10 Florida Geography Facts Only Locals Truly Understand
Beyond the sun, sand, and theme parks, Florida boasts geography that often flies under the average tourist’s radar.
These are some lesser-known geography and nature facts about the Sunshine State that only locals know.
Florida Is the Flattest State in the U.S.
If you’ve ever felt like Florida doesn’t have any hills, you’re not wrong.
Florida holds the title of the flattest state in the United States, with its highest point, Britton Hill, standing at just 345 feet above sea level.
That’s shorter than many skyscrapers and makes Florida’s “mountain” the lowest high point of any state.
This flatness is part of what makes Florida so vulnerable to flooding, especially during hurricanes. It’s also why you’ll rarely see a sledding hill here—unless it’s man-made and covered in sand.
Florida Has the Longest Coastline in the Contiguous United States
Most Americans know Florida is surrounded by water on three sides, but did you know it has the longest coastline of any state in the lower 48?
With 1,350 miles of coastline, it beats out California and even Texas.
What makes this fact even more surprising is that Florida also has more than 4,500 islands that are ten acres or larger.
That’s a lot of coastline to explore, so even lifelong Floridians are unlikely to visit every beach and island in their lifetime.
Everglades Is the Only Place Where Alligators and Crocodiles Coexist
The Everglades isn’t just a sprawling swamp; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most unique ecosystems on the planet.
It’s the only place on earth where both alligators and crocodiles live together, thanks to its mix of fresh and saltwater habitats.
The American alligator prefers freshwater, while the American crocodile thrives in brackish and saltwater areas, but here they share overlapping territories.
This unique ecosystem is also home to the endangered Florida panther, manatees, and over 350 species of birds. The Everglades is a treasure trove of biodiversity that many beach-going tourists overlook.
Florida Has More Springs Than Any Other State
While many think of beaches when they think of Florida, the state is also home to over 700 natural springs.
These springs pump out millions of gallons of freshwater daily, and many are open for swimming, kayaking, and even scuba diving.
Some of the most famous springs include Silver Springs, Wakulla Springs, and Weeki Wachee Springs.
The water in these springs stays at a constant temperature year-round, making them a refreshing escape during the hot Florida summers.
As Floridians well know, tourists who haven’t visited a spring are missing out on one of the state’s most beautiful natural features.
Florida Was Once Underwater
Millions of years ago, Florida was entirely submerged beneath a shallow sea.
This ancient ocean left behind layers of limestone, which now form the bedrock of the state. Over time, the sea levels receded, and Florida emerged as the peninsula we know today.
Evidence of Florida’s underwater past can still be found in its fossil-rich soils.
Shark teeth, coral, and other marine fossils are commonly unearthed, especially in areas like Venice, which is known as the Shark Tooth Capital of the World.
The Gulf Stream Plays a Big Role in Florida’s Weather
Ever wonder why Florida feels so tropical?
The Gulf Stream, a powerful ocean current, plays a major role. It flows from the Gulf of Mexico around the southern tip of Florida and up the Atlantic coast, bringing warm water and humid air with it.
This contributes to Florida’s warm winters and makes it a haven for snowbirds escaping colder climates.
The Gulf Stream also affects Florida’s marine life, helping to support thriving coral reefs and fisheries. It’s one of the reasons why Florida’s waters are teeming with such diverse sea creatures.
Florida Has Its Own Coral Reef
Speaking of marine life, did you know Florida is home to the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States?
Stretching about 350 miles from the Dry Tortugas to the northern part of the Florida Keys, this reef system is one of the largest in the world.
Unfortunately, Florida’s coral reefs are under threat from climate change, pollution, and overfishing.
Efforts are underway to protect and restore these vital ecosystems, which not only support marine life but also act as natural barriers against storm surges.
Florida’s Rivers Flow in Unusual Directions
While most rivers in the U.S. flow from north to south, many of Florida’s rivers break this norm.
The St. Johns River, for example, flows north for most of its 310-mile journey. It’s one of the few rivers in the country that does so.
This unique characteristic is due to the state’s flat terrain, which allows rivers to meander and flow in unconventional directions.
It’s just another example of how Florida’s geography is anything but ordinary.
The Largest Man-Made Lake in Florida Was Built for Flood Control
Lake Okeechobee, the largest freshwater lake in Florida, is often mistaken for a natural wonder.
However, much of its current size and shape are the result of human engineering. The Herbert Hoover Dike, built after devastating hurricanes in the 1920s, surrounds the lake to prevent flooding in nearby communities.
Despite its man-made modifications, Lake Okeechobee is a hub for fishing and birdwatching.
It’s a vital part of Florida’s water management system and a unique blend of natural and engineered landscapes.
Florida Has Sinkholes—Lots of Them
Floridians are no strangers to sinkholes, which are caused by the state’s porous limestone foundation. When rainwater seeps through the ground, it erodes the limestone, sometimes causing the surface to collapse.
Three counties around Tampa are so prone to sinkholes that locals dub the area “sinkhole alley.”
While they can be destructive, sinkholes are also a natural part of Florida’s landscape and have even created some stunning features, like Devil’s Millhopper, a massive sinkhole-turned-park in Gainesville.
For better or worse, sinkholes are a defining part of Florida’s geography that many non-Floridians fail to realize.
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