly_real_estate_guide/re790d.txt |title=Census Bureau: 1 in 3 Virginians Pays Plenty for Housing|work=Arlington Sun Gazette |date=October 15, 2009 |last=McCaffrey |first=Scott |accessdate=October 16, 2009|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhJb7An |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="More earthquakes than usual? Not really.">{{Cite news|first=Margaret Webb|last=Presler|title=More earthquakes than usual? Not really| work=KidsPost| location=Washington D.C.|page= C10|date=April 14, 2010}}</ref>-->
			<!--url does not contain box statistics that print edition does and is included for info only-->
			<ref name="Names on the Land: A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States">From the 1601 publication by the pre-eminent historian of 16th-century Spanish exploration in America, ], in {{Cite book|title=Names on the Land: A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States |url=https://archive.org/details/namesofland0000unse |url-access=registration |last= Stewart|first=George |author-link=George R. Stewart|year=1945 |publisher= Random House|location=New York |pages= –12 |isbn=978-1-59017-273-5}}</ref>
	<ref name="Claude Roy Kirk, Jr.">{{cite web|url=http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/museum/collections/governors/about.cfm?id=43 |archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070818093043/http://dhr.dos.state.fl.us/museum/collections/governors/about.cfm?id=43 |archivedate=August 18, 2007 |title=Claude Roy Kirk, Jr. |publisher=Office of Cultural and Historic Programs, State of Florida |accessdate=February 26, 2008}}</ref>
			<ref name="New Arizona law puts police in 'tenuous' spot">{{Cite news|first=Peter |last=Slevin |title=New Arizona law puts police in 'tenuous' spot |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/29/AR2010042904970.html |newspaper=] |location=Washington, D.C. |page=A4 |date=April 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110131615/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/29/AR2010042904970.html |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	<ref name="Commodity Profile: Citrus">{{cite web|url=http://aic.ucdavis.edu/profiles/Citrus-2006.pdf |title=Commodity Profile: Citrus |publisher=Agricultural Issues Center, ] |accessdate=November 17, 2007|format=PDF|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5njYAy7dR |archivedate = February 22, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
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	<ref name="County Medicaid tab rises, could get worse">{{Cite news|first=Will|last=Hobson|title=County Medicaid tab rises, could get worse|url=http://www.newsherald.com/articles/tab-80645-city-worse.html|work=The Miami Herald|date=January 16, 2010|id=|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhK9ex1 |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="New laws include auto inspection repeal">{{cite web|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=aJoTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SgYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6830,6180921&dq=state+auto+inspection+florida+history |title=New laws include auto inspection repeal |date=September 27, 1981 |website=Ocala Star-Banner }}</ref>-->
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	<ref name="Crop Profile for Celery in Florida">{{cite web|url=http://www.ipmcenters.org/cropprofiles/docs/FLCelery.html |title=Crop Profile for Celery in Florida |publisher=NSF Center for Integrated Pest Management, ] |accessdate=November 17, 2007|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhL9w1x |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="No to noncourt foreclosures">{{Cite news|first=Eric |last=Enrique |title=No to noncourt foreclosures |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100227/COLUMNISTS0205/100226017/1138/opinion/No+to+noncourt+foreclosures |work=Florida Today |location=Melbourne, Florida |page=13A |date=February 27, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316131252/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100227/COLUMNISTS0205/100226017/1138/opinion/No%2Bto%2Bnoncourt%2Bforeclosures |archive-date=March 16, 2015 }}</ref>
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	<ref name="De Bow's Review, Vol. XXII Third Series Vol. II">The name Florida, sometimes expanded to cover more of the present-day southeastern U.S., remained the most commonly used Spanish term, however, throughout the entire period. {{Cite book|title=De Bow's Review, Vol. XXII Third Series Vol. II|last= De Bow|first=J.D.B. |authorlink=James Dunwoody Brownson DeBow |year=1857 |location=Washington, D.C. and New Orleans |pages= 303–305}}</ref>
			<ref name="Not all alien invaders are from outer space">{{cite web|url=http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/invasive/4fireant.html |title=Not all alien invaders are from outer space |publisher=] |access-date=December 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101016203026/http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/invasive/4fireant.html |archive-date=October 16, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>-->
			<!--unused ref name="Official: Design rules haven't cost Palm Bay new businesses">{{cite web |url=http://m.floridatoday.com/news.jsp?key=201475 |title=Official: Design rules haven't cost Palm Bay new businesses |website=Florida Today |date=April 23, 2009 |access-date=August 2, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130821061223/http://m.floridatoday.com/news.jsp?key=201475 |archive-date=August 21, 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref-->
	<ref name="E. J. Gurney, 82, Senator Who Backed Nixon">{{Cite news|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9D01E4DD1E39F930A15756C0A960958260 |title=E. J. Gurney, 82, Senator Who Backed Nixon |last=Thomas, Jr |first=Robert McG |date=May 23, 1996 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=February 26, 2008}}</ref>
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	<ref name="Energy Consumption by Source and Total Consumption per Capita, Ranked by State, 2004">{{cite web|url=http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/states/sep_sum/html/pdf/rank_use_per_cap.pdf |title=Energy Consumption by Source and Total Consumption per Capita, Ranked by State, 2004 |publisher=] |accessdate=January 27, 2008 |format=PDF|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5njYAKsfI |archivedate = February 22, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="Our views:Playing with fire">{{Cite news|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090320/OPINION/90319027/1006/NEWS01 |title=Our views:Playing with fire |work=] |date=March 20, 2009 |access-date=March 22, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316145607/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090320/OPINION/90319027/1006/NEWS01 |archive-date=March 16, 2015 }}</ref>
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			<!--ref name="Population and Population Centers by State: 2000">{{cite web|url=https://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt |title=Population and Population Centers by State: 2000 |publisher=U.S. Census Bureau |access-date=November 17, 2007|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100223204810/http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt |archive-date = February 23, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref-->
	<ref name="Environmental Studies">{{cite web|url=http://www.floridahighspeedrail.org/Environmental_Studies.html |title=Environmental Studies |publisher=Floridahighspeedrail.org |date=May 20, 2010 |accessdate=August 2, 2010}}
	{{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
			<ref name="Record number of panthers killed by vehicles in 2009">{{Cite news |url=http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/dec/29/16-record-number-panthers-killed-vehicles-2009/ |title=Record number of panthers killed by vehicles in 2009 |last=Williams Hale |first=Leslie |work=] |date=December 29, 2009 |access-date=January 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205105129/http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/dec/29/16-record-number-panthers-killed-vehicles-2009/ |archive-date=December 5, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
	<ref name="Florida's Geological History">{{cite web|url=http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/UW208 |first=Ginger M. |last=Allen |coauthors=Main, Martin B |title=Florida's Geological History |month=May |year=2005 |work=Florida Cooperative Extension Service |publisher=University of Florida |accessdate=January 20, 2009|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhNFF0t |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="Retired Military Personnel">{{Cite news|title=Retired Military Personnel| work=The Intercom| publisher=Military Officers Association of Cape Canaveral|location=Patrick Air Force Base, Florida|page= 4|date=June 2009}}</ref>
	<ref name="Florida1">{{cite web|url=http://www.270towin.com/states/Florida |title=Florida |date=January 2, 2010 |publisher=270towin.com |quote= }}</ref>
			<!--REFERENCE NOT BEING USED IN ARTICLE
	<ref name="Florida:Earthquake History">{{cite web|url=http://earthquake.usgs.gov/regional/states/florida/history.php |title=Florida:Earthquake History |publisher=] |accessdate=December 3, 2007|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhNX4G0 |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="State creates season for hunting pythons">{{Cite news |title=State creates season for hunting pythons |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100222/BREAKINGNEWS/100222008/Officials-set-new-python-hunting-season |work=Florida Today |location=Melbourne, Florida |page=6B |date=February 23, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100224102357/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100222/BREAKINGNEWS/100222008/Officials-set-new-python-hunting-season |archive-date=February 24, 2010 }}</ref>-->
			<ref name="Study of Disputed Florida Ballots Finds Justices Did Not Cast the Deciding Vote">{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/12/politics/12VOTE.html | title=Study of Disputed Florida Ballots Finds Justices Did Not Cast the Deciding Vote | newspaper=] | first1=Ford | last1=Fessenden | first2=John M. | last2=Broder | date=November 12, 2001 | access-date=February 16, 2017 | archive-date=August 31, 2016 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160831061950/http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/12/politics/12VOTE.html | url-status=live }}</ref>
	<ref name="Gross Domestic Product by state Table 8:Gross Domestic Product by State in Current Dollars, 2003-2006">{{cite web|url=http://www.bea.gov/scb/pdf/2007/07%20July/0707_gdp_state.pdf |title=Gross Domestic Product by state Table 8:Gross Domestic Product by State in Current Dollars, 2003–2006 |publisher=], ] |month=July|year=2007 |accessdate=March 2, 2008 |format=PDF|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhNekmW |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			<ref name="The New York Times">{{Cite news|title=Florida's Split: Will It Play in the Panhandle?|last=Navarro|first=Mireya|newspaper=]|url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C01E1D81330F932A1575AC0A96E958260|date=September 21, 1998|access-date=May 2, 2010|archive-date=February 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210220154033/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/09/21/us/florida-s-split-will-it-play-in-the-panhandle.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
	<ref name="Historical Census Browser: 1900 US Census">{{cite web |title = Historical Census Browser: 1900 US Census |work = University of Virginia, Geospatial and Statistical Data Center |publisher = ] |year = 2004 |url = http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/stats/histcensus/php/start.php?year=V1900 |accessdate =August 29, 2008 }}
	{{Dead link|date=April 2010}}</ref>
			<ref name="The Washington Times">{{cite web|title=As I-4 corridor goes, so goes Florida |last=Lengell |first=Sean |website=The Washington Times |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20080128/NATION/3421225/1001 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080131084327/http://washingtontimes.com/article/20080128/NATION/3421225/1001 |archive-date=January 31, 2008 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	<ref name="Historical Census Browser: 1960 US Census">{{cite web |title = Historical Census Browser: 1960 US Census |work = University of Virginia, Geospatial and Statistical Data Center |publisher = ] |year = 2004 |url = http://fisher.lib.virginia.edu/collections/stats/histcensus/php/start.php?year=V1960 |accessdate =August 29, 2008 }}
	{{Dead link|date=April 2010}}</ref>
			<ref name="Tide's toxins trouble lungs ashore">{{Cite news|url=https://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/03/28/tides_toxins_trouble_lungs_ashore/ |title=Tide's toxins trouble lungs ashore |last=Daley |first=Beth |work=] |date=March 28, 2005 |access-date=December 3, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120216042000/http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/03/28/tides_toxins_trouble_lungs_ashore/ |archive-date=February 16, 2012 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	<ref name="Industry overview">{{cite web|url=http://www.hoovers.com/chemical-manufacturing---agricultural-/--ID__161--/free-ind-fr-profile-basic.xhtml |title=Industry overview |date=March 25, 2010 |work=First research |publisher=hoovers.com |quote= }}</ref>
			<ref name="Voter Registration by Party Affiliation and County">{{cite web |url=http://election.dos.state.fl.us/voterreg/registration.asp |title=Voter Registration by Party Affiliation and County |date=January 2008 |publisher=Florida Department of State |access-date=February 26, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111124083756/http://election.dos.state.fl.us/voterreg/registration.asp |archive-date=November 24, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
	<ref name="Lakeland Brief Mar 2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.floridahighspeedrail.org/uploads/LAKELAND_FHSR_PRESENTATION_MARCH_2010.pdf|title=FLORIDA HIGH SPEED RAIL UPDATE:Regional Rail Briefing March 24, 2010, Lakeland |accessdate=April 7, 2010 |year=2010 |month=March |format=PDF |publisher=Florida Department of Transportation}}
	{{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
			<!--REFERENCE NOT BEING USED IN ARTICLE
