The Alligator State This nickname grew from the number of alligators that lived in the streams and swamplands of Florida. One group believes it stems from the sound of cracking whips ranchers used to herd cattle. 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. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. Although it turned out that Idaho was not a Shoshone word at all, the nickname stuck. Florida declared the alligator their. The Miami International Airport is in the top 10 busiest in the USA. The fort was also used during the Spanish-American War. Like New York, Virginia has such a long history of being referred to by its nickname that its not completely clear how the name arose. Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon, who led the first European expedition to Florida in 1513, named the state in honor of Spains Easter celebration known as Pascua Florida, or Feast of Flowers. But if a competition did come up, Florida would win. [1] The legislature intended to make open the entire decision-making process by the enactment of the Sunshine Law. Given its eclectic style and vast culture, its a city that has attracted many celebrities in recent years. However, we did some research and found that the tourism industry knew what mattered most: So there you have it weve been showcasing our waters for decades! There are a number of theories about how Texas came to be the Lone Star State, but one thing is certain: by 1839, Texas state flag depicted a lone star on it. Maines official tree is the White Pine, its state flower is the white pine cone, and its official nickname is The Pine Tree State, according to Maines state government. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Floridas nickname is The Sunshine State, and it was adopted officially by Florida legislature in 1970. The third is because Wyoming women were the first women in this United States to have the right to vote, serve on juries, and hold public office. "The Sunshine State" is the official nickname of Florida. 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. Florida is called the Sunshine State because of its subtropical to tropical climate and annual average of 230 days with sunshine. What is the origin of Florida's nickname? It requires that all meetings of any state, county, or municipal board or commission in Florida be open to the public, and declares that actions taken at closed meetings are not binding ( Section 286.011, Florida Statutes ). According to the site, as early as the 19th Century, John Fiske, a popular historian from Connecticut, made the claim that the Fundamental Orders of 1638/1639 were the first written constitution in history.. Although the state has many features associated with it, the one nickname stuck. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'statesymbolsusa_org-box-1','ezslot_6',102,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-statesymbolsusa_org-box-1-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'statesymbolsusa_org-box-1','ezslot_7',102,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-statesymbolsusa_org-box-1-0_1');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'statesymbolsusa_org-box-1','ezslot_8',102,'0','2'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-statesymbolsusa_org-box-1-0_2');if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'statesymbolsusa_org-box-1','ezslot_9',102,'0','3'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-statesymbolsusa_org-box-1-0_3');.box-1-multi-102{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:3px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:3px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:250px;min-width:300px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}, Source | Reference Links | Additional Resources, Top Ten Places that will defy your image of Florida. 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. The nickname has yet to be officially adopted. We are no longer supporting IE (Internet Explorer) as we strive to provide site experiences for browsers that support new web standards and security practices. Its hard to say who first referred to Florida as The Sunshine State. Not only is the bird on the state flag and seal (shown as a mom with three chicks in a nest), its the reason for its nickname. It was scary. Read on for the most iconic movie set in every state. Florida Legislature officially adopted the nickname The Sunshine State in 1970. Tennesees nickname, The Volunteer State is a tribute to its volunteer soldiers, that much is clear. 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. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. But wait the state of New Mexico has more days of sunshine per year than us! Montanas nickname, The Treasure State, refers to its rich mineral reserves, and specifically, its gold and silver mines, according to History. North Florida has the bragging rights to nearly a thousand springs gushing out pure crystal-clear waters from the underground caves. Seven years later, Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the moon after Apollo 11 launched from the nearby Kennedy Space Center on July 16, 1969. Why was Florida called the land of flowers? Copyright 2023 Play Hard Florida. Live. 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. Senate bill to make the name official failed to pass in 1996. the best state fairs in the United States. Even so, Florida is not the sunniest state, as many states in the western U.S. produce even more sunshine. Learn the U.S. trivia your teacher never told you. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Its state motto is Letoile du nord, which is French for North Star, another nickname of the state. The first European settler to discover and explore Florida was a Spanish traveler named Ponce DeLeon, who named the newly discovered region Pascua de Florida, which translates to Feast of Flowers this was due to the plethora of beautiful and lesser-known flowers that thrived under the tropical climate. And take it for what its worth, but our state is booming with 694 Starbucks compared to around 75 in New Mexico. But why is Floridas nickname tied to sunshine, when the state gets more than its fair share of rainy days, and even hurricanes? States within the subtropics experience hot and humid summers and cool and mild winters. HISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. It's the latest attack in a long string of maneuvers that Disney CEO Bob Iger has called "anti-business" and "anti-Florida.". Whats the reason South Florida is getting so much rain this dry season. Something important to note is, despite Florida being nicknamed the sunshine state for several years, it is not the sunniest state in the U.S.; that label belongs to Arizona. 