FLORIDA

Florida paddling trails offer an incredible variety of opportunities to canoe, kayak, or paddleboard, from gold-tinted waterways in Northwest Florida to clear, spring-fed streams in the Suwannee River Basin, to mangrove-lined creeks in Everglades National Park. Ambitious paddlers can also take on all or part of the 1,515-mile Florida Circum-navigational Saltwater Paddling Trail, which wraps around Florida’s entire Gulf shore. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection coordinates nearly 70 state-designated paddling trails, providing maps, guides, and other resources for paddlers. About half of these trails connect to the Gulf of Mexico and offer opportunities to explore many different coastal habitats, historic sites, and colorful fishing communities. So, grab a paddle and start your journey. Check out the Florida state paddling website for more information.

8,436
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Miles of Shoreline

Florida has 8,436 miles of shoreline, which is like driving from Miami to Pensacola 12 times.¹

18.5%

How wet is Florida? 18.5% of the state is covered by water.²

25,949
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Miles of Rivers

Florida has 25,949 miles of rivers, which is a little longer than the circumference of the earth!³

Famous Florida Wildlife

Manatee

Manatees are a migratory species and can be found as far north as Massachusetts, but congregate in the warm waters of Florida during the winter.

Black Bear

Black bears can be found throughout Florida, and biologists estimate that there are just over 4,000 in the state.

American Crocodile

South Florida is the only place where both crocodiles and alligators coexist.

Flamingo

These immediately recognizable birds were once thought to be an invasive species in Florida, but recent evidence has shown they are native to the state.

State Flower

The state flower of Florida is the Orange Blossom.

State Saltwater Mammal

The state saltwater mammal of Florida is the Dolphin.

FLORIDA STATE ANIMAL

The state animal of Florida is the Florida Panther.

Population

Nearly 21.5 million people call themselves Floridians, making it the 3rd most populous state.