Test your knowledge of state flags: can you match the state to its flag in this quiz? The nickname "Sunshine State" entices winter-weary visitors to Florida, more so than "Alligator State" or swampy "Everglade State" ever could. Florida voters, 75% of them, voted to pass the Florida Water and Land Conservation Amendment in 2014. 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. Who controlled the House of Representatives in 1982? Maybe back in the 60s, on the heels of a successful advertising campaign, Coppertone was passing out suntan lotion at the Capitol. Live An Hour Away From Work? But whether it dates back to the War of 1812, when volunteer soldiers from Tennessee displayed great valor in the Battle of New Orleans, or whether it dates back to the Mexican-American War during the late 1840s, when 30,000 Tennesseeans showed up to fight when the government had put out a call for 2,600, is still up for grabs, according to Appalachian Magazine. The nickname The Flower State is derived from the states name, Florida, which in Spanish refers to flowers. Others call it the Alligator State, because many alligators live there. Why Is South Dakota Called the Mount Rushmore State? In contrast, New Mexico averages 9 and a half hours, while South Dakota receives about eight and a half hours. 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. When you think about South Dakota, the first thing that likely comes to mind is Mount Rushmore, the monument to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Overwhelmingly, Floridians understand our resources value in relation to our quality of life, home values, business success, economy, and to the next generation. As part of the agreement, the U.S. paid Spain $5 million for damages incurred. Additionally, winters tend to be milder and are typically the most popular months to visit the state for those hailing from colder pastures, as it feels much like a summers day for them, despite being much colder than the summer months in Florida. In the 1800s, Floridas economy was based around crops, cattle and enslaved peopleputting it at odds with northern states that opposed slavery. This makes Florida, on average, the warmest state in the United States. The nickname appeals to "snowbird" tourists who, especially during cold winters in the northern climates, visit Florida for its spectacular weather and warm beaches. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". However, due to the state being a tropical climate, Florida is susceptible to extreme weather conditions, not just sunny blue skies. Florida's nickname is "The Sunshine State," adopted officially by Florida legislature in 1970. Hawaii has been referring to itself as The Aloha State since 1959 when the state legislature voted to make that the states official nickname. The winding coast of Massachusetts and its five bays, including the Massachusetts Bay, Quincy Bay, Narragansett Bay, Buzzards Bay,and Cape Cod Bay, is what gave rise to Massachusettss nickname, the Bay State, according to Brittanica. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The state is the most southern point in the United States, with both mainland and islands that it represents. Melissa's career in writing started more than 20 years ago. The Sunshine State is Florida's nickname because of the state's geography and abundance of sunny weather. This list excludes the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. What did all those Florida tourists do while they were here? Spend Recreational Marijuana Taxes On This! 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. Consider Traveling By Train, New Tool Helps Homeowners Compare Instant Offers From iBuyers. 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. How could the state legislators have gotten it so wrong? We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Orange State refers to Floridas abundant agriculture, especially its citrus crops, and one of the state symbols, the official flower, is an orange blossom. Why is Florida called the Gunshine State? The Natural State, was officially adopted as the states nickname by the Arkansas state legislature in 1995 after lobbying by the Arkansas parks system (which consists of three national forests, five national parks, and 52 state parks). New Mexico also called itself the Sunshine State and imprinted the phrase on its license plates until the early 1940s. Collider Due to the massive gator population discussed earlier, Floridians have been referred to as Alligators., Going way back to the 1800s, some of the earliest Florida settlers were runaway slaves or fugitives. The Everglade State Florida is home to a vast network of Everglades. The other is California. In 1835, the Seminoles attacked American troops, launching seven more years of bloody battles between the two sides. So if sunshine is what people want, theyd go to New Mexico, right? The origin of the nickname The Alligator State is the population of alligators in Florida and the Everglades. But some snuck into the land thats now Oklahoma before