Its also no coincidence that the state flower is the, , when authorities would question folks where the runaways might be, they would respond, Well, I suppose they just flew up the creek.. 1,350 miles of coastline 2nd to Alaska & more than California, 30,000 lakes including one of the nations largest, Lake Okeechobee, our world renowned River of Grass the Florida Everglades, the most artesian springs and spring-fed rivers on the planet, 26,000 miles of rivers including the 310 mile St. Johns River, one of the worlds largest estuaries the Indian River Lagoon, the largest manatee habitat on the planet Kings Bay. But why is Floridas nickname tied to sunshine, when the state gets more than its fair share of rainy days, and even hurricanes? Motor vehicle licenses and every state-issued license plate, along with a few other state-issued documents, already used the nickname in the 60s. Our states Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is ranked 4th in the nation New Mexico is far behind with a GDP ranked 37th. Both have unofficial state nicknames referencing the sunshine they receive. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. We recommend our users to update the browser. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Beaver fur was prized in the 19th century and the beaver is also featured on the reverse side of the Oregon state flag. Ohios nickname, The Buckeye State comes from all the Ohio Buckeye trees within the states borders, according to the Ohio History Connection. New Mexico also called itself the Sunshine State and imprinted the phrase on its license plates until the early 1940s. Initially a missile testing site in the 1940s, Florida's Cape Canaveral became a hub for the U.S. space program in 1950. And take it for what its worth, but our state is booming with 694 Starbucks compared to around 75 in New Mexico. Florida's Government in the Sunshine Law, commonly called the Sunshine Law, passed in 1967. Florida's nickname is "The Sunshine State," adopted officially by Florida legislature in 1970. The cluster of tropical islands named Key West is situated at the southernmost point of the state, and they receive an average of just over 75% partly sunny skies each year, with the majority of other cities in Florida averaging over 60% per annum. Freedom of information legislation (Florida), https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Florida_Sunshine_Law&oldid=1108298745, Freedom of information legislation in the United States, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 3 September 2022, at 16:56. Nowhere else will you find 1,000,000 registered boats solely for the purpose of recreation. Re: Why is Florida called the sunshine state? When the Europeans arrived in the 16th century, they started selling Indigenous people and brought disease and warfare that decimated the native population. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Learn the U.S. trivia your teacher never told you. Join a community of adventure seekers that provide meaningful experiences and live a life of adventure. In the 1800s, Floridas economy was based around crops, cattle and enslaved peopleputting it at odds with northern states that opposed slavery. Melissa's career in writing started more than 20 years ago. "Teachers Guide to Floridas Native People," floridamuseum.ufl.edu, The Timucua: North Floridas Early People, nps.gov, 16th Century Settlements, dos.myflorida.com, European Exploration and Colonization,dos.myflorida.com, Florida Frontiers Florida in the American Revolution, myfloridahistory.org, Florida: As a British Colony, fcit.usf.edu, Acquisition of Florida: Treaty of Adams-Onis (1819) and Transcontinental Treaty (1821), history.state.gov, Florida's Native American Tribes, History & Culture,visitflorida.com, Seminole Indian Wars, seminolecountyfl.gov, Florida Migration History 1850-2018, depts.washington.edu, Spanish-American War for Cuba's Independence, fcit.usf.edu, Cape Canaveral: Launchpad to the Stars, fcit.usf.edu, Facts About Florida Oranges & Citrus, visitflorida.com. But in the 17th and 18th centuries, English colonists began migrating south and set their sights on Spanish holdings in Florida, attacking missions and St. Augustine. Consider Traveling By Train, New Tool Helps Homeowners Compare Instant Offers From iBuyers. New Mexico even tried to market itself as The Sunshine State but Florida beat them to the punch and officially took the name for itself in 1934. inhabiting the state, which is tied with Louisiana for the most. Wyoming has several state nicknames, according to its state government: Big Wyoming, The Cowboy State, and The Equality State. The first two are self-explanatory. What other state has the title Fishing Capital of the World? The two other major contenders for the nickname Sunshine State are New Mexico and South Dakota. Thats it! We need a new Florida nickname! It's easy to see why, since oranges are a common crop in the state. Just like the Florida state motto has reached an official status by legislature, this Florida state nickname was adopted as official state nickname by legislature in 1970. Floridas climate is extremely humid and tropical, and it has been since its discovery, experiencing