	<ref name="Locals to protest fish regulation">{{Cite news|first=Wayne T.|last=Price|title=Locals to protest fish regulation|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100223/BUSINESS/2230313/Locals-to-protest-fish-regulations| work=Florida Today|location=Melbourne, Florida|page= 8C|date=February 23, 2010}}
			<ref name="Whale habitat could grow">{{Cite news|first=Jim |last=Waymer |title=Whale habitat could grow |url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20091228/NEWS01/912280303/1086/Whale+habitat+could+grow |work=Florida Today |location=Melbourne, Florida |page=1A |date=December 28, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091231040804/http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20091228/NEWS01/912280303/1086/Whale%2Bhabitat%2Bcould%2Bgrow |archive-date=December 31, 2009 }}</ref>-->
	{{Dead link|date=April 2010}}</ref>
			<ref name="William C. Cramer, 81, a Leader Of G.O.P. Resurgence in South">{{Cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E03EFDF1131F934A15753C1A9659C8B63 |title=William C. Cramer, 81, a Leader of G.O.P. Resurgence in South |last=Saxon |first=Wolfgang |date=October 27, 2003 |newspaper=] |access-date=February 26, 2008 |archive-date=September 19, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080919042944/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E03EFDF1131F934A15753C1A9659C8B63 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	<ref name="Military-friendly bill cruise">{{Cite news|first=Jim|last=Ash|title=Military-friendly bill cruise|url=| work=Florida Today|location=Melbourne, Florida|page= 9B|date=April 15, 2009}}</ref>
			<ref name="archives1">{{cite web|url=https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/2000_certificates/vote_florida.html |title=Florida Certificate of Vote |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919083339/http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/2000_certificates/vote_florida.html |archive-date=September 19, 2011 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	<ref name="More earthquakes than usual? Not really.">{{Cite news|first=Margaret Webb|last=Presler|title=More earthquakes than usual? Not really.|url=| work=KidsPost| location=Washington D.C.|page= C10|date=April 14, 2010|id=}}</ref>
			<ref name="archives2000">{{cite web|url=https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/votes/2000.html |title=U.S. Electoral College |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121105847/http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/votes/2000.html |archive-date=November 21, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>
	<ref name="Names on the Land: A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States">From the 1601 publication by the pre-eminent historian of 16th century Spanish exploration in America, ], in {{Cite book|title=Names on the Land: A Historical Account of Place-Naming in the United States |last= Stewart|first=George |authorlink=George R. Stewart|year=1945 |publisher= Random House|location=New York |pages= 11–12 |isbn=978-1-59017-273-5}}</ref>
	<ref name="New Arizona law puts police in 'tenuous' spot">{{Cite news|first=Peter|last=Slevin|title=New Arizona law puts police in 'tenuous' spot|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/04/29/AR2010042904970.html?sid=ST2010042905051|work=Washington Post|location=Washington, D.C.|page= A4|date=April 30, 2010|id=|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhOX3cx |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>		<!--unused<ref name="thearda">{{cite web|url=http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/12_2000.asp|title=State Membership Reports |access-date=June 15, 2010 |work= thearda.com |archive-url = https://www.webcitation.org/5uNhSejbd?url=http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/12_2000.asp |archive-date = November 20, 2010|url-status=live}}</ref-->
			<!--unused<ref name="Bullet Train Work Begins With Soil in I-4 Median">{{cite web|url=http://www.theledger.com/article/20100720/NEWS/7205036/1338 |title=Bullet Train Work Begins With Soil in I-4 Median |work=]|location=Lakeland, Florida|date=July 20, 2010 |access-date=August 2, 2010}}</ref>-->
	<ref name="New laws include auto inspection repeal">{{cite web|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=aJoTAAAAIBAJ&sjid=SgYEAAAAIBAJ&pg=6830,6180921&dq=state+auto+inspection+florida+history&hl=en |title=New laws include auto inspection repeal |date=September 27, 1981 |work=Ocala Star-Banner |quote= }}</ref>
			<!--unused<ref name="Environmental Studies">{{cite web|url=http://www.floridahighspeedrail.org/Environmental_Studies.html |title=Environmental Studies |publisher=Floridahighspeedrail.org |date=May 20, 2010 |access-date=August 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616015122/http://floridahighspeedrail.org/Environmental_Studies.html |archive-date=June 16, 2010 }}</ref>-->
	<ref name="No to noncourt foreclosures">{{Cite news|first=Eric|last=Enrique|title=No to noncourt foreclosures|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100227/COLUMNISTS0205/100226017/1138/opinion/No+to+noncourt+foreclosures| work=Florida Today|location=Melbourne, Florida|page= 13A|date=February 27, 2010}}
	{{dead link|date=November 2010}}</ref>
			<!--unused<ref name="Lakeland Brief Mar 2010">{{cite web|url=http://www.floridahighspeedrail.org/uploads/LAKELAND_FHSR_PRESENTATION_MARCH_2010.pdf |title=Florida High Speed Rail Update: Regional Rail Briefing March 24, 2010, Lakeland |access-date=April 7, 2010 |date=March 2010 |format=PDF |publisher=Florida Department of Transportation |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100616020935/http://floridahighspeedrail.org/uploads/LAKELAND_FHSR_PRESENTATION_MARCH_2010.pdf |archive-date=June 16, 2010 }}</ref>-->
	<ref name="Not all alien invaders are from outer space">{{cite web|url=http://www.aphis.usda.gov/lpa/pubs/invasive/4fireant.html |title=Not all alien invaders are from outer space |publisher=] |accessdate=December 3, 2007|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhOujmD |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			}}
			* Mahon, John K.; Brent R. Weisman (1996). "Florida's Seminole and Miccosukee Peoples". In Gannon, Michael (Ed.). ''The New History of Florida'', pp.&nbsp;183–206. University Press of Florida. {{ISBN|0-8130-1415-8}}.
			==Bibliography==
	<ref name="Official: Design rules haven't cost Palm Bay new businesses">{{cite web|url=http://m.floridatoday.com/news.jsp?key=201475 |title=Official: Design rules haven't cost Palm Bay new businesses |work=Florida Today |date=April 23, 2009 |accessdate=August 2, 2010|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhP9XX5 |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
			* 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==
	<ref name="Our views:Playing with fire">{{Cite news|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20090320/OPINION/90319027/1006/NEWS01 |title=Our views:Playing with fire| work=]|date=March 20, 2009 |accessdate=March 22, 2009}}
	{{Dead link|date=April 2010}}</ref>
			{{Sister project links|Florida|voy=Florida}}
	<!----
	<ref name="Population Estimates">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/SUB-EST2009.html |title=Population Estimates |publisher= US Census Bureau |accessdate=August 2, 2010|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhPG2Ff |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	--->
	<ref name="Population and Population Centers by State: 2000">{{cite web|url=http://www.census.gov/geo/www/cenpop/statecenters.txt |title=Population and Population Centers by State: 2000 |publisher=US Census Bureau |accessdate=November 17, 2007|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5mqyj8Y7G |archivedate = January 17, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	<ref name="Poverty estimates pain sad picture">{{Cite news|first=Paul|last=Flemming|title=Poverty estimates pain sad picture|url=http://www.flapolitics.com/diary/4285/florida-political-news-november-28-2009|work=Florida Today|location=Melbourne, Florida|page= 8B|date=November 29, 2009|id=|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhPTO3J |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	<ref name="Record number of panthers killed by vehicles in 2009">{{Cite news|url=http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2009/dec/29/16-record-number-panthers-killed-vehicles-2009/ |title=Record number of panthers killed by vehicles in 2009 |last=Williams Hale |first=Leslie |work=] |date=December 29, 2009 |accessdate=January 1, 2010|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhPxXtB |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	<ref name="Retired Military Personnel">{{Cite news|title=Retired Military Personnel|url=| work=The Intercom| publisher=Military Officers Association of Cape Canaveral|location=Patrick Air Force Base, Florida|page= 4|date=June 2009|id=}}</ref>
	<ref name="Rough week ahead for allergy sufferers">{{Cite news | first=John A. | last=Torres | title=Rough week ahead for allergy sufferers | url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/floridatoday/access/1974750171.html?FMT=CITE&date=Mar+02%2C+2010| work=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 1A | date=March 2, 2010 }}</ref>
	<ref name="STATE PERSONAL INCOME 2011">{{cite web|url=http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/regional/spi/2010/pdf/spi0310.pdf |title=STATE PERSONAL INCOME 2011 |publisher=Bureau of Economic Analysis, United States Department of Commerce |date=March 28, 2012 |accessdate=April 14, 2012|archiveurl = http://www.bea.gov/newsreleases/regional/spi/sqpi_newsrelease.htm |archivedate = April 14, 2012|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	<ref name="State creates season for hunting pythons">{{Cite news|first=Associated Press|title=State creates season for hunting pythons|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100222/BREAKINGNEWS/100222008/Officials-set-new-python-hunting-season| work=Florida Today|location=Melbourne, Florida|page= 6B|date=February 23, 2010|id=}}{{Dead link|date=April 2010}}</ref>
	<ref name="Study of Disputed Florida Ballots Finds Justices Did Not Cast the Deciding Vote">{{Cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/12/politics/12VOTE.html?pagewanted=all|title=Study of Disputed Florida Ballots Finds Justices Did Not Cast the Deciding Vote | work=The New York Times | first1=Ford | last1=Fessenden | first2=John M. | last2=Broder | date=November 12, 2001}}</ref>
	<ref name="TBO Payment">Jackovics, Ted. January 28, 2010, {{dead link|date=November 2011}} . Retrieved February 18, 2010.</ref>
	<ref name="The New York Times">{{Cite news|title=Florida's Split: Will It Play in the Panhandle?|last=Navarro |first=Mireya |work=The New York Times |url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C01E1D81330F932A1575AC0A96E958260&sec=&spon=&pagewanted=all|date=September 21, 1998|accessdate=May 2, 2010}}</ref>
	<ref name="The Washington Times">{{cite web|title=As I-4 corridor goes, so goes Florida|last=Lengell |first=Sean |work=The Washington Times |url=http://www.washingtontimes.com/article/20080128/NATION/3421225/1001|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhRoqUy |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	<ref name="Tide's toxins trouble lungs ashore">{{Cite news|url=http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2005/03/28/tides_toxins_trouble_lungs_ashore/ |title=Tide's toxins trouble lungs ashore |last=Daley |first=Beth |work=Boston Globe |date=March 28, 2005 |accessdate=December 3, 2007|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhRwvVm |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	<ref name="Voter Registration by Party Affiliation and County">{{cite web|url=http://election.dos.state.fl.us/voterreg/registration.asp |title=Voter Registration by Party Affiliation and County |month=January|year=2008 |publisher=Florida Department of State |accessdate=February 26, 2008|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhSDZeq |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	<ref name="Whale habitat could grow">{{Cite news|first=Jim|last=Waymer|title=Whale habitat could grow|url=http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20091228/NEWS01/912280303/1086/Whale+habitat+could+grow| work=Florida Today|location=Melbourne, Florida|page= 1A|date=December 28, 2009|id=}}{{Dead link|date=April 2010}}</ref>
	<ref name="William C. Cramer, 81, a Leader Of G.O.P. Resurgence in South">{{Cite news|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E03EFDF1131F934A15753C1A9659C8B63 |title=William C. Cramer, 81, a Leader Of G.O.P. Resurgence in South |last=Saxon |first=Wolfgang |date=October 27, 2003 |work=The New York Times |accessdate=February 26, 2008}}</ref>
	<ref name="archives1">{{cite web|url=http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/2000_certificates/vote_florida.html|title=Florida Certificate of Vote|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhSOLZT |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	<ref name="archives2000">{{cite web|url=http://www.archives.gov/federal-register/electoral-college/votes/2000.html|title=U.S. Electoral College|archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhSXcv6 |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	<ref name="ft100207">{{Cite news | first=Kaustuv | last=Basu | title=Officials cite safer cars, seat belts | url=| work=Florida Today | location=Melbourne, Florida | page= 1A | date=February 7, 2010 | id= }}</ref>
	<ref name="thearda">{{cite web|url=http://www.thearda.com/mapsReports/reports/state/12_2000.asp|title=State Membership Reports |accessdate=June 15, 2010 |work= thearda.com |archiveurl = http://www.webcitation.org/5uNhSejbd |archivedate = November 20, 2010|deadurl=no}}</ref>
	}}
	==External links==
	{{Sister project links|Florida}}
	<!---too long. Needs to be grouped in order for anyone to make sense of and use it--->
	*		*
			*
	* {{dmoz|Regional/North_America/United_States/Florida}}
	*		* . Over 300,000 photographs and documents from the State Library & Archives of Florida.
			*
	* {{Wikitravel}}
	* {{osmrelation-inline|162050}}
	* Over 300,000 photographs and documents from the State Library & Archives of Florida
	*
	*		*
	*		*
	*		*
	*		*
	*		*
			* . Florida state butterfly, on the ] / ] Featured Creatures web site.
	* hosted by the
			*
	* Florida state butterfly, on the ] / ] Featured Creatures Web site
			* hosted by the
	*
	{{clear}}
	==Related information==
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Latest revision as of 02:15, 25 December 2024

