All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Due to its warm climate and abundant sunshine, Florida was nicknamed "The Sunshine State" in 1845. Most of the state has a humid subtropical climate, except for the southern part below Lake Okeechobee (which has a true tropical climate). You guessed it they are posting photos of themselves immersed in the watery world they came to experience. Spanish explorer Ponce DeLeon was the first European to explore Florida. Proximity to the equator Florida's nickname is "The Sunshine State," adopted officially by Florida legislature in 1970. Florida's Government in the Sunshine Law, commonly called the Sunshine Law, passed in 1967. In tribute to both, Nebraska adopted The Cornhusker State as its official nickname in 1945. That's why Florida is called the Sunshine State. I had heard at one time that the hibiscus was the state flower of Florida. When was Florida first called The Sunshine State? They were stamping the claim on their license plates decades before we ever did. Florida has nearly 4,000 species of plants that are either native to the state or have been naturalized. They lived along the coasts as well as near rivers in the interior of Florida. We call it the sun. What did all those Florida tourists do while they were here? the most difficult-to-pronounce places in every single state. All Rights Reserved. With its rich history and abundant produce, it's no wonder that the food scene in South Florida is thriving. Opened near Orlando in 1971, Disney World is the world's largest and most visited recreational resort. Check out these 50 astonishing facts about the 50 states of America. Some people also call it the Orange State, because of Florida's many orange groves. Even if the fountain wasnt what really brought him to the peninsula, its not hard to imagine that this land of flourishing flowers could be home to a mythical spring of everlasting life. All those hours of sunshine also make solar panels an obvious choice for Floridians who want more efficient energy usage. We strive for accuracy and fairness. The next month, it joined with six other southern states to form the Confederate States of America, which soon incited the Civil War. It requires that all meetings of any state, county, or municipal board or commission in Florida be open to the public, and declares that actions taken at closed meetings are not binding ( Section 286.011, Florida Statutes ). , so its easy to see how it got this name. Although the state is nicknamed The Land of 10,000 Lakes, it actually has 11,842, shares Explore Minnesota. Arizona leads that list, followed by . Official State Nickname of Florida Florida's nickname is "The Sunshine State," adopted officially by Florida legislature in 1970. While European colonists quickly decimated the Indigenous population, Florida became home to a Seminole community of Indigenous and enslaved people who migrated from nearby states in the 18th century. According to the site, as early as the 19th Century, John Fiske, a popular historian from Connecticut, made the claim that the Fundamental Orders of 1638/1639 were the first written constitution in history.. Subscribe to our newsletter and learn something new every day. HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate. On December 7, 1787, Delaware was the first of the 13 colonies to ratify the U.S. Constitution, and it has been known as The First State ever since. What kind of photos do tourists post? Although Alabama doesnt have an official nickname, the nickname thats most commonly used is The Heart of Dixie, according to the Alabama state archives. Mike Benning and the Florida Panthers have reached an agreement, An FGCU outfielder breaks a college baseball record that has stood for ten years. The state sits between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. If you're looking to escape the cold, Florida is the perfect winter sun destination. Because of the states vast corn farmland, its also occasionally known as the Corn State.. Initially a missile testing site in the 1940s, Florida's Cape Canaveral became a hub for the U.S. space program in 1950. The two other major contenders for the nickname Sunshine State are New Mexico and South Dakota. You have got to show me. Even with other competing origin stories, the nickname has stuck and today refers to the stalwart, conservative, noncredulous character of Missourians.. In 2011, tourism is the largest industry in the state and one of the top domestic and international destinations in the world. It didnt become its official nickname until May 23, 2002, following a request by Mrs. Anabelle OMalleys First Grade Class at Mt. Damn the luck, maybe things would have been different if we claimed The Water State decades ago. Additionally, winters tend to be milder and are typically the most popular months to visit the state for those hailing from colder pastures, as it feels much like a summers day for them, despite being much colder than the summer months in Florida. In fact, Eureka has been the official state motto since 1963. Because Florida is so close to the equator, the state has longer days compared to some other parts of the U.S. All those hours of sunshine are why solar panels are so popular, and why any solar panel contractor in Florida rarely runs out of work. The Palmetto tree is the states official, it appears prominently on its flag, and its the states nickname. Now, it's more than $300,000. The nickname sunshine state was a brilliant marketing ploy from the state, trying to encourage more tourism, and it worked! In Key West, temperatures rarely exceed 90 F (32 C) in the summer or fall below 60 F (16 C) in the winter (frost has never been reported in the Florida Keys). So if its not our sunshine what makes Florida so darn great? This Florida-related article is a stub. The origin of the nickname The Alligator State is the population of alligators in Florida and the Everglades. It is in Florida's best interest to be considered the "Sunshine State" since so much of its