Florida is the southernmost state in mainland U.S.A. It's bordered by Alabama, Georgia, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico. With over 21 million inhabitants, Florida is the 3rd-most populous, and the 8th-most densely populated, state in the country.

Tallahassee is Florida's capital and Jacksonville is its largest city. Florida has one of the largest economies in the country and it's one of the most popular destinations for tourists as well as retirees. It has a large Cuban expatriate community and a large Latino population. Residents of Florida have a reputation for being friendly and outgoing.

What's life like in Florida?

Florida is known as the Sunshine State for its beautiful weather all year round. It's one of the only states in the country to have a tropical climate, making it a popular place for retirees and holidaymakers.

There's plenty of outdoor space in Florida and it has some of the country's most beautiful natural areas, including the Keys and the Everglades National Park. Florida also has plenty of dense urban centers and big cities, including Miami, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Tallahassee.

Work in Florida

Florida's economy ranks as one of the largest in the world, with a GSP of over $1 trillion. Florida's largest industries are tourism, construction, and banking, followed by biomedical and life sciences, healthcare research, aerospace and defense, and commercial space travel.

The largest sectors of employment in Florida are trade, transportation, and utilities; leisure and hospitality; government; education and health services; and professional and business services. The Miami Metropolitan Area has the highest GDP in Florida.

Major Attractions of Florida

Here are some of the top attractions that make Florida a great place to live and work:

• Walt Disney World Resort: A world-famous theme park and entertainment complex near Orlando.
• Everglades National Park: The largest tropical wilderness in the country, famous for its alligators, flamingos, and panthers.
• Universal Orlando Resort: Movie-themed park and resort with rides, hotels, shows, events, dining, and shopping.
• South Beach: A Miami neighborhood renowned for its shopping and dining, as well as Miami Beach.
• Florida Keys: A coral cay archipelago located off the south coast of Florida known for its snorkeling and beautiful beaches.

Pros and Cons of Living in Florida

Pros:

• No state income tax – Florida is one of the few states with no state income tax, so all you have to worry about is federal taxes.
• Warm weather – Florida has some of the best weather in the country with warm and pleasant weather throughout most of the year.
• World-class beaches – Florida has some of the best beaches in the world and it's a great place to live if you like water sports and outdoor activities.

Cons:

• Humid – The humidity in Florida can get pretty intense, especially in the summer months. Air conditioning is a must.
• Extreme weather – Storms aren't uncommon in Florida and the state often gets battered by hurricanes.
• Very touristy – Some areas of Florida are overrun by tourists, particularly around Orlando and Miami.