A Guide to the Sunshine State of Florida

Welcome to the sunny state of Florida, where every corner pulses with life, history and culture. This is not just a beach destination — it is a state with a rich cultural heritage, stunning nature and unique traditions. It combines modernity and history, luxurious beaches and endless swamps, space technology and ancient Indian cultures.

From famous attractions to Florida's hidden gems, our guide will cover everything from famous landmarks to Florida's hidden gems. We will tell you about the state's history, its climate, its people and the symbols that make it unique. You'll learn about the most interesting places to visit, the best excursions, and important laws and regulations that every traveler needs to know.

Join us on this exciting journey and discover this incredible state in all its diversity and beauty.

Dry facts

The Sunshine State is an ideal vacation spot, so let's find out some interesting and useful facts about it.

• Florida is located in the southeastern United States, occupying a peninsula with an area of about 170 thousand km². It is washed by the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
• The state capital is Tallahassee. The largest and most popular city among tourists is Miami. Other significant cities include Jacksonville, St. Petersburg, Orlando, Hollywood and Tampa.
• The most widespread religion is Catholic Christianity; Buddhism is also practiced here, including Orthodoxy, but on a much smaller scale.
• Florida is known for its warm, subtropical climate, especially in the south, making it an ideal year-round vacation destination.
• The state is known for its unique natural reserves, including the Everglades, one of the largest tropical wetlands in the United States.
• Abbreviation — FL.

History of the peninsula

Now a seeming paradise for tourists and retirees, the Florida Peninsula has a rich and multi-layered history that intertwines the lives of Native Americans, Spanish conquerors, British colonists and American settlers.

Before the arrival of Europeans on these shores, Florida was inhabited by numerous Native American tribes who lived in harmony with the nature of this fertile region. However, in 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon landed on the shores of the future state, paving the way for subsequent European invasion.

From that moment on, Florida became the scene of a power struggle between various European powers. It changed hands, sometimes remaining under Spanish rule, sometimes falling under the control of Great Britain. Each of these periods left its own unique mark on the state's cultural and historical landscape.

During the 18th century, when the peninsula was part of the Spanish possessions, it witnessed a number of turbulent events, including uprisings of Indian tribes that were eventually forced to move to reservations. Florida officially became a territory of the United States in 1821 and became a state in 1845.

Florida experienced a boom in the 20th century. As if waking up after a long sleep, the state has transformed, turning from a sleeping corner into one of the most dynamic regions of the United States. At the beginning of the century it was still a sparsely populated agricultural area. But everything changed when the real estate boom began in the 1920s, attracting investors to enjoy the tropical climate. Miami and Tampa grew quickly, and with them the popularity of the entire state.

The Second World War brought new changes. Florida has become an important naval and air base due to its strategic location. After the war, many veterans decided to stay in the state, attracted by its climate and opportunities. This contributed to further population and economic growth.

A key moment in the state's history was the launch of NASA's space program at Cape Canaveral. This event led to the growth of high-tech industries and turned Florida into one of the centers of space exploration in the world.

Climatic conditions, flora and fauna

Florida, with its mild subtropical climate in the north and tropical climate on the coast, is a true paradise. Warm winters with temperatures rarely falling below 20°C attract crowds of tourists seeking refuge from the winter cold. Summer greets them with comfortable warmth from 26 to 28°C, although sometimes the thermometer can jump to 35°C. It is thanks to the climate that Florida has become one of the most popular tourist spots on the US map.

Despite its apparent vulnerability to natural disasters, Florida's natural world is surprisingly resilient and diverse. This is a place where every corner has its own unique beauty and originality.

Population and economy

Since 1920, Florida has become one of the fastest growing states in the United States, increasing its population more than 13 times. This growth is not only numerical, but also cultural — a real mosaic of cultures. Here, in the land of eternal summer and sun, about 20 million people of various ethnic groups coexist peacefully: whites, African Americans, Latin Americans, Asians and indigenous Indians, their cultural traditions and customs are intertwined, creating a unique atmosphere of harmony and tolerance.

The state's economy is also impressively diverse. Agriculture predominates in the northern and central parts. Local farms are known for growing citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes and other crops. The southern part of the peninsula, on the contrary, is less populated and developed. It is dominated by the wetlands of the Everglades, where nature displays its untamed wildness and beauty.

