Florida - The Sunshine State

Florida

Florida

Florida, known as the “Sunshine State,” is located in the southeastern region of the United States and is celebrated for its subtropical and tropical climate. Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and Georgia and Alabama to the north, Florida is a peninsula that offers miles of coastline and natural beauty.

A Blend of Nature and Adventure

The state is famous for its sandy beaches, such as those in Miami and Clearwater, and its unique ecosystems like the Everglades, a vast wetland home to diverse wildlife. Florida’s warm weather makes it a year-round destination for outdoor activities, from boating and fishing to exploring scenic state parks.

Culture and Attractions

Florida is a hub for tourism, featuring world-renowned attractions like Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, and Kennedy Space Center. The state’s cultural influences include Spanish heritage, Caribbean flavors, and vibrant art scenes, especially in cities like Miami and Tampa.

Economy and Growth

Florida’s economy thrives on tourism, agriculture, and aerospace industries. Known for producing citrus fruits, particularly oranges, the state also plays a major role in U.S. space exploration and trade. With its sunny skies and energetic atmosphere, Florida continues to attract millions of visitors and new residents each year.

Florida Symbols

Fast Facts and Interesting Facts
Fact Detail Interesting Facts
Region Southeastern United States
    1. Florida is the flattest state in the U.S., with its highest natural point only 345 feet above sea level.
    2. It is home to the Everglades, the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
    3. Orlando attracts more visitors than any other amusement park destination in the world, thanks to Disney World and Universal Studios.
    4. Florida is the lightning capital of the U.S., with frequent thunderstorms, especially in the summer.
    5. It has more golf courses than any other state—over 1,000.
    6. The first European settlement in the continental U.S., St. Augustine (1565), is in Florida.
    7. Florida’s coastline is longer than any state except Alaska—over 1,300 miles.
    8. NASA’s Kennedy Space Center is located in Cape Canaveral, where many historic space launches have occurred.
    9. Alligators and crocodiles coexist naturally only in Florida, nowhere else in the world.
    10. Florida produces more than 70% of the U.S. oranges and is a top global supplier of orange juice.
Population 22,244,823 (2024 est.)
Area 65,758 sq mi (170,312 km²)
Statehood March 3, 1845 (27th state)
Capital City Tallahassee
Largest City Jacksonville
Abbreviation FL
Nickname The Sunshine State
Geography Flat peninsula with sandy beaches, wetlands (Everglades), subtropical and tropical climate
Bordering States Georgia, Alabama; Gulf of Mexico and Atlantic Ocean coastlines
Economy Tourism, agriculture (citrus, sugarcane), aerospace, international trade
State Tree Sabal Palm
State Bird Northern Mockingbird

 

The Everglades

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Florida Map

Interactive and Printable Florida Maps and Map Activities

This section features numerous interactive and printable Florida maps. Students can even use our Maptivation program to make their own Florida map.

Ponce de Leon

History of Florida

Florida was first explored by Spanish conquistador Juan Ponce de León in 1513 and remained under Spanish control for much of the colonial period before becoming a U.S. territory in 1821. It was admitted as the 27th state in 1845 and played a strategic role during the Civil War and later as a major agricultural and tourism hub.
Osceola

Famous People from Florida

Florida has been shaped by influential figures like Osceola, the Seminole leader who fiercely resisted U.S. removal efforts during the Second Seminole War, and Henry Flagler, the industrialist who built railroads and luxury hotels that transformed Florida into a major tourist destination. These individuals left lasting legacies in Florida’s cultural heritage and economic development.

 
Comprehension

Florida Literacy and Comprehension Exercises

This section offers a variety of literacy and reading comprehension activities, including engaging passages with question sets, cloze reading exercises, and lessons on text elements and structure. These resources are generally suitable for students in grades 4–8.
Florida Symbols

Fun Florida Printables and Coloring Activities

This section features fun and educational Florida-themed coloring activities and printables, including state symbols, a state flag outline, a 'Welcome to Florida' sign, and much more!
Collage America

Florida and United States Online Games

This section provides some really exciting online games such as Florida or Not Florida, Everglades Spelling, Collage America, Ameriquake, Conquer the States, Draw America, and several more.