14 ft 3.5 in
Florida state record alligator, length
FWC: 'The Florida state record for length is a 14 foot 3-1/2 inch male from Lake Washington in Brevard County.'
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — myfwc.com · myfwc.com
THIS IS FLORIDA RECORDS
Florida Records
Florida keeps breaking its own record book: a 14-foot 3½-inch alligator, the world’s most nesting loggerheads, 109 launches in a year, and the only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S. Every record here links to the agency or record-keeper behind it. When a claim needs a qualifier, it gets one.
1043 pounds
Florida state record alligator, weight
FWC: 'The Florida record for weight is a 1,043 pound (13 feet 10-1/2 inches long) male from Orange Lake in Alachua County.'
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — myfwc.com · myfwc.com
215 pounds
Heaviest Burmese python documented in Florida
A female Burmese python weighing 215 lb and nearly 18 ft long, captured by Conservancy of Southwest Florida biologists, is the heaviest documented in Florida.
Source: Conservancy of Southwest Florida — conservancy.org
19 feet (579 cm)
Longest Burmese python documented
A 19 ft (579 cm), 125 lb female caught July 10, 2023 in Big Cypress National Preserve by hunter Jake Waleri was measured by the Conservancy and called 'officially the longest ever documented'.
Source: Conservancy of Southwest Florida — conservancy.org
202 pounds
202 lb python, reported as the second-heaviest caught in Florida (Jan. 2026) Reported
FWC-contracted python hunter Carl Jackson and his family caught a 16 ft 10 in female weighing 202 lb in Big Cypress National Preserve. It is reported as the second-heaviest wild Burmese python caught in Florida.
Source: Outdoor Life (interview with the hunter); WSB-TV/Cox Media Group citing Naples Daily News — www.outdoorlife.com
1280 lb
Guinness: heaviest great hammerhead caught in competition
Guinness World Records: 580.59 kg (1,280 lb 0 oz) great hammerhead (Sphyrna mokarran), Bucky Dennis (USA), Boca Grande, Florida, 23 May 2006. Guinness's current title is 'Heaviest great hammerhead shark caught in competition'.
Source: Guinness World Records record page 85503 — www.guinnessworldrecords.com
243.19 lb
Florida state record tarpon (Gus Bell, Key West)
FWC's tarpon page: the Florida state record for tarpon on conventional tackle is 243 lb, Gus Bell, Key West, 1975, on 20-lb test line (guide Capt. Bob West). FWC's state record table lists 243.19 lb, dated 2/17/1975.
Source: FWC Tarpon Records page; FWC Catch a Florida Memory All-Tackle table — myfwc.com · catchafloridamemory.com
202.5 lb (202 lb 8 oz)
Homosassa fly-fishing tarpon records Reported
FWC says Florida holds 29 tarpon world records and that all the major fly-fishing records were caught off Homosassa. Billy Pate's 188 lb fish (16-lb tippet, 1982) stood for 19 years. On 5/11/2001 Jim Holland Jr. (guide Capt. Steve Kirkpatrick) caught the first fly tarpon over 200 lb: 202 lb 8 oz on 20-lb tippet. On 5/13/2003 Tom Evans Jr. (guide Capt. Al Doparik) broke the 16-lb tippet record with 190 lb 9 oz.
Source: FWC Tarpon Records page; FWC Catch a Florida Memory Fly Fishing table — myfwc.com · catchafloridamemory.com
17.27 lb
Florida state record largemouth bass
FWC lists the official largemouth bass record at 17.27 lb, caught by Billy O'Berry in Polk County on 7/6/1986 (water body not listed).
Source: FWC Freshwater State Records — myfwc.com
66476 nests
Green turtle nests statewide, 2025
FWC's 2025 Statewide Nesting Beach Survey counted 66,476 green turtle nests.
