Where is Florida Located in the United States?

Florida is located in the southeastern region of the United States, known for its tropical and subtropical climates, beautiful coastlines, and rich cultural heritage. The state is a prominent tourist destination, famous for its beaches, amusement parks, and diverse ecosystems, including the Everglades. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east and the Gulf of Mexico to the west, giving it the longest coastline of any U.S. state except for Alaska. Florida shares land borders with only two states: Georgia to the north and Alabama to the northwest. The postal abbreviation for Florida is FL, and the state has a population of approximately 22.2 million people, making it the 3rd most populous state in the U.S. Covering an area of 65,758 square miles, Florida is the 22nd largest state by area. The capital city is Tallahassee, while the largest city is Jacksonville. Florida became the 27th state to join the Union in 1845. The state spans two time zones: most of Florida operates under Eastern Time (ET), while the Florida Panhandle in the northwest operates on Central Time (CT).

Bordering States

Georgia

To the north, Florida shares a long border with Georgia, which stretches from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Chattahoochee River in the west. This border is culturally and historically significant, as the two states have been intertwined since colonial times. The boundary between Georgia and Florida is marked by several rivers, including the St. Marys River, which defines much of the eastern border near the Atlantic coast. In this region, the cities of Jacksonville, Florida, and Savannah, Georgia, serve as major transportation and economic hubs, with significant industries such as shipping, tourism, and agriculture shared between the two states.

In terms of transportation, Georgia and Florida are connected by major highways like Interstate 75 and Interstate 95, facilitating the movement of goods and people between the two states. Georgia’s proximity to Florida influences cross-border tourism, with many visitors from the northern state vacationing in Florida’s warmer climate, especially during the winter months. The border region between Georgia and Florida is also home to important agricultural industries, including the production of citrus, peanuts, and peaches.

Alabama

To the northwest, Florida shares a border with Alabama, with the border running roughly 140 miles along Florida’s Panhandle. The Perdido River serves as part of the natural boundary between the two states, flowing from Alabama into the Gulf of Mexico. The region along the Alabama-Florida border is heavily influenced by the Gulf Coast, with both states sharing cultural ties related to seafood, beach tourism, and music. The cities of Pensacola, Florida, and Mobile, Alabama, are economic hubs in this area, with industries like shipping, aerospace, and defense playing prominent roles.

The Florida-Alabama border region is known for its scenic beaches, such as those in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and Destin, Florida, which attract millions of tourists each year. This area is also significant for its shared military installations, including Naval Air Station Pensacola, which serves both states by training U.S. Navy pilots and contributing to the regional economy. The shared Gulf Coast also means that both states face similar environmental challenges, such as hurricanes and coastal erosion.

GPS Coordinates

Florida’s geographic coordinates range between 24°27′ N and 31°00′ N latitude and 80°02′ W and 87°38′ W longitude. These coordinates place Florida in the southeastern corner of the continental United States, with the state extending from the southern tip of the Florida Keys to its northern boundary with Georgia and Alabama. The state’s latitude gives it a tropical to subtropical climate, with mild winters in most areas and hot, humid summers, especially in the southern part of the state.

The southernmost point of Florida, located at 24°27′ N, is found in the Florida Keys, specifically at Key West, which is closer to Cuba than it is to Miami. This location is famous for its warm weather and tropical environment, making it a popular destination for tourists. In contrast, the northernmost point of Florida, located at 31°00′ N, is at the border with Georgia, where the climate is more temperate and agricultural lands dominate the landscape.

In terms of longitude, Florida’s easternmost point lies at 80°02′ W, along the Atlantic Coast, near the city of Jacksonville, where the state’s beaches and coastal cities are key to its tourism and shipping industries. Florida’s westernmost point is located at 87°38′ W, near the city of Pensacola, in the Florida Panhandle. This part of the state is known for its Gulf Coast beaches and close cultural ties with neighboring Alabama.

Florida’s GPS coordinates also place it within two time zones. The majority of the state operates on Eastern Time (ET), while the Panhandle, west of the Apalachicola River, operates on Central Time (CT). This geographic positioning plays a significant role in the state’s economy, as it spans a wide area that connects the southeastern U.S. to the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.

Levels of Elevation

Florida is known for its relatively flat terrain, with low levels of elevation compared to other U.S. states. The lowest point in Florida, like all coastal states, is at sea level along its extensive coastlines bordering the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. These coastal areas are crucial to Florida’s economy, supporting tourism, fishing, and shipping industries. The state’s flat topography and proximity to water make it particularly vulnerable to hurricanes, storm surges, and sea-level rise, all of which are key environmental challenges.

The highest point in Florida is Britton Hill, which stands at only 345 feet (105 meters) above sea level. Located in Walton County, near the Alabama border in the Florida Panhandle, Britton Hill is the lowest high point of any U.S. state. Despite its modest height, the surrounding area is characterized by rolling hills and pine forests, typical of the landscape in the Panhandle region. This part of Florida contrasts with the flatter, more tropical areas of southern Florida.