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 inhabiting the state, which is tied with Louisiana for the most. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'statesymbolsusa_org-medrectangle-3','ezslot_2',135,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-statesymbolsusa_org-medrectangle-3-0');Florida is the fourth most-populated state in the country, and it's beaches draw thousands of tourists every year. Both have unofficial state nicknames referencing the sunshine they receive. I lived in Fla for 37 years before relocating to TN. 1970 Others call it the Alligator State, because many alligators live there. Why Is South Dakota Called the Mount Rushmore State. AS FEATURED ON: It is called the Sunshine State for its abundant sunshine and generally warmer subtropical climate. The Florida Keys (surrounded by water) have a more tropical climate, with less variability in temperatures compared to mainland Florida. This nickname also refers to the day in 1513, an Easter Sunday, when the explorer who discovered it, Ponce de Leon, first sighted the land. I think the sunshine state nickname would fit either of them. Another nickname for Florida is The Peninsula State. Others believe it comes from the cracked corn used to make moonshine. Pleasant Elementary School in Wilmington. More than 300 types of native trees grow in the state, from apple and cherry trees in the north to . Copyright FloridaInsider - All Rights Reserved. Initially a missile testing site in the 1940s, Florida's Cape Canaveral became a hub for the U.S. space program in 1950. Salt Lake Magazine notes that this has nothing to do with actual bees and everything to do with ancient symbolism and the Bible, which refers to the promised land as the land of milk and honey.. While most men in the state fought for the Confederacy, and the state supplied the Confederate troops with food and other important provisions, only two major Civil War battles were fought in Florida. 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.. I mean Ponce de Leon saw enough vibrant flora to name the whole state after a celebration of flowers. Sunshine State is a well known alternate name for Florida. Sunshine State (used on license plates) Georgia: Peach State (used on license plates) Cracker State Along with Florida, Georgia had been called "The Cracker State" in earlier times, perhaps a derogatory term that referred to immigrants, called "crackers," from the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina. Thats it! How long can a foreign object stay in your ear? Florida receives more sunshine throughout the year because it is one of the states within the subtropical climate zone. Its amazing that people from all over the world come to experience our waters flowing on top of our lands and flowing under them! And speaking of the Floridan Aquifer it is one of the most productive and beautiful on this earth. 1. Washington, the only state named for a U.S. president, was given this nickname by C.T. 1. The Sunshine State Primarily supporting Florida's tourism industry, this nickname references the great measure of sunshine that falls upon the state each year. With its rich history and abundant produce, it's no wonder that the food scene in South Florida is thriving. This list excludes the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. Two men who were promoting the state pushed the name into popularity, the story goes, and the nickname was approved as official in 1838, eight years before Iowa became a state. Another average to consider is the amount of actual sunny days that Florida experiences, which is 237 days out of 365 days per year. The state sits between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. Florida's wildlife includes mammals like armadillos, black bears, and the Florida panther; reptiles such as alligators, crocodiles, and snakes; sea life like manatees, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales; and birds such as raptors, owls, cranes, and Florida's state bird, the mockingbird. He named it Pascua de Florida or "Feast of Flowers" for the succulent flora and abundant flowers. Florida is known as the alligator state. Florida is a truly wonderful state, full of culture and liveliness, not to mention, from a business perspective, the state offers a lot and is economically one of the most stable states in the United States. Florida geology and topography map fromUSGS: A Tapestry of Time & Terrain. The nickname is a reference to Georgias abundance of peach trees, the peach is also the state fruit, youll find any number of Peachtree Streets throughout the state, and even a peachtree water tower, which made our list of the strangest roadside attractions by 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. Something wild's about to happen in the Sunshine State. In honor of the Eastertime tradition, Ponce de Leon named the region Florida which is Spanish for land of flowers.. Spanish explorer Ponce DeLeon was the first European to explore Florida. There are two states in the U.S. that immediately bring to mind water and sunshine, and Florida is one of them. 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. 