Florida was first occupied by many Indians tribes over 10,000 years ago. These tribes include the Ais, Apalachee, Calusa, Creek, Miccosukee, Seminole, Timucua, and the Yemassee. During 1513 Florida was explored by Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon. Ponce de Leon named Florida after the Catholic holiday Pascua Florida meaning feast of Flowers.
Florida was claimed by Spain and in 1565 the Spanish found St. Augustine. After France lost the French and Indian War Florida would be given to Britain. It became a Spanish colony after the British lost the American Revolution. In 1819 Florida would become part of the United States after the First Seminole War. Florida officially became the twenty-seventy state on March 3, 1845 with its capital Tallahassee and is known as the Sunshine State. It borders the state of Alabama, Georgia, the Gulf of Mexico on the west, and Atlantic Ocean on the east.
Florida is known for its hot summers with an average temperature of 80.8 degrees and winter’s average temperature is cool 58.9 degrees. Due to these nice temperatures Florida is a popular place for people to take vacations to. Ninety percent of jobs in Florida are in the tourism sector of hotels, restaurants and shops. Farming is also important in Florida with them being a leading producer of citrus fruits and juices.