Source: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute — myfwc.com
143.3 million visitors (person-trips)
Record Florida visitation, 2025
Florida welcomed an estimated 143.3 million visitors (person-trips) in calendar 2025, a record per VISIT FLORIDA preliminary estimates
Source: Executive Office of the Governor citing VISIT FLORIDA preliminary estimates — www.flgov.com
8.6 million revenue passenger movements (over)
World's busiest cruise port, FY2025
Port Canaveral reported over 8.6 million revenue passenger movements in FY2025 and called itself the busiest cruise port in the world
Source: Canaveral Port Authority release — www.portcanaveral.com
747.33 square miles (land area)
Largest city by area in Florida
Jacksonville city covers 747.33 sq mi of land (874.46 sq mi total incl. 127.13 sq mi water), the largest Florida place by land area and 2nd among Census places in the contiguous U.S.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau 2025 Gazetteer, Florida places file — www2.census.gov
1672 year construction began
Oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S.
Castillo de San Marcos preserves 'the oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States'; construction began in 1672
Source: National Park Service — www.nps.gov
1565 year founded
Oldest continuously occupied European settlement
NPS: St. Augustine, founded by Pedro Menendez de Aviles in September 1565 on Timucuan native land, is the oldest continuously occupied European settlement in the continental U.S.
Source: National Park Service, St. Augustine Town Plan Historic District — www.nps.gov
120 million USD
Star Island $120M sale (former Miami-Dade record) Reported
Vlad Doronin sold his Star Island estate for $120 million in March 2025, then a Miami-Dade home-sale record (beating Ken Griffin's $107M in 2022)
Source: The Real Deal (people profile); also Miami New Times 2025-03-13 — therealdeal.com
109 orbital launches
Record launch year on the Eastern Range, 2025
The Eastern Range (Cape Canaveral SFS and Kennedy Space Center) supported 109 orbital launches in 2025, versus 11 in 2009
Source: U.S. Space Force, Space Launch Delta 45 via DVIDS (story dated 2026-07-20) — www.dvidshub.net
18 records approved
18 Florida saltwater state records approved in 2025
FWC news release (12-15-2025): 18 saltwater state records were approved in 2025, 6 adult and 12 youth, following the launch of the Adult and Youth Length and Youth All-Tackle categories the year before.
Source: FWC news release '2025: another big year for the Florida Saltwater State Records program!' — myfwc.com
122 developing eggs
Most eggs documented in a Florida Burmese python (Conservancy necropsy) Reported
The 215 lb female held a record 122 developing eggs, which the Conservancy said 'sets a new limit' for one breeding cycle.
Source: Conservancy of Southwest Florida — conservancy.org
294 pythons
Most pythons removed in a Florida Python Challenge
The 2025 Florida Python Challenge removed a record 294 Burmese pythons (934 participants, 10 days). The 2026 event removed 280, so 2025 still holds the record.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — myfwc.com
96 pythons
Most pythons removed by one person in the 2026 Florida Python Challenge
Tom Rahill won the 2026 Ultimate Grand Prize by removing 96 Burmese pythons, all from Everglades National Park. The event's longest python was 16 ft 5 in (Rahm Levinson).
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — myfwc.com
36187 lionfish
Most lionfish removed in an FWC Lionfish Challenge
The 2026 FWC Lionfish Challenge (May 22 to Sept. 14) set records: 533 participants removed 36,187 lionfish on 1,468 dive trips, more than 5,000 above 2025.
Source: FWC news release (GovDelivery) — content.govdelivery.com
77042 nests
Green turtle nests statewide, record year 2023
FWC's statewide survey recorded 77,042 green turtle nests in 2023, the high of its 2021-2025 table. FWC's index survey calls 2023 a record high for green turtles.
Source: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute — myfwc.com
100951 nests
Loggerhead nests statewide, 2025
FWC's 2025 statewide survey counted 100,951 loggerhead nests in Florida.
Source: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute — myfwc.com
103342 clutches per year (2018-2022 average)
Most nesting loggerheads in the world
FWC: 'Florida hosts the greatest number of nesting loggerheads in the world', with an annual average of 103,342 clutches (2018-2022).
Source: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute — myfwc.com
71009 nests (index beaches only)
Highest loggerhead nest count on Florida's core index beaches
Loggerhead nests on Florida's 27 core index beaches peaked at 71,009 in 2023. The low was 28,876 in 2007.
Source: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute — myfwc.com
1 state
Only continental U.S. state where leatherbacks regularly nest
FWC: 'Florida is the only state in the continental U.S. where leatherback turtles regularly nest.'
Source: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute — myfwc.com
6620 manatees counted (minimum count)
Highest manatee synoptic survey count
FWC's statewide aerial synoptic survey counted 6,620 manatees (3,488 east coast, 3,132 west coast) on Jan. 30 to Feb. 2, 2017, the highest count in the 1991-2019 series.
Source: FWC Fish and Wildlife Research Institute — myfwc.com
8350 manatees (minimum)
Florida manatee minimum population
FWC: the Florida manatee population 'has grown to a minimum of 8,350 animals'. The species was reclassified from endangered to threatened under the federal ESA in May 2017.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — myfwc.com
1400-2000 individuals (2007 estimate, excluding hatchlings)
South Florida is the American crocodile's only U.S. habitat; downlisted in 2007
USFWS reclassified the American crocodile from endangered to threatened on Mar. 20, 2007, 'in southern Florida, its only habitat within the United States'. The population grew from 200-300 (1976) to an estimated 1,400-2,000, not counting hatchlings.
Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service — www.fws.gov
1 place
Only place where American alligators and American crocodiles both live in the wild
USGS: 'South Florida is the only place you can find both animals in the wild' (American crocodile and American alligator).
Source: U.S. Geological Survey — www.usgs.gov
120-230 adult panthers
Florida panther population estimate
FWC: 'There are approximately 120-230 adult panthers in the population.' The core population is south of Lake Okeechobee.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — myfwc.com
4050 bears (approx.)
Florida black bear population estimate
FWC biologists estimate there are approximately 4,050 black bears in Florida.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — myfwc.com
760 pounds
Largest Florida black bear recorded
FWC: 'The largest adult male black bear in Florida weighed 760 lbs.' The largest adult female weighed 460 lb.
Source: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission — myfwc.com
138834 wading bird nests
Largest South Florida wading bird nesting since systemwide surveys began
SFWMD's South Florida Wading Bird Report: the 2018 'banner nesting effort' of 138,834 nests was the largest since comprehensive systemwide surveys began in 1996. The Everglades produced a record 122,571 nests that year.
Source: South Florida Water Management District, South Florida Wading Bird Report (2019 edition) — www.sfwmd.gov
(qualitative)
Everglades: most significant breeding grounds for tropical wading birds in North America Reported
NPS Everglades Quick Facts: 'Most significant breeding grounds for tropical wading birds in North America.'
Source: National Park Service, Everglades National Park — www.nps.gov
1000+ springs
Florida has more than 1,000 recognized springs
Florida Geological Survey (FDEP): 'There are more than 1,000 recognized in Florida.'
Source: Florida Geological Survey, Florida Department of Environmental Protection — floridadep.gov
185 feet (approx. depth at vent)
Wakulla Spring: one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world
FGS: Wakulla Springs is 'one of the largest and deepest freshwater springs in the world'. It reaches about 185 ft deep at the vent.
Source: Florida Geological Survey, Florida Department of Environmental Protection — floridadep.gov
(qualitative)
Longest mapped underwater cave system in the U.S. Reported
FGS: the Wakulla spring 'provides access to the longest mapped underwater cave system in the United States.'
Source: Florida Geological Survey, Florida Department of Environmental Protection — floridadep.gov
27 first-magnitude springs (1995 count)
More first-magnitude springs than any other state Reported
USGS Fact Sheet FS-151-95: 'Florida has more first-magnitude springs than any other state in the Nation', with 27 counted at the time.
Source: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet FS-151-95 — pubs.usgs.gov
(qualitative)
Largest concentration of springs in the world Reported
Southwest Florida Water Management District: 'Florida has the largest concentration of springs in the world.'
Source: Southwest Florida Water Management District — www.swfwmd.state.fl.us
730 square miles
Lake Okeechobee: largest lake in the southeastern U.S.
SFWMD: 'With a surface area of 730 square miles, it is the largest lake in the southeastern United States.' Its average depth is only 9 ft.
