Florida State Maps

These maps show Florida's Counties, Cities, Federal Areas, Physiographic, and Ecoregion's.




Florida County Map

The Counties of Florida and Their Name Origins



Florida County Sizes Map

Florida State County Sizes Map

Smallest County in Florida State

Union County: 251 sq miles

Largest County in Florida State

Palm Beach County: 2,221 sq miles

Mean and Median Area of Counties in Florida State

Mean Area: 805.88 sq miles

Median Area: 670.00 sq miles



Florida Major Cities Map

Major Cities of Florida State and Their Locations

In Florida, major cities are strategically located near coastal ports, river ports, or along historic transportation routes. Below are examples of each type:

1. Coastal Ports

Miami: A major coastal port, Miami is known for its bustling port, one of the busiest cruise ports in the world, and a vibrant cultural and economic hub. The city is a gateway to Latin America and has a strong influence on international trade, finance, and tourism.

Tampa: Located on the Gulf Coast, Tampa's port is a significant contributor to its economy, supporting shipping, commerce, and tourism. It is also known for its historic neighborhoods like Ybor City and a growing technology sector.

Fort Lauderdale: Known as the "Venice of America" due to its expansive canal system, Fort Lauderdale is another major coastal port city with a strong maritime industry. The Port Everglades seaport handles cruise ships, cargo vessels, and petroleum imports.

St. Petersburg: Located on Tampa Bay, St. Petersburg is known for its scenic waterfront and beaches. Its port supports recreational boating and fishing industries, and the city is also a popular cultural destination with several museums and parks.

Key West: The southernmost city in the continental U.S., Key West has a rich maritime history and a vibrant tourism industry. Its port handles ferries, fishing vessels, and cruise ships, connecting it to both Florida's mainland and international waters.

2. River Ports

Jacksonville: Situated along the St. Johns River, Jacksonville's river port is one of the largest in the state, supporting trade and shipping. The city has a diverse economy that includes logistics, military, and finance sectors, with the Port of Jacksonville being a key hub for cargo shipments, especially in the automotive and consumer goods industries.

Pensacola: Located in Florida's panhandle along Pensacola Bay, the city is a historic port town with a significant military presence, including the Pensacola Naval Air Station. Its port has a smaller but strategic role in local commerce and industry.

Sanford: A key river port along the St. Johns River, Sanford developed as a transportation hub for the citrus industry and is home to the Central Florida Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The city's historic downtown district reflects its rich cultural history.

3. Historic Paths or Routes

Orlando: Orlando, located in central Florida, developed historically along trade routes and became a major transportation hub. Today, it is known globally for its theme parks, including Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, and has a growing technology and healthcare sector.

Tallahassee: The capital city of Florida, Tallahassee is located along historic trade and transportation routes, making it an administrative and educational center. Home to Florida State University and the Florida A&M University, the city has a vibrant political and cultural scene.

Gainesville: Known for being home to the University of Florida, Gainesville developed as a transportation crossroads in the northern part of the state. Its economy is centered around education, research, and healthcare.

Ocala: Located in central Florida, Ocala lies along historic cattle-driving and trade routes. The city is known for its horse farms and is a major center for the equine industry, earning it the title of "Horse Capital of the World."



Topographic Tour of Florida

Florida State Shaded Relief Map

Florida State Shaded Relief with ocean Map

Florida's terrain is mostly flat with gently rolling hills and an extensive coastline. The state's topography includes beaches, wetlands, and pine flatwoods. The coastal plains dominate the geography, while the interior uplands offer a slight contrast in elevation.

1. Coastal Plains

Florida’s Coastal Plains feature low-lying areas along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. These regions are marked by sandy beaches, dunes, and estuaries that support a variety of wildlife. Coastal cities like Miami, Tampa, and Jacksonville are located in this region.

2. Uplands

The central portion of Florida includes the Lake Wales Ridge, where the terrain rises slightly and offers a different landscape from the flat plains. This region is home to unique ecosystems and several of Florida’s freshwater springs and lakes.

3. Everglades

The southern part of Florida is home to the Everglades, a vast wetland that supports an array of plant and animal species. It is one of the most ecologically diverse regions in the state and a critical area for water conservation.



Florida Physiographic Regions Map

Physiographic Regions of Florida

Coastal Plain, East Gulf Coastal Plain

This region stretches along the western coast of Florida and is characterized by flat, low-lying terrain with sandy soils and wetlands. The East Gulf Coastal Plain includes extensive salt marshes, estuaries, and beaches, especially in the panhandle region. The area is vital for coastal ecosystems and supports a rich diversity of marine and bird species. Major coastal cities such as Pensacola are located in this region.

Coastal Plain, Floridian

The Floridian Coastal Plain occupies the majority of the state and is known for its karst topography, which includes limestone formations, sinkholes, and springs. The region is relatively flat, with rolling hills in central Florida. It includes important features like the Lake Wales Ridge and large freshwater springs, which provide critical water sources for both ecosystems and human consumption. The Floridian Coastal Plain is also home to vast pine flatwoods, wetlands, and diverse wildlife, including alligators and manatees.

Coastal Plain, Sea Island

The Sea Island Coastal Plain is found along Florida's northeastern coast, extending into parts of Georgia and the Carolinas. This region is characterized by sandy barrier islands, salt marshes, and tidal estuaries. It includes iconic coastal ecosystems such as those found in the Amelia Island area and the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The Sea Island region supports rich biodiversity, with species like sea turtles, shorebirds, and dolphins thriving in its marine and estuarine environments.