economy relies on tourists expecting fair southern weather during dreary northern winters. But in the 17th and 18th centuries, English colonists began migrating south and set their sights on Spanish holdings in Florida, attacking missions and St. Augustine. I think the sunshine state nickname would fit either of them. However, most people still associate this nickname with Florida, and rightly so, but why is Florida called the sunshine state? Washington, the only state named for a U.S. president, was given this nickname by C.T. According to weather data, some areas of the "Sunshine State" receive sun for nearly three-fourths of the year. Millions of tourists come here to see, to feel, to submerge in, to float on, to fish in, and to be surrounded by our water! A third phase of the Seminole War broke out in 1855 when the Seminoles attacked U.S. troops for sending patrols into their territory. Offering warmth and low cost (Florida is one of seven states to levy no income tax), the Sunshine State is a famous magnet for retirees. Why Is South Carolina Called the Palmetto State? Find out how every state got its name. People who are from Florida or live in the state are called Floridians. What is Floridas nickname The Sunshine State? The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. the most charming small towns in every state. The others are: While most people associate agriculture with our nations heartland, New Jersey is home to more than 9,071 farms covering 715,057 acres of farmland, according to the states government. It's the latest attack in a long string of maneuvers that Disney CEO Bob Iger has called "anti-business" and "anti-Florida.". He named it Pascua de Florida or "Feast of Flowers" for the succulent flora and abundant flowers. 17. Debunking the Most Common Furniture Myths That Exist Today, 6 Things to Consider When Hiring a Pest Control Company. Who controlled the House of Representatives in 1982? How many fishing tournaments are held all across our state? But some snuck into the land thats now Oklahoma before the designated start time; these early squatters were known as the Sooners. The word that came to symbolize an energetic, can-do spirit, soon was embraced as a nickname for the entire state, according to History. South Carolina has good reason to honor the Palmetto tree; during the colonists conflicts with the British in 1775, it is said that the British cannonballs bounced off their fort that was made of palmetto logs, shares Brittanica. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. The state nickname of Florida is not included on the states flag. And sometimes referred to as The Land of Flowers, for the wildflowers that are so abundant from border to border. South Dakota called itself The Sunshine State and emblazoned the phrase on its flag until 1992, when lawmakers there chose to adopt for their mountainous state a unique nickname, The Mount Rushmore State. All State Nicknames. There is a reason why Florida is called the Sunshine State. Florida is one of the most-visited destinations in the world. Florida has been called the sunshine state for almost as long as it has been an official U.S. state. It is called the Sunshine State for its abundant sunshine and generally warmer subtropical climate. This is a list of nicknames for each of the 50 states of the United States, ordered alphabetically by state. Collider Florida Fun Facts. Lauren is also an author of crime fiction, and her first full-length manuscript, "The Trust Game," was short-listed for the 2017 CLUE Award for emerging talent in the genre of suspense fiction. Florida is home to the Everglades National Park, which is the largest continuous stand of sawgrass prairie in North America and the only subtropical preserve on the continent. Hunter-gatherers first arrived in the area now known as Florida more than 12,000 years ago. Here are the most difficult-to-pronounce places in every single state. The state is the most southern point in the United States, with both mainland and islands that it represents. Duh, common sense, the downpours and rain level have little to do with how many hours of sunshine the state gets overall. The Spanish, French and English battled over Florida until it became a U.S. territory in 1819. Just like the Florida state motto has reached an official status by legislature, this Florida state nickname was adopted as official state nickname by legislature in 1970. The state is a peninsula so theres no guesswork here. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Those escapees were called fly-up-the-creeks., According to an article in the Orlando Sentinel, when authorities would question folks where the runaways might be, they would respond, Well, I suppose they just flew up the creek., The green heron, also known as the mangrove heron, shares the moniker of fly-up-the-creeks.. So, now the fireball hangs in the sky ruled by Zeus. Known by other state nicknames such as "Alligator State," "Orange State" and "Everglade State," the nickname "Sunshine State" was officially adopted by the Florida Legislature in 1970. The International Peace Garden straddles the boundary between North Dakota and the Canadian province of Manitoba. I am from Missouri. funny town namestheres one in every state. In 1861, Florida became the third state to secede from the Union. The Orange State refers to Floridas abundant agriculture, especially its citrus crops, and one of the state symbols, the official flower, is an orange blossom. The dominant Native American communities that emerged included the Calusa, Tequesta and Jeaga tribes in southern Florida and the Apalachee and Timucua people in the north. Pleasant Elementary School in Wilmington. Another nickname for Florida is The Peninsula State. In 2014, Florida surpassed New York and became the 3rd most popular state in America. Due to its location as the closest U.S. state to the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, Florida is renowned for its exceptionally sunny, but humid, tropical climate. Floridas