From its subtropical north to tropical south, Florida exhibits diverse climates, ecosystems, and landforms. Sandy beaches, cypress swamps, pine forests, extensive coastlines and a coral reef compose the Sunshine State’s varied physical geography. Here is an in-depth look at what shapes this peninsula jutting between the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
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| Sunrise at Jacksonville Beach |
Regional Climate Differences in Florida
North Florida, including cities like Jacksonville, Tallahassee,
and Pensacola, falls into a humid subtropical climate. Summers are hot and
humid with average highs in the 90s. Winters are milder, with highs in the 60s.
Below freezing temperatures occur but aren’t common. Around 60 inches of rain
falls annually.
The north-central region around Orlando and Tampa features a
tropical savanna climate. Summers are similarly hot and humid with highs near
90°F. However, winter highs only reach the 70s typically. Precipitation
averages 50 inches per year, with a distinct summer wet season and winter dry
season.
South Florida and the Florida Keys exhibit a true tropical monsoon
climate. Winters average 75°F for highs while summertime brings steamy 90°F
heat with high humidity. Miami and the Keys have distinct wet and dry seasons.
Around 57 inches of rain falls annually.
Storms, Hurricanes, and Rare Freezes
June through September brings heavy thunderstorms due to
heat and humidity. Brief but intense downpours are common in summer. Drier
winter weather features more sunshine.
Hurricanes and tropical storms threaten Florida’s coasts
from June to November. The peak of the storm season is August through October.
Damaging winds and heavy rain can be devastating to homeowners. In low-lying
coastal areas, the storm surge can cause major flooding.
In 1992, Hurricane Andrew caused $25 billion in damages when
it landed in Homestead. More recently, Hurricane Wilma caused over $16 billion
in damages, mostly in Broward and Palm Beach counties. That was in 2005.
Occasional winter cold fronts can drop temperatures into the
30s across North Florida and as far south as Orlando. Snow is rare outside the
Panhandle.
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| Hurricane Wilma |
Coastal Features and Marine Environments
The Gulf Coast features miles of sandy white beaches, from
Pensacola to Naples. Laid-back beach towns dot the shoreline. Calcium carbonate
sediments compose the bright white sands along the Panhandle.
On the Atlantic Coast, sweeping sandy beaches run from
Amelia Island and Daytona down to Miami Beach and the Keys. Extensive dune
systems help protect coastal developments.
Florida’s coasts contain mangrove forests, salt marshes,
estuaries, and seagrass beds that provide vital nursery habitat for fish and
shellfish. These areas are susceptible to pollution runoff.
The Florida Reef Tract extends 170 miles from St. Lucie
Inlet south to the Dry Tortugas off Key West. North America’s only living coral
barrier reef, it supports over 6,000 marine species.
Inland Terrain Features
Covering the interior, pine and cypress savannas sit at
elevations at or just above sea level, interrupted by swamps and marshy
prairies. Slow moving rivers and floodplains cross these lowlands.
The Central Florida Ridge runs south from Orlando composed
of rolling hills 100 to 250 feet above sea level. Lakes, citrus groves, and
cattle ranches define this higher elevation region in the center of the
peninsula.
Northern Florida consists of gentle hills drained by the
Suwannee, Apalachicola and other rivers. Some deeply cut river gorges exist,
like those seen in Torreya State Park.
Hundreds of freshwater springs dot the Florida landscape,
found where cracks and sinkholes penetrate the limestone bedrock. Volusia Blue
Spring, Wakulla Springs, and other springs flow with crystal clear water. The
water temperature is about 72 degrees in Florida’s springs, no matter what time
of year it is.
Diverse Ecosystems Across the State
The Everglades once covered much of south Florida. Protected
remnants like Big Cypress Swamp still support sawgrass prairies, cypress domes,
sloughs, mangroves, and abundant wildlife.
Scrub habitat prevails across interior central Florida,
composed of sandy soil and hardy vegetation like palmetto, oak and pine.
Hardwood hammocks occur as densely forested upland areas
surrounded by drier habitats. Cabbage palm, live oak, cedar and mahogany thrive
in hammock environments.
Swamps, lakes, rivers, and springs all contribute to
Florida’s biodiversity. Manatees, alligators, storks, ibises, falcons, black
bears, panthers, and over 500 fish species inhabit Florida waters.
Threats to the Environment
Development and agriculture over the past century have led
to extensive habitat loss and pollution in Florida. Filling of wetlands for
construction has greatly impacted natural systems.
Runoff from citrus farms, cattle operations, and sugarcane
fields has degraded water quality, spurring algal blooms in lakes and along
coastlines. Septic tanks also contaminate groundwater supplies.
Invasive species like Brazilian pepper, melaleuca, Burmese pythons, and hydrilla disrupt native flora and fauna across struggling ecosystems in Florida. Control efforts have had limited success.