7 Weird Facts About Florida, Even Most Floridians Don’t Know

Florida is known, far and wide as the Sunshine State and for very good reason. With its mild, steady climate, Florida is one of America’s most pleasant states to visit throughout most of the year. 

While most people may associate Florida with none other than Disney World, Key West and the home of Gatorade, there’s far more to this state than most people realize. 

If you’re looking to learn a little more about this popular U.S. state, check out these weird facts about Florida…

Get To Know the Sunshine State: 12 Weird Facts About Florida  

First thing’s first, this is not a blog that contains a bunch of boring information on population statistics, healthcare or workplace safety standards.

Instead, learn a little more about the history, culture, tradition, and natural surroundings of Florida. Let’s get into it! 

1. Florida Is Home to the Oldest City in the U.S. 

Most people who live in Florida may already know this, but for those who don’t, the state is home to St. Augustine, the oldest city in America. 

The first European to have explored the coast of Florida was known as Juan Ponce de León, a former Spanish explorer, and governor of Puerto Rico. Records show that he named the peninsula ”La Florida” as he believed it was an island. Shortly after this, St. Augustine was founded in 1565. 

2. Florida, the Golfing State 

While most Americans know that Florida is popular for its golfing culture, many may not know that it’s host to the most golf courses in any other state across the country. 

Additionally, you can also find a World Golf Hall of Fame and Museum fully dedicated to the sport in St. Augustine. 

3. The Size of Florida State Has Shrunk Over Time

Florida has been populated for over 12,000 years, making it one of the earliest settled states in America. The history of the sunny states traces back to Spanish settlement in 1513. 

Back then, the size of the state of Florida was much larger than it is today. In fact, its borders stretched as far as the Savannah River in the north, and all the way to the Mississippi River in the west!

4. Florida, the State of Sunshine and Watermelons 

When it comes to the perfect representation of summer, Florida has it down to a tee with its perpetual sunshine and humid tropical climate. Incidentally, this makes for the perfect environment for the fruits of summer to grow in abundance. 

It’s no wonder then that Florida is the largest producer of watermelons in the United States, along with tomatoes and strawberries. 

5. Florida Remained Cut-Off from the U.S. Post-Civil War

If there was one state that truly struggled after the Civil War ended in the United States, it was Florida.

Due to a huge amount of debt and limited transportation infrastructure, Florida was one of the only states which remained severely cut-off from the rest of the country. 

But in 1900, the state had over 3,000 miles of railway track which quickly led to a large boom in its economy.  

6. Florida Is Home to the World’s Largest Pirate Artifact Collection

The St. Augustine Pirate and Treasure Museum is home to the planet’s largest collection of pirate artifacts, all creatively displayed in themed vignettes.

This collection brings to life how pirates swashbuckled, sailed, plundered, lived, killed and died all along Florida shores. Visitors even get a chance to touch a 400-year old pirate treasure chest!

7. Florida Is Host of the First Scheduled Commercial Airline

Way back when in 1914, St. Petersburg became host to the world’s first scheduled commercial airline and flight. The service cost just $5 from St. Petersburg to Tampa. 

If you visit the St. Petersburg Museum of History, you can see a working replica of the Benoist Airboat – a small biplane flying boat used to transport passengers. In 1913, the airline was known as the St. Petersburg–Tampa Airboat Line (SPT Airboat Line).

8. Florida’s Mighty Everglades National Park 

Many people are already privy to this information, but Florida is home to the iconic Everglades National Park which encompasses 2,100 square miles. 

But did you know that the Everglades is considered the world’s largest mangrove network and is home to the slowest moving river on the planet?

Additionally, the Everglades is the only environment on earth where both crocodiles and alligators live together in harmony. 

9. Florida, a State of Rivers 

While on the subject of water, Florida is one of the only states in America that contains two rivers of the exact same name. There is a Withlacoochee river located in Madison County and one in central Florida. And no, they have nothing in common except having the same name! 

Florida’s largest river, known as the St. Johns River, is also one of the only few rivers in the world that flows from south to north. 

10. Florida, Home of America’s Greatest Oyster Harvest 

The Sunshine State is host to an incredible annual harvest of Apalachicola Bay oysters. So much so, that each harvest produces enough oyster meat to cover a football field, three deep!

It’s no surprise then that Apalachicola is host to one of the country’s greatest seafood festivals each November. 

11. Florida and the Dead Fish Toss 

If this isn’t bizarre, then who knows what is, but each state across America has its own set of weird and wonderful traditions. In Florida, it’s the annual dead fish toss. 

Known as the annual Mullet Toss, thousands of Floridians gather at the state line and toss dead fish into Alabama. Hosted by Flora-Bama Beach Bar, this annual fish toss then turns into a huge beach party after. 

12. Cuddle Endangered Cats in Florida 

If you’re looking to get up close and personal with endangered cats, then you can make your dreams a reality in the state of Florida. All you need to do is visit the bed and breakfast, WildLife on Easy Street on the outskirts of Tampa.

Here you can cuddle endangered cats such as baby bobcats, leopards, and cougars for a $100 donation to the endangered cat refuge. 

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Whether it’s weird facts about Florida or any other state in the U.S., you can find it all by exploring the rest of our site. 

Fulfill your curiosity and check back for regular updates on weird, yet interesting facts on a range of topics including life hacks, health, news, travel, and more. 

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