Florida Overview

Florida occupies a long peninsula and panhandle at the southeastern edge of the United States, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and the Straits of Florida. The state’s low elevations and extensive coastline shape daily life as much as its subtropical and tropical climate. Major population centers include Miami, West Palm Beach, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and Orlando.

Geography and Climate

Coastlines with barrier islands and intracoastal waterways define much of Florida’s settlement pattern, while inland regions feature lakes, springs, prairies, pine flatwoods, and agricultural belts. The Everglades, a unique sheet‑flow wetland, anchors the southern interior, and coral reefs fringe the Florida Keys. Winters are mild across most of the state; summers are hot and humid with daily sea breezes, frequent thunderstorms, and a hurricane season that spans June through November. These conditions support outdoor recreation year‑round but also require robust planning for flooding, storm surge, and water quality.

Economy and Industries

Tourism remains a signature industry-from theme parks and beaches to cruise departures and natural springs-but Florida’s economy is diverse. Aerospace and defense cluster along the Space Coast; logistics and international trade move through deep‑water ports and major airports; healthcare and life sciences expand with demographic growth; and finance, technology, and professional services concentrate in urban cores. Agriculture persists across citrus, winter vegetables, sugar, cattle, and specialty crops. Universities, community colleges, and research parks contribute talent and innovation that feed local supply chains and export‑oriented firms.

Culture, Education, and Recreation

Florida’s cultural mosaic reflects migration from across the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America. Art Deco, Mediterranean Revival, mid‑century modern, and contemporary towers share skylines; museums, theaters, and music venues anchor downtowns; and festivals fill the calendar with food, film, art, and heritage events. Public universities (including the University of Florida, Florida State University, and the University of South Florida) and numerous private institutions shape regional identities. Recreation spans boating, fishing, paddling, birding, and beachgoing, complemented by spring‑training baseball, professional sports, and extensive park systems.

Transportation and Access

Interstates I‑95, I‑75, I‑10, and I‑4 form the state’s highway backbone, connecting metros with ports such as Miami, Port Everglades, Tampa, Jacksonville, and Port Canaveral. Brightline intercity rail links South and Central Florida, and commuter services operate in select metros. International gateways at Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and Fort Lauderdale bolster tourism and business travel. Ongoing investments address congestion relief, resiliency for coastal corridors, and multimodal options that connect neighborhoods to employment centers, campuses, and attractions.