It is also famous for its resorts and tourist attractions. Miami, Orlando and Tampa — these cities are centers of world tourism, where everyone will find entertainment to suit their taste. From global theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios to luxurious beaches and historical landmarks.

Florida symbols

Florida is not just a state of beaches and sun, it has its own unique identity that reflects its diversity and beauty. From blooming flora to unique fauna, each symbol reveals a part of her identity.

• The Sabal Palmette is not only a beautiful tree, but also the official symbol of Florida. Its majestic leaves adorn the state's landscapes.
• The bottlenose dolphin, Florida puma and manatee are important symbols of the state's natural diversity.
• The mockingbird is the flying symbol of Florida. His melodious singing delights the ears of residents and visitors to the state.
• Largemouth bass and sailfish are symbolic fish of the local ichthyofauna.
• The Mississippi alligator is a majestic and powerful creature, symbolizing a wild and indomitable spirit.
• The orange blossom, orange juice and orange fruit are symbols as vibrant and vibrant as the state itself.
• Heliconidae zebra is a butterfly with a unique pattern that adorns local gardens and parks.
• Key lime pie is a favorite Florida dessert and has become a symbol of the state's culinary arts.

Interesting places and museums

Florida has many interesting places — museums, theaters, beaches, animal and amusement parks. You can list for a very long time, but still forget something important. Here are just some of the attractions on the list:

• You can visit the famous Salvador Dali Museum, where more than two thousand works of the great surrealist are collected.
• The house museum in Key West, where Ernest Miller Hemingway lived, has been attracting the attention of tourists for many years.
• The Gonzalez-Arvalez House, the oldest building, has become a museum complex dedicated to the history of Florida. A unique building that has existed since around 1500.
• The coral castle was created by one person without any tools, only with his own hands. Edward Lindskalnin is a great artist. During his lifetime, he was very secretive and did not allow anyone to watch him work, so it still remains a mystery how a small and fragile man could build such a large work of art.
• At the Ritz Theater in Jacksonville there is a museum, nicknamed “South Harlem” for its close connection with the traditions of African-American culture, where you can study the peculiarities of the life of Jacksonville African-Americans.
• You can also visit the abandoned amusement park “Magnificent China”, built in the style of ancient China, a unique exact copy of the “Great China” park in the city of Shenzhen. The park was abandoned due to the US government's hostility to the Chinese communist regime: it was finally looted in 2003, but now it is one of the important attractions in the town of Citrus Ridge.

Funny laws

Florida is also famous for its funny laws that appeared in ancient times, which now seem completely absurd, but have not been repealed to this day. Here are some of them:

• There is only one position allowed in sex: missionary.
• When tying an elephant to a parking meter, be sure to pay for parking, otherwise the law will catch up with you.
• If you fall asleep under an electric hair dryer, you risk receiving a monetary penalty.
• You should never have sex with a charming porcupine! This is undoubtedly a terrible loss in life.
• If you want to appear in public in a robe, be sure to wear a belt or you will end up a criminal.
• The death penalty awaits horse thieves here.
• If you don't have a driver's license, unfortunately, you won't be able to skateboard.
• Showering without clothes is illegal.
• If you cover the breasts of your lawful wife with kisses, you will find yourself outside the law.
• Breaking plates is also regulated by law. More than three per day is prohibited.
• If you are single, female and want to skydive, choose any day other than Sunday or you will be fined, imprisoned or arrested.
• In Cape Coral, it is illegal to hang your own laundry on other people's clotheslines.
• At Pinecrest, you will face penalties if your dog barks. If there are more than four of them, even if they are silent, a fine cannot be avoided.
• In Sarasota, if you hit a passerby, pay 70 American dollars and they will let you go.
• In Tampa Bay, compressed cottage cheese is prohibited. But only on Sundays after six o'clock in the evening.
• Crab fishing is strictly prohibited in Sarasota.
• In Pensacola, it is strictly forbidden to walk around the city without at least ten dollars. Apparently, in case they want to fine you for not having ten dollars on you.
• If you want to jog around Hylia, you will have to pay for this pleasure.
• In Key West, chickens are protected by law.

When choosing the right place for a perfectly comfortable and fun holiday, contact American Butler. We guarantee comfort, safety and benefits for those with whom you plan to vacation, and we will also provide you with a place to stay, transportation, medical care, the opportunity to get an education or just relax peacefully.