Geography and Physical Features of the State of Florida

Overview

Much of the state of Florida lies on a broad peninsula positioned between the Gulf of Mexico, the Atlantic Ocean, and the Straits of Florida. The state also includes a large northern region, known as the Florida Panhandle, which extends westward along the Gulf Coast. Florida covers two time zones: the eastern and central.

Land and Topography

Florida is one of the flattest states in the United States, with an average elevation of only about 100 feet (30 meters) above sea level. The highest natural point, Britton Hill, reaches just 345 feet (105 meters) in Walton County. The terrain consists largely of coastal plains, sandy soils, wetlands, and numerous low-lying regions.

Major Landforms

Peninsula of Florida: Separates the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean.
Everglades: A massive tropical wetland area located in the southern part of the state.
Lake Okeechobee: The largest lake in Florida and one of the biggest freshwater lakes in the United States.
Florida Keys: A chain of coral islands extending southwest from the southern tip of the peninsula into the Gulf of Mexico.

Climate

Florida's climate is mostly humid subtropical in the north and tropical in the southern regions. The state experiences hot, humid summers and mild winters. Because of its geographic position, Florida is frequently affected by tropical storms and hurricanes during the Atlantic hurricane season.

Average Conditions

Rainfall varies widely, with annual precipitation averaging around 50 inches (1270 mm). Sunshine is abundant throughout the year, giving Florida its nickname, "The Sunshine State."

Rivers and Water Systems

The state’s water systems are a defining feature of its geography. Major rivers include:

Saint Johns River, which flows northward from central Florida to the Atlantic.
Suwannee River, running from Georgia into the Gulf of Mexico.
Caloosahatchee and Peace Rivers, providing drainage across southwestern parts of the peninsula.

Extensive aquifers supply much of Florida’s freshwater. The Floridan Aquifer is among the most productive in the world.

Geology

Florida's base rests primarily on limestone formed from marine fossils. The porous rock allows large underground water storage, shaping many of the state’s springs and sinkholes. The land has developed over hundreds of millions of years as rising and falling sea levels deposited layers of carbonate material.

"Florida's landscape is largely the result of ancient seas, marine sediment buildup, and tectonic stability."

Environmental Regions

The state's ecosystems range from pine flatwoods and hardwood hammocks to mangrove forests and coral reefs. The extensive wetlands in central and southern Florida support diverse wildlife and serve critical ecological roles in water filtration and flood control.

Author’s summary: Florida’s geography combines low elevation, abundant water systems, and a tropical-to-subtropical climate, creating a distinct environment shaped by wetlands, coastlines, and limestone landscapes.

Wikipedia — 2025-11-30