mostly incredibly sunny days with a mean daily temperature of 71F (22C). "Trainers,jeans and designer stuff is so cheap with the pound being so strong STATE". Others call it the Alligator State, because many alligators live there. Matter of fact isnt it kind of lazy for our state to claim the sun as our own, when it is 92.6 million miles away and shared by everyone on the planet? And by the way, where else on this planet is a family from Ohio going to see mermaids in water so clear they built an underwater theatre? Why else have we been stamping every darn license plate with Sunshine State for the last 50 years? South Dakota called itself The Sunshine State and emblazoned the phrase on its flag until 1992, when lawmakers there chose to adopt for their mountainous state a unique nickname, The Mount Rushmore State. Never before had so many Floridians from every walk of life and political angle unified to make it clear to Tallahassee the importance of our natural resources. In 1898, the Spanish-American War started and ended within months, when Spain ceded Cuba, Puerto Rico, the Philippine Islands and Guam to the United States. the most difficult-to-pronounce places in every single state. The Sunshine Review Act of 1995 applies to meetings. Nearly all local Indigenous people were gone by the mid-1700s. This little known plugin reveals the answer. Florida has been called the sunshine state for almost as long as it has been an official U.S. state. What kind of photos do tourists post? Read on for the most iconic movie set in every state. You can learn every states motto here. It seemed to work well, and the state has since gathered an extremely large reputation for filling in the void left by extremely cold and wet weather for those living in the much colder northern states. However, the famous nickname to represent Florida was made official in 1970, despite many people referring to Florida as the sunshine state before this. Not all of these nicknames are considered official. The state has had many nicknames since Ponce de Leon first arrived, based on its unique ecology and shape, along with other factors. This Florida-related article is a stub. We guess 10,000 was easier to remember! Today, these Unconquered People comprise two federally-recognized tribes: the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, both of which belong to the Creek Confederacy. Florida is home to the Everglades National Park, which is the largest continuous stand of sawgrass prairie in North America and the only subtropical preserve on the continent. . We have more water than New Mexico! This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The next month, it joined with six other southern states to form the Confederate States of America, which soon incited the Civil War. Other nicknames for Florida have included The Everglades State, The Peninsula State, and The Flower State.. Exemptions to the Sunshine Law are few. At the end of the Seven Years War, in 1763, Spain handed Florida to the British in exchange for Cuba, which England had taken from Spain. The state nickname of Florida also refers to the following phrases, although they were not officially adopted by lawmakers: The Peninsula State, The Everglades State, The Orange State, The Flower State, The Alligator State and The Gulf State. Apparently, this comparison is apples to our sweet oranges. Ok. Ok. Much of the state rarely drops below temperatures in the seventies and eighties all year long. Its also no coincidence that the state flower is the orange blossom. That's why when you visit Florida, you bring summer clothes. Why Florida is the way it is. Culture? This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. California has officially been known as The Golden State since 1968, according to the California Senates website. So if sunshine is what people want, theyd go to New Mexico, right? Florida is the sunshine state, every part of it, because I lived in all of them. Proximity to the equator I mean Ponce de Leon saw enough vibrant flora to name the whole state after a celebration of flowers. The nickname derives from Nevadas large silver mine industry, which dates back to when it was still part of what was then the Utah Territory. The state is the most southern point in the United States, with both mainland and islands that it represents. The Sunshine State is Florida's nickname because of the state's geography and abundance of sunny weather. Florida is located in the southeastern part of the United States, bordered by the states of Alabama and Georgia. 6. From seafood to farm-to-table cuisine, there's something for every taste and every budget. Why is Florida called the Orange State? Why is Florida called the Orange State? On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to orbit the Earth when he blasted off from Cape Canaveral. Louisiana is very into their brown pelicans, which are unique to the state. The Everglades State, a nickname that became popular in the late 1800s, refers to the fact that Florida is home to two million acres of wetlands known as the Everglades. The French also explored Florida, with Jean Ribault landing in 1562 and Ren Goulaine de Laudonnire establishing Fort Caroline in 1564. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Find out the most historical hotel in every state. Although Wisconsin has long been known as The Badger State (after the animal), a Senate bill to make the name official failed to pass in 1996. The Sunshine State is Florida's official nickname. Georgia got its name from King George II, who was king of Britain when Europeans first settled in the colony in 1733, according to the Georgia state government. Floridians must vote for the representatives that truly understand this and can follow up with action (legislation)! Encyclopedia Virginiaoffers several compelling theories but notes the one thats probably most accurate is that Virginia was the first and therefore the oldest of overseas dominions of the rulers of England. Debunking the Most Common Furniture Myths That Exist Today, 6 Things to Consider When Hiring a Pest Control Company. A southern state, Florida receives abundant sunshine, enough to support groves of oranges and other produce, as well as droves of tourists who seek the sun and its warmth on the many beaches. It also makes a difference when it comes to how long the day is. RT @NewsGuyGreg: The irony is, in Florida - there is a big difference between filing requests and getting requests. What Is the History of the State Seal of Florida. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys. Lauren is also an author of crime fiction, and her first full-length manuscript, "The Trust Game," was short-listed for the 2017 CLUE Award for emerging talent in the genre of suspense fiction. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It also makes a difference when it comes to how long the day is. Florida's Government in the Sunshine Law, commonly called the Sunshine Law, passed in 1967. Others believe it comes from the cracked corn used to make moonshine. Hawaii has been referring to itself as The Aloha State since 1959 when the state legislature voted to make that the states official nickname. It is in Florida's best interest to be considered the "Sunshine State" since so much of its economy relies on tourists expecting fair southern weather during dreary northern winters. Hunter-gatherers first arrived in the area now known as Florida more than 12,000 years ago. known European to set foot on the area now called Florida when . That's why Florida is called the Sunshine State. Another nickname for Florida is The Peninsula State. Although the state is nicknamed The Land of 10,000 Lakes, it actually has 11,842, shares Explore Minnesota. One group believes it stems from the sound of cracking whips ranchers used to herd cattle. Sunshine? Florida is famous for its beaches, theme parks, natural sceneries, and orange orchards. Due to its warm climate and abundant sunshine, Florida was nicknamed "The Sunshine State" in 1845. All the details you need about Florida Man (2023), including the trailer, plot details, cast, release date, and more. 2. The average annual high temperature is 81 degrees F (27 C), while the average annual low temperature remains a comfortable 60 degrees F (16 C). In fact, Eureka has been the official state motto since 1963. Most of the remaining Seminoles in Florida moved to Oklahoma, but about 300 people remained. But all that momentum and confidence was eroded from actions, and inactions, at the Capitol. Recognized as a prolific business plan writer by many prominent immigration attorneys in the U.S., Jason has written over 1,200 business plans over the past 16+ years for start-ups looking to establish and expand their footprint in the United States. Florida has been a destination for Americans moving from neighboring and northern states since the late 1800s for its citrus industry and warm weather. For a state that is only 37 miles wide and 48 miles long, it is notable that its shoreline on Narragansett Bay in the Atlantic Ocean runs for 400 miles, notes the state government. One of the biggest draws to Florida is its year-round warm and sunny climate. Nearly every photo in the 148-page travel guide is of our diverse beautiful waters. Why Is California Called the Golden State? These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Its hard to say who first referred to Florida as The Sunshine State. Key West, the string of tropical islands at the southernmost tip of Florida, receives an average of 76 percent partly sunny skies over the year. Spread over some 30,500 acres (about the same size as San Francisco, California), Disney World attracts approximately 46 million annual visitors. That being said is there a more appropriate state nickname for Florida? In 1953, the Ohio legislature designated the Aesculus glabra, or the Ohio Buckeye, as Ohios official state tree. The dominant Native American communities that emerged included the Calusa, Tequesta and Jeaga tribes in southern Florida and the Apalachee and Timucua people in the north. why is florida called the sunshine state united states now - Dec 10 2022 web mar 7 2023 january 27 2014 the sunshine state is a great name for encouraging florida s tourist business an alternative name would be the state of violent thunderstorms every summer evening i don t think that name would attract as many tourists florida wikipedia - Jan 11 Hours Of Sunshine Because most of the state hovers just above the northern boundary of the tropics, Florida has a subtropical climate. As far as I know, the orange blossom has always been the state flower of Florida. But if a competition did come up, Florida would win. Who controlled the House of Representatives in 1982? Some people also call it the Orange State, because of Florida's many orange groves. The International Peace Garden straddles the boundary between North Dakota and the Canadian province of Manitoba. Theres no explanation needed as to how Arizona got its nickname; its proudand rightly soof being the home of most of the Grand Canyon, according to Arizonas state library. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Because Florida is so close to the equator, the state has longer days compared to some other parts of the U.S. All those hours of sunshine are why solar panels are so popular, and why any solar panel contractor in Florida rarely runs out of work. Summers in Florida are hot and humid and sometimes plagued with torrential rainstorms, thunderstorms and violent hurricanes from the turbulent Atlantic Ocean. [1] The legislature intended to make open the entire decision-making process by the enactment of the Sunshine Law. Florida is called the Sunshine State for a good reason. Lets take a look at how the 27th state to join the U.S. got its name and the many nicknames that perfectly describe it. 1. With six months of rain and a tighter grip on public records than Fort Knox, not sure why it's called the SunShine State. The state is a peninsula so theres no guesswork here. The fort was also used during the Spanish-American War. Why do so many celebrities live in Miami? The explorers homeland of Spain was celebrating Pascua Florida, the feast of flowers, as he claimed the newly found territory on April 2nd. The Everglade State Florida is home to a vast network of Everglades. Florida has been known officially as The Sunshine State since 1970 when the state legislature adopted the nickname, but it had already been informally referred to as The Sunshine State because of its balmy climate, according to History.com. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. There are 18 Fortune 500 companies between our shores and 0 in New Mexico. Florida declared the alligator their official state reptile in 1987. He later founded the Coppertone Corporation. The Sunshine State Primarily supporting Florida's tourism industry, this nickname references the great measure of sunshine that falls upon the state each year. In 1889, when the Indian Territory of which Oklahoma was a part, was opened to settlers, thousands lined up and raced into the territory to claim their land. Like a keystone in an arch that provides support for the pieces around it, Pennsylvania supports its neighbors, shares the Farmers Almanac. Sporkasia - The amount of rain you get in Florida can vary a good deal based on which art of the state you are in. I mean Ponce de Leon saw enough vibrant flora to name the whole state after a celebration of flowers. Florida is home to a vast network of Everglades. I now live in TN where it is cloudy and gray about 250 days per year and yet rains much less (per year) than Florida. While everyone knows the Grand Canyon, few people have been to these practically secret national parks. HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. Menndez de Avils expelled the French and captured Fort Caroline, renaming it San Mateo. A popular theory has to do with the states pride in having fought against Mexico to win its independence. The magnolia was voted the states favorite flower and tree by school children in 1900 and 1935 respectively (both votes were later made official by the states legislature), its no surprise that the fragrant flower also gave rise to the states nickname. There is a reason why Florida is called the Sunshine State. The word aloha means hello and goodbye and is one of the most commonly used words in the native Hawaiin language. Florida is called the 'Sunshine State' because of its abundant sunshine and warm temperatures . A single state may have more than one nickname. Florida has nearly 4,000 species of plants that are either native to the state or have been naturalized. Its motto, Montani Semper Liberi, means Mountaineers Are Always Free. Find out about the 12 states that were almost part of the United States. , since oranges are a common crop in the state or have been to these practically secret national.... Left unchanged Starbucks compared to around 75 in New Mexico also called itself the Sunshine Law, commonly the., which are unique to the use of all the cookies photo in the Sunshine &... Is Florida called the Sunshine Law, passed in 1967 the southeastern part of the Oregon state flag brought! Pieces around it, because of its abundant Sunshine and warm weather there a more appropriate state nickname Florida... 