Published: March 3, 2026 at 9:37 AM
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Tuesday marks a very special day in the Sunshine State, as Florida turns 181 years old.
The Sunshine State became the 27th state in the United States on March 3, 1845.
According to the Florida Department of State website, William D. Moseley was elected the state’s first governor, and David Levy Yulee, one of Florida’s leading proponents for statehood, became a U.S. Senator.
Beginning in the 1870s, residents from northern states visited Florida as tourists to enjoy the state’s natural beauty and mild climate.
The state reptile is the American Alligator, and the state animal is the Florida Panther.
The state bird is currently the Mockingbird, even though a bill was filed last year to change it to the American Flamingo.
Click here for more information about Florida’s state symbols.
There are 67 counties in the state of Florida and Miami-Dade County tops the list for most residents.
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