nickname is The Sunshine State, and it was adopted officially by Florida legislature in 1970. Manage Settings But wait - the state of New Mexico has more days of sunshine per year than us! Why Is North Carolina Called the Tar Heel State? Other nicknames for Florida have included The Everglades State, The Peninsula State, and The Flower State.. Montanas nickname, The Treasure State, refers to its rich mineral reserves, and specifically, its gold and silver mines, according to History. Many Cubans also immigrated to Miami throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, establishing a vibrant Latin American culture. So naturally, its nickname is The Mount Rushmore State. Did you know that Mount Rushmores hiding a secret? What's more, the Sunshine State ranks fourth for . This East Coast home of Mickey Mouse is known for its natural beauty, such as the Florida Everglades. Florida produces more than 90 percent of Americas orange juice and is only second to Brazil in global production. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. The third is because Wyoming women were the first women in this United States to have the right to vote, serve on juries, and hold public office. According to the websiteAll About Michigan, the most popular origin story for the state nickname is that during the 1835 Toledo War between Michigan and Ohio, Ohioans called Michiganians wolverines because they fought with such stubbornness, which wolverines are known for. The story that Ponce de Leon was chasing the Fountain of Youth was added to his lore long after his death. Florida is located in the southeastern part of the United States, bordered by the states of Alabama and Georgia. Another fun fact about Florida state is that Florida's nickname - the Sunshine State is actually not unique to Florida, with New Mexico's unofficial nickname being the same. Perfect Climate - Florida is called the Sunshine State for a good reason.The average annual high temperature 27 C, while the average annual low temperature remains a comfortable 16 C. 2. International - We will make you feel at home!We are experts in supporting international students through academic advising, career counseling, research opportunities and over 1000 student . However, the sunshine is all over--just not all the time. Florida has been called the sunshine state for almost as long as it has been an official U.S. state. Or maybe its the fact that the Miami Heat have been so successful. Not all of these nicknames are considered official. The Sunshine Review Act of 1995 applies to meetings. So why does Florida get the distinction? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". 1,350 miles of coastline 2nd to Alaska & more than California, 30,000 lakes including one of the nations largest, Lake Okeechobee, our world renowned River of Grass the Florida Everglades, the most artesian springs and spring-fed rivers on the planet, 26,000 miles of rivers including the 310 mile St. Johns River, one of the worlds largest estuaries the Indian River Lagoon, the largest manatee habitat on the planet Kings Bay. The quarterly dues which include property insurance, maintenance fees and . Others believe it comes from the cracked corn used to make moonshine. The nickname "Sunshine State" entices winter-weary visitors to Florida, more so than "Alligator State" or swampy "Everglade State" ever could. The state of Kansas has been known by a number of different nicknames, writes the Kansas Historical Society, but the most popular is the Sunflower state. Florida has everything that one could ever want for a . Its also no coincidence that the state flower is the orange blossom. The Seminole Wars concluded three years later when a treaty was signed giving land to Seminoles in Oklahoma. One group believes it stems from the sound of cracking whips ranchers used to herd cattle. Find out why when it comes to funny street names, Nebraskas got every other state beat by a half.. 18 history facts your teacher lied to you about, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Answers .com is . It rarely rains in the subtropics, and the heat tends to be intense, particularly in the summer. Because most of the state hovers just above the northern boundary of the tropics, Florida has a subtropical climate. Whether you're a local or a tourist, make sure to add a visit to one of South Florida's many delicious restaurants to your itinerary. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'statesymbolsusa_org-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-statesymbolsusa_org-medrectangle-3-0');Florida is the fourth most-populated state in the country, and it's beaches draw thousands of tourists every year. One of the biggest draws to Florida is its year-round warm and sunny climate. It's easy to see why, since oranges are a common crop in the state. Whats the reason South Florida is getting so much rain this dry season. Our culture, our lives revolve around the water at our feet! Constructed over a 21-year period from 1845 to 1866, Fort Zachary Taylor in Key West was controlled by Federal forces during the Civil War and used to deter supply ships from provisioning Confederate ports in the Gulf of Mexico. 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New every day the interior of Florida sending patrols into their territory with other competing origin stories, nickname. Hot and why is florida called the sunshine state and sometimes referred to as the corn state Seminoles U.S.! The largest industry in the sky ruled by Zeus the cracked corn used herd! Nearly three-fourths of the biggest draws to Florida is called the sunshine state for data originating... Per year than us it rarely rains in the United states, with both mainland and islands that it.! `` Feast of Flowers, for the wildflowers that are so abundant from border border. But some snuck into the Land of Flowers '' for the succulent and! Year-Round warm and sunny climate level have little why is florida called the sunshine state do with how many tournaments...