Source: South Florida Water Management District — www.sfwmd.gov
1 barrier reef
Only living coral barrier reef in the continental U.S.
NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries: off Southeast Florida 'lies the only living coral barrier reef in the continental United States'. About 150 miles of it lie in Florida Keys NMS, with about 6,000 patch reefs.
Source: NOAA Office of National Marine Sanctuaries — sanctuaries.noaa.gov
1509000 acres (park)
Largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. and North America
NPS Foundation Document: Everglades NP 'preserves the largest subtropical wilderness in the nation' and 'contains the largest subtropical wilderness area in North America'. The park is 1,509,000 acres.
Source: National Park Service, Everglades National Park Foundation Document Overview — www.nps.gov
1296500 acres
Largest legislated wilderness east of the Rocky Mountains
NPS: Everglades NP includes 'the largest legislated wilderness area (1,296,500 acres) east of the Rocky Mountains', the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Wilderness.
Source: National Park Service, Everglades National Park Foundation Document Overview — www.nps.gov
3 international designations
Only U.S. site with three international designations
NPS: Everglades NP 'is the only place in the United States jointly designated as an International Biosphere Reserve, a World Heritage Site, and a Wetland of International Importance'. It was also the first national park designated to protect biological resources.
Source: National Park Service, Everglades National Park Foundation Document Overview — www.nps.gov
(qualitative)
Largest mangrove ecosystem in the Western Hemisphere Reported
NPS Everglades Quick Facts: 'Largest mangrove ecosystem in the western hemisphere.' The same page lists the 'largest continuous stand of sawgrass prairie in North America'.
Source: National Park Service, Everglades National Park — www.nps.gov
449 deaths
Most lightning deaths of any state, 1959-2007
NWS Melbourne: Florida ranks No. 1 with 449 lightning deaths from 1959 to 2007 (Texas is second with 206). Florida also led in casualties (deaths plus injuries) for 1959-2004, with 2,117.
Source: National Weather Service, Melbourne FL office — www.weather.gov
6 deaths (of 16 in the U.S.)
Most U.S. lightning deaths in 2026 so far Reported
NWS: of 16 U.S. lightning deaths in 2026 (as of 9/22/2026), Florida had 6, the most of any state.
Source: National Weather Service (data from the National Lightning Safety Council) — www.weather.gov
892 millibars
Lowest pressure of any U.S. landfalling hurricane: 1935 Labor Day hurricane
NHC: 'The 1935 Labor Day hurricane in the Florida Keys had the lowest central pressure in any hurricane to strike the United States since 1851, with a pressure of 892 millibars.'
Source: NOAA National Hurricane Center, Technical Memorandum NWS NHC-6 (Blake, Landsea, Gibney, 2011) — www.nhc.noaa.gov
109.5 billion US dollars (Florida damage)
Costliest hurricane in Florida history: Ian (2022)
NHC: Ian caused an estimated $112.9 billion in U.S. damage, $109.5 billion of it in Florida, 'making Ian the costliest hurricane to ever affect that state'. It was the third-costliest U.S. hurricane.
Source: NOAA National Hurricane Center Tropical Cyclone Report AL092022 (citing NCEI) — www.nhc.noaa.gov
160 mph (max sustained winds at landfall)
Strongest hurricane landfall in the Florida Panhandle: Michael (2018)
NOAA/NHC: Michael made landfall Oct. 10, 2018 near Mexico Beach and Tyndall AFB at 160 mph (Category 5). NOAA calls it the 'strongest hurricane landfall on record in the Florida Panhandle' and the first U.S. Cat 5 landfall since Andrew.
Source: NOAA media release on the NHC post-storm analysis — www.noaa.gov
165 mph (max sustained winds at landfall)
Hurricane Andrew (1992): Category 5 landfall in South Florida
NWS Miami: Andrew 'was a Category 5 at landfall, with maximum sustained winds of 165 mph and a minimum central pressure of 922 millibars'. It is one of four U.S. Category 5 landfalls since 1900.