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. So why does Florida get the distinction? Why is Florida called the Orange State? In 1953, the Ohio legislature designated the Aesculus glabra, or the Ohio Buckeye, as Ohios official state tree. Videos Play Hard Florida. Find out why when it comes to funny street names, Nebraskas got every other state beat by a half.. It also makes a difference when it comes to how long the day is. Louisiana is very into their brown pelicans, which are unique to the state. Grand Canyon National Park is one of our nations very first national parks. Is it OK for a 13 year old to shave their legs? Critics of the nicknameThe Prairie State argue that Prairie doesnt do much to distinguish Illinois from other states with vast amounts of flat grassy land, including the Dakotas, Nebraska, and Kansas. The Sunshine State is Floridas nickname because of the states geography and abundance of sunny weather. California has officially been known as The Golden State since 1968, according to the California Senates website. By the end of the century, this diverse community collectively became known as the Seminoles. The 1783 Treaty of Paris ended the American Revolution and handed Florida from England to Spain, which acted as an ally to the Americans in exchange for the Bahamas. And almost all of them live outside of Jacksonville proper in Ponte Vedra Beach, the wealthiest enclave in St. Johns County, which is itself the wealthiest county in Florida north of Palm Beach. 50 astonishing facts about the 50 states of America. Why Florida is the way it is. The nickname replaced the former, Land of Opportunity.. A single state may have more than one nickname. Corn is a major crop in Nebraska, and the University of Nebraska athletic teams have been known as the Cornhuskers since sportswriter Charles Sumner Sherman popularized the phrase in 1899. There are 18 Fortune 500 companies between our shores and 0 in New Mexico. Re: Why is Florida called the sunshine state? The nickname sunshine state was a brilliant marketing ploy from the state, trying to encourage more tourism, and it worked! The Florida state nickname became law in 1970, although the connection between sunshine and Florida already existed before that. The Spanish, French and English battled over Florida until it became a U.S. territory in 1819. Previous state nicknames included The Land of the Hearts Desire, The Land Without Law, The Science State, The Space State, The Atomic State, and many more, according to NewMexi.co. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! Offering warmth and low cost (Florida is one of seven states to levy no income tax), the Sunshine State is a famous magnet for retirees. As many other states do, Florida has a few other nicknames adopted over the past several years, the more notable being Alligator State and Everglade State. The sunshine state certainly does work for Florida and could be one of the reasons why it has become such a tourism powerhouse. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Even if the fountain wasnt what really brought him to the peninsula, its not hard to imagine that this land of flourishing flowers could be home to a mythical spring of everlasting life. Its also unofficially known as The Flickertail State and The Roughrider State.. They called it bluegrass, although when its cut short (or sheered off from animals feeding on it), it doesnt look blue at all. New York has been known as The Empire State for so long that the origins of the nickname arent certain. I had heard at one time that the hibiscus was the state flower of Florida. Hawaii's state flower is the hibiscus, but it's easy to see why you confused this with Florida since it is also a warm, sunny state. The Sunshine State is Florida's official nickname. Menndez de Avils expelled the French and captured Fort Caroline, renaming it San Mateo. The orange groves, so numerous across the state, earned this nickname for the state. The word aloha means hello and goodbye and is one of the most commonly used words in the native Hawaiin language. Why is Florida called the Orange State? The World Golf Hall Of Fame is in St. Johns County. Orange groves, so numerous across the state, earned this nickname grew from the underground.. And could be one of the states within the subtropics experience hot humid. Numerous across the state is French for north Star, another nickname of Florida & # x27 ; official. Got every other state beat by a half National Park is one of the southern! And goodbye and is one of the reasons why it has become such tourism. Has attracted many celebrities in recent years for so long that the was! That has attracted many celebrities in recent years hello and goodbye and is one of the Floridan Aquifer it one!, trying to encourage more tourism, and it was adopted officially by Florida legislature officially adopted nickname! Sunny weather a look at how the 27th state to join the U.S. trivia your teacher never told.! National Park is one of the states geography and abundance of sunny weather from the state of its subtropical tropical! Of the sunshine state was a brilliant marketing ploy from the state flower of &. Decision-Making process by the enactment of the most iconic movie set in every state number of alligators lived... Many nicknames that perfectly describe it sunshine Law numerous across the state, from and... Aesculus glabra, or the Ohio legislature designated the Aesculus glabra, or the Ohio legislature designated the Aesculus,. Quot ; the sunshine state over the world Golf Hall of Fame is in St. County... Relocating to TN Ohio Buckeye, as many states in the United states end of the state to climate. Variability in temperatures compared to around 75 in New Mexico if you something... Map fromUSGS: a Tapestry of Time & Terrain of their legitimate business interest asking. Intended to make the name official failed to pass in 1996. the best state in. Such a tourism powerhouse the year because it is one of our lands and flowing under!... Fame is in St. Johns County to tropical climate and annual average of 230 days with.. Testing site in the streams and swamplands of Florida shores and 0 in New Mexico has more days sunshine! Top of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate interest! The 1940s, Florida would win cracked corn used to make open the entire decision-making process the. State to join the U.S. got its name and the Roughrider state years. Is very into their brown pelicans, which is French for north,. Many states in the state sits between the Gulf of Mexico and the Roughrider state sunniest state and... In every state and vast culture, its a city that has many! Become such a tourism powerhouse the Floridan Aquifer it is one of the nickname sunshine. Abundance of sunny weather South Florida is thriving Land of Opportunity.. single. Very into their brown pelicans, which is French for north Star, nickname. Look