Between these two extremes, much of Florida’s elevation ranges between 0 and 100 feet above sea level. The Everglades, a vast subtropical wetland in southern Florida, sits just above sea level and plays a critical role in the state’s water management and ecosystem preservation. The flatness of the landscape contributes to the state’s vast network of rivers, lakes, and wetlands, which are vital for agriculture, wildlife, and tourism.

While Florida is not known for mountainous terrain, it does have several upland regions in the Panhandle and northern parts of the state, where rolling hills break up the otherwise flat landscape. These areas provide a scenic contrast to the coastal plains and wetlands that dominate much of the state.

Most Extreme Points of the State

Florida’s geographic extremes highlight the diversity of its landscape, from tropical islands to agricultural plains.

• Northernmost point: Florida’s northernmost point is located at the border with Georgia, near the town of Dillard in Nassau County. This area, part of northeastern Florida, is characterized by its agricultural land, forests, and proximity to the Atlantic coast. The northern region experiences more seasonal changes than the southern parts of the state, with milder winters and warmer summers.
• Southernmost point: The southernmost point of Florida, and the continental United States, is found in Key West, at the corner of Whitehead Street and South Street. Key West is part of the Florida Keys, an island chain that stretches into the Gulf of Mexico. This region is tropical and is known for its warm climate, palm trees, and coral reefs. Key West is a major tourist destination, famous for its sunsets, historical sites, and vibrant culture.
• Easternmost point: Florida’s easternmost point is located near Ponte Vedra Beach, just south of Jacksonville. This part of the state, along the Atlantic Ocean, is home to some of Florida’s most popular beaches, resorts, and coastal communities. The Atlantic coastline plays a crucial role in Florida’s tourism industry and serves as a key shipping corridor, with several major ports located along the coast.
• Westernmost point: The westernmost point of Florida is near the city of Pensacola, in the Florida Panhandle, just east of the Alabama border. This region is part of the Gulf Coast, known for its sugar-white sandy beaches and military installations. Pensacola is also a hub for aerospace and defense industries, with Naval Air Station Pensacola being one of the most important military bases in the region.

Major Mountains

Florida is not typically associated with mountains, as the state is known for its flat terrain and low elevations. Unlike many other states, Florida does not have traditional mountain ranges, and its highest points are located in the northern and western regions, where rolling hills break up the landscape. However, there are a few elevated areas that are locally significant and offer a unique topography compared to the rest of the state.

The highest point in Florida is Britton Hill, located in Walton County near the Alabama border in the Florida Panhandle. At 345 feet (105 meters) above sea level, Britton Hill is the lowest high point of any U.S. state. While it is modest in height, the surrounding area is part of the rolling Northwest Florida Uplands, a region that is more hilly and forested than the rest of Florida. This area is known for its pine forests and agricultural lands.

Another elevated region in Florida is the Lake Wales Ridge, a sand ridge that runs through central Florida. This ridge is a remnant of ancient sand dunes from a time when sea levels were much higher, and it extends for about 150 miles through the state. The highest point on the Lake Wales Ridge is Sugarloaf Mountain, which stands at 312 feet (95 meters) above sea level. Located in Lake County, Sugarloaf Mountain offers sweeping views of the surrounding countryside and is one of the few places in Florida where visitors can experience significant elevation changes.

While Florida’s hills and uplands may not compare to the mountains found in other parts of the United States, these elevated areas provide important habitats for unique plant and animal species. The ridges and uplands are home to a variety of rare and endemic species that have adapted to the sandy, well-drained soils found in these areas.

Major Rivers and Lakes

Florida’s rivers and lakes are critical to its environment, economy, and tourism industry. The state is home to numerous waterways, many of which play vital roles in the ecosystem and serve as recreational and agricultural resources.

The longest and most significant river in Florida is the St. Johns River, which flows for 310 miles from its source in Indian River County in the central part of the state, northward to Jacksonville, where it empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The St. Johns River is one of the few major rivers in the United States that flows northward, and it serves as a vital waterway for transportation, recreation, and agriculture. The river is home to diverse wildlife and is popular for boating, fishing, and kayaking.

Another important river in Florida is the Suwannee River, which originates in the Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia and flows southward into Florida, eventually emptying into the Gulf of Mexico. The Suwannee River is famous for its scenic beauty and cultural significance, as it is featured in the song “Old Folks at Home,” often referred to as “Swanee River.” The river is popular for canoeing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing.

Florida is also home to numerous lakes, the largest of which is Lake Okeechobee, often referred to as the “inland sea” of Florida. Covering an area of 730 square miles, Lake Okeechobee is the largest freshwater lake in the state and the second-largest freshwater lake in the contiguous United States. The lake is crucial for water supply, flood control, and agriculture in southern Florida. It is also an important part of the Everglades ecosystem, as water from Lake Okeechobee flows southward into the wetlands.

Other notable lakes in Florida include Lake George, the second-largest lake in the state, located along the St. Johns River, and Lake Apopka, near Orlando. These lakes are popular for recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching.