Get to Know Your New State of Florida
Important info and fun facts about the sunshine state for new residents
As a new Florida resident, you may be curious to learn more about your new state including its history, its leadership, its demographics and the industries that drive the state's economy. For your convenience, we have listed these items below as well as some fun facts about the state you now call home.
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History of Florida
Florida was founded in 1845 and was the 27th state to join the nation. Today, in 2025, Florida is currently 180 years old. The following are some of Florida's state symbols.
- State bird: Mockingbird
- State song: Old Folks at Home, aka "Swanee River"
- State moto: "In God we Trust."
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Florida's Leadership
Governor
Ron DeSantis
Ron DeSantis is the current Governor of Florida and a member of the Republican party. Originally taking office in January of 2019, he is currently serving his second term which ends in January of 2027. Prior to serving as Florida's Governor, Ron previously served as a State Representative from 2013 - 2018 in the state's 6th congressional district. As of 2025, Governor DeSantis is currently 46 years old.
U.S. Senators
Rick Scott
Ashley Moody
Florida's two U.S. Senators include Rick Scott and Ashley Moody, both representing the Republican party. Rick Scott previously served as Florida's Governor (2011 - 2019) and Ashley Moody previously served as Florida's Attorney General (2019 - 2025).
U.S. Representatives
Florida has
28 total Representatives in the U.S. House of Representatives, one for each of Florida's 28 congressional districts. Click to view a map of
Florida's districts and representatives.
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Florida's Demographics
Overview
- 42.4 - Median Age
- 22.6M - State Population (3rd largest state)
- $41,055 - Income per Capita
- $71,711 - Income per Household
- $385,851 - Median Home Value (Mar 2025)
Largest Metro Areas
- 6.2M - Miami / Fort Lauderdale / West Palm Beach
- 3.3M - Tampa / St. Petersburg / Clearwater
- 2.8M - Orlando / Kissimmee / Sanford
- 1.7M - Jacksonville
- 910K - North Port / Sarasota / Bradenton
Largest Cities
- 986K - Jacksonville
- 456K - Miami
- 414K - Tampa
- 321K - Orlando
- 263K - St. Petersburg
Florida's Economy
Size / Economic Output
With an economic output of $1.7 Trillion in 2024, Florida's economy is the 4th largest in the nation and contributes 5.8% of the nation's total output. Globally, Florida ranks as the 15th largest economy on the planet.
Top Sectors & Industries
- Tourism & Hospitality
- Real Estate & Development
- Aviation & Aerospace
- Clean Energy
- Defense & Homeland Security
- Financial & Professional Services
- Logistics & Distribution
- Manufacturing
- Medical & Life Sciences
- Technology
Florida's Sports Teams
Football (NFL)
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Miami Dolphins
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baseball (MLB)
- Miami Marlins
- Tampa Bay Rays
Ice Hockey (NHL)
- Florida Panthers
- Tampa Bay Lightning
Fun Facts about the Sunshine State
The following are some fun, yet interesting facts about Florida that you may not be aware of...
Florida is the flattest state in the country.
Florida is the flattest state in the nation with its highest point at only 345 feet above sea level. This is because Florida is mostly a coastal plain bordered by 1,350 miles of shoreline and lacks any mountainous terrain.
Jacksonville is the largest city in the U.S. by landmass.
Jacksonville is the largest city in the contiguous, lower 48 states by overall landmass as it encompasses just over 874 square miles. It's also Florida's largest city by population size at just over 986K people.
Florida is home to the nation's top beach.
Siesta Key Beach in the Sarasota, FL area claims the spot as the nation's top beach as it has consistently received the most accolades over the years (as rated by actual travelers on popular review sites) for its white, powder-like sand which is composed mostly of pure quartz. Below are recent accolades received.
- #1 Best Beach in Florida - TripAdvisor (2024)
- #2 Best Beach in the U.S. - TripAdvisor (2023, 2022)
- #1 Best Beach in the U.S. - TripAdvisor (2020, 2017, 2015)
- #1 Best Beach in America - Dr. Beach (2017)
Florida is the cruising capital of the world.
Florida is the cruising capital of the world as it is home to both Port Miami and Port Canaveral, the #1 and #2 busiest cruise ports in the world. In 2024, Port Miami handled a record-breaking 8.2 million cruise passengers, a nearly 13% increase over 2023.
Florida is the theme park capital of the world.
Florida is the official theme park capital of the world as it's the home of Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens just to name a few.
Florida is currently home to 8 of the "Top 20" amusements parks in the entire nation as well as 3 of the "Top 20" water parks in the entire world.
Florida is the lightning capital of the world.
As Florida is surrounded by two bodies of water with competing sea breezes, high humidity and heat, afternoon thunderstorms with many lightning flashes keeps Florida as the lightning capital of the world.
Florida is home to the world's longest walkway.
The Tampa Bay region of Florida is home to the 4.5 mile fitness walkway that borders Bayshore Boulevard, and is the world's longest continuous walkway. As this designation was originally given by Guiness World Records in 1970, it is still held till present day.
Jacksonville is the largest city in the contiguous, lower 48 states by overall landmass as it encompasses just over 874 square miles. It's also Florida's largest city by population size at just over 986K people.
Siesta Key Beach in the Sarasota, FL area claims the spot as the nation's top beach as it has consistently received the most accolades over the years (as rated by actual travelers on popular review sites) for its white, powder-like sand which is composed mostly of pure quartz. Below are recent accolades received.
Florida is the cruising capital of the world as it is home to both Port Miami and Port Canaveral, the #1 and #2 busiest cruise ports in the world. In 2024, Port Miami handled a record-breaking 8.2 million cruise passengers, a nearly 13% increase over 2023.
