Florida State Almanac: Facts and Figures

Quick Facts, Figures, and Overview of the State of Florida

Florida Almanac: Fast Facts and Figures on the State of Florida

Florida is one of the South Atlantic states of the US and the southernmost of the contiguous states. It is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico, Alabama, Georgia, the Atlantic Ocean, the Straits of Florida. The state of Florida is the fourth most populated state of the 50 United States. Florida's name was derived from Spanish, meaning "feast of flowers." (Easter)

Today, Florida has a highly diversified economy, driven by tourism, international trade, health and financial services, high-technology manufacturing, and the production of citrus fruits and other agricultural commodities. Millions of tourists visit Florida each year, lured by the warm climate and attractions like the John F. Kennedy Space Center, on Cape Canaveral and Walt Disney World, a group of four large theme parks, near Orlando. Florida's population experienced nearly a six fold increase between 1950 and 2000, many of the new inhabitants being retired persons from other parts of the US and immigrants from Caribbean countries.

Florida Almanac: Florida Facts & Figures

Official Name Florida
Capital Tallahassee
Nicknames Sunshine State (1970) ...and more
Motto In God We Trust
Location
Region
30.45700 N, 084.28139 W
Southern
South Atlantic
Constitution Ratified 1969
Statehood March 03, 1845
27th state
Population 18,801,310 (2010)
301.57 sq. mi.
4th
Largest City
(by population)
10 largest cities (2010: Jacksonville, 821,784; Miami, 399,457; Tampa, 335,709; St. Petersburg, 244,769; Orlando, 238,300; Hialeah, 224,669; Tallahassee, 181,376; Fort Lauderdale, 165,521; Port Saint Lucie, 164,603; Pembroke Pines, 154,750
Bordering States North: Alabama and Georgia
East: Atlantic Ocean
South: Straits of Florida (separating it from Cuba)
West: Gulf of Mexico and Alabama
Coastline: 1350 mi
Major Industry tourism, agriculture (oranges, grapefruit, tomatos), electronics
Major Rivers St. Johns River, St. Marys River, Suwannee River
Major Lakes Lake Okeechobee, Lake George
Florida Counties 67 Counties in Florida
Largest County
(by population)
Miami-Dade County
2,496,435 (2010)
1,945 sq. mi.
Largest County
(by area)
Palm Beach County
2,034 sq. mi.
State forests 31 (more than 890,000 ac.)
State parks 159 (over 723,000+ ac.)
Electoral Votes 27 (as of the 2004 Presidential Election)
US Congress 2 Senators; 23 Representatives (25 Representatives as of the 2002 election)
Time Zone Central Standard Time & Eastern Standard Time
Zip Codes NANPA
State Quick Facts Census Bureau Quick Facts


Florida Climate and Weather

Florida climate is best described as subtropical with mild winters and quite warm summers. The state is essentially a long peninsula with no place more than 80 miles from either the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico. Florida temperatures are greatly influenced by the surrounding water which has a moderating effect on both the high and low temperatures. Generally, the interior of the state tends to warm more rapidly and reach higher temperatures during the day while cooling more rapidly and falling to lower temperatures during the night.

The summer months of June, July, August and even into September are the rainiest months of the year. During this period thunderstorms are common. Many welcome these rain showers as they provide cooling relief during hot afternoons. One must be wary, however, since these thunderstorms sometimes become quite severe with very strong winds and intense lightning.

Winter brings dryer weather to Florida and of course the occasional cold front. Northern Florida feels the effects of cold fronts much more than southern Florida. Northern Florida will experience numerous days where the low temperature falls below freezing at times, while this rarely occurs in south Florida. Still, the average low temperature even in the coldest months in north Florida is above 40F in most areas with high temperatures averaging in the 60s. In south Florida the coldest months bring low temperatures that typically average in the 60s with highs reaching well into 70s. Snow is very rare in Florida.

Although snow is rare in Florida, tropical storms and hurricanes are not. Florida Hurricane season is from June 1st through November 30th. While these tropical cyclones can bring devastation to Florida, modern weather surveillance systems, which Florida is well known for provide plenty of notice of approaching storms.

Highest Temperature 109 degrees
June 29, 1931 - Monticello
Lowest Temperature -2 degrees
February 13, 1899 - Tallahassee-
Avg. Temp:
High - Low
91.7 degrees
39.9 degrees

Florida Points of Interest

The 'Sunshine State' of Florida is justifiably one of the most popular destinations on the planet.

Besides sandy beaches (north to south), watersports activities of all description and world-class golf courses, major attractions include historic St. Augustine, Busch Gardens, Cypress Gardens, Disney World, Everglades, Florida Keys, the electrifying City of Miami, Kennedy Space Center, Sea World and Universal Studios... just to name but a few.

Florida Highest, Lowest, and Mean Elevations (Feet)

Mean Elevation: 100 feet
Highest Point: Lakewood (Britton Hill) Sec. 30, T6N, R20W, Walton County: 4345 feet

Lakewood (Britton Hill) Sec. 30, T6N, R20W, Walton County: 4345 feetThe highest point in the state is Britton Hill in Lakewood Park near the Alabama border. Soaring to 345 feet above sea level, this high point is the lowest of the 50 states. Only rarely is it snow-capped. It is the only state highest point comprised of sand.

Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean
Sea level

Florida Land Area (Square Miles)

Geographic Center In Hernando County, 12 mi. NNW of Brooksville
Longitude: 81°37.9'W
Latitude: 28°8.0'N
Total Area 65,754.59 sq. mi.
22nd
Land Area 53,926.82 sq. mi.
82.02%
Water Area 11,827.77 sq. mi.
17.98%
Forested Land Area 47%
Dimensions
(Length - Width)
500 miles  160 miles
County Information and County History
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