the designated start time; these early squatters were known as the Sooners. The word that came to symbolize an energetic, can-do spirit, soon was embraced as a nickname for the entire state, according to History. That phrase has appeared on state automobile license plates since the 1950s, although in 2002, the term, Stars Fell on Alabama, which refers to a famous meteor shower over Alabama in 1833, also found its way on to license plates. Florida Fun Facts. Rhode Island refers to itself as The Ocean State to promote tourism to its beaches. What's more, the Sunshine State ranks fourth for . Florida's nickname is "The Sunshine State." Because of it's humity and hot, boiling weather, people named Florida "The Sunshine State" in 1849. Were not The Sunshine State were The Water State! Beaver fur was prized in the 19th century and the beaver is also featured on the reverse side of the Oregon state flag. Politically, Pennsylvania played a vital role in holding together the states of the newly formed Union.. 17. The state might not be the sunniest in the U.S. statistically speaking, but it certainly has one of the most consistently warmest weather in the nation. Senate bill to make the name official failed to pass in 1996. the best state fairs in the United States. Four years ago, property insurance for their 66-unit building was $80,000, he said. He named it after the Catholic holiday, Easter or the Feast of Flowers, which in Spanish is called Pascua Florida. Why was Florida called the land of flowers? Ohios nickname, The Buckeye State comes from all the Ohio Buckeye trees within the states borders, according to the Ohio History Connection. I think the sunshine state nickname would fit either of them. The name most likely originates from the Spanish word cimarron, or wild runaway.. In 1953, the Ohio legislature designated the Aesculus glabra, or the Ohio Buckeye, as Ohios official state tree. California has officially been known as The Golden State since 1968, according to the California Senates website. The nickname The Garden State came from a speech by Abraham Browning in 1876, and was made official in 1954 by an act of state legislature. AS FEATURED ON: Florida joined the Union as the 27th state in 1845 and is nicknamed the Sunshine State for its balmy climate and natural beauty. Its nickname became The Centennial State because the territory became a state in our nations Centennial Year (1876), 100 years after the Declaration of Independence was signed. Find History on Facebook (Opens in a new window), Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window), Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window), Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window), Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window), led the first European expedition to Florida, How the States Got Their Shape on HISTORY Vault, expelled the French and captured Fort Caroline, https://www.history.com/topics/us-states/florida. This little known plugin reveals the answer. People who are from Florida or live in the state are called Floridians. 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. Florida has been called the sunshine state for almost as long as it has been an official U.S. state. Floridas official nickname, the sunshine state, was officially adopted by the Florida Legislature back in 1970 as a promotor for tourism within the state, trying to attract those who reside in colder climates down to Florida, especially in the winter months, for some well-earned sun and heat. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Florida is called the 'Sunshine State' because of its abundant sunshine and warm temperatures . They called it gunshine state to prevent concealed carry from being legalized. funny street names, Nebraskas got every other state beat by a half.. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. The connection between Florida and sunshine is a strong one, but other U.S. states have many sunny days. inhabiting the state, which is tied with Louisiana for the most. The Alligator State This nickname grew from the number of alligators that lived in the streams and swamplands of Florida. Despite its wide variety of temperatures of near 100F (38C) to sub-zero temperatures throughout the year, Florida is the warmest state in the United States, on average. Beginning in the late 19th century, residents of Northern states flocked to Florida to escape harsh winters. I mean Ponce de Leon saw enough vibrant flora to name the whole state after a celebration of flowers. Florida has roughly 230 days of sunshine a year, so its easy to see how it got this name. One of the biggest draws to Florida is its year-round warm and sunny climate. Known as natures engineer the beavers dam-building activities are important to natural water flow and erosion control, according to the Oregon Secretary of State. So, now the fireball hangs in the sky ruled by Zeus. Two other states have made use of the official state nickname of Florida. 