Florida, the Sunshine State, is renowned for more than just its sunny beaches and vibrant culture. It leads the nation and sometimes the world in several unique and impressive areas. Here’s a look at some of the things Florida is number one at:
- Warmest State in the U.S.: Florida’s blend of tropical and subtropical climates results in an average daily temperature of 70.7 degrees, making it the warmest state in the country.
- Top Vacation Resort: Walt Disney World Resort in Florida is the world’s most visited vacation resort, welcoming over 50 million visitors annually.
- Agricultural Leader: Surprisingly, Florida isn’t just the leading producer of oranges in the U.S.; it also tops the charts in producing sweet corn and green beans.
- Largest Subtropical Wetland: The Everglades, unique to Florida, is the largest subtropical wetland in the country.
- Oldest Continuous Settlement: St. Augustine holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited European-established settlement in the continental United States.
- Lightning Capital of the U.S.: Florida’s climate and coastline also make it the lightning capital of the U.S., with frequent storms and lightning strikes.
- Culinary Innovations: Key lime pie originated from Key West, and the Cuban sandwich was created in Tampa. Additionally, Joe’s Stone Crab in Miami Beach was the first to sell the now-famous delicacy.
- City with the Most Canals in the World: Cape Coral in Florida has over 400 miles of canals, more than any other city globally, surpassing even Venice.
- Prone to Hurricanes: Florida is the most hurricane-prone state in the U.S., although it experiences fewer earthquakes compared to other states.
- Sunscreen Innovation: The precursor to modern sunscreen was developed by Benjamin Green in Miami in 1944.
- Skilled Workforce Development: Florida has been named number one in the U.S. for attracting and developing a skilled workforce, according to Lightcast’s 2022 Talent Attraction Scorecard.
- Net Migration Leader: The state leads in net migration, adding more than 388,000 residents between 2016-20, nearly double the number of the next state, Texas.
- County-Level Migration: Lee, Pasco, and Polk counties are among the top ten large counties nationally in net migration, with Nassau County leading among small counties.
These accomplishments underscore Florida’s diverse strengths, from its warm climate and tourist attractions to its agricultural output and talent attraction. The state’s unique combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and innovative spirit make it a leader in many fields, contributing significantly to its fame and desirability as a place to visit, live, and work.