Florida Map
Explore the map of Florida, located in the southeastern United States, is known for its warm climate and long coastline, touching both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. It's home to famous theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. With a diverse population, it's the third most populous state. Florida's landscapes range from bustling cities like Miami and Orlando to natural areas like the Everglades National Park. Its beaches and resorts make it a popular vacation destination, and it also has a unique mix of cultural influences from various communities.
About Florida Map
Expore map of Florida showing state boundary, interstate highways, US highwasy, other principle highways, railroads, rivers, state capital, cities, airports, beaches, forests, national parks, and waterbodies.
List of Counties in Florida
County | FIPS code | County seat | Established | Formed from | Density | Population | Area (sq mi) | Area (km2) | Per capita income (USD) |
Alachua County | 001 | Gainesville | 1824 | Duval and St. Johns | 285.31 | 249,365 | 874 | 2,264 | 24,741 |
Baker County | 003 | Macclenny | 1861 | New River | 46.42 | 27,154 | 585 | 1,515 | 19,593 |
Bay County | 005 | Panama City | 1913 | Calhoun and Washington | 222.32 | 169,856 | 764 | 1,979 | 25,033 |
Bradford County | 007 | Starke | 1858 | Columbia named New River until 1861 | 96.43 | 28,255 | 293 | 759 | 16,997 |
Brevard County | 009 | Titusville | 1844 | Hillsborough and Mosquito named St. Lucie until 1855 | 533.95 | 543,566 | 1,018 | 2,637 | 27,606 |
Broward County | 011 | Fort Lauderdale | 1915 | Dade and Palm Beach | 1472.43 | 1,780,172 | 1,209 | 3,131 | 28,631 |
Calhoun County | 013 | Blountstown | 1838 | Franklin, Jackson, and Washington | 26.01 | 14,750 | 567 | 1,469 | 15,091 |
Charlotte County | 015 | Punta Gorda | 1921 | DeSoto | 231.28 | 160,511 | 694 | 1,797 | 26,938 |
Citrus County | 017 | Inverness | 1887 | Hernando | 239.78 | 140,031 | 584 | 1,513 | 22,551 |
Clay County | 019 | Green Cove Springs | 1858 | Duval | 320.08 | 192,370 | 601 | 1,557 | 26,872 |
Collier County | 021 | East Naples | 1923 | Lee | 161.96 | 328,134 | 2,026 | 5,247 | 37,046 |
Columbia County | 023 | Lake City | 1832 | Alachua | 84.67 | 67,485 | 797 | 2,064 | 19,366 |
DeSoto County | 027 | Arcadia | 1887 | Manatee | 54.78 | 34,894 | 637 | 1,650 | 15,989 |
Dixie County | 029 | Cross City | 1921 | Lafayette | 23.42 | 16,486 | 704 | 1,823 | 17,066 |
Duval County | 031 | Jacksonville | 1822 | St. Johns | 1124.95 | 937,934 | 774 | 2,005 | 25,854 |
Escambia County | 033 | Pensacola | 1821 | One of the two original counties | 450.47 | 299,114 | 664 | 1,720 | 23,474 |
Flagler County | 035 | Bunnell | 1917 | St. Johns and Volusia | 200.78 | 97,376 | 485 | 1,256 | 24,939 |
Franklin County | 037 | Apalachicola | 1832 | Gadsden and Washington | 21.72 | 11,596 | 534 | 1,383 | 21,005 |
Gadsden County | 039 | Quincy | 1823 | Jackson | 89.44 | 46,151 | 516 | 1,336 | 16,843 |
Gilchrist County | 041 | Trenton | 1925 | Alachua | 48.72 | 17,004 | 349 | 904 | 18,309 |
Glades County | 043 | Moore Haven | 1921 | DeSoto | 16.32 | 12,635 | 774 | 2,005 | 17,872 |
