Basic Information About Florida

Florida is the southernmost contiguous US state and the third most populous, with about 22.6 million residents as of 2024. It covers 65,758 square miles, of which about 20% is water. The state capital is Tallahassee, though Miami, Jacksonville, and Tampa are far larger cities.

Nickname: The Sunshine State — a reference to Florida's abundant sunshine and warm climate, which drives its massive tourism industry.

Statehood: March 3, 1845 — the 27th state admitted to the union.

State Flower: Orange Blossom. Florida's citrus industry once defined its identity; orange groves covered millions of acres. Florida still produces about 70% of US orange juice.

State Bird: Northern Mockingbird, shared with four other Southern states.

State Animal: Florida Panther — one of the most endangered mammals in North America, with a wild population of approximately 200 individuals in South Florida.

Climate: Florida has four distinct climate zones. North Florida is humid subtropical with mild winters; Central Florida is warm year-round; South Florida and the Keys have a true tropical climate with no frost. The rainy season runs June through September; hurricanes are a genuine annual risk from June through November.

Geography: Florida is a long peninsula projecting into the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Its highest point, Britton Hill, is just 345 feet — the lowest high point of any US state.

Politics: Florida is one of the nation's most important swing states in presidential elections, with 30 electoral votes. The state has voted Republican in recent presidential elections but maintains a large Democratic voter registration base.

Economy: Tourism, healthcare, agriculture, aerospace, and finance are the dominant industries. Florida has no state income tax, making it a magnet for retirees and high-income earners. The Tampa Bay area, Orlando, and Miami have growing technology and financial services sectors.