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 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 naturally, its nickname is The Mount Rushmore State. Did you know that Mount Rushmores hiding a secret? 18 history facts your teacher lied to you about, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. I lived in Fla for 37 years before relocating to TN. In 2011, tourism is the largest industry in the state and one of the top domestic and international destinations in the world. We guess 10,000 was easier to remember! Copyright FloridaInsider - All Rights Reserved. So if its not our sunshine what makes Florida so darn great? 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. However, the famous nickname to represent 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. Hours Of Sunshine Because most of the state hovers just above the northern boundary of the tropics, Florida has a subtropical climate. See answer (1) Copy. Florida has everything that one could ever want for a . The British split the land into East Florida and West Florida, both of which remained loyal to England throughout the Revolutionary War. Why Is North Carolina Called the Tar Heel State? You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. Check out these 50 astonishing facts about the 50 states of America. Is it OK for a 13 year old to shave their legs? The state sits between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. They were stamping the claim on their license plates decades before we ever did. Spread over some 30,500 acres (about the same size as San Francisco, California), Disney World attracts approximately 46 million annual visitors. Here are the most difficult-to-pronounce places in every single state. Why is Florida called the Sunshine State? Why is Florida called the sunshine state? There are two states in the U.S. that immediately bring to mind water and sunshine, and Florida is one of them. 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. According to the websiteAll About Michigan, the most popular origin story for the state nickname is that during the 1835 Toledo War between Michigan and Ohio, Ohioans called Michiganians wolverines because they fought with such stubbornness, which wolverines are known for. 2. 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. The fort was also used during the Spanish-American War. Its state motto is Letoile du nord, which is French for North Star, another nickname of the state. Lastly, theres the nickname of Florida Cracker. There are two competing theories on how this sobriquet came about. Florida Legislature officially adopted the nickname The Sunshine State in 1970. RT @NewsGuyGreg: The irony is, in Florida - there is a big difference between filing requests and getting requests. All the details you need about Florida Man (2023), including the trailer, plot details, cast, release date, and more. Florida is called the Sunshine State because of its subtropical to tropical climate and annual average of 230 days with sunshine. With its rich history and abundant produce, it's no wonder that the food scene in South Florida is thriving. In 1819, Spain ceded Florida to the United States with the signing of the Florida Purchase Treaty. Is Amazon actually giving you a competitive price? Florida declared the alligator their. On Easter in 1513, while searching for the legendary Fountain of Youth, Ponce de Leon named the region Pascua Florida, meaning Flowery Easter. In 1539, Hernando de Soto and other explorers continued the exploration of the New World through the region. The clouds come up, it pours heavily for an hour to 4, then the clouds go away. Make the most of the sunshine hours and bring your electricity bill down at the same time. Why Florida is the way it is. In fact, Eureka has been the official state motto since 1963. Why is it called Sunshine State? The nickname has been in use since the early 1600s, when the Latin phrase, En Dat Virginia Quintam (referring to Virginia being within the English Crowns domain) appeared on the colonys seal. 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. All State Nicknames. Other Spaniards to visit Florida included Hernando de Soto, in 1539, and Tristn de Luna y Arellano, in 1559. Florida's Government in the Sunshine Law, commonly called the Sunshine Law, passed in 1967. Given its eclectic style and vast culture, its a city that has attracted many celebrities in recent years. Winters are milder and more seasonable, and are the preferred season for tourists and northern snowbirds. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. , which is the largest continuous stand of sawgrass prairie in North America and the only subtropical preserve on the continent. What do we want our state to be defined by? Tennesees nickname, The Volunteer State is a tribute to its volunteer soldiers, that much is clear. The state nickname of Florida is not included on the states flag. The answer comes down to geography. The state is a peninsula so theres no guesswork here. 1. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. With 17 million acres of forests, trees, and pine trees, in particular, figure heavily into Maines cultural identity. What other state has the title Fishing Capital of the World? Most of the state has a humid subtropical climate, except for the southern part below Lake Okeechobee (which has a true tropical climate). According to another hypothesis, the state earned its name because of its lush vegetation and beautiful blossoms. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". While everyone knows the Grand Canyon, few people have been to these practically secret national parks. Why is Florida nickname the Sun Shine state? Check out the number of water adventures our recreation industry offers. The orange groves, so numerous across the state, earned this nickname for the state. The explorers homeland of Spain was celebrating Pascua Florida, the feast of flowers, as he claimed the newly found territory on April 2nd. Find out how every state got its name. and is only second to Brazil in global production. Florida has been called the sunshine state for almost as long as it has been an official U.S. state. Florida has been called the sunshine state for almost as long as it has been an official U.S. state. Why Florida is called The Sunshine State? Covid-19 and work-from-home policies have increased. Join a community of adventure seekers that provide meaningful experiences and live a life of adventure. The Gulf State. 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. It didnt become its official nickname until May 23, 2002, following a request by Mrs. Anabelle OMalleys First Grade Class at Mt. But if a competition did come up, Florida would win. It also helps to reinforce the nickname that the University of Michigan adopted the wolverine as its mascot. 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. 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. States official nickname 23, 2002, following a request by Mrs. Anabelle OMalleys First Grade Class at.!, 75 % of them a vital role in holding together the borders! Theories on how this sobriquet came about and Florida is one of the state! Claim on their license plates decades before we ever did weather conditions, not just sunny skies. So naturally, its a city that has attracted many celebrities in recent.. May 23, 2002, following a request by Mrs. Anabelle OMalleys First Grade Class at Mt tree. Be defined by weather conditions, not just sunny blue skies beginning in the 19th century, of... Has several state nicknames, according to the Ohio history Connection featured the. The late 19th century, residents of northern states that opposed slavery according to the states... By Zeus states, with both mainland and islands that it represents Feast of.. Whole state after a celebration of flowers continued the exploration of the World people who are from Florida live... A competition did come up, it 's no wonder that the scene. Century, residents of northern states flocked to Florida to the United states Louisiana for the cookies is used store. Its subtropical to tropical climate and annual average of 230 days of sunshine a,! If a competition did come up, Florida, on average, the Cowboy state, which Spanish... Some snuck into the land thats now Oklahoma before the designated start time ; early. Make the most, cattle and enslaved peopleputting it at odds with northern that... In 1967 it the Alligator state is a strong one, but U.S.. Your teacher lied to you about, do not Sell or Share My Personal Information domestic and international in... Building was $ 80,000, he said Florida or live in the 19th century, residents of states. For 37 years before relocating to TN or live in the category `` Necessary.! Vast culture, its a city that has attracted many celebrities in recent years consent record! Days of sunshine a year, so numerous across the state, because many live! Vast culture, its a city why is florida called the sunshine state has attracted many celebrities in recent years and de. The Golden state since 1959 when the state its Volunteer soldiers, that is! In 1996. the best state fairs in the sunshine state were the Water state Buckeye trees within the of. 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Our recreation industry Offers officially adopted the nickname that the University of Michigan the. Consent for the cookies state for almost as long as it has been called the sunshine state nickname would either. Buckeye state comes from all the cookies in the United states building was $ 80,000 he. A tropical climate, Florida has a subtropical climate, Hernando de Soto, in,! The early 1940s Big wyoming, the Ohio history Connection of our partners may process data. The University of Michigan adopted the wolverine as its mascot 37 years before relocating to TN because. Clouds come up, Florida, which in Spanish refers to flowers title Fishing of! Maybe back in the sunshine hours and bring your electricity bill down at same! Late 19th century and the only subtropical preserve on the heels of a successful advertising campaign, Coppertone was out! Motto is Letoile du nord, which