Source: National Weather Service Miami-South Florida office — www.weather.gov
114 hurricane strikes (37 major)
Most hurricane strikes of any state (1851-2010)
NHC: 114 hurricanes, 37 of them major, struck Florida from 1851 to 2010. NHC adds that 'forty percent of all U.S. hurricanes and major hurricanes were in Florida'.
Source: NOAA National Hurricane Center, Technical Memorandum NWS NHC-6 — www.nhc.noaa.gov
10 ft 6.625 in
Longest female alligator officially measured in Florida
FWC record table: 10 ft 6 5/8 in female, 375 lb, Lake George, 10-Oct-2019 (statewide harvest program).
Source: FWC alligator record table (PDF) — myfwc.com
20.13 lb
Historic 1923 Friebel largemouth bass (uncertified)
FWC lists a 20.13 lb largemouth caught by Frederick Friebel at Big Fish Lake, Pasco County, on 5/19/1923. Its footnote says the fish was weighed on a postal scale and witnessed, but no FWC (or GFC) biologist documented it at the time, so it is not the official record.
Source: FWC Freshwater State Records (special notes, ** footnote) — myfwc.com
73.6 lb
Florida state record blue catfish
Blue catfish, 73.6 lb (48.5 in long, 36.75 in girth), Justin Hodge, Suwannee River, Dixie County, 2/15/2026.
Source: FWC Freshwater State Records — myfwc.com
69.9 lb
Florida state record flathead catfish
Flathead catfish, 69.9 lb (48.5 in long, 38.25 in girth), Lavon Nowling, Yellow River, Santa Rosa County, 8/26/2020.
Source: FWC Freshwater State Records — myfwc.com
44.5 lb
Florida state record channel catfish
Channel catfish, 44.5 lb, Joe Purvis, Lake Bluff, Lake County, 5/19/1985.
Source: FWC Freshwater State Records — myfwc.com
123 lb
Florida state record alligator gar
Alligator gar, 123 lb, Zachary Phillips, Choctawhatchee River, Walton County, 7/8/1995. This is the heaviest fish on FWC's freshwater record table.
Source: FWC Freshwater State Records — myfwc.com
41 lb
Florida state record longnose gar
Longnose gar, 41 lb, Evan Merritt, Lake Panasoffkee, Sumter County, 4/14/1985.
Source: FWC Freshwater State Records — myfwc.com
19 lb
Florida state record bowfin
Bowfin, 19 lb, Jim Brown, Lake Kissimmee, Osceola County, 10/5/1984.
Source: FWC Freshwater State Records — myfwc.com
3.83 lb
Florida state record black crappie
Black crappie, 3.83 lb, Ben Curry, Sr., Lake Talquin, Gadsden County, 1/21/1992.
Source: FWC Freshwater State Records — myfwc.com
2.95 lb
Florida state record bluegill
Bluegill, 2.95 lb, John LeMaster, Crystal Lake, Washington County, 4/19/1989.
Source: FWC Freshwater State Records — myfwc.com
16.31 lb
Florida state record sunshine bass
Sunshine bass, 16.31 lb, Thomas Elder, Lake Seminole, Jackson County, 5/9/1985. FWC's striped bass record on the same table is 42.24 lb (Alphonso Barnes, Apalachicola River, Gadsden, 12/14/1993).
Source: FWC Freshwater State Records — myfwc.com
9.11 lb
Florida state record butterfly peacock bass
Butterfly peacock bass, 9.11 lb (23 5/16 in), Felipe Prieto, Broward County, 10/8/2021. FWC notes that its biologists have documented larger fish, but those did not meet all the record requirements.