Florida Federal Lands Map

Notable Federal Lands: Some of the Largest and Most Fascinating Destinations in Florida

1. Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and a World Heritage Site. The park is home to a diverse range of ecosystems, from mangroves to sawgrass marshes, and is critical for the conservation of numerous species, including the American alligator and the Florida panther. The park also plays a key role in regulating South Florida's water system, filtering water that moves into Florida Bay and protecting the region from flooding. Visitors can enjoy activities such as airboat tours, wildlife viewing, and hiking along nature trails.

2. Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park, located off the coast of southern Florida, protects coral reefs, mangrove forests, and the northernmost Florida Keys. It is an ideal location for snorkeling, boating, and wildlife viewing, especially manatees and sea turtles. The park covers 95% water, making it a marine wonderland where visitors can explore shipwrecks on the Maritime Heritage Trail and see the park's vibrant underwater life, including colorful coral and schools of tropical fish.

3. Big Cypress National Preserve

Big Cypress National Preserve is adjacent to the Everglades and is known for its freshwater swamps and cypress trees. It provides critical habitat for species such as the Florida black bear and the West Indian manatee. The preserve’s diverse landscape includes prairies, pinelands, and hardwood hammocks, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Recreational activities such as hunting, off-road vehicle riding, and birdwatching are popular here. Visitors can also explore remote areas via airboat tours and kayak trips.

4. Canaveral National Seashore

Located along Florida’s eastern coast, Canaveral National Seashore preserves miles of undeveloped beach, dunes, and marshes. It is home to a variety of sea turtle species and offers unique recreational opportunities like birdwatching, kayaking, and beachcombing. The seashore also holds historical significance with ancient Native American shell mounds and historical rocket launch sites nearby at the Kennedy Space Center. The park provides a rare glimpse into Florida’s natural coastline, unspoiled by development.

5. Dry Tortugas National Park

Situated 70 miles west of Key West, Dry Tortugas National Park is renowned for its crystal-clear waters, coral reefs, and Fort Jefferson, a massive coastal fortress dating back to the 19th century. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the park offers exceptional snorkeling, diving, and birdwatching. The park’s coral reefs are teeming with marine life, and the surrounding waters are popular with shipwreck divers. The remote location of Dry Tortugas makes it a unique destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

6. Gulf Islands National Seashore

Stretching across Florida and Mississippi, the Gulf Islands National Seashore protects some of the last remaining undeveloped barrier islands along the Gulf Coast. In Florida, the seashore encompasses pristine white-sand beaches, historic forts, and natural coastal habitats. Visitors can swim, fish, and camp in areas like Santa Rosa Island, or explore Fort Pickens, a historic military fort used during the Civil War. The seashore also provides habitat for endangered species like the loggerhead sea turtle and the piping plover.

7. Ocala National Forest

Ocala National Forest, located in central Florida, is the southernmost national forest in the United States and one of the state’s largest protected areas. It is known for its crystal-clear springs, including Silver Springs and Juniper Springs, which offer excellent swimming, snorkeling, and canoeing opportunities. The forest's diverse ecosystems range from sand pine scrub to longleaf pine forests, supporting a variety of wildlife, including black bears, bald eagles, and numerous amphibian species. The forest is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and off-road vehicle enthusiasts.

8. St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, located along Florida’s Gulf Coast, is one of the oldest wildlife refuges in the United States. The refuge is known for its scenic marshes, tidal creeks, and saltwater estuaries, providing a sanctuary for migratory birds, including waterfowl, wading birds, and shorebirds. The refuge is also home to the historic St. Marks Lighthouse, which dates back to 1832. Visitors can enjoy wildlife observation, fishing, and hiking along the many trails that crisscross the refuge.



Florida Ecoregions Map

Ecoregions of Florida

Coastal Plains and Flatwoods, Lower Section

The Lower Coastal Plains and Flatwoods region of Florida is characterized by vast expanses of pine flatwoods, savannas, and scattered wetlands. This region features flat to gently sloping terrain with sandy, nutrient-poor soils. Pine forests dominate the landscape, particularly longleaf and slash pine, interspersed with freshwater marshes, swamps, and wet prairies. The area supports diverse wildlife, including gopher tortoises, red-cockaded woodpeckers, and various amphibians. Fire plays a crucial role in maintaining this ecosystem by preventing the encroachment of hardwoods.

Everglades Section

The Everglades Ecoregion is one of the most unique in the world, characterized by vast sawgrass marshes, slow-moving water, and rich biodiversity. The region is predominantly a subtropical wetland system, supporting species such as the American alligator, Florida panther, and numerous bird species. The Everglades are essential for water filtration and flood control and form part of the broader watershed that extends into Lake Okeechobee. Conservation efforts in this area are crucial to maintaining the delicate balance between the ecosystem and the surrounding urban and agricultural areas.

Florida Coastal Lowlands (Eastern) Section

The Florida Coastal Lowlands (Eastern) Section spans the eastern side of the state along the Atlantic coast. This region consists of flat, low-lying terrain with sandy soils and includes barrier islands, coastal dunes, and wetlands. It also contains estuarine systems such as the Indian River Lagoon, one of the most biologically diverse estuaries in North America. The region is highly dynamic, shaped by tides, waves, and periodic storm surges. Important habitats in this ecoregion include coastal scrub, salt marshes, mangroves, and maritime hammocks.

Florida Coastal Lowlands (Western) Section

The Florida Coastal Lowlands (Western) Section stretches along the Gulf Coast, from the panhandle down to southwestern Florida. This area is similar to the eastern coastal lowlands, with flat, low-lying terrain, sandy soils, and extensive wetland areas. It includes key features such as salt marshes, mangrove forests, and barrier islands like those found along the Big Bend and down to the Ten Thousand Islands. These ecosystems are critical for coastal protection, providing habitat for fish, shellfish, and numerous bird species, while also playing an essential role in mitigating storm surges and coastal erosion.