Relocating to Florida?

Enjoy your adventure as you visit the best Florida relocation resource available today.

Before you start your journey, take a minute and review what makes Florida a great place to work and play.

What makes Florida real estate worthwhile?

In 1513 the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon gave Florida its name, which is Spanish for “flowery.” His quest for the elusive fountain of youth had led him to Saint Augustine on Florida’s east coast, which was established by the Spanish about a half-century later as the first European city in the United States. Large numbers of vacationers and new residents continue to seek the restorative effects of the subtropical climate of Florida, now popularly known as the Sunshine State.

Florida produces the most citrus fruits in the country and is the second largest producer of vegetables. Phosphates are extracted near Lakeland and Tampa Bay. Tourism is especially important to Florida’s economy, as many visitors come to Florida for the sunshine and sandy beaches in addition to well-known attractions such as the Everglades National Park, Walt Disney World in Orlando, and the Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral.

The state capital is Tallahassee, and other major cities are Tampa, Jacksonville, and Saint Petersburg. Miami, traditionally a gateway to the Caribbean and South America, now serves as an economic and cultural center for the Hispanic community. The population of the entire state is increasing rapidly, as an influx of Haitian refugees and immigrants from Cuba and other Central and South American countries accompanies the usual flow of northern retirees seeking the Florida sunshine.

The rapid growth in population and the pressures of new development on Florida’s environment and resources have led to state government efforts to control growth. Florida’s new environmental regulations and restrictions on land use are among the strictest in the nation. Although these efforts have not been entirely successful, they have helped to protect the state’s coastal regions and other natural preserves. A new challenge to the state came in August 1992, when Hurricane Andrew devastated parts of southern Florida, leaving 160,000 people homeless and causing about U.S.$20 billion in property damage.

Want to know more about Florida real estate?

Connie Belmont shows Sarasota Florida real estate including the finest waterfront and golf homes & condos in Sarasota. Search the Sarasota MLS for your new home, then call me.

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