Most of us know that Florida is known as The Sunshine State due to the seemingly endless sunny days. But, we think this nickname has a few more associations that maybe you wouldn’t normally consider. For instance, the warmth you feel every time you drive into the state and see the Welcome to Florida sign. Not only for many does this sign represent the end of a usually long and tiresome road trip, but it also means welcome to paradise – you’ve finally arrived. What sight could be better than that?

For many, the Welcome to Florida sign offers a sense of reprieve after a long road trip to the South.
Flickr DonkeyHotey
After many hours, possibly even days, of driving, stopping at roadside eateries and rest stops, and letting the anticipation for your vacation build, you've finally arrived.
Located in Hamilton County, the Official Florida Visitor Center gives roadtrippers a chance to pull off, enjoy some history, and take a break.
Google Matt Heidet
The history of the sign is actually one of the best, and least-known, fun facts about Florida.
Anyone who has been through the Sunshine State before likely already is familiar with this Florida welcomes you sign, which is filled with warmth and welcome.
Flickr Florian Golchert
But do you know the deeper story behind it? There's much more than meets the eye when you drive by this landmark.

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In 2015, Florida erected a new, more eye-catching sign with 30-foot-high twin towers connected to a 40-foot-wide mock-cable suspension bridge. Now the sign reads - Florida Welcomes you.
Google Christopher Mewscha
This was quite a shift for lovers of the old sign, you know how hard it can be to see something you've known since childhood change or disappear.
The sign was a way for Florida to welcome visitors to the number one destination for travelers by car in the U.S. with a bit of fanfare.
Google Lohit Sarangi
Florida is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the United States, it needed to have a little pizazz to get people even more excited about their trips.
Also, make sure while you’re traveling through the state to check out the other welcome signs for cities and counties - the Pensacola Beach sign and the Key West signs are sure to delight.
Flickr aj-clicks
Beach, waves, and sunshine are popular motifs, but there are some with particularly unique imagery and history of their own.
When you look at the Welcome to Florida sign, what feelings or emotions are evoked for you? For many it’s a childhood memory, for others, it’s a feeling of coming back home.
Flickr Stephen Weppler
That kind of nostalgia is what makes Florida such a beautiful vacation spot. It's got something for everyone and there are always fond memories of the trip.

Have you ever seen the Welcome to Florida sign before? Share with us your experience in the comments section below! Or if you have some more fascinating fun facts about this sign, make sure to let your fellow Floridians know. We love to hear your firsthand experiences with these landmarks, it can change the whole perspective.

Also, if you’re looking for more Florida fun, check out these 8 small towns in Florida with world-famous claims to fame! And if you’re ready for a road trip around the Sunshine State, take a look at the Ultimate Road Trip Packing List before hitting the road.

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Landmarks In Florida

CC | July 25, 2023

What other Florida landmarks should I visit?

This sign is special, so definitely keep that on your list, but be sure to check out these other landmarks in Florida as well. Each one is unique in its own special way and visiting several of them will give you an interesting perspective on the state.

  • Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas, Key West
  • Coral Castle, Homestead
  • Bok Tower Gardens
  • Stiltsville
  • Ford and Edison Estates, Fort Myers
  • Child of the Sun, Florida Southern College, Lakeland
  • Ponce de Leon Inlet Light, south of Daytona
  • Venetian Pool, Coral Gables
  • Overseas Railroad, Florida Keys
  • Villa Vizcaya, Miami
  • Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine
  • Henry B. Plant Museum (Tampa Bay Hotel), Tampa
  • Cà d’Zan,The Ringling Museum, Sarasota
  • Flagler Museum/Whitehall, Palm Beach

 

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