Interesting facts about Florida: Florida Fun Facts

Florida: It’s affectionately known as “the sunshine state.” And for good reason! On average, Florida has 300 days of sunshine per year. That’s pretty amazing! And that’s just one of the reasons that Florida is home to a whopping 20 million people, which makes it the third most populous state in America. People from all over the world flock to Florida for the warm days and happy atmosphere. Keep reading to learn 10 more somewhat sunny and interesting facts about Florida.

1. FL has the most golf courses of any state in America… facts

Father and daughter drive on scenic golf course in West Palm Beach Florida

Love golfing? Then you’ll love Florida. With more than 1,300 golf courses, there’s never a shortage of this popular sport. Plus, Palm Beach County specifically has more golf courses than any other county in the entire country. As if that’s not enough to show Florida’s love of golf, you’ll find the World Golf Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Augustine, Florida.

2. Approximately 1,000 people move to Fl each day… facts

A senior African-American couple relocating, moving to a new home in Florida. They are excited, unloading boxes from their car

Florida is widely known for its hot weather, sunny days and very mild winters. This has made it a welcome haven for retirees from all over the country who want great weather year-round. That’s why so many people every day choose to pack their bags and relocate to sunny Florida.

3. There are no dinosaur fossils on record in Florida… facts

Fossilized dinosaur bones and skull in the sand.
If you plan to dig for dinosaur bones, you won’t have any luck in Florida. That’s because, during the dinosaur age, the Florida peninsula was underwater; it was totally nonexistent as a land mass.

4. You must register your car in Fl — even if you only live there part-time… facts

Closeup of corvette luxury car driving in Mississippi with a Florida license plate.
Florida state law says that if you have a car in Florida for more than 90 days per year, that vehicle must be registered in Florida. And those 90 days do not have to be consecutive! Even out-of-state residents must insure their car in Florida and must prove that they meet the state’s minimum insurance requirements. Also, if you have never held a regular driver license in any state, country, or jurisdiction, you must complete a FL TLSAE (Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education) course.

5. The Fl flag features St. Andrew… facts

Florida flag waving in the wind.
Florida’s official state flag, adopted in 1900, has a red cross of St. Andrew on a white field. The center features the Florida state seal, which shows the sun, palm trees, a steamboat, land, water and a Native American woman scattering flowers.

6. Florida is the flattest state in America… facts

Drone photo of the incredibly flat Fort Meyers, Florida
Not many hills here! Florida’s mean elevation is only 100 feet. The state’s highest natural point, Britton Hill, is only 345 feet above sea level. For comparison, Britton Hill is the lowest high point out of any state in America.

7. Florida’s official reptile is the alligator… facts

Isolated alligator swimming slowly in a Florida swamp
In 1987, Florida legislature named the American alligator as the official state reptile. The alligator symbolizes the extensive untamed wilderness and swamp land found throughout Florida.

8. The Florida driving test no longer requires parallel parking… facts

A small yellow coupe is parked sideways in a parallel parking space.
Recently, the Florida driving test has done away with parallel parking, but still requires new drivers to pass other important tasks. Here are the maneuvers that drivers must perform in the Florida driving test:

• Turn about: Turn your car around in a 30 to 40 foot space.

• Gear shift: You must be able to shift gears smoothly.

• Parking: Demonstrate that you can park your car straight in a parking spot. The car must be centered in the spot. (No more parallel parking!)

• Stop quickly: While driving at 20 MPH, you must make a quick, safe stop.

• Back up safely: You will have to back up for 50 feet while driving slowly. You also can’t use the rear-view mirror, but instead should turn your head to look back.

• Use stop signs correctly: Show that you can come to a complete stop correctly and then proceed into the intersection only when it is safe.

• Signal and turn: Demonstrate that you can use your turn signal 100 feet before you turn.

• Stay in the correct lane: Show that you can stay in the right lane and only change lanes when it is safe.

9. Florida is home to many national parks that offer tours

Egrets during a beautiful golden morning in a Florida National Park.
In fact, Greater Miami is the only metropolitan area in America with two national parks: the pristine Everglades National Park and the picturesque Biscayne National Park.

10. Florida produces the most oranges in America

Orange fruits wooden crate box in harvest with orange tree leaves freshly harvested
Orange lovers love Florida! Can you believe Florida makes 75% of the country’s oranges? In addition, Florida accounts for 40% of the world’s orange juice supply. Now that’s a lot of delicious orange juice!