U.S. state This article is about the U.S. state. For other uses, see Florida (disambiguation). Not to be confused with Flo Rida.

State in the United States

Florida
State
FlagSeal
Nickname: Sunshine State
Motto: In God We Trust
Anthem: "Florida" (state anthem), "Old Folks at Home" (state song)
Map of the United States with Florida highlighted
Country	United States
Before statehood	Florida Territory
Admitted to the Union	March 3, 1845; 179 years ago (1845-03-03) (27th)
Capital	Tallahassee
Largest city	Jacksonville
Largest county or equivalent	Miami-Dade
Largest metro and urban areas	South Florida
Government
• Governor	Ron DeSantis (R)
• Lieutenant governor	Jeanette Nuñez (R)
Legislature	Florida Legislature
• Upper house	Senate
• Lower house	House of Representatives
Judiciary	Supreme Court of Florida
U.S. senators	Marco Rubio (R) Rick Scott (R)
U.S. House delegation	19 Republicans 8 Democrats 1 vacant (list)
Area
• Total	65,758 sq mi (170,312 km)
• Land	53,625 sq mi (138,887 km)
• Water	12,133 sq mi (31,424 km)  18.5%
• Rank	22nd
Dimensions
• Length	447 mi (721 km)
• Width	361 mi (582 km)
Elevation	100 ft (30 m)
Highest elevation	345 ft (105 m)
Lowest elevation	0 ft (0 m)
Population
• Total	23,372,215
• Rank	3rd
• Density	414.8/sq mi (160/km)
• Rank	7th
• Median household income	$57,700
• Income rank	34th
Demonym(s)	Floridian, Floridan
Language
• Official language	English
• Spoken language	English only: 67.3% Spanish: 21.2% Other: 11.5%
Time zones
Peninsula and "Big Bend" region	UTC−05:00 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−04:00 (EDT)
Panhandle west of the Apalachicola River	UTC−06:00 (Central)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−05:00 (CDT)
USPS abbreviation	FL
ISO 3166 code	US-FL
Traditional abbreviation	Fla.
Latitude	24° 27' N to 31° 00' N
Longitude	80° 02' W to 87° 38' W
Website	myflorida.com

State symbols of Florida

List of state symbols
Flag of Florida
Seal of Florida
Living insignia
Amphibian	Barking tree frog
Bird	Northern mockingbird
Fish	Florida largemouth bass, Atlantic sailfish
Flower	Orange blossom
Insect	Zebra longwing
Mammal	Florida panther, manatee, bottlenose dolphin, Florida Cracker Horse
Reptile	American alligator, Loggerhead turtle, Gopher tortoise
Tree	Sabal palmetto
Inanimate insignia
Beverage	Orange juice
Food	Key lime pie, Orange
Gemstone	Moonstone
Rock	Agatized coral
Shell	Horse conch
Soil	Myakka
State route marker
State quarter
Released in 2004
Lists of United States state symbols

Florida (/ˈflɒrɪdə/ FLORR-ih-də; Spanish: [floˈɾiða]) is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. It borders the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Alabama to the northwest, Georgia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Straits of Florida and 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 in the contiguous United States, spanning approximately 1,350 miles (2,170 km), not including its many barrier islands. It is the only state that borders both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of over 21 million, it is the third-most populous state in the United States and ranks eighth in population density as of 2020. Florida spans 65,758 square miles (170,310 km), ranking 22nd in area among the states. The Miami metropolitan area, anchored by the cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, is the state's largest metropolitan area, with a population of 6.138 million; the most populous city is Jacksonville. Florida's other major population centers include Tampa Bay, Orlando, Cape Coral, and the state capital of Tallahassee.

Various Native American tribes have inhabited Florida for at least 14,000 years. In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León became the first known European to make landfall, calling the region La Florida (land of flowers) (). Florida subsequently became the first area in the continental U.S. to be permanently settled by Europeans, with the settlement of St. Augustine, founded in 1565, being the oldest continuously inhabited city. Florida was frequently attacked and coveted by Great Britain before Spain ceded it to the U.S. in 1819 in exchange for resolving the border dispute along the Sabine River in Spanish Texas. Florida was admitted as the 27th state on March 3, 1845, and was the principal location of the Seminole Wars (1816–1858), the longest and most extensive of the American Indian Wars. The state seceded from the Union on January 10, 1861, becoming one of the seven original Confederate States, and was readmitted to the Union after the Civil War on June 25, 1868.

Since the mid-20th century, Florida has experienced rapid demographic and economic growth. Its economy, with a gross state product (GSP) of $1.647 trillion, is the fourth largest of any U.S. state and the 15th-largest in the world; the main sectors are tourism, hospitality, agriculture, real estate, and transportation. Florida is world-renowned for its beach resorts, amusement parks, warm and sunny climate, and nautical recreation; attractions such as Walt Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center, and Miami Beach draw tens of millions of visitors annually. Florida is a popular destination for retirees, seasonal vacationers, 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, identity, and daily life; its colonial history and successive waves of migration are reflected in African, European, Indigenous, Latino, and Asian influences. Florida has attracted or inspired some of the most prominent American writers, including Ernest Hemingway, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, and Tennessee Williams, and continues to attract celebrities and athletes, especially in golf, tennis, auto racing, and water sports. Florida has been considered a battleground state in American presidential elections, particularly those in 2000 and 2016.

Florida's climate varies from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south. It is the only state besides Hawaii to have a tropical climate, and the only continental state with both a tropical climate, located at the southern portion of the state, and a coral reef. Florida has several unique ecosystems, including Everglades National Park, the largest tropical wilderness in the U.S. and among the largest in the Americas. Unique wildlife include the American alligator, American crocodile, American flamingo, roseate spoonbill, Florida panther, bottlenose dolphin, and manatee. The Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States, and the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef and the Belize Barrier Reef.

History

Main article: History of Florida

Paleo-Indians entered Florida at least 14,000 years ago. By the 16th century, the earliest time for which there is a historical record, major groups of people living in Florida included the Apalachee of the Florida Panhandle, the Timucua of northern and central Florida, the Ais of the central Atlantic coast, the Mayaimi of the Lake Okeechobee area, the Tequesta of southeastern Florida, and the Calusa of southwest Florida.

European arrival

Main articles: New Spain, Spanish Florida, French and Indian War, Treaty of Paris (1763), West Florida, East Florida, Indian Reserve (1763), American Revolutionary War, Gulf Coast campaign, Treaty of Paris (1783), and Spanish West Florida

Florida was the first region of what is now the contiguous United States to be visited and settled by Europeans. The earliest known European explorers came with Juan Ponce de León. Ponce de León spotted and landed on the peninsula on April 2, 1513. He named it Florida (colloquially la Florida) in recognition of the flowery, verdant landscape and because it was the Easter season, which the Spaniards called Pascua Florida (Festival of Flowers). The following day they came ashore to seek information and take possession of this new land. The story that he was searching for the Fountain of Youth is mythical and appeared only long after his death.

In May 1539, 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. Europeans introduced Christianity, cattle, horses, sheep, the Castilian language, and more to Florida. Spain established several settlements in Florida, with varying degrees of success. In 1559, Don Tristán de Luna y Arellano established a settlement at present-day Pensacola, 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, in present Duval County, which was destroyed by the Spanish. Today a reconstructed version of the fort stands in its location within Jacksonville.

In 1565, the settlement of St. Augustine (San Agustín) was established under the leadership of admiral and governor 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. 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.

Some Floridanos married or had unions with Pensacola, Creek, or African women, both slave and free, and their descendants created a mixed-race population of mestizos and mulattoes. The Spanish encouraged slaves from the Thirteen Colonies to come to Florida as a refuge, promising freedom in exchange for conversion to Catholicism. King 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, but escaped slaves also reached Pensacola. St. Augustine had mustered an all-black militia unit defending Florida as early as 1683.

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 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 in 1672 and 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 and the Spanish West Indies.

In 1738, the governor of Florida Manuel de Montiano established Fort Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose 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.

In 1763, Spain traded Florida to the Kingdom of Great Britain for control of Havana, Cuba, which had been captured by the British during the Seven Years' War. The trade was done as part of the 1763 Treaty of Paris which ended the Seven Years' War. Spain was granted Louisiana 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. The British soon constructed the King's Road connecting St. Augustine to Georgia. The road crossed the St. Johns River at a narrow point called Wacca Pilatka, now the core of Downtown Jacksonville, and formerly referred to by the British name "Cow Ford", reflecting the fact that cattle were brought across the river there.

The British divided and consolidated the Florida provinces (Las Floridas) into East Florida and West Florida, a division the Spanish Crown kept after the brief British period. The British government gave land grants to officers and soldiers who had fought in the 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, Georgia and England. There was also a group of settlers who came from the colony of Bermuda. This was the first permanent English-speaking population in what is now Duval County, Baker County, St. Johns County and Nassau County. The British constructed good public roads and introduced the cultivation of sugar cane, indigo and fruits, as well as the export of lumber.

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, habeas corpus and county-based government. Neither East Florida nor West Florida sent any representatives to Philadelphia to draft the Declaration of Independence. Florida remained a Loyalist stronghold for the duration of the American Revolution.

Spain regained both East and West Florida after Britain's defeat in the Revolutionary War and the subsequent Treaty of Versailles in 1783, and continued the provincial divisions until 1821.

Statehood and Indian removal

See also: Republic of East Florida, Seminole Wars, Adams–Onís Treaty, Florida Territory, Admission to the Union, and List of U.S. states by date of admission to the Union

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 and Scots Irish descent began moving into northern Florida from the backwoods of Georgia and 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.

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 on September 23. After meetings beginning in June, rebels overcame the garrison at Baton Rouge (now in 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".

In 1810, parts of West Florida were annexed by the proclamation of President James Madison, who claimed the region as part of the Louisiana Purchase. These parts were incorporated into the newly formed Territory of Orleans. The U.S. annexed the Mobile District of West Florida to the 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.

Traditionally, historians argued that Seminoles based in East Florida began raiding Georgia settlements and offering havens for runaway slaves. The United States Army led increasingly frequent incursions into Spanish territory, including the 1817–1818 campaign against the Seminole Indians by Andrew Jackson that became known as the First Seminole War. The United States now effectively controlled East Florida. Control was necessary according to Secretary of State 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."

