Real Estate Directory - Florida
Population: 15,982,378
Capital city/population: Tallahassee (156,928)
Largest cities/population:
- Jacksonville - 777,704
- Miami - 379,724
- Tampa - 321,772
- St. Petersburg - 248,058
Florida is the 22nd largest state, with a total area of 65,756 square miles. It achieved statehood on March 3, 1845. Floridians enjoy a subtropical climate in the northern portion of the state, and a tropical climate in the southern portion. January temperatures average 57ºF in northern regions; 65ºF in southern regions. Most of the land is flat and rolling. Fort Lauderdale is known as the Venice of America because the city has 185 miles of waterways.
HOUSING
Jacksonville – Single family home prices increased almost 23% from 2004 prices. The current median sales price is just over $211,000. Homes are selling fast in the below $250,000 price range, leaving an increased amount of houses for sale above that price. Sellers tend to receive offers close to the market price.
Miami – The housing market remains strong, as homes are selling well. There are over 80,000 condominium units being built, which should cause prices for them to drop as the market becomes saturated. Single-family home prices should remain stable, being affected if mortgage rates change. Due to a shortage of land, single-family homes should experience stable prices.
Tampa – Home prices in the Tampa area have risen 22% in 2005, with the housing market headed for a fifth consecutive annual record. Median sales price is $216,000 for a three-bedroom, two-bath home.
St. Petersburg – The housing market is strong for investors and residents. Developers have also been moving into the area, adding to the strong market. Waterfront homes comprise the largest amount of homes sold in mid-2005, with prices from $328 - $388/square foot, and non-waterfront homes at $186 – $241/square foot.
BUSINESS/ECONOMY
The gross state product of Florida in 2003 was $550 billion. The per capita personal income was $30,098, ranking 26th in the nation. Florida economy relies heavily on tourism. A warm climate and many miles of beach provide vacation spots for travelers. The Walt Disney Resort with four theme parks and more than 20 hotels drives the local economy, along with other theme parks. The sales and tourist tax revenues allows Florida to be one of the few states without a personal income tax.
Other industries include citrus fruit, juices, banking, commercial fishing, and phosphate mining. The Kennedy Space Center, with a space program developed in the 1960’s, also attracts aerospace and military industries.
SCHOOLS
Florida has 84 K-12 districts. The University System includes 10 campuses across the state. Other educational institutions include the University of Miami, at Coral Gables; Rollins College, at Winter Park; Florida Southern College, at Lakeland; Stetson University, at Deland; the University of Tampa, at Tampa; and Bethune-Cookman College, at Daytona Beach
HISTORY
Original inhabitants of the area included Apalachee, Calusa, and Timucua tribes. Later, Seminole migrated from Georgia. The first European in Florida was Ponce de Leon, arriving in 1513. France and Spain followed in the next 50 years, establishing settlements. After Andrew Jackson led an invasion in 1818, Spain ceded Florida to the United States. Florida seceded from the Union in 1861 early in the Civil War, being readmitted in 1868. Development of Florida began in earnest in the late 1800s, when Henry Flagler (business partner of John D. Rockefeller, Standard Oil Company) developed the railroad system, opening Florida to tourism.
RELIGION (2004)
- Christian – 82%
- Protestant – 54%
- Baptist – 19%
- Methodist – 6%
- Presbyterian – 4%
- Episcopal – 3%
- Lutheran – 3%
- Pentecostal – 3%
- Other Protestant – 16%
- Roman Catholic – 26%
- Other Christian – 2%
- Jewish – 4%
- Other Religions – 1%
- Non-Religious – 13%
DEMOGRAPHICS (2004)
- White 65.4%
- Hispanic - 16.8%
- Black - 14.6%
- Asian - 1.7%
- Native American - 0.3%
- Mixed Race - 2.4%