Gulf County | 045 | Port St. Joe | 1925 | Calhoun | 28.04 | 15,844 | 565 | 1,463 | 17,968 |
Hamilton County | 047 | Jasper | 1827 | Jefferson | 28.49 | 14,671 | 515 | 1,334 | 15,794 |
Hardee County | 049 | Wauchula | 1921 | DeSoto | 43.78 | 27,887 | 637 | 1,650 | 14,668 |
Hendry County | 051 | LaBelle | 1923 | Lee | 33.9 | 39,089 | 1,153 | 2,986 | 14,734 |
Hernando County | 053 | Brooksville | 1843 | Alachua and Hillsborough named Benton from 1844 to 1850 | 362.12 | 173,094 | 478 | 1,238 | 22,775 |
Highlands County | 055 | Sebring | 1921 | DeSoto | 95.94 | 98,630 | 1,028 | 2,663 | 19,579 |
Hillsborough County | 057 | Tampa | 1834 | Alachua | 1206.26 | 1,267,775 | 1,051 | 2,722 | 27,062 |
Holmes County | 059 | Bonifay | 1848 | Jackson and Walton | 41.23 | 19,873 | 482 | 1,248 | 15,285 |
Indian River County | 061 | Vero Beach | 1925 | St. Lucie | 276.13 | 138,894 | 503 | 1,303 | 31,918 |
Jackson County | 063 | Marianna | 1822 | Escambia | 53.81 | 49,292 | 916 | 2,372 | 17,177 |
Jefferson County | 065 | Monticello | 1827 | Leon | 24.51 | 14,658 | 598 | 1,549 | 19,647 |
Lafayette County | 067 | Mayo | 1856 | Madison | 16.47 | 8,942 | 543 | 1,406 | 18,069 |
Lake County | 069 | Tavares | 1887 | Orange and Sumter | 315.86 | 301,019 | 953 | 2,468 | 25,323 |
Lee County | 071 | Fort Myers | 1887 | Monroe | 785.24 | 631,330 | 804 | 2,082 | 29,445 |
Leon County | 073 | Tallahassee | 1824 | Gadsden | 416.75 | 277,971 | 667 | 1,728 | 25,803 |
Levy County | 075 | Bronson | 1845 | Alachua | 35.92 | 40,156 | 1,118 | 2,896 | 18,703 |
Liberty County | 077 | Bristol | 1855 | Gadsden | 9.94 | 8,314 | 836 | 2,165 | 17,003 |
Madison County | 079 | Madison | 1827 | Jefferson | 27.62 | 19,115 | 692 | 1,792 | 16,346 |
Manatee County | 081 | Bradenton | 1855 | Hillsborough | 441.49 | 327,142 | 741 | 1,919 | 28,072 |
Marion County | 083 | Ocala | 1844 | Alachua, Hillsborough, and Mosquito | 210.59 | 332,529 | 1,579 | 4,090 | 22,384 |
Martin County | 085 | Stuart | 1925 | Palm Beach | 265.28 | 147,495 | 556 | 1,440 | 35,772 |
Miami-Dade County | 086 | Miami | 1836 | Monroe named Dade until 1997 | 1313.5 | 2,662,874 | 1,946 | 5,040 | 22,957 |
Monroe County | 087 | Key West | 1823 | St. Johns | 74.1 | 73,873 | 997 | 2,582 | 35,516 |
Nassau County | 089 | Fernandina Beach | 1824 | Duval | 113.8 | 74,195 | 652 | 1,689 | 29,089 |
Okaloosa County | 091 | Crestview | 1915 | Santa Rosa and Walton | 196.03 | 183,482 | 936 | 2,424 | 28,621 |
Okeechobee County | 093 | Okeechobee | 1917 | Osceola and St. Lucie | 51.86 | 40,140 | 774 | 2,005 | 19,664 |
Orange County | 095 | Orlando | 1824 | St. Johns named Mosquito until 1845 | 1287.56 | 1,169,107 | 908 | 2,352 | 25,490 |
Osceola County | 097 | Kissimmee | 1887 | Brevard and Orange | 208.9 | 276,163 | 1,322 | 3,424 | 20,536 |
Palm Beach County | 099 | West Palm Beach | 1909 | Dade | 656.43 | 1,335,187 | 2,034 | 5,268 | 33,610 |
Pasco County | 101 | Dade City | 1887 | Hernando | 626.12 | 466,457 | 745 | 1,930 | 24,164 |
Pinellas County | 103 | Clearwater | 1912 | Hillsborough | 3276.42 | 917,398 | 280 | 725 | 28,742 |
Polk County | 105 | Bartow | 1861 | Brevard and Hillsborough | 325.06 | 609,492 | 1,875 | 4,856 | 21,881 |
Putnam County | 107 | Palatka | 1849 | Alachua and St. Johns | 102.55 | 74,041 | 722 | 1,870 | 18,402 |