More recent historians describe that after U.S. independence, settlers in Georgia increased pressure on Seminole lands, and skirmishes near the border led to the First Seminole War (1816–1819). The United States purchased Florida from Spain by the 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 (1823). Passage of the Indian Removal Act (1830) led to the Treaty of Payne's Landing (1832), which called for the relocation of all Seminole to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). Some resisted, leading to the Second Seminole War, the bloodiest war against Native Americans in United States history. By 1842, most Seminoles and Black Seminoles, facing starvation, were removed to Indian Territory west of the Mississippi River. Perhaps fewer than 200 Seminoles remained in Florida after the 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.

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. Madrid, therefore, decided to cede the territory to the United States through the Adams–Onís Treaty, which took effect in 1821. President James Monroe was authorized on March 3, 1821, to take possession of East Florida and West Florida for the United States and provide for initial governance. On behalf of the U.S. government, 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. On March 30, 1822, the U.S. Congress merged East Florida and part of West Florida into the Florida Territory.

By the early 1800s, 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 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, and clashes between whites and Indians grew with the influx of new settlers. In 1832, the 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 (1835–1842). Following the war, approximately 3,000 Seminole and 800 Black Seminole were removed to Indian Territory. A few hundred Seminole remained in Florida in the Everglades.

The Historic Call-Collins House, the Grove, built by slaves in the 1840s, is an antebellum plantation house in Tallahassee.1840 advertisement in the Pensacola Gazette offering a $10 ($330 in 2022) reward for the return of a fugitive slave.

On March 3, 1845, only one day before the end of President John Tyler's term in office, Florida became the 27th state, admitted as a slave state and no longer a sanctuary for runaway slaves. Initially its population grew slowly.

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 (1855–1858) resulted in the forced removal of most of the remaining Seminoles, although hundreds of Seminole Indians remained in the Everglades.

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 to South Florida and the Keys to hunt for treasure from the ships that ran aground on the treacherous Great Florida Reef. Some accepted Spanish land offers along the Miami River. At about the same time, the Seminole Indians arrived, along with a group of runaway slaves. The area was affected by the Second Seminole War, during which Major William S. Harney led several raids against the Indians. Most non-Indian residents were soldiers stationed at 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. 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. The Third Seminole War 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

Main article: Florida in the American Civil War See also: American Civil War and Reconstruction era

American settlers began to establish cotton plantations 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 before the American Civil War.

On January 10, 1861, nearly all delegates in the Florida Legislature approved an ordinance of secession, 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, allowing it to become one of the founding members of the Confederate States.

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. The largest engagements in the state were the Battle of Olustee, on February 20, 1864, and the Battle of Natural Bridge, on March 6, 1865. Both were Confederate victories. The war ended in 1865.

Following the American Civil War, Florida's congressional representation was restored on June 25, 1868, albeit forcefully after Reconstruction 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 most blacks and many poor whites.

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 connected Pensacola and the rest of the Panhandle to the rest of the state. In 1884 the South Florida Railroad (later absorbed by Atlantic Coast Line Railroad) opened full service to Tampa. In 1894 the Florida East Coast Railway reached West Palm Beach; in 1896 it reached Biscayne Bay near Miami. Numerous other railroads were built all over the interior of the state.

20th century

Florida's economy has been based primarily upon agricultural products such as citrus fruits, strawberries, nuts, sugarcane and cattle. The boll weevil devastated cotton crops during the early 20th century.

Until the mid-20th century, Florida was the least-populous state in the 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. Forty thousand blacks, roughly one-fifth of their 1900 population levels in Florida, left the state in the Great Migration. They left due to lynchings and racial violence and for better opportunities in the North and the West. Disfranchisement for most African Americans in the state persisted until the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s gained federal legislation in 1965 to enforce protection of their constitutional suffrage.

In response to racial segregation 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 organized a bus boycott in Tallahassee to mimic the Montgomery bus boycott and succeeded in integrating the city's buses. 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 motel pool, in which the owner poured acid into the water during a demonstration, influenced the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

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, which brought a brief period of intense land development. In 1925, the 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 and 1928, followed by the Great Depression, brought that period to a halt. Florida's economy did not fully recover until the military buildup for World War II.

In 1939, Florida was described as "still very largely an empty State." Subsequently, the growing availability of air conditioning, the climate, and a low cost of living made the state a haven. Migration from the Rust Belt and the Northeast sharply increased Florida's population after 1945.

In the 1960s, many refugees from Cuba, fleeing Fidel Castro's communist regime, arrived in Miami at the Freedom Tower, 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". In recent decades, more migrants have come for the jobs in a developing economy.

21st century

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. 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. Florida's growth has been widespread, as cities throughout the state have continued to see population growth.

In 2012, the killing of Trayvon Martin, a young black man, by George Zimmerman in Sanford drew national attention to Florida's stand-your-ground laws, and sparked African American activism, including the Black Lives Matter movement.

After Hurricane Maria devastated 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.

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. It is the deadliest incident in the 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 in 2001, and it was the deadliest mass shooting by a single gunman in U.S. history until the 2017 Las Vegas shooting. In February 2018, 17 people were killed in a school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, leading to new gun control regulations at both the state and federal level.

On June 24, 2021, a condominium in Surfside, Florida, near Miami collapsed, killing at least 97 people. The Surfside collapse is tied with the Knickerbocker Theatre collapse as the third-deadliest structural engineering failure in United States history, behind the Hyatt Regency walkway collapse and the collapse of the Pemberton Mill.

Geography

Main article: Geography of Florida See also: List of counties in Florida, List of places in Florida, List of municipalities in Florida, List of islands of Florida, and List of Florida state parks

Much of Florida is on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean and the Straits of Florida. Spanning two time zones, it extends to the northwest into a panhandle, extending along the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is bordered on the north by Georgia and 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 being the only one of the fifty states reaching farther south. Florida is west of the Bahamas and 90 miles (140 km) north of Cuba. Florida is one of the largest states east of the Mississippi River, and only Alaska and Michigan are larger in water area. The water boundary is 3 nautical miles (3.5 mi; 5.6 km) offshore in the Atlantic Ocean and 9 nautical miles (10 mi; 17 km) offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.

At 345 feet (105 m) above mean sea level, Britton Hill is the highest point in Florida and the lowest highpoint of any U.S. state. Much of the state south of Orlando 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 have promontories 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), Sugarloaf Mountain, is a 312-foot (95 m) peak in Lake County. On average, Florida is the flattest state in the United States.

Lake Okeechobee, the largest lake in Florida, is the tenth-largest natural freshwater lake among the 50 states of the United States and the second-largest natural freshwater lake contained entirely within the contiguous 48 states, after Lake Michigan. 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

Main article: Climate of Florida See also: List of Florida hurricanes and U.S. state temperature extremes

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, the prevalent climate is humid subtropical (Köppen: Cfa), while areas south of the lake (including the Florida Keys) have a true tropical climate (Köppen: Aw, Am, and Af). 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.

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. The hottest temperature ever recorded in Florida was 109 °F (43 °C), which was set on June 29, 1931, in Monticello. The coldest temperature was −2 °F (−19 °C), on February 13, 1899, just 25 miles (40 km) away, in Tallahassee.

Due to its subtropical and tropical climate, Florida rarely receives measurable snowfall. On rare occasions, a combination of cold moisture and freezing temperatures can result in snowfall in the farthest northern regions like Jacksonville, Gainesville or Pensacola. Frost, which is more common than snow, sometimes occurs in the panhandle. The USDA Plant hardiness zones for the state range from zone 8a (no colder than 10 °F or −12 °C) in the inland western panhandle to zone 11b (no colder than 45 °F or 7 °C) in the lower Florida Keys. Fog also occurs all over the state or climate of Florida.

Average high and low temperatures for various Florida cities

°F

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Jacksonville

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. Florida has one of the highest average precipitation levels of any state, in large part because afternoon thunderstorms are common in much of the state from late spring until early autumn. 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.

Florida leads the United States in tornadoes per area (when including waterspouts), but they do not typically reach the intensity of those in the Midwest and Great Plains. Hail often accompanies the most severe thunderstorms.

Hurricanes 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 or higher storms that have struck the United States, 83% have either hit Florida or Texas.

From 1851 to 2006, Florida was struck by 114 hurricanes, 37 of them major—category 3 and above. It is rare for a hurricane season to pass without any impact in the state by at least a tropical storm.

In 1992, Florida was the site of what was then the costliest weather disaster in U.S. history, Hurricane Andrew, which caused more than $25 billion in damages when it struck during August; it held that distinction until 2005, when Hurricane Katrina surpassed it, and it has since been surpassed by six other hurricanes. Andrew is the second-costliest hurricane in Florida's history.

Fauna

Further information: Fauna of Florida and List of invasive species in Florida

Florida is host to many types of wildlife, including:

• Marine mammals: bottlenose dolphin, short-finned pilot whale, North Atlantic right whale, West Indian manatee
• Mammals: Florida panther, northern river otter, mink, eastern cottontail rabbit, marsh rabbit, raccoon, striped skunk, squirrel, white-tailed deer, Key deer, bobcats, red fox, gray fox, coyote, wild boar, Florida black bear, nine-banded armadillos, Virginia opossum
• Reptiles: eastern diamondback and pygmy rattlesnakes, gopher tortoise, green and leatherback sea turtles, brown anoles, and eastern indigo snake. In 2012, there were about one million American alligators and 1,500 crocodiles.
• Birds: peregrine falcon, bald eagle, American flamingo, crested caracara, snail kite, osprey, white and brown pelicans, sea gulls, whooping and sandhill cranes, roseate spoonbill, American white ibis, Florida scrub jay (state endemic), and others. One subspecies of wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo osceola, is found only in Florida. The state is a wintering location for many species of eastern North American birds.

As a result of climate change, there have been small numbers of several new species normally native to cooler areas to the north: snowy owls, snow buntings, harlequin ducks, and razorbills. These have been seen in the northern part of the state.

• Invertebrates: carpenter ants, termites, American cockroach, Africanized bees, the Miami blue butterfly, and the grizzled mantis.

Florida also has more than 1,500 nonnative animal species. Some exotic species living in Florida include the Burmese python, green iguana, veiled chameleon, Argentine black and white tegu, peacock bass, Mayan cichlid, lionfish, white-nosed coati, rhesus macaque, vervet monkey, Cuban tree frog, cane toad, Indian peafowl, monk parakeet and 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.

Flora

Further information: Florida mangroves and List of invasive plant species in Florida

The state has more than 26,000 square miles (67,000 km) of forests, covering about half of the state's land area.

There are about 3,000 types of wildflowers in Florida. This is the third-most diverse state in the union, behind California and Texas, both larger states. In Florida, wild populations of coconut palms extend up the East Coast from Key West to Jupiter Inlet, and up the West Coast from Marco Island to Sarasota. Many of the smallest coral islands in the 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.

On the east coast of the state, mangroves have normally dominated the coast from Cocoa Beach southward; salt marshes from St. Augustine northward. From St. Augustine south to Cocoa Beach, the coast fluctuates between the two, depending on the annual weather conditions. All three mangrove species flower in the spring and early summer. Propagules are produced from late summer through early autumn. Florida mangrove plant communities covered an estimated 430,000 to 540,000 acres (1,700 to 2,200 km) in Florida in 1981. Ninety percent of the Florida mangroves are in southern Florida, in Collier, Lee, Miami-Dade and Monroe counties.

Reef

Main article: Florida Reef

The Florida Reef is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States. It is also the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world, after the Great Barrier Reef and the Belize Barrier Reef. 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, which was the first underwater park in the United States. 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, Biscayne National Park, and the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. Almost 1,400 species of marine plants and animals, including more than 40 species of stony corals and 500 species of fish, live on the Florida Reef. The Florida Reef, being a delicate ecosystem like other coral reefs, faces many threats including overfishing, plastics in the ocean, coral bleaching, rising sea levels, and changes in sea surface temperature.

