Florida: An Overview

Introduction

Florida is famous for its pleasant climate, attractive scenery, welcoming people and wealth of attractions for all ages and interests. Little wonder, then, that it ranks not only as the most popular long-haul holiday destination for British holidaymakers but also as the world’s top travel destination.

Many British people have already bought second homes in Florida. In fact, although the USA is more than twice the size of Europe, most UK property investors buying there do so in the Sunshine State. The areas around Orlando and Disney World have been, traditionally, the most popular. Other favoured locations include the southeast (Atlantic) coast from Palm Beach to the Florida Keys, and resorts on the southwest (Gulf) coast, like Naples and Venice.

Geography

Most of Florida is situated on a peninsula jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean from the south-eastern corner of the US, its coastline indented with estuaries, bays, inlets, lagoons and rivers, including the famous Suannee. In the south, the peninsula ends in an arc of islands resting on coral reefs, known as the Florida Keys, accessed via a highway ending in Key West, the southernmost point of the US.

Florida is made up of three land areas, the Atlantic Coastal Plain, the East Gulf Coastal Plain and the Florida Uplands. Much of the state is flat, though the uplands, as their name implies, are characterised by low rolling hills. Florida’s highest point, Britton Hill, is only 105m above sea level.

Climate and weather

Florida lives up to its nickname of the Sunshine State, with an average of 300 days’ full sunshine per year. However, it also has the highest average precipitation of any US state, largely owing to afternoon thunderstorms, often very dramatic, which are common throughout most of Florida from late spring to early autumn.

In July, temperatures are generally around 32–35 degrees Celsius. In January, they range from 4–7 degrees Celsius in northern Florida to around 13 degrees in the south, but cold fronts can occasionally bring high winds and low temperatures to the whole state during late autumn and winter.

The hurricane season is between June and November. It is essential to budget for hurricane insurance when buying a home in Florida.

History

Juan Ponce de Leon officially ‘discovered’ Florida in 1513, although archaeological finds indicate that it had been inhabited for many thousands of years before his arrival. He is believed to have landed near present-day St Augustine, and claimed Florida for Spain. The first permanent European settlement was established in St Augustine by Spain in 1565, making it the US’s oldest city.

Florida became a US Territory in 1821, and General Andrew Jackson then served as military governor until Congress approved a territorial constitution. William P Duval, Florida\'s first civil governor, called the first Legislative Council into session in Pensacola on 19 June 1823.

Florida was admitted to the US in 1845, as the 27th state. Its capital is Tallahassee.

Culture

Since Florida is as large as a medium-sized country, it is no surprise that it is very diverse culturally. People of many different backgrounds live side by side, sharing their traditions, from Native Americans and the Florida ‘Crackers’ (called after the rugged pioneers who settled the region) to the Cubans, Puerto Ricans, Greeks, Asians and many other ethnic groups who have made Florida their home.

Although the US as a whole is known as a strongly religious (mainly Christian) nation, the majority of the populace is tolerant and moderate in its views. Belief in freedom, equality and the importance of hard work underpin the American Dream. Negative characteristics of US culture can include materialism and insularity, both inevitable results of the country’s superpower status.

Politics and government

Florida is led, at state level, by a governor (currently Jeb Bush) and an independent cabinet consisting of an Attorney General, Chief Financial Officer and Commissioner of Agriculture.

The structure and operation of the state government and its three branches – judicial, executive and legislative – are defined in the Florida Constitution, which also establishes the basic state laws and guarantees various rights and freedoms.

Because it has 25 votes in the Electoral College (nearly a tenth of those necessary to win a presidential election), Florida wields substantial political power. In general, it is solidly Republican, although it famously fell to the Democrats in 2000, following a 36-day recount.

At local level, Florida is divided into 67 administrative districts, known as counties.

Sightseeing

Most holidaymakers visit Florida for Disney World and the other theme parks, but the Orlando area offers a host of alternative attractions, some of them quite unexpected, like the Harry P Leu Gardens, home to 2,000-plus varieties of camellia and an 18th-century garden, and the Orlando Museum of Art. The Kennedy Space Center is not to be missed.

