Florida, also known as “The Sunshine State,” was the 27th state to become admitted for statehood to the US, on March 3, 1845. Prior to its statehood, it was known as Florida Territory. Ranked by population, Florida is the 3rd most populous US-state; ranked by land-area it is the 22nd-largest US state.

Florida is one of the most culturally diverse areas in the country. It was initially inhabited by Native American groups in the early 16th century, at which point Spanish-settlers made way to the coast, removing Native-tribes. Ponce de Leon is the earliest known European settler to reach land in Florida, on April 2, 1513. He named it “La Florida”, or “land of the flowers.” Several settlers came through the state after Ponce de Leon, including Hernando de Soto, and Don Tristán de Luna y Arellano, who eventually settled the present-day city of Pensacola. 

Currently, Florida’s political system is extremely diverse and conflicted, as is the case with the state’s demographic-split throughout. The liberal southeastern portion of the state traditionally supports Democratic politics, while the traditional northern region of the state is more conservative, supporting the Republican Party. Cuban expats are a large community and force in Florida, and US-Cuba relations is an important issue in Florida.  Money, budgetary concerns, and state-spending, are often areas where the parties and regions, conflict most in their political differences. Florida has 27 congressional districts. Currently, 11 are members of the Democratic party and 16 members represent the Republican party. 

Florida has several major industries; including agriculture, specifically citrus fruits are a major part of the economy.  Additionally, real estate and tourism are major industries in Florida; Orlando, Florida boasts a variety of tourist destinations like Walt Disney World and Universal Studios that draw visitors from all over the country.  Florida also boasts a sizable aerospace industry. 

The National Law Review covers an extensive range of cases coming out of Florida. Florida is part of the Eleventh Circuit.  Florida is known for catastrophic hurricanes and a hotbed for immigration these issues are analyzed by the legal experts at NLR. Further, administrative agency news, bankruptcy proceedings, insurance (stemming from flood/hurricane damage) and medical marijuana are several areas of interest are followed and covered by The National Law Review.