The State of Florida is in the far southeastern region of the United States, and it covers an area of 65,757 sq. mi. A significant portion of Florida is on a peninsula with a diverse collection of islands, marshes, springs, swamps, and hundreds of small lakes, rivers, and ponds. Consequently, the landscape varies greatly across these different areas- from Britton Hill in Walton County near the Alabama border (the highest point in Florida at 345ft/105m) to the Atlantic Ocean (the lowest point).
It is also home to Lake Okeechobee – the third largest freshwater lake in the US and one that drains into the Everglades – an expansive subtropical wilderness area known for its incredible biodiversity. It is an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Significance.
The land in Florida has four primary regions: The Gulf Coast/Atlantic Ocean coastal plains; the upland (hilly area) of the north and northwest; the swampy Everglades of the far south; and lastly, the Florida Keys -an archipelago consisting of around 1,700 islands that stretches southwest from mainland Florida right out to the uninhabited Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico.
The coastal plains consist primarily of flat land but are adjacent to barrier islands, sandy beaches, and coral reefs. Meanwhile, up in the northern part lies low rolling hills that cross over much of this section- called 'The Panhandle.' This undulating terrain contrasts with swathes of wetlands that make up parts of Southeast and Central Florida- from low-lying marshlands to brackish water bodies like Lake Apopka, filled with birds and alligators.
This wetland environment provides significant habitats for numerous species, including some endangered ones such as manatees. It's here where you can find some essential farming zones, too- particularly for sugarcane production in the Northern Everglades. Numerous rivers also make their way through this state, including the Apalachicola River, which flows southward before emptying into Apalachee Bay and off into Gulf Mexico. Other notable waterways include Caloosahatchee (Choctawhatchee), Indian River, Kissimmee River, St John River, and Suwannee River- each providing vital sources for irrigation to many agricultural settlements throughout this rural region.
These natural features have captivated travelers for centuries. They continue to come here to explore both the coastal panhandle highlands and the blooming nature reserves like the Everglades National Park or Dry Tortugas National Park on the nearby Keys Island chain. The chain possesses unique aquatic ecosystems with diverse marine life forms alongside white sand beaches and lush mangrove forests.
The State of Florida is divided into 67 counties. In alphabetical order, these counties are: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Columbia, DeSoto, Dixie, Duval, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Holmes, Indian River, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Lee, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Marion, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Nassau, Okaloosa, Okeechobee, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam, Saint Johns, Saint Lucie, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington.
With an area of 170,312 sq. km, the State of Florida is the 3rd most populous state in the USA. Located in Leon County, in the heart of the state’s northern panhandle region is Tallahassee – the capital city of Florida. Tallahassee serves as an educational hub for both Florida and the USA. Situated along the banks of St. Johns River, in northeastern Florida is Jacksonville – the state’s largest and the most populous city.
The State of Florida is located in the far southeastern region of the United States. Florida shares its land border with the State of Alabama in the northwest, and with the State of Georgia in the north. Florida has the largest coastline in the contiguous United States and is surrounded by the Gulf of Mexico to the west; by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and by the Straits of Florida to the south.
Regional Maps: Map of North America
The above blank map represents the State of Florida, located in the far southeastern region of the United States. The above map can be downloaded, printed and used for geography education purposes like map-pointing and coloring activities.
The above outline map represents the State of Florida, located in the far southeastern region of the United States. Florida has been nicknamed as the "Sunshine State."
Legal Name | State of Florida |
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ISO 3166 Code | US-FL |
Capital City | Tallahassee |
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This page was last updated on January 10, 2023