Central Florida Map

About Central Florida Map

This Central Florida map is of the major counties, cities, highways, lakes, and rivers of Central Florida and the surrounding coastal areas. Major cities are shown such as Orlando, Tampa, St. Petersburg, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Sanford, DeLand, and Titusville. Major transportation routes are also shown including the highways of Interstate 4 (I-4), Interstate 75 (I-75), and Interstate 95 (I-95) as well as U.S. highways. There are also major bodies of water shown such as Lake George, Lake Apopka, the Kissimmee River, Tampa Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico. All of the major counties of Central Florida are also shown including Orange, Hillsborough, Polk, Osceola, Brevard, Volusia, Seminole, Lake, and Pasco. An inset map in the upper right corner of the Central Florida map shows where Central Florida is in relation to the rest of Florida.

Counties of Central Florida

Major Cities by Population

Central Florida

Central Florida is a large area of the Sunshine State and includes Orlando, Tampa, Lakeland and Daytona Beach. The area has a number of urban areas, suburban areas and also extensive natural areas including wetlands, lakes and forests. The geography is generally flat, with many lakes and rivers, such as the St. Johns River, which is one of few in the United States that flow north. Central Florida has a climate of hot summers, mild winters and high rainfall in the summer. Because Central Florida is between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico it is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes.

Economic Significance

Central Florida has a diverse and growing economy depending on tourism, technology, healthcare and agriculture. Orlando is the economic capital of the region with a good number of multinational companies especially in the entertainment and hospitality sectors. The area is also home to some of the world's largest theme parks such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Orlando Resort, and SeaWorld Orlando which draw visitors in millions each year. The tourism sector has grown to become an billions of dollars industry in the local economy and creates hundreds of thousands of employment opportunities.

Beyond tourism, Central Florida has risen as a significant center for technology, with strong emphasis on aerospace, simulation and defense industries. Kennedy Space Center is where NASA and private companies do space exploration missions. Healthcare is also a large employer, AdventHealth and Orlando Health are institutions that provide complex medical services. The agricultural sector is also still relevant with the farming of citrus and vegetables, and raising of cattle as some of the main economic activities in the state.

Major Attractions and Tourism

Tourism is the backbone of Central Florida's economy and the region is famous for its world class attractions. The largest theme park complex in the world, Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista attracts over 50 million visitors every year. Universal Orlando Resort which has Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure and Volcano Bay is another major attraction. SeaWorld Orlando is marine life exhibits and thrilling rides, while LEGOLAND Florida is for families with young children.

Outside of theme parks, Central Florida has a lot of natural and cultural attractions to offer. The Kennedy Space Center on the Space Coast is a place where visitors can get an education about the space exploration industry and, depending on when you visit, see a rocket launch. Daytona Beach is known for its racing heritage and has been the site of the Daytona 500, one of the most prominent NASCAR events. The area includes several state parks as well, including Wekiwa Springs State Park and Blue Spring State Park, where you can find Florida's beautiful natural surroundings and wild animals.

Education and Research Institutions

Central Florida has several major universities and research institutions contributing to the innovation and workforce development of the region. The University of Central Florida (UCF) is one of the largest universities in the United States by enrollment and is in Orlando, with a strong program in engineering, business, and space science. Lakeland’s Florida Polytechnic University is a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education and research university. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach is an aviation and aerospace studies leader. Central Florida's economy and talent attraction are also vital to these universities and research centers.

Infrastructure and Transportation

Central Florida has a very well developed transportation network to support its growing population and tourism industry. Orlando International Airport (MCO) is one of the biggest airfields in the United States and is boarded by millions of passengers every year. Tampa International Airport and Daytona Beach International Airport are also available for air travel for residents and visitors. The area is also served by major highways, including Interstate 4 (I-4), which runs from Tampa to Daytona Beach, and Florida's Turnpike, which connects Central Florida to other parts of the state.

The Orlando metropolitan area is linked by the SunRail commuter train and the region has public transportation. Brightline, a high-speed rail service, is coming to Central Florida and is adding faster travel options south to Orlando and beyond to Miami. The Port of Tampa Bay is a major seaport that facilitates trade and supports Florida’s cruise industry where thousands of passengers depart each year from the port.

Culture and Lifestyle

Central Florida has an ever increasing diversity in culture given the number of people living and visiting the area. Orlando and Tampa have their arts districts, theaters, and museums (including the Orlando Museum of Art and the Tampa Museum of Art). Music, sports, and festivals are an integral part of the area’s life. The region has several professional sports teams such as the Orlando Magic (NBA) and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL). The area has many cultural events such as the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the Gasparilla Pirate Festival in Tampa, and Bike Week in Daytona Beach.

Outdoors are a main tourist attraction with activities such as boating, fishing, hiking and golfing available all year through. The region's lakes, springs and coastal areas are a rich hunting ground for water sports and wildlife watching. Central Florida has a good balance of city facilities and scenic environment and thus enjoys a good standard of living to residents and is a interesting place to visit.