State Abbreviation: FL

Capital: Tallahassee

Name Origin: Florida’s original Spanish name is La Florida, which means “place of flowers.” Some historians think Ponce de León chose the name to honor the blooming flowers he saw there, or in tribute to Spain’s Easter celebration called Pascua Florida, or “Feast of Flowers.”

Nickname: Sunshine State (1970)

Statehood: March 3, 1845 (27th State)

State Motto: In God we trust (1868)

Florida, a land of rich history, was first discovered and named by Ponce de León in 1513, as he searched for the legendary "Fountain of Youth." Spain claimed Florida and held control over it, except for a brief period when the French established Fort Caroline in 1564. Ownership of Florida shifted between Spain and England until Spain finally sold the territory to the United States in 1819.

During the early 19th century, Florida faced conflicts with the Seminole Native Americans, which persisted until 1842.

Today, Florida's economy thrives on a diverse foundation of tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. The manufacturing sector encompasses electrical equipment, electronics, printing and publishing, transportation equipment, food processing, and machinery. Florida is renowned for its citrus fruits, particularly oranges and grapefruits, as well as potatoes, melons, strawberries, sugar cane, peanuts, dairy products, and cattle.

Florida's major tourist attractions are scattered throughout the state. On the East Coast, visitors flock to Miami Beach, Palm Beach, St. Augustine (the oldest permanent city in the U.S., founded in 1565), Daytona Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The West Coast beckons with Sarasota, Tampa, and St. Petersburg, while Key West entices travelers off the southern tip of Florida. The Orlando area, home to Disney World sprawling across 27,000 acres, stands as the state's premier tourist destination. Other notable draws include the NASA Kennedy Space Center's Spaceport USA, Everglades National Park, and the Epcot Center.

The eyes of the nation turned to Florida during the 2000 presidential race, as the state's electoral votes played a pivotal role. With George W. Bush securing 246 electoral votes and Al Gore 255, Florida's 25 electoral votes became crucial. After a mandatory machine recount showed Bush with a narrow lead, the election embarked on a tumultuous journey through various recounts and the judicial system, ultimately culminating in a decision by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Trayvon Martin's tragic death on February 26, 2012, cast a somber shadow over Florida. The unarmed African-American teenager was fatally shot by crime watch volunteer George Zimmerman in a gated community in Sanford, Florida. The incident, coupled with the Sanford police's initial decision not to charge Zimmerman, sparked widespread protests across the nation. Zimmerman was later charged with second-degree murder in April, igniting further discussions on race and justice.

• Florida can make an excellent vacation spot, thanks to its 663 miles of beaches and—of course!—Disney World. The 40-square-mile park in the city of Orlando has more than 60,000 employees and welcomes more than 62,000 visitors every day.
  
• The state can even take you out of this world … literally! You can see an actual rocket launch from Cape Canaveral, where rockets have been taking off since 1950.
  
• Florida isn’t just a great place to visit. Many have called the state home. Author Ernest Hemingway chose to live in Key West. Zora Neale Hurston, a member of the Harlem Renaissance, author of Their Eyes Were Watching God, and a collector and publisher of African-American and Afro-Caribbean folklore, also lived here. Singer Ariana Grande and former Attorney General of the United States Janet Reno were also born in Florida.

1. Explore the Everglades National Park: Embark on an unforgettable adventure in one of the world's most unique and diverse ecosystems. Take an airboat tour, hike nature trails, or go kayaking to observe the abundant wildlife, including alligators, manatees, and various bird species.
2. Visit the Walt Disney World Resort: Experience the magic of the world's most famous theme park. Explore multiple parks, including the iconic Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Enjoy thrilling rides, meet beloved characters, and be enchanted by spectacular shows and parades.
3. Relax on the Beautiful Beaches: With its extensive coastline, Florida offers a wealth of stunning beaches to choose from. Whether it's the white sands of Clearwater Beach, the vibrant atmosphere of South Beach in Miami, or the natural beauty of Siesta Key, spend a day soaking up the sun, swimming in crystal-clear waters, and enjoying beach activities.
4. Discover the Kennedy Space Center: Journey into the fascinating world of space exploration at the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Learn about the history of space travel, view real spacecraft and exhibits, meet astronauts, and even witness a rocket launch if you're lucky.
5. Explore the Art and Culture of Miami: Immerse yourself in Miami's vibrant art scene and diverse cultural offerings. Visit the Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) to admire contemporary art, stroll through the colorful streets of the Wynwood Walls district adorned with stunning murals, and experience the lively atmosphere of the Little Havana neighborhood, where you can savor delicious Cuban cuisine and enjoy traditional music and dance.