Environmental issues

Main article: Environment of Florida See also: Environmental issues in Florida

Florida is a low per capita energy user. As of 2008, it is estimated that approximately 4% of energy in the state is generated through renewable resources. 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, 5% for carbon dioxide, and 4% for sulfur dioxide. Wildfires in Florida occur at all times of the year.

All potable water resources have been controlled by the state government through five regional water authorities since 1972.

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. Red tide is now killing off wildlife or Tropical fish and coral reefs putting all in danger.

The 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 and others have therefore called for a special protected area for the panther to be established. Manatees are also dying at a rate higher than their reproduction. 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 since it is adamantly considered native to the state and also are now being protected.

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 associated with global warming. 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. Elevated temperatures can damage coral reefs, causing 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. White band disease has also adversely affected corals on the Florida Reef.

Geology

Main article: Geology of Florida

The Florida peninsula is a porous plateau of karst limestone sitting atop bedrock, known as the Florida Platform.

The largest deposits of potash in the United States are found in Florida. The largest deposits of rock phosphate in the country are found in Florida. Most of this is in Bone Valley.

Extended systems of underwater caves, sinkholes and springs are found throughout the state and supply most of the water used by residents. The limestone is topped with sandy soils deposited as ancient beaches over millions of years as global sea levels rose and fell. During the last glacial period, lower sea levels and a drier climate revealed a much wider peninsula, largely savanna. While there are sinkholes in much of the state, modern sinkholes have tended to be in West-Central Florida. Everglades National Park covers 1,509,000 acres (6,110 km), throughout Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties in Florida. The 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. Winter Park Sinkhole, 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. The Econlockhatchee River (Econ River for short) is an 54.5-mile-long (87.7 km) north-flowing blackwater tributary of the St. Johns River, the longest river in the U.S. state of Florida. The Econ River flows through Osceola, Orange, and Seminole counties in Central Florida, just east of the Orlando Metropolitan Area (east of State Road 417). It is a designated Outstanding Florida Waters.

Earthquakes are rare because Florida is not located near any tectonic plate boundaries.

Regions

• Florida Panhandle
  • Emerald Coast
  • Forgotten Coast
  • North Florida
  • Pensacola metropolitan area
  • Tallahassee metropolitan area
• North Central Florida
  • Big Bend
  • Nature Coast
  • North Florida
  • Gainesville metropolitan area
• Northeast Florida
  • First Coast
  • Jacksonville metropolitan area
  • North Florida
• Central West Florida
  • Nature Coast
  • Tampa Bay area
  • Florida Suncoast
• Central Florida
  • Greater Orlando
• Central East Florida
  • Deltona–Daytona Beach–Ormond Beach metropolitan area
  • Surf Coast/Fun Coast/Halifax Area
  • Space Coast
  • Treasure Coast
• Southwest Florida
  • Florida Heartland
  • Florida Everglades
  • Florida Suncoast
  • Sarasota metropolitan area
  • Ten Thousand Islands
• South Florida
  • Everglades
  • Gold Coast
  • Florida Keys
  • Miami metropolitan area

Cities and towns

See also: List of metropolitan areas of Florida, List of municipalities in Florida, and List of urbanized areas in Florida (by population)

The largest metropolitan area in the state as well as the entire southeastern United States is the Miami metropolitan area, with about 6.06 million people. The Tampa Bay area, with more than 3.02 million, is the second-largest; the Orlando metropolitan area, with more than 2.44 million, is third; and the Jacksonville metropolitan area, with more than 1.47 million, is fourth.

Florida has 22 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) defined by the 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.

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.

In 2012, 75% of the population lived within 10 miles (16 km) of the coastline.

Largest cities or towns in Florida Source:
	Rank	Name	County	Pop.	Rank	Name	County	Pop.
Jacksonville Miami	1	Jacksonville	Duval	949,611	11	Pembroke Pines	Broward	171,178	Tampa Orlando
	2	Miami	Miami-Dade	442,241	12	Hollywood	Broward	153,067
	3	Tampa	Hillsborough	384,959	13	Gainesville	Alachua	141,085
	4	Orlando	Orange	307,573	14	Miramar	Broward	134,721
	5	St. Petersburg	Pinellas	258,308	15	Coral Springs	Broward	134,394
	6	Hialeah	Miami-Dade	223,109	16	Palm Bay	Brevard	119,760
	7	Port St. Lucie	St. Lucie	204,851	17	West Palm Beach	Palm Beach	117,415
	8	Tallahassee	Leon	196,169	18	Clearwater	Pinellas	117,292
	9	Cape Coral	Lee	194,016	19	Lakeland	Polk	112,641
	10	Fort Lauderdale	Broward	182,760	20	Pompano Beach	Broward	112,046

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Florida See also: Culture of Florida

Population

Historical population

Census	Pop.	Note	%±
1830	34,730		—
1840	54,477		56.9%
1850	87,445		60.5%
1860	140,424		60.6%
1870	187,748		33.7%
1880	269,493		43.5%
1890	391,422		45.2%
1900	528,542		35.0%
1910	752,619		42.4%
1920	968,470		28.7%
1930	1,468,211		51.6%
1940	1,897,414		29.2%
1950	2,771,305		46.1%
1960	4,951,560		78.7%
1970	6,789,443		37.1%
1980	9,746,324		43.6%
1990	12,937,926		32.7%
2000	15,982,378		23.5%
2010	18,801,310		17.6%
2020	21,538,187		14.6%
2024 (est.)	23,372,215		8.5%
Sources: 1910–2020

The U.S. 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. The population of Florida in the 2010 census was 18,801,310. Florida was the seventh fastest-growing state in the U.S. in the 12-month period ending July 1, 2012. In 2010, the center of population of Florida was located between Fort Meade and Frostproof. 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 since the 1960 census. The population exceeded 19.7 million by December 2014, surpassing the population of the state of New York for the first time, making Florida the third most populous state. The Florida population was 21,477,737 residents or people according to the U.S. Census Bureau's 2019 Population Estimates Program. By the 2020 census, its population increased to 21,538,187.

In 2010, undocumented immigrants constituted an estimated 5.7% of the population. This was the sixth highest percentage of any U.S. state. There were an estimated 675,000 illegal immigrants in the state in 2010. Florida has banned sanctuary cities.

The top countries of origin for Florida's immigrants were Cuba, Haiti, Colombia, Mexico and Jamaica in 2018.

According to HUD's 2022 Annual Homeless Assessment Report, there were an estimated 25,959 homeless people in Florida.

Florida racial breakdown

Racial composition	1970	1990	2000	2010	2020
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)	6.6%	12.2%	16.8%	22.5%	26.5%
Black or African American alone	15.3%	13.6%	14.6%	16.0%	15.1%
Asian alone	0.2%	1.2%	1.7%	2.4%	3.0%
Native American alone	0.1%	0.3%	0.3%	0.4%	0.4%
Two or more races	—	—	2.3%	2.5%	16.5%
White alone, not Hispanic or Latino	77.9%	73.2%	65.4%	57.9%	51.5%
White alone	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 ancestry (regardless of race or ethnicity). Many of these were of English or Scotch-Irish 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. In the 1980 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 ancestry. Some of their ancestry dated to the original 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 (2,212,391), 10.7% Irish (1,979,058), 8.8% English (1,629,832), 6.6% Italian (1,215,242), 2.8% Polish (511,229), and 2.7% French (504,641). White Americans of all European backgrounds are present in all areas of the state. In 1970, non-Hispanic whites constituted nearly 80% of Florida's population. Those of English and Irish 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"; 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 settlers, as well as some other British American settlers.

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, and 4.5% (847,550) Puerto Rican. Florida's Hispanic population includes large communities of Cuban Americans in Miami and Tampa, Puerto Ricans 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. Florida has the second-largest Puerto Rican population after New York, as well as the fastest-growing in the U.S. Puerto Ricans are more widespread throughout the state, though the heaviest concentrations are in the Orlando area of Central Florida. Florida has one of the largest and most diverse Hispanic/Latino populations in the country, especially in 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. Out of the 16.0%, 4.0% (741,879) were West Indian or Afro-Caribbean American. During the early 1900s, black people made up nearly half of the state's population. In response to segregation, disfranchisement and agricultural depression, many African Americans migrated from Florida to northern cities in the Great Migration, 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%. Conversely, large numbers of northern whites moved to the state. 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, recent African, and Afro-Latino immigrant origins, especially in the Miami/South Florida area. Florida has the largest West Indian population of any state, originating from many Caribbean countries, with 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 ancestry, 1.5% (303,527) Jamaican, and 0.2% (31,966) Bahamian, with the other West Indian groups making up the rest.

As of 2010, those of Asian ancestry accounted for 2.4% of Florida's population.

As of 2011, Florida contains the highest percentage of people over 65 (17.3%) in the U.S. There were 186,102 military retirees living in the state in 2008. About two-thirds of the population was born in another state, the second-highest in the U.S.

In 2020, Hispanic and Latinos of any race(s) made up 26.5% of the population, while Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders made up 0.1% of all Broward County residents.

Languages

See also: Demographics of Florida § Languages, and Miami accent

In 1988, English was affirmed as the state's official language in the Florida Constitution. Spanish is also widely spoken, especially as immigration has continued from Latin America. About 20% percent of the population speaks Spanish as their first language, while 27% speaks a mother language other than English. More than 200 first languages other than English are spoken at home in the state.

The most common languages spoken in Florida as a first language in 2010 are:

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

Religion

Florida is mostly Christian (70%), although there is a large irreligious and relatively significant Jewish community. Protestants account for almost half of the population, but the Catholic Church is the largest single denomination in the state mainly due to its large Hispanic population and other groups like Haitians. Protestants are very diverse, although Baptists, Methodists, Pentecostals and nondenominational Protestants are the largest groups. Smaller Christian groups include The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Jehovah's Witnesses. There is also a sizable Jewish community in South Florida. This is the largest Jewish population in the southern U.S. and the third-largest in the U.S. behind those of New York and California.

In 2010, the three largest denominations in Florida were the Catholic Church, the Southern Baptist Convention, and the United Methodist Church.

The Pew Research Center survey in 2014 gave the following religious makeup of Florida:

Religion in Florida (2014) Protestant   46% Catholic   21% Mormon   1% Jehovah's Witness   1% Other Christian   1% Nothing in Particular   17% Agnostic   4% Atheist   3% Jewish   3% Other faiths (e.g. Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Sikhism)   3%

Governance

Main article: Government of Florida See also: List of governors of Florida, United States congressional delegations from Florida, List of United States senators from Florida, and Florida Cabinet

The basic structure, duties, function, and operations of the government of the State of Florida are defined by the 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, become law.

The Florida Legislature comprises the Florida Senate, which has 40 members, and the Florida House of Representatives, which has 120 members. The governor of Florida is Ron DeSantis. The Florida Supreme Court consists of a chief justice and six justices.

Florida has 67 counties. Some reference materials may show only 66 because Duval County is consolidated with the 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, 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 that do not impose a personal income tax.

There were 800 federal corruption convictions from 1988 to 2007, more than any other state.

In a 2020 study, Florida was ranked as the 11th hardest state for citizens to vote in. In April 2022, the legislature passed and the governor signed a new election law prohibiting Floridians from using ranked-choice voting in all federal, state and municipal elections.

Florida retains the death penalty. Authorized methods of execution include the electric chair and lethal injection.

Elections history

Further information: Elections in Florida, Politics of Florida, Political party strength in Florida, and United States presidential elections in Florida

From 1952 to 1964, most voters were registered Democrats, but the state voted for the Republican presidential candidate in every election except for 1964. The following year, Congress passed and President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the 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, exercised considerable control in Congress. They have gained slightly less federal money from national programs than they have paid in taxes. 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, it continued to support Republican presidential candidates through 2004, except in 1976 and 1996, when the Democratic nominee was from the South.