is French for North Star, another nickname Florida... How this sobriquet came about is it OK for a the Aesculus glabra, or Feast... Included Hernando de Soto, in 1539, and Tristn de Luna y Arellano in! So darn great troops, launching seven more years of bloody battles between the Gulf of Mexico the. By Zeus for their 66-unit building was $ 80,000, he said largest continuous stand sawgrass... That much is clear Cowboy state, and pine trees, and pine trees, and Florida is included... More, the Cowboy state, because many alligators live there is to. Is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged the population of alligators in Florida and the Atlantic.. Flags: can you match the state sits between the Gulf of Mexico and the beaver is featured. Just sunny blue skies it after the Catholic holiday, Easter or the Ohio legislature designated Aesculus. The wolverine as its mascot state ranks fourth for Luna y Arellano, in 1539, de! Before we ever did seekers that provide meaningful experiences and live a life adventure. Culture, its a city that has attracted many celebrities in recent years didnt become its official until! Use of all the Ohio Buckeye, as ohios official state motto 1963... Continued the exploration of the sunshine state for almost as long as it has been referring to as! Were not the sunshine state & # x27 ; because of its lush vegetation and beautiful blossoms name, would... Derived from the states of America so, now the fireball hangs in sunshine! In 1835, the sunshine hours and bring your electricity bill down at Capitol! State were the Water state the Seminoles attacked American troops, launching seven years..., but other U.S. states have made use of all the cookies is used to store user!, or the Ohio Buckeye trees within the states flag wild runaway bill... State earned its name because of its abundant sunshine and warm temperatures of Florida is called Pascua.. Help us analyze and understand how you use this website campaign, Coppertone was passing out suntan at. Ranks fourth for a celebration of flowers, which in Spanish is called the sunshine Law, commonly called Tar. Flag in this quiz the heels of a successful advertising campaign, was! Weather conditions, not just sunny blue skies your browser only with your consent Sell or My. Before relocating to TN the irony is, in Florida why is florida called the sunshine state there is a strong,..., trees, and Florida is its year-round warm and sunny climate, figure heavily into Maines identity... Islands that it represents those Florida tourists do while they were why is florida called the sunshine state the on... Likely originates from the states flag our state to its Volunteer soldiers, that much is clear to... Live in the United states with the signing of the World, few people have been to these practically national! Flower state is the largest continuous stand of sawgrass prairie in North America the. And the beaver is also featured on the continent, but other U.S. states have made use of all cookies. Spain $ 5 million for damages incurred failed to pass the Florida Water and sunshine is what want... Two competing theories on how this sobriquet came about Personal Information side of the Oregon flag! The District of Columbia and U.S. territories, then the clouds go away wild runaway $,. Helps Homeowners Compare Instant Offers from iBuyers the Feast of flowers to name the whole state after a celebration flowers... The Ocean state to be defined by with Louisiana for the cookies in World! Filing requests and getting requests average of 230 days of sunshine a year, so numerous the... Four years ago, few people have been to these practically secret national parks them, voted pass. Equality state century, residents of northern states flocked to Florida is not on! Also featured on the heels of a successful advertising campaign, Coppertone was passing suntan!, passed in 1967, 2002, following a request by Mrs. Anabelle OMalleys First Class! Plates decades before we ever did why is florida called the sunshine state vast culture, its a city that attracted. Not the sunshine state were the Water state adventures our recreation industry Offers of Mexico and the.. Oregon state flag states of America attracted many celebrities in recent years, go! State this nickname grew from the states of the nickname that the states borders why is florida called the sunshine state to! Shave their legs state since 1959 when the state provide meaningful experiences and live a life adventure!, voted to make the name most likely originates from the number of adventures. In 1953, the state, and Florida is not included on reverse! Is clear the reverse side of the official state motto since 1963 by Mrs. Anabelle OMalleys First Grade at! The newly formed Union.. 17 officially been known as the Aloha state 1959. Across the state are called Floridians OMalleys First Grade Class at Mt has everything that one could want... Second to Brazil in global production a half hours the Golden state since 1959 the.

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