Florida
By Jeff Tucker
TuckerHall and Partner
Public Relations Organisation International, Inc.
Tampa, Florida
PROI Partner in Florida with offices in Tampa and Orlando. For public relations assistance in Florida contact
TuckerHall
As Florida goes, so goes the nation....
The world recognizes Florida for its beaches and 365 days of sunshine, however
in recent decades statistics show Florida’s population growth, income
growth and influence in the national economy has helped Florida to become the
political and economic bellwether state in America whose melting pot of residents
most closely reflects the psyche of America.
Geography
Florida covers 58,167 square miles, making it the 22nd largest of the 50 states.
With 11,761 square miles of Florida covered by water, Florida is the 3rd wettest
state behind Alaska and Michigan. Florida is home to 10,000 lakes, including
Lake Okeechobee, the second largest fresh water lake in the nation. Geologist
estimate Florida was one of the last land masses to emerge from the ocean, making
it one of the youngest parts of the nation.
Population & Demographics
According to the 2000 Census, Florida ranks as the fourth most populous state,
only behind New York, Texas and California, with a population of 15,982,378.
The population is comprised of white (78.0%), Black/African American (14.6%),
American Indian/Alaskan Native (0.3%), Asian (1.7%), Native Hawaiian/Pacific
Islander (0.1%), other races (5.4%)
Median Income
The median household income for Florida resident in 2000 was $37,998.
Florida’s Economy
Florida ranks fourth largest in the nation and largest in the Southeast in Gross
State Product with $472.1 billion. In 2000, over 252,000 new jobs were created
in Florida, ranking the state third in the nation. Florida’s economy rests
on a solid base of tourism, agriculture and international trade.
Tourism
Tourism plays an important role in Florida’s economy and is the states
largest industry. Each year roughly $48 billion is spent by vacationers. More
than 20% of the state’s taxable sales are generated from visitors. Theme
parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios draw millions of visitors
alone. Famed beaches, such as Miami Beach, Daytona Beach and St. Augustine also
make Florida a prime vacation destination. Other attractions include the Everglades
National Park, Epcot Center, and the Kennedy Space Center. The Port of Miami
is the busiest cruise port in the world, followed by Fort Lauderdale’s
Port Everglades.
Agriculture
Florida leads the nation in the production of oranges, grapefruits, tangerines
and market-ready corn and tomatoes. Other important crops are sugarcane and
a variety of winter vegetables. Cattle and dairy products also contribute to
the states economy as does commercial fishing, including crabs, lobsters and
shrimp.
International Trade
Florida is a major force in international trade. International merchandise trade
volume constitutes 16% of Florida’s Gross State Product, totaling $74
billion annually. Florida is also a major exporter of professional services
which is estimated annually at $10 billion.
Unemployment Rate
While the national unemployment rate stands at 5.6% for 2002, Florida’s
unemployment is below that at 5.3%
Politics
Florida adopted a new state constitution in 1968. The governor is elected for
a term of 4 years. The legislature consists of 120 house of representative members
and 40 senate members. The current governor is Jeb Bush, who was elected in
1998 and serving a second term.
Education
Florida is a leader in higher education. It is home to 10 state universities.
Recently, many of these institutions have received top national honors:
The National Center for Education Statistics ranked the University of Florida
among the top fifty institutions in the United States based on federal funding
for research.
The University of Florida’s College of Medicine ranked among the top
fifty in the United States by U.S. News and World Report
The University of Florida’s Levin College of Law ranked number two
in the nation in the field of taxation law by U.S. News and World Report
Florida A&M University was named College of the Year in the 1999 edition
of the Princeton Review.
University of South Florida’s New College is a residential, highly
selective, and innovative liberal arts college that made the top category
of Princeton Review’s exclusive rating of college admissions competitiveness.
Florida is also home to 28 community colleges. Florida ranks 4th in the nation
in community college enrollment. Nine of the top twenty producers of associates
degrees in the nation are Florida community colleges.
Transportation
A flight between St. Petersburg and Tampa was the site of the world’s
first commercial airline flight in 1914. Today Florida has 19 commercial passenger
airports, 20 reliever airports, and 60 general aviation facilities, making Florida
a leader in global air transportation. There are more direct flights from Florida
airports to Latin America and the Caribbean destinations than from all other
cities in the nation combined.
Four of Florida’s airports rank among the top 100 airports in terms of
cargo volume. (Miami International, Tampa International, Orlando International,
and Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International). Miami International is also the
nations busiest and the world’s second busiest international air cargo
hub and the nation’s second busiest international passenger airport.
Geographically speaking, Florida is located at the intersection of some of
the world’s main shipping lanes. Over the years, Florida has played a
major role in commercial shipping worldwide. All Florida businesses are located
less than 90 miles from one of Florida’s 14 deepwater ports. Florida has
3 ports that rank among the top container ports in the world.
Florida’s Spaceport at Cape Canaveral is the world’s largest and
most capable commercial spaceport, and the primary spaceport in the nation.
Each year the spaceport handles approximately 30 launches, 80 % of which are
commercial. By the year 2005, projections increase to about 50 launches each
year.
Florida Facts Area: 58,167 sq miles Population: According to the 2000 census, the population is 15,982,378,
a 23.5% increase since the 1990 census. Capital: Tallahassee Largest City: Jacksonville Statehood: March 3, 1845 Highest Elevation: 345ft Nickname: Sunshine State
For public relations assistance in Florida contact
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