In the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, Barack Obama carried the state as a northern Democrat, attracting high voter turnout, especially among the young, independents, and minority voters, of whom Hispanics comprise an increasingly large proportion. 2008 marked the first time since 1944, when 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 Republican elected to Congress from Florida was William C. Cramer in 1954 from Pinellas County on the Gulf Coast, where demographic changes were underway. In this period, African Americans were still disenfranchised 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. was elected as the first post-Reconstruction Republican governor, in an upset election. In 1968, Edward J. Gurney, also a white conservative, was elected as the state's first post-reconstruction Republican US senator. 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. The 2020 election broke that streak when 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". South Florida and the 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.

The fast-growing I-4 corridor area, which runs through Central Florida and connects the cities of Daytona Beach, Orlando, and Tampa/St. Petersburg, 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.

Historically, the Democratic Party maintained an edge in voter registration, both statewide and in the state's three most populous counties, Miami-Dade County, Broward County, and Palm Beach County.

2000–present

In 2000, George W. Bush won the U.S. presidential election by a margin of 271–266 in the Electoral College. Of the 271 electoral votes for Bush, 25 were cast by electors from Florida. The Florida results were contested and a recount was ordered by the court, with the results settled in a Supreme Court decision, Bush v. Gore.

Reapportionment following the 2010 United States census gave the state two more seats in the House of Representatives. 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. Florida has been listed as a swing state in presidential elections since 1952, voting for the losing candidate only twice in that period of time.

In the closely contested 2000 election, the state played a pivotal role. Out of more than 5.8 million votes for the two main contenders Bush and 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 law is more severe than most European nations or other American states. A 2002 study in the 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."

In 2008, delegates of both the Republican Florida primary election and Democratic Florida primary election 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, Florida gained two House of Representative seats in 2012. 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 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.

Voter registration totals as of November 30, 2024

Party		Registered voters	Percentage
	Republican	5,633,700	39.46%
	Democratic	4,497,119	31.50%
	Unaffiliated	3,719,066	26.05%
	Minor parties	428,587	3.00%
Total		14,278,472	100.00%

According to The Sentencing Project, the effect of Florida's felony disenfranchisement law is such that in 2014, "ore than one in ten Floridians—and nearly one in four African-American Floridians—are shut out of the polls because of felony convictions", although they had completed sentences and parole/probation requirements.

The state switched back to the GOP in the 2016 presidential election, and again in 2020, when 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.

In the 2018 elections, the ratio of Republican to Democratic representation fell from 16:11 to 14:13. The U.S. Senate election between Democratic incumbent senator Bill Nelson and then governor 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 between Republican candidate Ron DeSantis and Democratic candidate Andrew Gillum, with 49.6% voting for DeSantis and 49.3% voting for Gillum. In 2022, incumbent Governor DeSantis won reelection by a landslide against Democrat 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.

In November 2021, for the first time in Florida's history, the total number of registered Republican voters exceeded the number of registered Democrats.

Statutes

See also: Law of Florida

In 1972, the state made personal injury protection auto insurance mandatory for drivers, becoming the second in the U.S. to enact a no-fault insurance law. The ease of receiving payments under this law is seen as precipitating a major increase in insurance fraud. Auto insurance fraud was the highest in the U.S. in 2011, estimated at close to $1 billion. Fraud is particularly centered in the Miami-Dade and Tampa areas.

Capital punishment is applied in Florida. 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. 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. In 1995, the legislature modified Chapter 921 to provide that felons should serve at least 85% of their sentence.

Florida approved its lottery by amending the constitution in 1984. It approved slot machines in Broward and Miami-Dade County in 2004. It has disapproved casinos (outside of sovereign Seminole and Miccosukee tribal areas) three times: 1978, 1986, and 1994.

Taxation

Tax is collected by the Florida Department of Revenue.

Economy

Main articles: Economy of Florida and Agriculture in Florida

The economy of the state of Florida is the fourth-largest in the United States, with a $1.647 trillion gross state product (GSP) as of 2024. If Florida were a sovereign nation (2024), it would rank as the world's 15th-largest economy according to the International Monetary Fund, ahead of Spain and behind South Korea. 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.

Tourism is a large portion of Florida's economy. Florida is home to the world's most visited theme park, the Magic Kingdom. Florida is also home to the largest single-site employer in the United States, Walt Disney World. PortMiami is the largest passenger port in the world and one of the largest cargo ports in the United States. 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, mangoes, fresh tomatoes, sugar, sweet corn, green beans, beans, cucumbers, watermelons, and more. Florida is also the second biggest producer of strawberries, avocadoes, grapefruit, and peppers in the U.S.

Other large sectors of Florida's economy include finance, government and military (especially in Jacksonville and Pensacola), healthcare, aerospace (especially in the Space Coast), mining (especially for phosphate in Bone Valley), fishing, trade, real estate, and tech (especially in Miami, Orlando, and Tampa in the 2020s).

Healthcare

See also: List of hospitals in Florida and Abortion in Florida

There were 2.7 million 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. The cost of caring for 2.3 million clients in 2010 was $18.8 billion. This is nearly 30% of Florida's budget. Medicaid paid for 60% of all births in Florida in 2009. The state has a program for those not covered by Medicaid.

In 2013, Florida refused to participate in providing coverage for the uninsured under the 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.

In 2022, the largest hospital network in Florida is HCA Healthcare and the second largest is AdventHealth. In 2023, the largest hospitals in Florida were Jackson Memorial Hospital, AdventHealth Orlando, Tampa General Hospital, UF Health Shands Hospital and Baptist Hospital of Miami.

Mayo Clinic hosts one of its three major U.S. campuses in Jacksonville. The practice specializes in treating difficult cases through tertiary care and destination medicine.

Architecture

See also: Architecture of Miami and Architecture of Jacksonville

Florida has the largest collection of Art Deco and Streamline Moderne buildings, both in the United States and in the entire world, most of which are located in the Miami metropolitan area, especially Miami Beach's Art Deco District, constructed as the city was becoming a resort destination. A unique architectural design found only in Florida is the post-World War II Miami Modern, which can be seen in areas such as Miami's MiMo Historic District.

Being of early importance as a regional center of banking and finance, the 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, and last holding a state height record from 1974 to 1981. The city is endowed with one of the largest collections of Prairie School buildings outside of the Midwest. Jacksonville is also noteworthy for its collection of Mid-Century modern architecture.

Some sections of the state feature architectural styles including Spanish revival, Florida vernacular, and Mediterranean Revival. A notable collection of these styles can be found in St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement within the borders of the United States.

Education

Main article: Education in Florida See also: List of colleges and universities in Florida, List of high schools in Florida, and List of school districts in Florida

In 2020, Florida was ranked the third best state in the U.S. for K-12 education, outperforming other states in 15 out of 18 metrics in Education Week's 2020 Quality Counts report. 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. Florida's higher education was ranked first and pre-K-12 was ranked 27th best nationwide by U.S. News & World Report.

Primary and secondary education

Florida spent $8,920 for each student in 2016, and was 43rd in the U.S. in expenditures per student.

Florida's primary and secondary school systems are administered by the Florida Department of Education. School districts are organized within county boundaries. Each school district has an elected Board of Education that sets policy, budget, goals, and approves expenditures. Management is the responsibility of a Superintendent of schools.

The Florida Department of Education is required by law to train educators in teaching English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).

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 course, book bans and removing some lessons in courses as "really scary moments in the state of Florida".

In 2023, the state of Florida approved a public school curriculum including videos produced by conservative advocacy group PragerU, likening climate change skeptics to those who fought Communism and Nazism, implying renewable energy harms the environment, and saying global warming occurs naturally. DeSantis has called climate change "leftwing stuff".

In August 2023, restrictions have been placed on the teaching of Shakespearean plays and literature by Florida teachers in order to comply with state law.

Higher education

The State University System of Florida was founded in 1905, and is governed by the Florida Board of Governors. During the 2019 academic year, 346,604 students attended one of these twelve universities. 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.

As of 2020, three Florida universities are among the top 10 largest universities by enrollment in the United States: The University of Central Florida in Orlando (2nd), the University of Florida in Gainesville (4th), and Florida International University in Miami (8th).

The 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.

The Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida is an association of 30 private, educational institutions in the state. This Association reported that their member institutions served more than 158,000 students in the fall of 2020.

The University of Miami in Coral Gables is one of the top private research universities in the U.S. Florida's first private university, Stetson University in DeLand, was founded in 1883.

As of 2023, three universities in Florida are members of the Association of American Universities: University of Florida, University of Miami and University of South Florida.

Transportation

Main article: Transportation in Florida

Highways

Further information: Florida State Highway System, List of state roads in Florida, and County roads in Florida

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, state highways, and U.S. Highways are maintained by the Florida Department of Transportation.

In 2011, there were about 9,000 retail gas stations in the state. Floridians consumed 21 million gallons of gasoline daily in 2011, ranking it third in national use behind California and Texas. As of 2024, motorists in Florida have one of the highest rates of car insurance in the U.S. 24% are uninsured.

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 stated "Older drivers are more of a threat to themselves."

Intercity bus travel, which utilizes Florida's highway system, is provided by Greyhound, Megabus, and Amtrak Thruway.

Before the construction of routes under the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, Florida began construction of a long cross-state toll road, Florida's Turnpike. The first section, from Fort Pierce south to the Golden Glades Interchange was completed in 1957. After a second section north through Orlando to Wildwood (near present-day The Villages), and a southward extension around Miami to Homestead, it was finished in 1974.

Florida's primary interstate routes include:

• I-4, which spans 133 miles, bisects the state, connecting Tampa, Lakeland, Orlando, and Daytona Beach, connecting with I-75 in Tampa and I-95 in Daytona Beach.
• I-10, which spans 362 miles in Florida, traverses the panhandle, connecting Pensacola, Tallahassee, Lake City, and Jacksonville, 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 with a total length of 2460 miles.
• I-75, which spans 470 miles in Florida, enters the state near Lake City (45 miles (72 km) west of Jacksonville) and continues southward through Gainesville, Ocala, Tampa's eastern suburbs, Bradenton, Sarasota, Fort Myers and Naples, where it crosses the "Alligator Alley" as a toll road to Fort Lauderdale before turning southward and terminating in Hialeah/Miami Lakes 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.
• I-95, which spans 382 miles in Florida, enters the state near Jacksonville and continues along the Atlantic Coast through Daytona Beach, the Melbourne/Titusville, Palm Bay, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, Port Saint Lucie, Stuart, West Palm Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, before terminating in 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.

Airports

See also: List of airports in Florida and Aviation in Florida

Florida has 131 public airports. Florida's seven large hub and medium hub airports, as classified by the FAA, are the following:

City served	Code	Airport name	FAA Category	Enplane­ments
Orlando	MCO	Orlando International Airport	Large Hub	21,565,448
Miami	MIA	Miami International Airport	Large Hub	20,709,225
Fort Lauderdale	FLL	Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood Int'l Airport	Large Hub	15,817,043
Tampa	TPA	Tampa International Airport	Large Hub	9,548,580
Fort Myers	RSW	Southwest Florida International Airport	Medium Hub	4,364,224
West Palm Beach	PBI	Palm Beach International Airport	Medium Hub	3,110,450
Jacksonville	JAX	Jacksonville International Airport	Medium Hub	2,701,861

Intercity rail

• Brightline is a diesel–electric higher-speed rail system. Service runs from MiamiCentral station in downtown Miami to the Orlando International Airport Intermodal Terminal in Orlando with stops in West Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Fort Lauderdale, and Aventura.
• Florida is also served by 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 (259,944), Orlando (179,142), Tampa Union Station (140,785), Miami (94,556), and Jacksonville (74,733). Sanford, in Greater Orlando, is the southern terminus of the Auto Train, which originates at Lorton, Virginia, south of Washington, D.C. Until 2005, Orlando was also the eastern terminus of the Sunset Limited, which travels across the southern United States via New Orleans, Houston, and San Antonio to its western terminus of Los Angeles. Florida is served by two additional Amtrak trains (the Silver Star and the Silver Meteor), which operate between New York City and Miami. MiamiCentral in Greater Downtown Miami and the Miami Intermodal Center near Miami International Airport are major hubs for rapid transit, commuter rail, intercity rail, and buses.

Public transit

Further information: Transportation in South Florida

• Miami: Miami's public transportation is served by Miami-Dade Transit that runs Metrorail, a heavy rail rapid transit system, Metromover, a people mover train system in Downtown Miami, and Metrobus, Miami's bus system. Metrorail runs throughout Miami-Dade County and has two lines and 23 stations connecting to Downtown Miami's Metromover and Tri-Rail. Metromover has three lines and 21 stations throughout Downtown Miami. Outside of Miami-Dade County, public transit in the Miami metropolitan area is served by Broward County Transit and Palm Tran; intercounty commuter rail service is provided by Tri-Rail, with 18 stations including the region's three international airports.
• Orlando: Orlando is served by the 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 serves the greater Orlando area in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties.
• Tampa: Tampa and its surrounding area use the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority system ("HART"). In addition, downtown Tampa has continuous trolley services in the form of a heritage trolley powered by Tampa Electric Company. Pinellas County and St. Petersburg provide similar services through the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority or "PSTA". The beaches of Pinellas County also have a continuous trolley bus. Downtown St. Petersburg has a trolley system.
• Jacksonville: Jacksonville is served by the Jacksonville Skyway, an automated people mover monorail connecting the Florida State College downtown campus, the Northbank central business district, Convention Center, and Southbank locations. The system includes eight stops connected by two lines. JTA bus has 180 vehicles with 56 lines.

Sports

Main article: Sports in Florida See also: Sports teams in Florida

Florida has three NFL teams, two MLB teams, two NBA teams, two NHL teams, and two MLS teams. Florida gained its first permanent major-league professional sports team in 1966 when the American Football League added the Miami Dolphins. Florida has given professional sports franchises some subsidies in the form of tax breaks since 1991.

About half of all Major League Baseball teams conduct spring training in the state, with teams informally organized into the "Grapefruit League". Throughout MLB history, other teams have held spring training in Florida.

NASCAR (headquartered in Daytona Beach) begins all three of its major auto racing series in Florida at Daytona International Speedway in February, featuring the Daytona 500. Daytona also has the Coke Zero Sugar 400 NASCAR race weekend in August. NASCAR also has a race weekend at Homestead-Miami Speedway in Homestead in October. The 24 Hours of Daytona is one of the world's most prestigious endurance auto races. The Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and Grand Prix of Miami have held IndyCar races as well.

Florida is a major golf hub. The PGA of America is headquartered in Palm Beach Gardens, the PGA Tour is headquartered in Ponte Vedra Beach (a Jacksonville suburb) and the LPGA is headquartered in Daytona Beach. The Players Championship, WGC-Cadillac Championship, Arnold Palmer Invitational, Honda Classic and Valspar Championship are PGA Tour rounds.

Florida has teams in all five American major league sports. Florida's most recent major-league team, Inter Miami, began play in MLS in 2020.

The Miami Masters is an ATP World Tour Masters 1000 and WTA Premier tennis event, whereas the Delray Beach International Tennis Championships is an ATP World Tour 250 event.

There are minor league baseball, football, basketball, ice hockey, soccer and indoor football teams based in Florida. Ben Hill Griffin Stadium is the largest football stadium in Florida, the 12th-largest stadium in college football, and the 18th-largest stadium in the world, as measured by its official 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 programs. Major college football programs include the Florida State Seminoles and Miami Hurricanes of the Atlantic Coast Conference, and the Florida Gators of the Southeastern Conference. Since 1996, Florida has added four additional teams to the ranks of Division I FBS: UCF Knights, South Florida Bulls, Florida Atlantic Owls and FIU Panthers.

State symbols

Main article: List of Florida state symbols

The majority of the symbols were chosen after 1950; only the two oldest symbols—the state flower (chosen in 1909), and the state bird (chosen in 1927)—are not listed in the 2010 Florida Statutes.

• Amphibian: Barking tree frog
• Animal: Florida panther
• Anthem: "Florida (Where the Sawgrass Meets the Sky)"
• Beverage: Orange juice
• Bird: Northern mockingbird
• Bird: American flamingo
• Festival: "Calle Ocho-Open House 8"
• Fish
  (fresh water): Florida largemouth bass
• Fish
  (salt water): Atlantic sailfish
• Flower: Orange blossom
• Fruit: Orange
• Gem: Moonstone
• Horse: Florida Cracker Horse
• Insect: Zebra longwing
• Mammal
  (salt water): Common bottlenose dolphin
• Mammal
  (marine): Florida manatee
• Motto: "In God We Trust"
• Nickname: The Sunshine State
• Palm Tree: Coconut palm
• Pie: Key lime pie
• Play: Cross and Sword
• Reptile: American alligator
• Reptile
  (salt water): Loggerhead sea turtle
• Rodeo: Silver Spurs Rodeo
• Shell: Horse conch
• Soil: Myakka soil
• Song: "Old Folks at Home"
• State day/week: Pascua Florida
• Stone: Agatized coral
• Tortoise: Gopher tortoise
• Tree: Sabal palmetto
• Wildflower: Tickseed

Sister states

Sister jurisdiction	Country	Year
Languedoc-Roussillon	France	1989
Taiwan Province	Taiwan, R.O.C.	1992
Wakayama Prefecture	Japan	1995
Western Cape	South Africa	1995
Nueva Esparta	Venezuela	1999
Kyonggi	South Korea	2000

See also

• Index of Florida-related articles
• List of people from Florida
• Outline of Florida
• Ships named Florida

Notes

1. Elevation adjusted to North American Vertical Datum of 1988
2. Behind Nevada, Arizona, New Jersey, California and Texas

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• 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 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
• Florida State Guide, from the Library of Congress
• Florida Memory Project. Over 300,000 photographs and documents from the State Library & Archives of Florida.
• Online collection of the Spanish Land Grants
• USGS real-time, geographic, and other scientific resources of Florida
• Florida Rivers and Watersheds—Florida DEP
• U.S. Census Bureau
• Economic and farm demographics fact sheet from the USDA
• Energy & Environmental Data For Florida
• Heliconius charitonia, zebra longwing. Florida state butterfly, on the UF / IFAS Featured Creatures web site.
• TerraFly Property Value and Aerial Imagery Spatio-temporal animation Real Estate Trends in Florida
• List of searchable databases produced by Florida state agencies hosted by the American Library Association Government Documents Roundtable

Preceded byMichigan

List of U.S. states by date of statehood Admitted on March 3, 1845 (27th)

Succeeded byTexas

v t e Places adjacent to Florida
Alabama  Georgia Gulf of Mexico  Florida: Outline • Index Atlantic Ocean Straits of Florida Pinar del Río, Artemisa, Havana, Mayabeque and Matanzas  Cuba Bimini, Grand Cay and West Grand Bahama,  The Bahamas

