Florida

Florida is a state located in the southeastern United States. It is bordered by Alabama and Georgia to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, the Gulf of Mexico to the west, and the straits of Florida and the Caribbean Sea to the south. The state capital is Tallahassee, and its largest city is Jacksonville. The state is commonly known as the Sunshine State.

Florida is a peninsula with a long coastline; the Florida Keys extend from the southern tip; Everglades is a major wetlands ecosystem. The climate varies from humid subtropical in the north to tropical in the south; the state experiences a hurricane season and has several barrier islands and coral reefs. The state includes multiple wide estuaries and bays.

History: Long before European contact, Indigenous peoples such as the Timucua and Calusa inhabited the peninsula. Ponce de León explored the region in the early 16th century; Florida became a Spanish territory for centuries before being ceded to the United States in 1819 via the Adams-Onís Treaty and admitted to statehood in 1845. The state experienced growth in the 20th century due to tourism, air and space industries, and population expansion.

Economy and demographics: Florida has a large and diverse population, centered in coastal cities. Key economic sectors include tourism, agriculture (notably citrus), aerospace and defense, international trade, and healthcare. Major attractions include theme parks, beaches, and cruise ports. The state has a significant retiree population and a growing immigrant community.

Government and environment: Florida’s government operates under a state constitution with executive, legislative, and judicial branches; the governor serves as the head of government. The state supports several national and state parks and ongoing environmental initiatives, such as Everglades restoration, while facing challenges including habitat loss, water management, and sea-level rise.