Interesting Facts About Florida

Florida is a state in the southeastern region of the United States. A major portion of its landmass is a peninsula. It is flanked by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. What is so interesting about Florida? Let's find out.

Interesting Facts about Florida

Research has revealed that people inhabited Florida, long before the Europeans settled in the state. For thousands of years before the Europeans came to Florida, the Ais, the Apalachee and the Tocobago were some of the tribes indigenous to Florida.

From 1513, up to around 1630, Florida was known by the name of 'La Florida'. Until the 19th century, the Florida peninsula was known as Tegesta. The Spanish and the French were among the earliest ones to inhabit Florida. The Spanish did not have an influential hold over Florida. When the English and French colonies were established in Florida, the Spanish influence further decreased.

In the mid-twentieth century, Florida was the least populated Southern state. Around 44% of its population was African-American.

It is interesting to know that a major part of Florida is a peninsula, composed of karst limestone bedrock. Florida houses underwater caves, sinkholes and springs. In the southern region of the peninsula lies the very large river, Everglades. Britton Hill, is the highest point in Florida at 105 meters above the average sea level.

Reportedly, Florida is the only state, which has two rivers with the same name. One is in the north central region of Florida, while the other is located in central Florida. Both are named Withlacoochee River.

Most of the parts of Florida experience a humid or a tropical climate. On a hot day in June 1931, a temperature of 109 degrees Fahrenheit was recorded, making it the highest temperature ever recorded in Florida. -2 degrees Fahrenheit is the lowest temperature recorded in Florida.

Florida ranks forty-fifth in the total energy consumption per capita. It ranks fourth in the list of the most populated states in the United States. 39 of the counties in Florida are in Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs). Florida's economy is the fourth largest in the United States. The tourism industry of Florida provides a major boost to the economy. Agriculture, and especially, the cultivation of oranges forms an important part of Florida's economy.

Roman Catholicism is predominant in Florida. Certain regions in South Florida house large Jewish populations. Around 40% of Florida's population consists of Protestants.

The people of Florida follow an interesting tradition, once in a year, thousands of Floridians come together and toss dead fish into Alabama. This custom is known as the annual Mullet toss and is hosted by the Flora-Bama Beach Bar in Pensacola.

Surprisingly, Florida did not have a minimum wage law till 2004. Moreover; Florida is one of the few states that do not impose a personal income tax.

Let us turn towards the fun-side of Florida and look at some funny and interesting names of places in Florida. There is a place called Boca Ciega, which literally means, 'blind mouth'. Another place is named Boca Raton, which translates to 'mouth of a rat'. Loxahatchee is a community inhabiting the Palm Beach County in Florida. Interestingly, the word, 'Loxahatchee' means 'a river of turtles'.

I am sure these interesting facts about Florida have fascinated you enough and you've planned to visit the state soon.