Topics related to Florida The Sunshine State

v t e State of Florida Tallahassee (capital) History Timeline Indigenous peoples of Florida Spanish Florida missions British Rule East Florida West Florida Florida Territory Seminole Wars Slavery Plantations of Leon County Mosquito County Armed Occupation Act Civil War Great Migration Fishing ranchos Florida East Coast Railway Draining and development of the Everglades Florida land boom of the 1920s Kennedy Space Center Disney World Geography Beaches Bays Caves Counties Everglades Keys Lakes Lake Okeechobee Metro areas Municipalities Regions Rivers Sinkholes Springs State forests State parks Straits Swamps Major hurricanes Florida Keys (1919) Tampa Bay (1921) Miami (1926) Okeechobee (1928) Florida Keys (1929) Treasure Coast (1933) Labor Day (1935) Dry Tortugas (1944) Homestead (1945) Fort Lauderdale (1947) South Florida (1948) 1949 Florida hurricane Easy (1950) King (1950) Donna (1960) Betsy (1965) Eloise (1975) Elena (1985) Andrew (1992) Opal (1995) Charley (2004) Frances (2004) Ivan (2004) Jeanne (2004) Dennis (2005) Wilma (2005) Matthew (2016) Irma (2017) Michael (2018) Dorian (2019) Ian (2022) Idalia (2023) Helene (2024) Milton (2024) Society African-American Brazilian-American culture Miami Orlando Crime Cuban-American culture Miami Tampa Culture Demographics Economy Agriculture Tourism Education Florida cracker Floridians Government Haitian-American culture Delray Beach Miami Homelessness Human trafficking Indigenous peoples Everglades LGBT rights Politics Ballot measures Congressional delegations Congressional districts Puerto Rican culture Orlando Kissimmee Politics Sports Seminole Black Seminoles Sports Culture Casinos Film Florida Man Florida Heritage Trails Floridiana Floribbean cuisine Literature Miami accent Music Mass media newspapers radio TV Symbols flag motto seal Skunk ape Two-Toed Tom Visit Florida Environment Environmental issues Fauna Flora Florida Reef Geology Climate climate change Other Cuba–United States relations Index Tourist attractions Transportation Florida portal v t e Protected areas of Florida Federal level National parks Biscayne Dry Tortugas Everglades National memorials De Soto Fort Caroline National monuments Castillo de San Marcos Fort Matanzas National seashores Canaveral Gulf Islands National forests Apalachicola Choctawhatchee Ocala Osceola National wildlife refuges Archie Carr Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee Caloosahatchee Cedar Keys Chassahowitzka Crocodile Lake Crystal River Egmont Key Florida Panther Great White Heron Hobe Sound Island Bay J.N. 'Ding' Darling Key West Lake Wales Ridge Lake Woodruff Lower Suwannee Matlacha Pass Merritt Island National Key Deer Okefenokee Passage Key Pelican Island Pine Island Pinellas St. Johns St. Marks St. Vincent Ten Thousand Islands Other national protected areas Big Cypress National Preserve Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve National Marine Sanctuaries Florida Keys Key Largo (1975–1990) Looe Key (1981–1990) National Estuarine Research Reserves Apalachicola NERR Guana Tolomato Matanzas NERR Rookery Bay NERR National Wild and Scenic Rivers Loxahatchee River Wekiva River State level Parks Amelia Island Anastasia Avalon Bahia Honda Bald Point Big Lagoon Big Shoals Big Talbot Island Bill Baggs Cape Florida Bulow Creek Caladesi Island Camp Helen Cayo Costa Collier–Seminole Colt Creek Curry Hammock Delnor-Wiggins Pass Devil's Millhopper Don Pedro Island Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson Eden Gardens Egmont Key Falling Waters Faver-Dykes Florida Caverns Fort Clinch Fort Cooper Fort George Island Fort Pierce Inlet Fred Gannon Rocky Bayou Gasparilla Island George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier Grayton Beach Henderson Beach Highlands Hammock Honeymoon Island Hontoon Island Hugh Taylor Birch John D. MacArthur Beach John Pennekamp Coral Reef Jonathan Dickinson Little Talbot Island Long Key Lovers Key Mike Roess Gold Head Branch North Peninsula O'Leno Oscar Scherer Perdido Key Price's Scrub Sebastian Inlet Skyway Fishing Pier St. Andrews St. George Island St. Marks River St. Joseph Peninsula Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center Stump Pass Beach Tomoka Torreya Windley Key Fossil Reef Botanical garden parks Alfred B. Maclay Gardens Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Lignumvitae Key Ravine Gardens Washington Oaks Lakes, rivers and springs parks Deer Lake Lake Griffin Lake June in Winter Scrub Lake Kissimmee Lake Louisa Lake Manatee Lake Talquin Alafia River Blackwater River Dunns Creek Econfina River Hillsborough River Little Manatee River Myakka River Ochlockonee River Oleta River Suwannee River Three Rivers Blue Spring De Leon Springs Edward Ball Wakulla Springs Fanning Springs Homosassa Springs Wildlife Ichetucknee Springs Lafayette Blue Springs Madison Blue Spring Manatee Springs Ponce de Leon Springs Rainbow Springs Silver Springs Troy Spring Weeki Wachee Springs Wekiwa Springs Werner-Boyce Salt Springs Wes Skiles Peacock Springs Recreation areas Dead Lakes Gamble Rogers Memorial Museums, historic sites, and archaeological sites Addison Blockhouse Cedar Key Museum Constitution Convention Museum Forest Capital Museum John Gorrie Museum Ybor City Museum The Barnacle Bulow Plantation Ruins Dade Battlefield DeSoto Site Dudley Farm Fort Foster Fort Mose Fort Zachary Taylor Gamble Plantation Indian Key Koreshan Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Homestead Natural Bridge Battlefield Olustee Battlefield Orman House Paynes Creek San Marcos de Apalache Yellow Bluff Fort Yulee Sugar Mill Ruins Crystal River Lake Jackson Mounds Letchworth-Love Mounds Madira Bickel Mound Mound Key San Pedro Underwater Preserves and reserves Allen David Broussard Catfish Creek Anclote Key Cedar Key Scrub Charlotte Harbor Crystal River Disney Wilderness Estero Bay Green Cay Wetlands Fakahatchee Strand Hal Scott Kissimmee Prairie Lower Wekiva River Paynes Prairie Pumpkin Hill Creek River Rise Rock Springs Run San Felasco Hammock Savannas Seabranch St. Lucie Inlet St. Sebastian River Tarkiln Bayou Topsail Hill Tosohatchee Waccasassa Bay Yellow River Marsh State trails Blackwater Heritage Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Gainesville-Hawthorne General James A. Van Fleet Jacksonville-Baldwin Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway Nature Coast Palatka-Lake Butler Palatka-to-St. Augustine Tallahassee-St. Marks Historic Railroad Withlacoochee State forests Belmore Big Shoals Blackwater River Carl Duval Moore Cary Charles H. Bronson Cottage Hill Deep Creek Etoniah Creek Four Creeks Goethe Holopaw Indian Lake Jennings John M. Bethea Lake George Lake Talquin Lake Wales Ridge Little Big Econ Matanzas Myakka Okaloacoochee Slough Picayune Strand Pine Log Point Washington Ralph E. Simmons Memorial Ross Prairie Seminole Tate's Hell Tiger Bay Twin Rivers Wakulla Watson Island Welaka Withlacoochee Local level Preserves and reserves Boyd Hill Gumbo Limbo Moccasin Lake Category Commons v t e Southern United States Topics Cuisine Culture Dialects Economy Geography Government and politics History Sports Black Southerners White Southerners States Alabama Arkansas Delaware Florida Georgia Kentucky Louisiana Maryland Mississippi North Carolina Oklahoma South Carolina Tennessee Texas Virginia West Virginia Federal districts District of Columbia Major cities Atlanta Austin Baltimore Birmingham Charleston (SC) Charleston (WV) Charlotte Columbia Dallas Fort Worth Greensboro Hampton Hialeah Houston Huntsville Jacksonville Little Rock Louisville Memphis Miami Nashville New Orleans Newport News Norfolk Oklahoma City Orlando Portsmouth Raleigh Richmond San Antonio St. Petersburg Tampa Tulsa Virginia Beach Washington, D.C. Wilmington Winston-Salem State capitals Annapolis Atlanta Austin Baton Rouge Charleston (WV) Columbia Dover Frankfort Jackson Little Rock Montgomery Nashville Oklahoma City Raleigh Richmond Tallahassee v t e New Spain (1521–1821) Conflicts Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire → Spanish conquest of Guatemala → Spanish conquest of Yucatán → Anglo-Spanish War (1585–1604) → Anglo-Spanish War (1625–1630) → Dutch Revolt → Anglo-Spanish War (1654–1660) → Piracy in the Caribbean → Queen Anne's War → War of Jenkins' Ear → Seven Years' War → Spain and the American Revolutionary War Conflicts with indigenous peoples during colonial rule Mixtón War → Yaqui Wars → Chichimeca War → Philippine revolts against Spain → Acaxee Rebellion → Spanish–Moro conflict → Acoma Massacre → Tepehuán Revolt → Tzeltal Rebellion → Pueblo Revolt → Pima Revolt → Spanish American wars of independence Central government and administration Habsburg Spain Charles I Joanna of Castile Philip II Philp III Philip IV Charles II Bourbon Spain Philip V (also reigned after Louis I) Louis I Ferdinand VI Charles III Charles IV Ferdinand VII of Spain (also reigned after Joseph I) Viceroys of New Spain List of viceroys of New Spain Audiencias Guadalajara Captaincy General of Guatemala Manila Mexico Santo Domingo Captancies General Cuba Guatemala Philippines Puerto Rico Santo Domingo Yucatán Provincias Internas Intendancy Havana New Orleans State of Mexico Chiapas Comayagua Nicaragua Camagüey Santiago de Cuba Guanajuato Valladolid Guadalajara Zacatecas San Luis Potosí Veracruz Puebla Oaxaca Durango Sonora Mérida, Yucatán La Florida Politics Viceroy Gobernaciones Adelantado Captain general Corregidor (position) Cabildo Encomienda Treaties Treaty of Tordesillas Treaty of Zaragoza Peace of Westphalia Peace of Ryswick Peace of Utrecht Congress of Breda Treaty of Fontainebleau (1762) Treaty of Paris (1783) Treaty of Córdoba Adams–Onís Treaty Notable cities, provinces, and territories Cities Mexico City Veracruz Xalapa Puebla Toluca Cuernavaca Oaxaca Morelia Acapulco Campeche Mérida Guadalajara Durango Monterrey León Guanajuato Zacatecas Pachuca Querétaro Saltillo San Luis Potosí Los Ángeles Yerba Buena (San Francisco) San José San Diego Santa Fe Albuquerque El Paso Los Adaes San Antonio Tucson Pensacola St. Augustine Havana Santo Domingo San Juan Antigua Guatemala Cebu Manila Provinces and territories Louisiana La Florida (Florida) Las Californias Alta California (California) Baja California Santa Fe de Nuevo México (New Mexico) Tejas (Texas) Nueva Galicia Nueva Vizcaya Nueva Extremadura New Kingdom of León Cebu Bulacan Pampanga Other areas Spanish Formosa Explorers, adventurers and conquistadors Pre-New Spain explorers Christopher Columbus Ferdinand Magellan Juan Sebastián Elcano Vasco Núñez de Balboa Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar Explorers and conquistadors Hernán Cortés Juan Ponce de León Nuño de Guzmán Bernal Díaz del Castillo Pedro de Alvarado Pánfilo de Narváez Hernando de Soto Francisco Vázquez de Coronado Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo Miguel López de Legazpi Ángel de Villafañe Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca Pedro Menéndez de Avilés Luis de Carvajal y de la Cueva Juan de Oñate Juan José Pérez Hernández Gaspar de Portolá Manuel Quimper Cristóbal de Oñate Andrés de Urdaneta Ruy López de Villalobos Diego Velázquez de Cuéllar Francisco Hernández de Córdoba (Yucatán conquistador) Francisco Hernández de Córdoba (founder of Nicaragua) Gil González Dávila Francisco de Ulloa Juan José Pérez Hernández Dionisio Alcalá Galiano Bruno de Heceta Juan Francisco de la Bodega y Quadra Alonso de León Ignacio de Arteaga y Bazán José de Bustamante y Guerra José María Narváez Pedro Sarmiento de Gamboa Antonio Gil Y'Barbo Alexander von Humboldt Thomas Gage Catholic Church in New Spain Spanish missions in the Americas Spanish missions in Arizona Spanish missions in Baja California Spanish missions in California Spanish missions in the Carolinas Spanish missions in Florida Spanish missions in Georgia Spanish missions in Louisiana Spanish missions in Mexico Spanish missions in New Mexico Spanish missions in the Sonoran Desert Spanish missions in Texas Spanish missions in Virginia Spanish missions in Trinidad Friars, fathers, priests, and bishops Pedro de Gante Gerónimo de Aguilar Toribio de Benavente Motolinia Bernardino de Sahagún Juan de Zumárraga Alonso de Montúfar Vasco de Quiroga Bartolomé de las Casas Alonso de Molina Diego Durán Diego de Landa Gerónimo de Mendieta Juan de Torquemada Juan de Palafox y Mendoza Carlos de Sigüenza y Góngora Eusebio Kino Francisco Javier Clavijero Junípero Serra Francisco Palóu Fermín de Lasuén Esteban Tápis José Francisco de Paula Señan Mariano Payeras Sebastián Montero Marcos de Niza Francisco de Ayeta Antonio Margil Francisco Marroquín Manuel Abad y Queipo Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla José María Morelos Other events Our Lady of Guadalupe Suppression of the Jesuits California mission clash of cultures Cargo system Indian Reductions Society and culture Indigenous peoples Mesoamerican Aztecs Maya Huastec Mixtec P'urhépecha Totonac Pipil Kowoj Kʼicheʼ Kaqchikel Zapotec Poqomam Mam Caribbean Arawak Ciboney Guanahatabey California Mission Indians Cahuilla Chumash Cupeño Juaneño Kumeyaay Luiseño Miwok Mohave Ohlone Serrano Tongva Oasisamerica (Southwest US) Akimel O'odham Apache Hopi Hualapai Navajo Pueblo peoples Quechan Solano Tohono O'odham Zuni Aridoamerica Acaxee Chichimeca Coahuiltecan Cochimí Cocopah Kiliwa La Junta Opata Tepehuán Yaqui Southern Plains Caddo Comanche Lipan Apache Plains Apache Tonkawa Wichita Southeastern Woodlands Indigenous people during De Soto's travels Apalachee Calusa Muscogee Jororo Pensacola Seminole Timucua Yustaga Filipinos Negrito Igorot Mangyan Peoples of Palawan Ati Panay Lumad Bajau Tagalog Cebuano Others Taiwanese indigenous peoples Chamorro people Architecture Spanish Colonial style by country Colonial Baroque style Forts Missions Trade and economy Real Columbian exchange Manila galleon Triangular trade People and classes Casta Peninsulares Criollo Indios Mestizo Castizo Coyotes Pardos Zambo Negros People Juan Bautista de Anza Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo Francis Drake Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla Eusebio Kino La Malinche Fermín de Lasuén Limahong Moctezuma II Junípero Serra Hasekura Tsunenaga Category v t e Political divisions of the Confederate States (1861–1865) States Alabama Arkansas Florida Georgia Louisiana Mississippi North Carolina South Carolina Tennessee Texas Virginia West Virginia government Governments in exile Kentucky government Missouri government Territory Arizona Territory Admitted to the Union June 20, 1863. Organized January 18, 1862. v t e Political divisions of the United States List of states and territories States Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Federal district Washington, D.C. Territories American Samoa Guam Northern Mariana Islands Puerto Rico U.S. Virgin Islands Outlying islands Baker Island Howland Island Jarvis Island Johnston Atoll Kingman Reef Midway Atoll Navassa Island Palmyra Atoll Wake Island Indian reservations List of Indian reservations International concessions Guantanamo Bay Pituffik

28°N 82°W / 28°N 82°W / 28; -82 (State of Florida)

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