Culture of Florida

The culture of Florida is often different in metropolitan areas than in more rural areas. Many parts of rural northern Florida is similar to the rest of American Southern culture, particularly around the Panhandle. In the larger cities such as Miami, Orlando, and Tampa, where there has been a large number of people moving from other parts of the United States (mostly New York, New Jersey and Illinois), and even other areas of the world, the culture is much more diverse, and has been heavily influenced by Caribbean, Latin American, Jewish, and European culture. Thus, modern-day Florida, from the second half of the 20th century through today, has been heavily influenced by the cultures of people moving in from foreign countries and other parts of the United States, and is often a mix of cultures, values, and ideas.

The state's close proximity to the ocean influences many aspects of Florida culture and daily life. Many people in Florida are avid boaters, surfers, and divers. Florida is home to more charter boat companies than any state in the United States. Snorkeling is a popular weekend activity in southern Florida, with several sites have dive and snorkeling training. In northern Florida, there are many horse breeding and riding farms, and the area around Ocala is one of the centers of thoroughbred horse breeding in the world. Florida culture is also influenced by tourism, an important industry in the state. Florida is home to the largest number of cruise ships in the world, and many people work in the cruise industry.