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Welcome to our Florida research and studies collection, a place to share our latest explorations into the wonders of the Sunshine State. Florida is world-renowned for its endless recreational opportunities, breathtaking natural beauty, diverse and delicious cuisine, and so much more. Whether you’re a foodie, a thrill seeker, a naturalist, an outdoor enthusiast, a Disney lover, or just someone needing a relaxing vacation, Florida will provide! With so many regions and experiences, you’ll surely find your slice of paradise in the Land of Flowers. We plan to keep this page as evergreen as the Everglades, so check back for more fun Florida facts and analyses. For now, let’s dive into a bit of Florida’s history and some other insightful Florida statistics.
Florida joined the United States as the 27th state on March 3, 1845, after centuries of Spanish rule, a few decades under British control, and twenty-five years as an American territory. Of course, Florida’s history stretches far beyond this millennium. Before Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León arrived and named it La Florida (“Land of Flowers”) in 1513, it had been inhabited by various Native American tribes for at least 14,000 years. Two tribes, the Seminole and the Miccosukee, continue to live and work on their native land. The present-day Seminole tribe, who refer to themselves as the “Unconquered People,” are the descendants of just 300 Native Americans who eluded capture by the U.S. army during the 19th century.
Florida’s storied past has helped cultivate the vibrant tapestry of culture that it is today. Food is just one of the many ways to immerse yourself in Florida’s diversity. You can indulge in the charming comfort foods of the South alongside Spanish, Greek, Minorcan, Jamaican, African American, and Cuban cuisines, to name just a few. The variety of fresh seafood and marvelous medley of ways to enjoy it is truly the stuff of dreams! You can savor the sun and soul of Florida through food tours peppered across the entire state.
When did Florida become the “Sunshine State”? While Florida has been cherished as a sun-kissed state for centuries, it wasn’t officially called that until the legislature adopted the nickname in 1970. Another nickname for Florida is the “Peninsula State,” a suitable moniker for its distinctive geography. As America’s sunny peninsula, Florida delights over 140 million visitors each year. In fact, Florida set a new tourism record in 2024 with 143 million visitors, a 1.7% increase over the record set the previous year. Florida is the most visited state by domestic travelers and the second most visited state by international travelers. The reasons for visiting Florida are as vast and plentiful as the seashells that decorate its 8,436 miles of shoreline.
Florida is also celebrated for its spectacular sprawl of amusement parks. It is home to Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Bay Lake, the most visited amusement park in the world. In 2023, it welcomed nearly 18 million visitors to experience the treasured magic only Disney can offer. Florida truly is a wonderland for people of all ages and walks of life. The first step to the best Florida experience is knowledge, so without further ado, here are our case studies that highlight the qualities of Florida and beyond:
