Introduction:
Welcome to beautiful Florida! From its deep historical background to its ancient land formations, the Sunshine State has plenty of interesting facts to explore. From cultural insights to geographical tidbits, here is a collection of the top 15 interesting facts about Florida that you definitely want to know.
Fact 1: Florida is the only state in the United States with two native lizard species.
The eastern spiny softshell and the Florida gar are two of the only four types of lizards native to Florida. The eastern spiny softshell is the primary species found in the state, and it is believed to be the oldest living species of lizard within the US. The Florida gar is also native to Florida and is the largest type of gar found within the US.
Fact 2: Florida has the highest number of lightning strikes in the United States.
Florida has a whopping 52 days of thunderstorms each year, making it the state with the highest number of lightning strikes in the US. This is due largely to itswarm and humid climate. In fact, lightning is such a common occurrence in Florida that it is nicknamed the “Lightning Capital of the United States.”
Fact 3: Florida is home to the nation’s oldest city.
St. Augustine, located in the northeast of the state, holds the record as the longest continuously inhabited city in the US. Established in 1565, the Spanish colonial city is filled with historic architectural highlights, as well as landmarks that date back to the 16th century.
Fact 4: The Everglades is the world’s largest subtropical wilderness.
The Everglades, located on the extreme southern tip of Florida, is the largest subtropical wilderness in the world. Spanning over 1.5 million acres, this unique ecosystem boasts a countless array of diverse wildlife, from endangered species of birds to the American alligator.
Fact 5: Florida is the only state in the US with two separate national parks.
Florida is home to two distinct national parks. The Dry Tortugas National Park is located 70 miles off the southern coast of Florida and consists of over 100 islands and coral reefs. The other is the Everglades National Park, as discussed above, located down the southern tip of the state.
Fact 6: Florida is home to eight sports teams.
With eight professional sports teams representing the state, it’s no wonder Florida is considered the capital of sports in the US. From baseball to football, basketball to hockey, Florida’s teams cover it all. Plus, the state is home to twelve minor league teams for fans to cheer on.
Fact 7: Florida’s coastline measures 8,436 miles.
Florida boasts 2,276 miles of mainland shoreline, as well as numerous other stretches of water around its hundreds of islands and keys. It is the second longest coastline in the US, with only Alaska’s towering 20,223 miles of shoreline beating it out.
Fact 8: Florida is the only state in the US with two separate time zones.
The Florida Panhandle is located on Central Time, while the rest of the state is on Eastern Time. This strange geographic anomaly is due to the state’s long eastward border with Alabama.
Fact 9: Florida is home to the world’s first underwater hotel.
The world’s first entirely submerged leisure facility was opened in 1983 and is located in Key Largo, Florida. Built 28 feet below sea level, the Jules’ Undersea Lodge consists of two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and a tiny bath.
Fact 10: Florida is the state with the most rodents.
In Florida, you’ll find an incredible variety of monkeys, squirrels, and rabbits hopping around amidst its lush greenery. This makes it not only the “Rodent Capital of the United States,” but the entire world.
Fact 11: Florida is the only state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Given its unique geography, Florida has access to beaches on both its eastern and western coasts. As a result, the state is the only one in the US to border both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Fact 12: Florida contains over 150 freshwater springs.
The largest number of freshwater springs in the US are located in the state of Florida. These springs are a great way to escape the heat during the Summer months, providing a cool and refreshing getaway. Popular springs include Ichetucknee, Lazeda, and Wekiwa, among others.
Fact 13: Florida is the only place in the world you can find wild crocodiles and alligators
Alligators can be found in many parts of the United States, including Louisiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina. However, Florida is the only place in the world where both crockdcodiles and alligators are found living in the wild together. And it’s a sight that’s truly unique to the Sunshine State.
Fact 14: Florida has the most “micropolitan” communities in the US.
In addition to large cities like Jacksonville, Miami, and Tampa, Florida has more “micropolitan” communities than any other state. A “micropolitan” community is one that has a population in the range of 10,000 – 50,000. For reference, the population of New York City stands at 8.6 million people.
Fact 15: The “largest living structure in the world” can be found in Florida.
The world’s largest living structure can be found in Florida! It’s located in the south by the Everglades National Park, and it’s a 14,000-year-old coral reef that extends 200 miles along the floor of the Atlantic Ocean. Millions of fish, mammals, and coral call this natural wonder home, making it the world’s largest living structure.
Conclusion
Florida is certainly an interesting state with a wide range of odd facts and unique attributes. From its unique geological features to its unusual wildlife, Florida is definitely a state worth exploring. We hope you now have a better understanding of the Sunshine State and its incredible array of interesting facts.
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