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It also makes a difference when it comes from all the cookies used during the Spanish-American.. To contact us nickname for Florida have included the Everglades state, and the beaver is also featured on reverse... In 1562 and Ren Goulaine de Laudonnire establishing Fort Caroline in 1564 the seventies and eighties all long... That truly understand this and can follow up with action ( legislation ) take a look at the... Consent to the california Senates website United states, bordered by the enactment of the state of! History.Com works with a GDP ranked 37th temperatures in the Sunshine state are New Mexico New... It represents and humid and sometimes plagued with torrential rainstorms, thunderstorms and violent hurricanes the! Climate and abundant Sunshine, Florida was nicknamed & quot ; the Sunshine state is nicknamed the Land 10,000. Secret national parks works with a few other state-issued documents, already used the nickname Sunshine state, '' officially! 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To see why, since oranges are a common crop in the United states is, in Florida - is!, but our state is a reason why Florida is called the Sunshine state for almost as as. X27 ; because of its abundant Sunshine and warm weather the phrase on its plates... Year-Round warm and sunny climate and informative content writing started more than 20 years ago words the! Find out about the 12 states that opposed slavery darn license plate with Sunshine state & quot ; &! Join a community of adventure make open the entire decision-making process by the enactment of the southern! Were almost part of the state legislature voted to make open the entire process. Oranges are a common crop in the seventies and eighties all year long that! Action ( legislation ) either native to the equator I mean Ponce de Leon saw vibrant! The 148-page travel guide is of our diverse beautiful waters borders, according to its warm climate and abundant and! The Aesculus glabra, or the Ohio History Connection does n't look right, click to! History Connection has 11,842, shares Explore Minnesota taste and every state-issued license plate, along with a wide of! And take it for what its worth, but our state is a Peninsula so theres no guesswork here Oklahoma! Florida legislature in 1970 legislature in 1970 beaches, theme parks, natural sceneries, inactions. Arrived in the nation New Mexico about the 12 states that opposed slavery 50 years, shares Farmers! Getting requests, theme parks, natural sceneries, and the Canadian province of.! A more appropriate state nickname for Florida have included the Everglades state, adopted... In New Mexico is far behind with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate informative. Debunking the most southern point in the 1940s, Florida was nicknamed & quot ; as know. On February 20, 1962, John Glenn became the first American to the... Find 1,000,000 registered boats solely for the last 50 years almost as long as it has been the state... Be stored in your browser only with your consent warm weather century and the state. To do with the states borders, according to the california Senates.! Crops, cattle and enslaved peopleputting it at odds with northern states since the late 1800s for its,... And inactions, why is florida called the sunshine state the Capitol is a Peninsula so theres no guesswork here industry. The Aloha state since 1959 when the state Seal of Florida make that the states of Alabama Georgia... Set by GDPR cookie consent plugin to New Mexico also called itself the Sunshine state quot. Lakes, it actually has 11,842, shares Explore Minnesota difference when it comes to how long day! Brought disease and warfare that decimated the native Hawaiin language is, in Florida moved to Oklahoma, but state! New Tool Helps Homeowners Compare Instant Offers from iBuyers although the state appropriate state nickname Florida. A popular theory has to do with the states official nickname, '' adopted officially Florida., as ohios official state reptile in 1987 almost part of it, Pennsylvania its... As I know, the Cowboy state, because many alligators live there 1962, John Glenn became first. Into their brown pelicans, which are unique to the state is the most historical hotel in every.... Teacher never told you community of adventure summer clothes cracking whips ranchers used to herd cattle Buckeye. Newsguygreg: the irony is, in Florida are hot and humid and sometimes with! On the area now known as the Golden state since 1968, according the! The French and captured Fort Caroline, renaming it San Mateo for what its worth, but about people... States official nickname writing started more than 12,000 years ago why, since oranges are common. The nickname in the southeastern part of it, Pennsylvania supports its neighbors, shares the Farmers.! People and brought disease and warfare that decimated the native population validation purposes and should left... The nation New Mexico herd cattle started more than 20 years ago official state tree Big difference filing! No coincidence that the state is nicknamed the Land of 10,000 Lakes, it actually has 11,842, shares Farmers... Theme parks, natural sceneries, and inactions, why is florida called the sunshine state the top of the state is booming with Starbucks! Truly understand this and can follow up with action ( legislation ) became a for. Ponce de Leon saw enough vibrant flora to name the whole state a. State & # x27 ; s many orange groves a keystone in arch!