Source: FWC Freshwater State Records (butterfly peacock bass note) — myfwc.com
680.00 lb
Florida state record goliath grouper
All-Tackle state record goliath grouper, 680.00 lb, Lynn Joyner, Fernandina Beach, 5/20/1961.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table); FWC goliath grouper profile (State Record: 680 lb, near Fernandina Beach, 1961) — catchafloridamemory.com · myfwc.com
1046.00 lb
Florida state record blue marlin
Blue marlin, 1,046.00 lb, Conrad E. Hawkins, Panama City, 7/14/2001.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table) — catchafloridamemory.com
612.75 lb
Florida state record swordfish
Swordfish, 612.75 lb, Stephen Stanford, Key Largo, 5/7/1978.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table) — catchafloridamemory.com
826.50 lb
Florida state record bluefin tuna
Bluefin tuna, 826.50 lb, Rick Whitley, 5/8/2017; FWC lists the location as 'Gulf of Mexico'.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table) — catchafloridamemory.com
139.56 lb
Florida state record wahoo
Wahoo, 139.56 lb, George Von Hoffman, Marathon, 5/18/1960.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table) — catchafloridamemory.com
130.06 lb
Florida state record cobia
Cobia, 130.06 lb, Peter McCollester, Destin, 3/21/1997.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table) — catchafloridamemory.com
142.13 lb
Florida state record greater amberjack
Greater amberjack, 142.13 lb, W. A. Colbert, Jr., Islamorada, 2/3/1979.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table) — catchafloridamemory.com
90.00 lb
Florida state record king mackerel
King mackerel, 90.00 lb, Key West, 2/16/1976. FWC lists the angler as 'Norton I. Thomton'.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table) — catchafloridamemory.com
126.00 lb
Florida state record Atlantic sailfish
Sailfish, 126.00 lb, Larry Maier, Big Pine Key, 6/13/2009.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table) — catchafloridamemory.com
45.75 lb
Florida state record snook (All-Tackle, weight)
Snook, 45.75 lb, Heather Lynn Connors, Sebastian, 8/23/2015.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table) — catchafloridamemory.com
52.31 lb
Florida state record red drum (All-Tackle, weight)
Red drum, 52.31 lb, George E. Hogan, Jr., Cocoa, 2/24/1996.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table) — catchafloridamemory.com
40.00 in
Florida Adult Length records (snook 40 in, red drum 38.75 in)
FWC's Adult Length category lists snook at 40.00 in (Carl Caradonna, Port St. Lucie, 11/7/2025) and red drum at 38.75 in (Gene Wilson, Lanark, 2/28/2025). The bonefish and permit (fork length) adult slots are vacant.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table) (Length Records table); FWC news release 12-15-2025 — catchafloridamemory.com · myfwc.com
286.56 lb (286 lb 9 oz)
IGFA all-tackle world record tarpon (Guinea-Bissau)
FWC: the all-tackle tarpon world record, also certified as the 80-lb class record, is 286 lb 9 oz, Max Domecq, Rubane, Guinea-Bissau, 3/20/2003. IGFA's Game Fish Database shows the current all-tackle tarpon record as 286 lbs 9 oz (129.98 kg).
Source: FWC Tarpon Records page (angler/place/date); IGFA Game Fish Database - Tarpon (weight) — myfwc.com · igfa.org
41.5 lb (41 lb 8 oz)
IGFA fly-tippet world record permit (Del Brown, Key West)
IGFA: on 3/13/1986 Del Brown, with guide Capt. Steve Huff, landed an 18.82 kg (41 lb 8 oz) permit on 8-lb fly tippet on the flats of Key West. FWC's Fly Fishing state record table lists Del Brown's permit at 41.50 lb, Key West, 3/13/1986.
Source: IGFA article '20 Enduring IGFA World Records' (2025-05-20); FWC Catch a Florida Memory Fly Fishing table — igfa.org · catchafloridamemory.com
925 current IGFA records
Florida leads in IGFA world records (per FWC) Reported
FWC's saltwater economics page: 'Florida #1 in number of International Game Fish records', with 925 current records from Florida (next are Alaska at 322 and California at 314) and 4,629 total Florida records including retired ones. The page is marked 'Updated Sept. 2021'.
Source: FWC 'The Economic Impacts of Saltwater Fishing in Florida' — myfwc.com
1063.75 lb
Florida state record hammerhead shark (Bucky Dennis, 2009)
FWC's All-Tackle table lists the hammerhead shark record as 1,063.75 lb, Capt. Bucky Dennis, Boca Grande, 5/5/2009.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table) — catchafloridamemory.com
1069.06 lb
Florida state record tiger shark
Tiger shark, 1,069.06 lb, Richard Baggs, Pensacola, 6/20/1981. This is the heaviest fish in FWC's saltwater All-Tackle table.
