National Florida Day – January 25, 2027

National Florida Day
Categories:
Tags:
AmericanHistorical
Where:
United States
Date change rule:
Every January 25
Holiday emoji:
☀️

National Florida Day shines a spotlight on the Sunshine State every January 25. This day recognizes Florida’s admission as the 27th U.S. state, honoring its unique blend of history, culture, and stunning natural landscapes. Explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant cities, and rich ecosystems. Plan a visit, learn about its heritage, or share your favorite Florida memories.

Want to sponsor National Florida Day? Learn how

Expected National Florida Day Deals

As National Florida Day approaches, expect local businesses and tourism partners across the state to offer special promotions and events. While specific 2027 deals are yet to be announced, past years have seen discounts from major attractions like Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. Hotels and resorts, including those from Marriott International and Hilton Worldwide, may feature Florida resident rates or package deals. Local restaurants, especially those featuring fresh seafood or Cuban cuisine, often run specials. Additionally, Florida State Parks could highlight free entry days or special guided tours. Look for deals from airlines like Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines for travel to Florida. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 25 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Florida Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalFloridaDay. Share stunning photos of Florida’s beaches, wildlife, or iconic landmarks.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #NationalFloridaDay. Tweet a fun fact about Florida or share news about local celebrations.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalFloridaDay. Post about your favorite Florida memories or local events.

Social Media Tips for National Florida Day

Individuals

Share your favorite Florida vacation photos, local hidden gems, or a recipe inspired by the state's diverse culinary scene. Support local Florida businesses.

Creators

Create a video tour of a Florida city, a guide to its unique wildlife, or a travel itinerary for exploring the state's natural springs and beaches.

Brands

Highlight your brand's connection to Florida, run a giveaway featuring Florida-made products, or partner with a local charity to give back to the community.

Partners & Brands for National Florida Day

  1. Walt Disney World Resort

    Opened in 1971 in Orlando, Florida, Walt Disney World is the most visited vacation resort in the world. It encompasses four theme parks, two water parks, and numerous hotels, making it a cornerstone of Florida's tourism industry.

  2. Publix Super Markets

    Founded in 1930 in Winter Haven, Florida, by George W. Jenkins, Publix is a leading employee-owned supermarket chain. It is known for its customer service and strong presence across the southeastern United States, with its roots firmly in Florida.

  3. Visit Florida

    Established as the official tourism marketing corporation for the state of Florida, Visit Florida promotes the Sunshine State as a premier travel destination. It works with industry partners to showcase Florida's diverse attractions and experiences.

  4. Florida State Parks

    Florida's state park system manages over 175 state parks, trails, and historic sites, protecting the state's natural and cultural resources. They offer diverse recreational opportunities from hiking and biking to swimming and wildlife viewing.

  5. Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

    Located on Merritt Island, Florida, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex is a major tourist destination. It offers exhibits, tours, and astronaut encounters, celebrating NASA's space exploration history and ongoing missions from Florida.

  6. Brightline

    Brightline is a privately run inter-city rail system in Florida, connecting Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, and Orlando. Launched in 2018, it provides a modern and efficient transportation option for residents and tourists alike.

  7. Florida Citrus Growers

    Florida has a long and storied history as a major citrus producer, with oranges, grapefruits, and tangerines being key crops. The industry supports thousands of jobs and is deeply intertwined with the state's agricultural identity and economy.

National Florida Day Hero

Juan Ponce de León

A Spanish explorer and conquistador, Juan Ponce de León is credited with leading the first European expedition to Florida in 1513. He named the region 'La Florida' in honor of its lush landscape and the Easter season (Pascua Florida), playing a pivotal role in its early history.

History of National Florida Day

About 14,000 years ago, the first inhabitants to live in the peninsula that we now know to be part of the U.S. were the Native Americans. The archeological evidence and many artifacts the Native Americans left behind established this fact. In 1513, the Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de León, arrived in Florida and made textual records. He called the peninsula ‘La Pascua Florida’ from which the state’s name was derived. The name ‘Pascua Florida,’ which means “Festival of Flowers” in Spanish, was given because of the region’s vast and flourishing landscape.

