Florida , state in the extreme SE United States. A long, low peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean (E) and the Gulf of Mexico (W), Florida is bordered by Georgia and Alabama (N). Tourism plays a primary role in the state's economy; in 1996 visitors to Florida spent over $48 billion. Walt Disney World, a massive cluster of theme parks near Orlando that is one of the world's leading tourist attractions; Universal Studios, a combination theme park and film and television production facility, also near Orlando; and other attractions draw millions yearly. Famed beaches, such as those at Miami Beach, Daytona Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, attract hordes of vacationers. With more than 4,000 sq mi (10,360 sq km) of inland water and with the sea readily accessible from almost anywhere in the state, Florida is a fishing paradise. Other attractions include Everglades National Park, with its unusual plant and animal life; Palm Beach, with its palatial estates; and Sanibel Island's picturesque resorts. Famous for its citrus fruits, Florida leads the nation in the production of oranges, grapefruits, tangerines, and market-ready corn and tomatoes. Other important crops include sugarcane and many varieties of winter vegetables. Cattle and dairy products are important, as is commercial fishing, with the catch including crabs, lobsters, and shrimp. Although the Florida peninsula was probably sighted by earlier navigators, the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León is credited as the first European to visit the area. Seeking the fabled Fountain of Youth, Ponce de León landed near the site of Saint Augustine in 1513. He claimed the area, which he thought was an island, for Spain and named it Florida, probably because it was then the Easter season (Pascua Florida). Other Spanish adventurers, notably Pánfilo de Narváez and Hernando De Soto, later explored the region and established the fact that Florida was not an island. The vast region that comprises most of the SE United States was claimed for Spain, the whole being known as Florida.

Beautiful residential real estate and affordable and luxurious apartments for rent can be found in Florida, especially along the coast. Warm weather and hundreds of miles of beach attract apartment renters. A thriving economy and no state income tax make Florida a great place to live.

Florida leads the nation in tourism and is known as the Sunshine State. With its year-round sunshine and warmth people are drawn to Floridas apartment rentals and housing. Florida is the fourth most populous state in the nation. Florida is the traditional home to major league baseballs spring training. Professional sports teams abound in the state. The economy has a solid base of tourism, manufacturing and agriculture. Oranges, grapefruit, and other citrus fruits lead Floridas agricultural products list

Floridas most popular destination is Disney World in the Orlando area. Tourists also enjoy NASA Kennedy Space Centers Spaceport USA, Epcot Center and Everglades National Park. Coastal resorts and white sandy beaches are another popular destination. People enjoy Floridas apartments and homes along the beaches of the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic Coast.

Prestigious universities abound in Florida such as the University of Florida in Gainesville, the University of Miami and Florida State University in Tallahassee. Students enjoy Floridas various apartment rentals. A number of community colleges provide excellent educational opportunities.