While we hear a lot of negative news about Florida, we felt it was our duty to remind people what a great state we have here. In fact, maybe we should all take a moment to express some gratitude for the state of Florida, because, without it, we might not have certain things. For instance, did you know that we invented sunscreen as well as opened the first Burger King? These inventions in Florida are certainly worth some recognition. Take a look at seven things Florida did first that we all can be proud of. 

1. Open A Burger King Restaurant
Flickr Mike Mozart
You might not know this one, but two cities claim to be the originators of Burger King and both of them happen to be in Florida. This fast-food burger franchise started in 1953 as Insta-Burger King in Jacksonville, Florida. The restaurant struggled financially and eventually was purchased by two Miami-based restauranteurs who changed the name to Burger King.
2. Create A City With The Most Canals In The World
Flickr David Wilson
Many people might think that Fort Lauderdale or Venice, Italy has the most canals in the world, but, there is a shocking frontrunner. Cape Coral, Florida has more miles of canals than any other city in the world. We’re talking over 400 miles of canals! That’s a lot of waterways.

Wanna see some of these canals? Check out this aerial YouTube video by Florida Moves Group Coldwell Banker highlighting some of the gorgeous homes along these waterways.
3. Open The First Red Lobster
things Florida did first
Mike Mozart/Flickr
Raise your hand if you love Cheddar Bay Biscuits from Red Lobster! Well, you can thank Florida for the original restaurant. Opened in Lakeland, Florida in 1968, Red Lobster started as a quiet eatery and then eventually was acquired by General Mills and expanded to over 700 restaurants around the globe.

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4. Invent Sunscreen
Flickr 70+
It’s only right that one of the sunniest states in the country was the first to invent sunscreen. While Swiss student Franz Greiter invented what was dubbed "Glacier Cream" to protect from the sun while mountain climbing, a Miami pharmacist and airman named Benjamin Green was credited with formulating red veterinary petroleum for soldiers to protect them from ultraviolet rays in WWII.
5. Create The Famed Cuban Sandwich
Flickr Joe Flood
Surprise! The Cuban sandwich was not, in fact, invented in Cuba. This famed sandwich of pressed bread, ham, pork, melted cheese, pickles, and mustard all started with the bread, which was created back in 1896 by a Cuban-Spanish-Italian immigrant in Ybor City, Tampa. Eventually, this fresh bread was used to create the Cuban sandwich which is still a coveted meal no matter the time of day.
6. Offer Up A Bloomin’ Onion At The First Outback Steakhouse
Flickr Mike Mozart
This global restaurant chain had its humble beginnings off of Henderson Boulevard in Tampa, Florida back in 1988. A couple of friends came together to open a casual restaurant with quality food and service. They chose an Australian theme and a relaxed restaurant that has spawned a chain around the globe. Bloomin’ Onion, anyone?
7. Invent A World-Renowned Sports Drink
things Florida did first
Flickr Mike Mozart
Do you reach for this thirst-quenching beverage when you’re finished exercising or running around with the kids? You can thank a team of Florida-based scientists for this one. Invented in a University of Florida lab, this drink became a phenomenon across the globe for professional athletes and amateurs alike.

If you wanna know the full story behind the creation of Gatorade, watch this short YouTube video by FOX 13 Tampa Bay discussing how it all started at the University of Florida.

So, what do you think about this list of seven things Florida was the very first to do? Do you want to keep this list going? Share with us a few more Florida inventions or firsts in the comments section!

Did you know that part of the movie Caddyshack was filmed in a tiny town in Florida? Read our previous article about this fun fact about Florida.

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THINGS FLORIDA DID FIRST & RELATED INFO

Melanie J. | June 06, 2023

Aside from the 7 items listed in this article, what are some more things Florida did first?

When it comes to the Sunshine State, we have so much more to offer than what people see while watching the famous Netflix show Florida Man. Here are 7 more things that Florida did first:

  • Air conditioning - invented in 1842 by a Florida doctor named John Gorrie
  • Key Lime Pie - invented in the 1800s by a Florida fisherman from Key West
  • First IBM Personal Computer (IBM PC) - invented in the 1980s in Boca Raton by a team of engineers led by Don Estridge
  • Famous Amos Cookies - invented by Florida native and entrepreneur Wally Amos
  • Frozen concentrated orange juice - invented by researcher C.D Atkins
  • Hooters - first opened in 1983 in Clearwater, Florida
  • NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Automobile Racine) - began in 1947 by car enthusiast Bill France


Check out this previous article with 9 more things Florida did first.

What are some fun facts about Florida?

While Florida Man might expose some of the shady secrets of our state, here are some fun facts about Florida that might surprise you:

  • The Everglades National Park is home to both crocodiles and alligators.
  • There are over a million alligators living in our state.
  • There’s a 9-ton Jesus Christ statue underwater off the coast of Key Largo.
  • A 7-foot-tall beast known as the Skunk Ape was spotted in Ochopee, Florida.
  • Chickens are a protected species in Key West.
  • Florida has more golf courses than any other state.
  • Disney World is the most visited resort in the world.
  • Spring Break began in Fort Lauderdale in 1938.
  • Comedian Carrot Top was born in Rockledge. 
  • Famous boy bands Backstreet Boys and N’SYNC were formed in Florida.


Be sure to read our previous article to discover more fun facts about Florida that might surprise you. 

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