Florida is the southernmost state in the US with a tropical climate, making it a popular tourist destination. It was named the “Sunshine State” due to its sunny weather, which attracts visitors during cold northern winters. Florida’s economy relies heavily on tourism, with the industry being the largest in the state. Despite being one of the wettest states, some areas receive sunshine for nearly three-quarters of the year.
The state of Florida is the southernmost state in the continental United States and boasts both peninsular and panhandle landforms. Due to its position as the closest U.S. state to the Tropic of Cancer and the Equator, Florida is renowned for its exceptionally sunny, yet humid, tropical climate. Known by other state nicknames such as “Alligator State,” “Orange State,” and “Everglade State,” the “Sunshine State” nickname was officially adopted by the Florida Legislature in 1970. The nickname appeals to “snowbird” tourists who, especially during cold winters in northern climates, visit Florida for its spectacular weather and warm beaches. As of 2011, tourism is the largest industry in the state and one of the world’s top domestic and international destinations.
Spanish explorer Ponce DeLeon was the first European to explore Florida. He called it Pascua de Florida or “Flower Festival” due to the succulent flora and abundant flowers. Florida has a humid subtropical to full tropical climate, with abundant sunny days and an average daily temperature of 71°F (22°C). Despite its wide variety of temperatures ranging from about 100°F (38°C) to below freezing temperatures year-round, Florida is on average the warmest state in the United States.
According to weather records, some areas of the Sunshine State get sunshine for nearly three-quarters of the year. Key West, the tropical island chain at the southern tip of Florida, receives an average of 76 percent partly sunny skies throughout the year. Southern cities are also taking part in the sunny days, with Apalachicola, Jacksonville, Miami and West Palm Beach receiving 60 percent or more. Even so, Florida isn’t the sunniest state, as many states in the western US still produce more sunshine. Florida is also one of the wettest states in the United States, surpassed only by Louisiana.
Summers in Florida are hot and humid and sometimes plagued by torrential thunderstorms, thunderstorms, and severe hurricanes from the turbulent Atlantic Ocean. Winters are milder and more seasonal and are a favorite season for tourists and northern snowbirds. The “Sunshine State” moniker draws winter-weary visitors to Florida more than “Alligator State” or swampy “Everglade State” ever could. It is in Florida’s best interest to be considered the “Sunshine State” since much of its economy relies on tourists who expect fine southern weather during the grim northern winters.
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