The first region where the Europeans settled in the United States was Florida. During the 16th century, the area was populated with French and Spanish settlements as well. Florida was also under the colonial rule of Spain from the 16th to the 19th century. The 19th century also witnessed the coming together of various communities. Florida became a refuge for African slaves, fugitives, and the Native American people. The new Native American groups from the South banded with fugitive slaves and became a group known as the Black Seminoles. The Seminoles were Native American people who moved to or lived in the state.

Florida was also under the rule of Great Britain during the 18th century, and after its independence, it became a territory of the United States in 1821. Finally, in 1845, Florida was admitted to the union as the 27th U.S. state. We celebrate this day every year to remember its history and honor the various struggles it endured.

National Florida Day timeline

14,000 Years Ago
The First Inhabitants

The first inhabitants to live in the peninsula are the Native Americans.

1513
The Spanish Explorer

Juan Ponce de León arrives in Florida and names the peninsula ‘La Pascua Florida.’

16th Century
Spanish Colonial Rule in Florida

The state is under the colonial rule of Spain from the 16th to 19th century.

1821
Florida Takes Territory

The state becomes a territory of the U.S.

National Florida Day FAQs

When is National Florida Day?

In 2027, National Florida Day will be observed on Monday, January 25, offering a chance to kick off the work week with appreciation for Florida’s vibrant culture and history. It’s a fixed date each year.

How many people visit Florida each year?

With its diverse attractions, from theme parks to pristine beaches, Florida continues to draw a significant number of domestic and international travelers. The state welcomed over 137 million visitors in 2023, showcasing its enduring appeal.

What is Florida famous for?

Beyond its iconic attractions, Florida is celebrated for its rich cultural diversity, historical sites like St. Augustine, and its significant role in space exploration through the Kennedy Space Center. Its citrus industry also remains a prominent feature.

Is Florida a good place to live?

While Florida offers numerous benefits like warm weather and beautiful scenery, factors such as hurricane season, rising insurance costs, and traffic in major metro areas are considerations. However, its vibrant communities and recreational opportunities continue to attract new residents.

How To Celebrate National Florida Day

  1. Plan a vacay!

    What better way to celebrate this day than to go to Florida? It’s a beautiful state with so much to do.

  2. Visit a bookstore

    If you like reading, visit your nearest bookstore and pick up a book about Florida. Read about its history, landscape, a fictional story based in the area, or even a travel book.

  3. Take a quiz

    If you think you know everything about the Sunshine State, then take a small trivia quiz. You can play against friends and family to see who gets the highest score.

5 Facts About Florida

  1. It’s famous for its theme parks

    Seven out of the 10 most visited theme parks are in Florida, including Walt Disney World.

  2. Florida is a golfer’s dream

    The state has the most number of golf courses (more than 1,300) out of all the states in America.

  3. The flattest state in America

    The state’s landscape is very flat, owing to its lack of hilly region and low altitudes.

  4. Florida’s official reptile

    The alligator was declared Florida’s official reptile in 1987, representing the state’s untamed beauty.

  5. Florida loves its vitamin C

    The state contributes to 75% of the orange production in America.

Why We Love National Florida Day

  1. Revisiting the state’s history

    This day reminds us to remember Florida’s history and how it came to be. It is important to be aware of the generations of people that lived in the state before us.

  2. Recognizing its beauty

    The day helps us celebrate the natural and man-made environment of the state, and it makes us aware of its rich beauty.

  3. It helps with tourism

    An increase in tourism always helps a state in various ways. The more people visit Florida, the more we can contribute to the state’s overall economy.

National Florida Day dates

Year Date Day
2027 January 25 Monday
2028 January 25 Tuesday
2029 January 25 Thursday
2030 January 25 Friday
2031 January 25 Saturday