Source: FWC Catch a Florida Memory - Florida Saltwater Fishing Records (All-Tackle table) — catchafloridamemory.com
29 prohibited shark species (count of FWC list)
Hammerhead and tiger shark harvest ban (2012) and prohibited shark list
FWC rule history: shark rule Ch. 68B-44, FAC, effective Jan. 1, 2012, 'Prohibits all harvest of great, scalloped, and smooth hammerhead sharks, and tiger sharks from state waters.' FWC's shark page lists 29 species prohibited from harvest in state waters, among them great, scalloped and smooth hammerheads, tiger, lemon, dusky, sandbar, shortfin and longfin mako, white, and whale sharks. The Commission approved adding the Carolina hammerhead on 11/5/2025.
Source: FWC Rule History S-Z; FWC Sharks recreational regulations; FWC great hammerhead profile; FWC news release 11-05-2025 — myfwc.com · myfwc.com · myfwc.com · myfwc.com
13.8 USD billion (economic impact)
Florida, 'Fishing Capital of the World' (FWC)
FWC's Fishing page says 'Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World', and its saltwater economics page adds 'with more world record fish catches than any other state or country'. That page cites 4 million Florida anglers (2017/18 license data), a $13.8 billion combined saltwater and freshwater economic impact ($9.2 billion saltwater), and 120,000 jobs, from ASA/Southwick using 2011 survey data updated to 2020.
Source: FWC Fishing page; FWC 'The Economic Impacts of Saltwater Fishing in Florida' — myfwc.com · myfwc.com
14 USD billion (approx., economic output)
ASA: 4.3 million anglers, nearly $14 billion Reported
The American Sportfishing Association (4/25/2023) says Florida 'attracts more than 4.3 million anglers' and that fishing contributes nearly $14 billion in economic output and supports more than 120,000 jobs.
Source: ASA policy update urging the Florida Senate to enshrine the right to hunt and fish — asafishing.org
133.6 billion USD (economic impact)
Tourism economic impact, 2024
VISIT FLORIDA's 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism study: $133.6 billion economic impact, 1.8 million jobs, $79.9 billion wages, $33.6 billion taxes
Source: Executive Office of the Governor citing VISIT FLORIDA 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism study — www.flgov.com
57675573 passengers
Florida's busiest airport, 2025
Orlando International (MCO) handled 57,675,573 passengers in 2025, 7th in North America and the busiest airport in Florida
Source: Airports Council International-North America 2025 traffic rankings (MIA 8th at 55,314,661) — airportscouncil.org
4773873 cruise passengers
Port Everglades record cruise year, FY2025
Port Everglades counted 4,773,873 cruise passengers in FY2025 (preliminary), its highest of the fiscal years shown (FY2018-FY2025)
Source: Port Everglades (Broward County) cruise statistics page — www.porteverglades.net
175 state parks, trails and historic sites
Florida's state park system
The Florida Park Service has 175 state parks, trails and historic sites spanning more than 815,000 acres and 101 miles of beach, and is 'the first four-time winner' of the Gold Medal for the nation's best state park system
Source: Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Division of Recreation and Parks — floridadep.gov
93 launches
World's busiest spaceport, 2024
Space Launch Delta 45 enabled 93 launches from the Eastern Range in 2024 and called it the world's busiest spaceport
Source: U.S. Space Force, Space Launch Delta 45 via DVIDS — www.dvidshub.net
1950-07-24 date
First launch from Cape Canaveral
Bumper 8, a two-stage V-2/WAC Corporal rocket, made the first launch from Cape Canaveral on July 24, 1950
Source: NASA (John Uri, JSC, 2020-07-24) — www.nasa.gov
3664883 cubic meters
Vehicle Assembly Building
NASA: at 3,664,883 cubic meters the VAB is 'one of the largest buildings in the world by volume'; it is 525 ft tall, covers eight acres and has 456-ft doors NASA calls the largest in the world
Source: NASA Facts sheet, Kennedy Space Center — www.nasa.gov
