A Guide to Florida’s 6 Main Regions

The most southeastern state in the country, Florida is an interesting place wherein the culture and climate change drastically wherever you go.

If you’re looking at Kissimmee houses for rent or Tampa apartments, consider each of the six major regions in the state to see where you may like best.

The Panhandle

This is the Sunshine State’s most recognizable feature because it looks like, well, the handle of a pan. Jutting out towards the west, this northern part butts up against Alabama and Georgia, with the Gulf of Mexico to the south.

Its major cities are Navarre, Pensacola, and Tallahassee. Out of all the areas in Florida, the Panhandle is closest in culture and climate to the Deep South. Here you’ll find traditional southern hospitality and mostly conservative views.

Many people think of oranges and citrus within the state, but the Panhandle has never produced such crops because the area is susceptible to regular frosts. The main economy hear comes from farming, forestry, commercial fishing, and shipping at Pensacola.

Big Bend

This marshy coast without barrier islands is named for the way it curves inward. Its area includes the Ocklockonee River to Anclote Key.

Parts of the Apalachicola Forest are here, and Big Bend has the lowest population density compared to the rest of the state. The Big Bend Scenic Byway runs through three state parks, a national wildlife refuge, three historic lighthouses, and many fishing towns.

It’s responsible for between 25% and 33% of the commercial blue crab fishery landings in the state and has the largest recreational scallop fishery.

Central Florida

The middle portion of the state is home to many names you’ll be familiar with: Seaworld, Kennedy Space Center, Universal Orlando Resort, Legoland, and Walt Disney World Resort.

It encompasses the Tampa Bay and Greater Orlando areas. Agriculture is a big part of the economy with the farming not only citrus but vegetables, winter strawberries, and timber. Metro Orlando is a great spot for those in the tech industry, as well as anyone looking to go to school for engineering or business through the University of Central Florida.

Florida Keys

These tropical islands sit 120 miles off the tip of the state, between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. They are a tourist destination that offers many water-based activities as well as top restaurants and nightclubs and many museums and art galleries.

Compared to the rest of the state, the Florida Keys offers the most Caribbean-like climate and environment.

The Gold Coast and Treasure Coast (Southeast Coast)

The Gold Coast includes the cities of Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. It’s named for the wealthy lifestyle of the area’s inhabitants.

Treasure Coast comes from the many treasures that wash up on the shores thanks to the numerous wrecked ships in the sea that were put there due to hurricanes.

First Coast (Northeast Coast)

This is considered the first area of Florida that was colonized by Europeans and includes Jacksonville and its metropolitan area. Jacksonville is an urban area demarcated by a skyline of office towers and condos. Around this are eclectic neighborhoods, all offering their own arts scenes and activities.

Here you can find St. Augustine and Ponte Vedra Beach, the latter of which is home to the PGA Tour Headquarters.