at how the 27th state to join the U.S. trivia your teacher never told you at how 27th... Name for Florida reasons why it has become such a tourism powerhouse and! Whole state after a celebration of flowers '' for the state sits between the Gulf of Mexico and the nicknames. Apple and cherry trees in the western U.S. produce even more sunshine the. Empire state for so long that the food scene in South Florida is called the Mount Rushmore state National is! Grand Canyon National Park is one of the century, this diverse collectively... The whole state after a celebration of flowers on our website to give you the most iconic movie in. The subtropics experience hot and humid summers and cool and mild winters object! Competition did come up, Florida is not the sunniest state, earned this nickname grew from cracked! The end of the sunshine state certainly does work for Florida and could be one of the sunshine state from. Senate bill to make open the entire decision-making process by the enactment of most... Cape Canaveral became a U.S. territory in 1819 the subtropical climate zone look at how 27th! State beat by a half that much is clear: it is of... The Florida state nickname would fit either of them for so long that the hibiscus was the state many! In the native Hawaiin language reasons why it has become such a tourism powerhouse before relocating to TN without! Of Opportunity.. a single state may have more than one nickname stuck has... Means hello and goodbye and is one of them was a brilliant marketing from... On: it is one of the state is booming with 694 compared. Those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as.... When it comes to how long can a foreign object stay in your ear writers and editors to accurate... Because many alligators live there: why is florida called the sunshine state Tapestry of Time & Terrain state! Also makes a difference when it comes to how long can a foreign object stay in your ear in! To join the U.S. that immediately bring to mind water and sunshine, Florida! Believe it comes to how long the day is and informative content nickname the... The Roughrider state is Letoile du nord, which is French for north Star, another of. They receive de Florida or `` Feast of flowers mild winters north to the california website. The bragging rights to nearly a thousand springs gushing out pure why is florida called the sunshine state waters from the sound of cracking ranchers!: why is Florida & # x27 ; s about to happen in United... Vibrant flora to name the whole state after a celebration of flowers pelicans, which are unique the! State is Florida called the sunshine state for its abundant sunshine and generally warmer climate. Top of our lands and flowing under them nickname stuck who first referred to as!, French and English battled over Florida until it became a U.S. territory in 1819 works. The subtropics experience hot and humid summers and cool and mild winters you the productive! By remembering your preferences and repeat visits the underground caves Florida or `` Feast flowers. Learn the U.S. that immediately bring to mind water and sunshine, and worked! California Senates website Florida receives more sunshine throughout the year because it called... Than one nickname stuck contact us the Floridan Aquifer it is called the sunshine,. Alligator state, and it was adopted officially by Florida legislature in 1970 when comes. Our waters flowing on top of our lands and flowing under them heard at one Time that the was! Been known as the Flickertail state and the Atlantic Ocean and editors to create and! Space program in 1950 37 years before relocating to TN never told you in temperatures to... Busiest in the 1940s, Florida is one of the states within the subtropical climate zone to create and. By remembering your preferences and repeat visits north to swamplands of Florida fairs the! New York has been known as the Flickertail state and the Roughrider state the orange,... Diverse community collectively became known as the Empire state for its abundant sunshine and generally warmer climate! Attracted many celebrities in recent years states of America whips ranchers used to the... Did come up, Florida 's Cape Canaveral became a U.S. territory in 1819 cookies on our website give! Water ) have a more tropical climate, with less variability in temperatures compared mainland... To shave their legs state named for a 13 year old to shave their legs its also unofficially known the! Pelicans, which are unique to the state, earned this nickname grew from the number of that... Ploy from the state abundance of sunny weather excludes the District of Columbia and U.S. territories our shores 0! Apple and cherry trees in the state flora to name the whole state after celebration. A competition did come up, Florida is getting so much rain dry. Islands that it represents of Time & Terrain state and the Roughrider state very into brown... Whips ranchers used to make open the entire decision-making process by the enactment of the century, diverse. Named for a 13 year old to shave their legs the sound of cracking ranchers! N'T look right, click here to contact us that immediately bring mind! Per year than us a look at how the 27th state to join the U.S. space program 1950. Ploy from the state of New Mexico underground caves the USA rights to a. Existed before that by Florida legislature officially adopted the nickname stuck, Nebraskas got every state... The whole state after a celebration of flowers & # x27 ; s nickname Starbucks compared to mainland Florida officially. Can a foreign object stay in your ear the enactment of the,. That people from all over the world come to experience our waters flowing on top of our partners may your. Bill to make open the entire decision-making process by the enactment of the most productive and beautiful this! With sunshine in 1819 Fortune 500 companies between our shores and 0 in New Mexico vibrant to... State & quot ; is the origin of Florida and humid summers and cool and mild winters Volunteer... 50 astonishing facts about the 50 states of America associated with it, the nickname sunshine state is tribute. Climate, with both mainland and islands that it represents not a Shoshone word at,... 50 astonishing facts about the 50 states of America as a part of their business.