In Miami, take a stroll through the historic Art Deco district of Miami Beach, explore trendy Coconut Grove, or visit Little Havana, a bustling community alive with art, music and historic landmarks, where you can sample the authentic Cuban experience, from traditional cuisine to watching cigars being hand rolled.

A trip to Key West, with its tin-roofed conch houses and gingerbread mansions, is unforgettable.

The natural world

Among Florida’s best-known attributes are its azure seas and sandy beaches – nearly 2,000km of them. However, there is much more to its natural attractions than that. The state also boasts waterways, lakes, hills, forests, 11 national parks and no fewer than 158 state parks. The most famous of its national parks is the Everglades, the US’s largest remaining subtropical wilderness. Its abundant wildlife includes rare and endangered species like the American crocodile, Florida panther and West Indian manatee.

Visit Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge near Titusville, residents of which include bald eagles, or Ocala National Forest, which lies between the Ocklawaha and St John’s Rivers in central Florida, where you may be lucky enough to see a bear.

Shopping

Spend some time out of the sun visiting Florida’s many shopping malls, boutiques and speciality stores, which sell everything from clothing to antiques. The numerous designer outlets and fleamarkets offer the chance to find real bargains.

Orlando alone boasts eight major shopping malls, of which the Florida Mall, anchored by Saks, Gayfers, JC Penny, Dillard\'s and Sears, is currently the largest.

At Fort Lauderdale, Sawgrass Mills, Florida\'s largest retail and entertainment centre, is home to more than 350 name-brand stores and outlets, including the OFF 5th Saks Fifth Avenue Outlet, as well as restaurants, cinemas and other entertainment venues.

Florida’s downtowns (or city centres) and smaller towns feature numerous independent boutiques, shops and galleries that are a browser’s dream.

Eating out and nightlife

Eating out

Local specialities vary according to area. They include seafood, steaks and southern fried chicken.

Ethnic cuisine of all kinds can be found throughout the state. Jacksonville is known for Filipino, Miami for Cuban, and Fort Lauderdale for Haitian and Brazilian food.

Haute cuisine is served at a number of restaurants statewide, particularly in and around Miami Beach, Naples and Palm Beach. For those on a budget, numerous small, often family-run, restaurants offer great food and excellent value.

Nightlife

As well as clubs, bars and numerous cultural events, Florida offers more distinctive entertainment. For an authentic Cuban evening, visit Miami on the last Friday of the month for Viernes Culturales (Cultural Friday), a huge street party with music, dancing and street performers.

Sport and leisure

For anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, Florida is paradise. Its warm summers and mild winters make it an ideal location for camping, golf, fishing, swimming, snorkelling, jetskiing, waterskiing, boating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, surfing and parasailing.

The east coast is best suited to activities involving surf. For activities requiring calmer waters, the west coast and the Keys are good choices. Along the west coast, the water remains at a comfortable swimming temperature well into the autumn and winter.

For those who prefer to spectate, Florida has professional sports venues in a number of major metropolitan areas where you can watch baseball, basketball, hockey and football, among other sports. The state is also celebrated for motorsport, notably the Daytona 500 stock car race.

Public holidays

The US has no public holidays as such. The federal government gives its employees one quadrennial and 10 annual public holidays. In addition to New Year’s Day and Christmas Day, these are:

• Martin Luther King Day (third Monday in January)
• Inaugural Day (20 January, every fourth year, following the presidential elections)
• Presidents’ Day (third Monday in February)
• Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
• Independence Day (4 July)
• Labor Day (first Monday in September)
• Columbus Day (second Monday in October)
• Veterans Day (11 November)
• Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)

Most retailers close for Thanksgiving and Christmas, but are open on other holidays. Larger private businesses generally observe most of the 10 federal holidays, and the day after Thanksgiving.

Getting there

Florida has 12 international airports, the main ones serving the UK being Orlando, Orlando Sanford, Miami and Tampa. The others are West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale Hollywood, Jacksonville, South West Florida and Fort Myers. Direct flights from London to Orlando, Miami and Tampa take around eight, nine and 10 hours respectively.

Flights are available from all major UK airports. Airlines flying direct include British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, US Airways and Continental Airlines are just a few of the other carriers providing services.

You should have no trouble finding a budget fare, especially if you do not insist on flying direct.