Florida holds a storied place in the earliest chapter of American history. Spanish explorers reached its shores in the 1500s, and St. Augustine, founded in 1565, is the oldest continuously occupied European-established settlement in the continental United States. Today the state is the modern home of Walt Disney World, Miami Beach, Cape Canaveral and the U.S. space program, the Everglades, and the beautiful coastlines of Tampa and Daytona Beach. Florida is a varied mix of cultures, including American, Cuban and other Hispanic, Caribbean, and Native American communities.

Some of the major urban centers include Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Miami, St. Petersburg and Tampa. But Florida has so many cities and towns that the state is dotted with communities from the very tip of the territory in the islands of Key West to the upper regions of Tallahassee and Jacksonville. Despite the generally warm weather most of the year, Florida is home to major citrus agriculture. Other leading industries include tourism, aerospace, health care, international trade, and a growing technology sector.

As of 2025, Florida is the third most populous state in the country, with roughly 23 million residents. It is also the fourth-largest state economy, with a gross state product of roughly $1.7 trillion. If Florida were its own nation, it would rank among the largest economies in the world.

Places to Live in Florida

Florida home values have risen sharply over the past decade. As of 2025, the typical home value in the state is roughly $380,000, according to the Zillow Home Value Index. Prices vary widely by market: waterfront and luxury areas such as Miami Beach, Coral Gables, and Longboat Key can run well into the millions, while more affordable inland and small-town markets sit well below the statewide figure. Because values and mortgage rates change frequently, it is always worth comparing current numbers before you buy or refinance.

Florida is a large state, so there are many options to consider if you're thinking about relocating. We'll cover the largest cities next.

Jacksonville

Population: about 1,010,000 (2024 estimate)

Home to the NFL's Jaguars, Jacksonville sits in northeast Florida. It is the largest city in the contiguous United States by land area and, as of 2024, the most populous city in Florida, having surpassed Miami. Jacksonville's economy is anchored by its large port, one of the busiest on the East Coast, along with financial services, logistics, and health care. The city is headquarters to several major corporations.

Miami

Population: about 485,000 (2024 estimate)

With its beautiful scenery and abundance of cruises, Miami is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Though the city proper is relatively compact, the Miami metropolitan area is one of the largest in the nation, home to more than 6 million people. The regional economy is driven by tourism, finance, international trade, media, and real estate, and Miami is a major gateway for business between the United States and Latin America.

Tampa

Population: about 415,000 (2024 estimate)

Like Miami, Tampa anchors a region far larger than the city's own population implies; the greater Tampa Bay area is home to more than 3 million people. The city is regularly recognized for its quality of life and outdoor recreation. Tampa's economy is driven by finance, health care, tourism, real estate, and technology.

St. Petersburg

Population: about 265,000 (2024 estimate)

St. Petersburg, not to be confused with the city in Russia, is known locally as "St. Pete" and "the Burg." It is part of the Tampa Bay metro area and a long-popular retirement and relocation destination, thanks in part to its abundant sunshine. Among the city's largest employers are Raymond James Financial and Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital.

Orlando

Population: about 335,000 (2024 estimate)

Orlando, one of Florida's largest cities, is the home of Walt Disney World along with Universal Orlando and other major attractions. Beyond tourism, it has a thriving technology and innovation sector known for simulation, aerospace and defense, and digital media. If you're looking for a city with great weather and plenty to do, Orlando is one to consider.

Banks & Financial Institutions

Florida is a big state, and its large population is served by many banks, credit unions, mortgage lenders, and more. We've compiled a few lists to help you with your search.

These banks are headquartered in Florida, ranging from large institutions to community banks:

  • EverBank (Jacksonville)
  • City National Bank of Florida (Miami)
  • Seacoast Bank (Stuart)
  • Ocean Bank (Miami)
  • U.S. Century Bank (Miami)

If you're looking for a credit union rather than a bank, you have plenty of options; Florida is home to well over a hundred credit unions. Some of the largest include:

  • Suncoast Credit Union
  • VyStar Credit Union
  • Space Coast Credit Union
  • Grow Financial Federal Credit Union
  • MIDFLORIDA Credit Union
  • Fairwinds Credit Union
  • GTE Financial

Many national banks also maintain extensive branch networks across Florida, including:

  • Chase
  • Bank of America
  • Wells Fargo
  • Truist
  • PNC
  • Regions Bank
  • Fifth Third Bank
  • Citibank

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance in Florida

First-time buyers in Florida have access to programs through the Florida Housing Finance Corporation (commonly called Florida Housing), the state's housing finance agency. Florida Housing offers 30-year fixed-rate first mortgages through participating lenders, down payment and closing-cost assistance, and specialty programs such as Hometown Heroes for eligible workforce occupations. Program terms, funding, and eligibility requirements change over time, so check the current guidelines when you're ready to apply.

Compare Interest Rates in FL

Florida is a great place to put down roots, and RateZip.com can help with detailed mortgage rate comparisons for the region. Let's break down the major options for Florida homeowners looking to buy a new home or refinance.

Fixed Rate Mortgages

Fixed-rate loans remain the most common choice in the home mortgage market. Whether 10, 15, 20, or 30 years, a fixed-rate mortgage keeps the same principal-and-interest payment for the entire life of the loan, giving borrowers predictable payments and protection from future rate movements.

Adjustable Rate Mortgages (ARMs)

An adjustable-rate mortgage offers a lower fixed interest rate for an initial period and then adjusts periodically based on a market index. ARMs can make sense for borrowers who expect to move or refinance before the fixed period ends, though they carry the risk that payments rise once the loan begins adjusting. Whether an ARM or a fixed-rate loan is the better fit depends on your plans and the rate environment at the time you borrow.

FHA / VA Loans

Loans backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are popular with first-time buyers, borrowers with less-than-perfect credit, and those without a large down payment. VA loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses.

Jumbo Home Loans

If you're buying in Miami Beach or another high-value market, you may need a jumbo mortgage. Jumbo loans finance homes priced above the conforming loan limits set each year for conventional mortgages, and they typically carry stricter credit and down payment requirements.

Ready to compare your options? Use RateZip to review current mortgage rates and connect with lenders serving Florida.