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Florida, or as it is commonly known "The Sunshine State" became the 27^th state on March 3^rd 1845. It's not hard to imagine where the nickname Sunshine state comes from. The state is well known as having a wonderful sunny climate.

Origin of state's name: The name Florida was bestowed upon the state in the early 16th century by an explorer who was in the state at Easter time and declared it the "Pascua Florida" or Flowery Easter.

Population:  The states population is approximately 16 million and growing based on the last census sin 2000. Florida is well known as a state to retire in due to its warm climate and relatively low cost of living.

Driving

Driver's license information, applications, testing requirements, Driver's manuals and testing locations can all be found on the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicle's website.

http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/

Economy: The states climate is ideal for growing citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons and limes. Other agriculture in the state is nursery stock growing and cattle and dairy production. The main industries are tourism, food processing and electronic manufacture.

State Bird: State Bird: the state bird is the Mocking Bird or Turdus Polyglottus which is characterized by its beautiful singing voice and animated movement. The Mocking Bird is also the state bird for Arkansas and Tennessee.

State Flower:  The sate flower is the fragrant and very beautiful Orange Blossom which grows wild throughout the state.

State Song: The state song is "Swanee River"

State Reptile: The state reptile is the American Alligator

Florida- Interesting Facts

• Orlando, home to Disney world attracts more visitors than any other amusement park destination in the United States.
• Cape Canaveral is home to the John F. Kennedy Space Center where may of mankind's greatest accomplishments have taken place.
• Niceville is home to the famous Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival celebrated the third weekend in October.
• The drink Gatorade was named after the University of Florida Gators
• The first mechanical refrigerator was invented in Florida in 1851
• Key West has the highest average temperature over a year in the United States.
• The famous Sunshine Skyway cable and concrete bridge rises well above the water and provides drivers with fantastic views over Tampa Bay
• Fort Lauderdale is often called the Venice of America because of the nearly close to 200 miles of local waterways.
• Key Largo is often called the Diving Capital of the World.

Florida– Famous People

Many famous people were born and raised in Florida and many famous people call Florida their home today. This includes actors, athletes, authors, politicians and entertainers. Steve Carlton and Dwight Gooden, the baseball players are from Miami and Tampa respectively and A. J. McLean, singer with the Back Street Boys is from West Palm Beach. Jim Morrison, singer is from Melbourne and Sidney Poitier the actor is from Miami as is Attorney General Janet Reno.