St. Johns County | 109 | St. Augustine | 1821 | One of the two original counties | 321.55 | 195,823 | 609 | 1,577 | 36,027 |
St. Lucie County | 111 | Fort Pierce | 1905 | Brevard | 490.17 | 280,379 | 572 | 1,481 | 23,296 |
Santa Rosa County | 113 | Milton | 1842 | Escambia | 151.68 | 154,104 | 1,016 | 2,631 | 25,384 |
Sarasota County | 115 | Sarasota | 1921 | Manatee | 668.2 | 382,213 | 572 | 1,481 | 33,045 |
Seminole County | 117 | Sanford | 1913 | Orange | 1380.1 | 425,071 | 308 | 798 | 29,795 |
Sumter County | 119 | Bushnell | 1853 | Marion | 179.04 | 97,756 | 546 | 1,414 | 24,180 |
Suwannee County | 121 | Live Oak | 1858 | Columbia | 61.01 | 41,972 | 688 | 1,782 | 18,782 |
Taylor County | 123 | Perry | 1856 | Madison | 21.78 | 22,691 | 1,042 | 2,699 | 18,649 |
Union County | 125 | Lake Butler | 1921 | Bradford | 64.12 | 15,388 | 240 | 622 | 13,657 |
Volusia County | 127 | DeLand | 1854 | Orange | 447.38 | 494,804 | 1,106 | 2,865 | 24,768 |
Wakulla County | 129 | Crawfordville | 1843 | Leon | 51.03 | 30,978 | 607 | 1,572 | 21,892 |
Walton County | 131 | DeFuniak Springs | 1824 | Escambia and Jackson | 52.73 | 55,793 | 1,058 | 2,740 | 27,746 |
Washington County | 133 | Chipley | 1825 | Jackson and Walton | 42.99 | 24,935 | 580 | 1,502 | 18,470 |
About Florida
Florida, a southeastern state in the United States, has a unique geographical location bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west, Alabama and Georgia to the northwest and north, and the Bahamas and Atlantic Ocean to the east. It's the only U.S. state that touches both the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. As of 2020, Florida's population exceeded 21 million, ranking it as the third most populous state in the nation and eighth in terms of population density. The state covers an area of 65,758 square miles, making it the 22nd largest state in the U.S. Its largest metropolitan area is centered around Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach, which collectively house a population of over 6 million. Jacksonville, with a population of 949,611, stands as Florida's most populous city. Other significant population centers include Tampa Bay, Orlando, Cape Coral, and the state capital, Tallahassee.
The history of human habitation in Florida dates back at least 14,000 years with various American Indian tribes. The region's European history began with Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León, who, in 1513, was the first known European to land here, naming it La Florida, which translates to "land of flowers," inspired by its lush landscape and the Easter season. St. Augustine, founded by the Spanish in 1565, is the oldest continuously inhabited European settlement in the continental U.S. Florida's ownership alternated between Spain and Great Britain before finally being ceded to the United States in 1819, and it was admitted as the 27th state on March 3, 1845. The state played a central role in the Seminole Wars, the longest and most extensive of the Indian Wars in U.S. history. Florida seceded from the Union in 1861, joining the Confederacy during the Civil War, and was readmitted to the Union in 1868.
Florida has seen substantial growth in population and economy since the mid-20th century. Its economy is significant, with a gross state product of $1.4 trillion, ranking fourth-largest in the U.S. and 16th-largest globally. The main drivers of Florida’s economy include tourism, hospitality, agriculture, real estate, and transportation. The state is famous worldwide for its beach resorts, amusement parks, sunny climate, and nautical recreation. Major attractions like Walt Disney World, the Kennedy Space Center, and Miami Beach bring in tens of millions of visitors each year. Florida is a favorite destination for retirees, vacationers, and migrants, both domestic and international, and is home to nine of the ten fastest-growing communities in the U.S. The state's culture, identity, and daily life are heavily influenced by its proximity to the ocean, along with its colonial history and diverse waves of migration, leading to a rich blend of African, European, Indigenous, Latino, and Asian influences. Florida has inspired numerous renowned American writers, such as Ernest Hemingway, Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings, and Tennessee Williams, and continues to be a magnet for celebrities and athletes, especially in sports like golf, tennis, auto racing, and water sports. Politically, Florida is known as a battleground state in U.S. presidential elections, playing pivotal roles in the 2000, 2016, and 2020 elections.
Geographically, Florida occupies a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean and boasts the longest coastline in the contiguous United States, approximately 1,350 miles long, not counting its numerous barrier islands. It has over 4,500 islands that are ten acres or larger, the second most of any state in the U.S. after Alaska. Much of the state is at or near sea level and is characterized by its sedimentary soil. Florida is the flattest state in the nation, with the lowest high point of any U.S. state, at just 345 feet.
The climate in Florida ranges from subtropical in the north to tropical in the south. It is the only state, apart from Hawaii, to have a tropical climate and is the only continental U.S. state with both a tropical climate and a coral reef. Florida is home to several unique ecosystems, including the Everglades National Park, the largest tropical wilderness in the U.S. and one of the largest in the Americas. The state is also known for its diverse wildlife, including the American alligator, American crocodile, American flamingo, Roseate spoonbill, Florida panther, bottlenose dolphin, and manatee. The Florida Reef, part of this unique natural heritage, is the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S. and the third-largest coral barrier reef system in the world, following the Great Barrier Reef and the Belize Barrier Reef.
History of Florida
People known as Paleo-Indians first entered Florida over 14,000 years ago. By the 16th century, the region was home to various indigenous groups including the Apalachee in the Panhandle, the Timucua in northern and central Florida, the Ais along the central Atlantic coast, and the Calusa in southwest Florida.
The first European to arrive in Florida was the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León in 1513, who named it La Florida due to its lush greenery and because it was the Easter season, known in Spanish as Pascua Florida. He landed on the peninsula on April 2, 1513, seeking information and taking possession of the land. The myth that he was searching for the Fountain of Youth emerged long after his death.
In May 1539, Hernando de Soto, another Spanish explorer, skirted Florida's coast seeking a deep harbor. He described the landscape dominated by red mangroves, making landing difficult. The Spanish introduced various aspects to Florida including Christianity, livestock, and the Castilian language. Spain established settlements, the first being in Pensacola by Don Tristán de Luna y Arellano in 1559, which was mostly abandoned by 1561.
The French established a settlement at Fort Caroline in what is now Duval County in 1564–1565, which was later destroyed by the Spanish. Today, a reconstructed version of the fort stands in Jacksonville. In 1565, St. Augustine was founded by Pedro Menéndez de Avilés, becoming one of the oldest European settlements in the U.S. Spain converted local tribes to Christianity and controlled the region strategically. The first recorded Christian marriage in the continental U.S. occurred in St. Augustine in 1565.
The Spanish also encouraged slaves from the Thirteen Colonies to come to Florida, offering freedom in exchange for conversion to Catholicism. By 1683, St. Augustine had an all-black militia unit. The area of Spanish Florida diminished with English and French colonization efforts. St. Augustine was frequently attacked by English colonists and buccaneers. The Spanish built the Castillo de San Marcos and Fort Matanzas for defense.
In 1738, Fort Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose was established near St. Augustine for escaped slaves, becoming North America's first legally sanctioned free black settlement. In 1763, as part of the Treaty of Paris, Spain traded Florida to Great Britain in exchange for Havana, Cuba. The British divided Florida into East and West Florida. They encouraged settlement by offering land grants, leading to an influx of settlers, mainly from South Carolina, Georgia, and England.
During the American Revolutionary War, Florida was a base for attacks against the United States. After the war, Spain regained control of Florida. In the early 1800s, American settlers began moving into northern Florida, leading to tensions with the Spanish authorities. The U.S. annexed parts of West Florida in 1810 and 1812. In 1819, the Adams-Onís Treaty transferred Florida to the United States, which took possession in 1821.
Florida was a site of conflict during the Seminole Wars, the longest Indian Wars in U.S. history. The U.S. government's Indian Removal Act led to the relocation of the Seminole people. Despite resistance, most Seminoles were removed to Indian Territory, although some remained in the Everglades.
Florida became the 27th U.S. state in 1845, admitted as a slave state. During the Civil War, it was part of the Confederacy. Post-war, during Reconstruction, Florida faced economic challenges and racial tensions. Railroads played a key role in the state's development, connecting various regions and stimulating growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Florida's economy initially relied on agriculture, including citrus, sugarcane, and cattle farming. The state's population remained relatively low until the mid-20th century. After World War II, air conditioning and the state's climate attracted a significant influx of residents and tourists. Florida became a hub for retirees and seasonal vacationers.
In the 21st century, Florida has experienced several high-profile events. These include the killing of Trayvon Martin in 2012, leading to national discussions on stand-your-ground laws and the Black Lives Matter movement. After Hurricane Maria in 2017, many Puerto Ricans relocated to Florida. Mass shootings in Orlando and Parkland in 2016 and 2018, respectively, brought attention to issues of gun control and safety. In 2021, the Surfside condominium collapse was one of the deadliest structural failures in U.S. history.
Geography of Florida
Florida, a state in the United States, is primarily situated on a peninsula that lies between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Straits of Florida. This unique geographical positioning allows Florida to stretch across two time zones and extend northwest into a region known as the panhandle, which runs along the northern Gulf of Mexico. It shares its northern borders with the states of Georgia and Alabama, and at the western end of the panhandle, it is also bordered by Alabama. Notably, Florida is the only U.S. state that borders both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
In terms of latitude, Florida is the southernmost of the 48 contiguous states in the United States, with only Hawaii positioned further south among all fifty states. Geographically, Florida is located west of the Bahamas and is just 90 miles north of Cuba. It stands out as one of the largest states east of the Mississippi River. In terms of water area, only Alaska and Michigan surpass Florida. The state's water boundaries extend 3 nautical miles offshore in the Atlantic Ocean and 9 nautical miles offshore in the Gulf of Mexico.
One of Florida's most distinctive features is its topography. Britton Hill, with an elevation of 345 feet above mean sea level, is the highest point in Florida. Not only is this the lowest highpoint of any U.S. state, but it also signifies the generally low-lying nature of the state's landscape. Much of Florida, especially the area south of Orlando, is at or near sea level and is quite flat. However, there are exceptions, such as Clearwater and other areas with promontories rising 50 to 100 feet above the water level.
Central and Northern Florida, typically situated more than 25 miles from the coastline, feature rolling hills with elevations ranging from 100 to 250 feet. Sugarloaf Mountain, located in Lake County, stands as the highest point in peninsular Florida (east and south of the Suwannee River) with a peak of 312 feet. Overall, Florida is recognized as the flattest state in the United States.
Florida is home to several significant natural features. Lake Okeechobee, the largest lake in the state, ranks as the tenth largest natural freshwater lake in the United States and the second-largest such lake contained entirely within the contiguous 48 states, following Lake Michigan. Furthermore, the St. Johns River, Florida's longest river, extends 310 miles. The river's elevation drops less than 30 feet from its headwaters in South Florida to its mouth in Jacksonville, highlighting the state's predominantly flat terrain.