Famed beaches, such as those at Miami Beach , Daytona Beach, and Fort Lauderdale , attract vacationers from all over the world. 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 and has earned international recognition as the yachting capital of the world. Fort Lauderdale is home to one of the most important boat shows, the annual International Boat Show in October. Serious yacht owners are drawn to South Florida, especially Fort Lauderdale by the deep waterways and availability of dockage for boats of all sizes, easy access to the Bahamas, the Carribean and many other island destinations. For information about large yachts, either sail or motor yacht... contact one of the best and most knowledgable in superyachts!  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. State in the extreme SE United States. A long, low peninsula between the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. Florida is bordered by Georgia and Alabama. Area, 58,560 sq mi (151,670 sq km). Pop. (2000) 15,982,378, a 23.5% increase since the 1990 census. Capital, Tallahassee. Largest city, Jacksonville. Nickname, Sunshine State. Motto, In God We Trust. State bird, mockingbird. State flower, orange blossom. State tree, Sabal palmetto palm. *Information from Columbia Encyclopedia, Sixth Edition |