Florida’s culture is similar to the rest of American Southern culture, but as a coastal state, Florida’s urban culture has also been influenced by immigrants, especially from Europe and Latin America. Florida was a founding member of the Confederacy, but now it is a melting pot as well as an international crossroads.
Modern Florida, from the second half of the 20th century to the present, has been heavily influenced by the cultures of people moving from foreign countries and other parts of the United States. The state’s proximity to the ocean influences many aspects of Florida’s culture and daily life. Florida, as one of the southern states, has also long been influenced by southern culture. However, the culture of the southern half of Florida does not exhibit as much southern culture as North and Central Florida. The Miami area has been particularly influenced by immigration from Latin America and the Caribbean. Characteristics such as southern stretching still persist in North Florida, Central Florida, rural inner Florida, and rural south Florida. Florida’s culture is also influenced by tourism, an important industry in the state.
Cuisine
South Florida is more influenced by the various cuisines of the Caribbean, South America, and Europe than North Florida. However, the cuisine of the southern United States is popular throughout the state. Florida is most often associated with seafood, key lime pie, and Florida cuisine. Citrus production is a major industry and citrus fruits are widely consumed. Tropical fruits are grown in South Florida and are widely used in Florida cuisine. Barbecue is especially popular throughout the state, with many barbecue contests held annually. The development of Florida cuisine has drawn on the cuisines of the southeastern United States, the Bahamas, Colombia, Spain, Cuba, and the rest of the Caribbean, as well as being influenced by national and global trends. Florida also attracts immigrants from around the world, many of whom bring their native cuisine with them.
Economic Trends
Florida’s population is growing faster each year than most states. Florida’s main economic engine is tourism, so hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and other tourism-related activities are economically important. Many people from other states, especially Americans from the Northeast and Midwest, retire in Florida managing home construction, infrastructure expansion, and banking and financial planning. Recreational and commercial fishing has been economically important in Florida for more than a century.
Florida is also an important agricultural state, producing large quantities of vegetables, fruits, cattle, and dairy products. Light manufacturing has recently increased in Florida, and a number of companies have moved their headquarters to the state, attracted by lower taxes and fewer requirements.