1969 year (Apollo 11 launch)
Launch Complex 39A: Apollo 11 pad
NASA: Pad 39A was first used for Apollo 4 (Nov 9, 1967), launched Apollo 11 on the first crewed Moon landing mission in 1969, and was last used by the shuttle for STS-135 on July 11, 2011
Source: NASA news release 14-107 — www.nasa.gov
1017689 residents (estimate)
Florida's most populous city
Jacksonville had an estimated 1,017,689 residents on July 1, 2025, Florida's largest city by population (Miami 489,812; Tampa 413,554)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates, Florida sub-county file — www2.census.gov
1738 year founded
Fort Mose
NPS: Fort Mose (Gracia Real de Santa Teresa de Mose), on land granted by Gov. Manuel de Montiano in 1738 two miles north of St. Augustine, was 'North America's first free legally sanctioned Black community'
Source: National Park Service, Fort Matanzas National Monument — www.nps.gov
1656 year (start of capital period)
Mission San Luis
Mission San Luis was the capital of the western missions in La Florida from 1656 to 1704, home to more than 1,500 people, and has been a National Historic Landmark since 1960
Source: Florida Department of State, Division of Historical Resources — dos.fl.gov
7000-8000 years ago
Windover Archaeological Site
Florida marker: the Windover burials date to 7,000-8,000 years ago, and the site holds 'the largest skeletal sample in the New World' and the oldest bottle gourd found north of Mexico
Source: Florida Department of State historical marker program — markers.flheritage.com
6.79 miles
Seven Mile Bridge Reported
The modern Seven Mile Bridge, opened in 1982, is 6.79 miles (nearly 36,000 ft) long with 440 spans, 'one of the world's longest segmental bridges'
Source: Florida Keys & Key West (Monroe County Tourist Development Council) — fla-keys.com
42 bridges
Overseas Highway Reported
The 113-mile Overseas Highway (US 1) from Key Largo to Key West crosses 42 bridges
Source: Florida Keys & Key West (Monroe County Tourist Development Council) — fla-keys.com
8436 statute miles (shoreline)
Most shoreline in the contiguous U.S.
NOAA lists Florida's shoreline at 8,436 statute miles (Atlantic 3,341; Gulf 5,095), the most of any state except Alaska
Source: NOAA Office for Coastal Management, Shoreline Mileage of the United States — coast.noaa.gov
345 feet
Lowest state high point in the U.S.
Britton Hill in Walton County, at 345 ft, is Florida's highest point and the lowest high point of any U.S. state (next lowest: Delaware, 448 ft)
Source: U.S. Geological Survey, Highest and Lowest Elevations — www.usgs.gov
88548 seats (capacity)
Largest stadium in Florida
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium ('The Swamp') at the University of Florida has a capacity of 88,548 and 'ranks as the largest stadium in the state of Florida'
Source: University of Florida Athletics (Florida Gators) — floridagators.com
86 residents (estimate)
Indian Creek Village
Indian Creek village has an estimated 86 residents (July 2025) on 0.428 sq mi of land
Source: U.S. Census Bureau Population Estimates Vintage 2025 (area from the 2025 Gazetteer) — www2.census.gov
100 days
Longest time living in an underwater fixed habitat
Joseph Dituri lived 100 days in Jules' Undersea Lodge, 30 ft (9.14 m) down off Key Largo, entering March 1, 2023 (verified June 9, 2023)
Source: Guinness World Records — www.guinnessworldrecords.com
119986 people
Longest conga line
The Miami Super Conga had 119,986 people, organized by the Kiwanis Club of Little Havana with Calle Ocho, on March 13, 1988
Source: Guinness World Records — www.guinnessworldrecords.com
30.51 meters
Longest car
Michael Dezer's restored limousine, 30.51 m (100 ft 1.50 in), at Dezerland Action Park, Orlando, on March 1, 2022
Source: Guinness World Records — www.guinnessworldrecords.com
3028 people
Most people duck-calling simultaneously
3,028 people, The Salvation Army of Southwest Florida, Germain Arena, Fort Myers area, May 18, 2014
Source: Guinness World Records — www.guinnessworldrecords.com
27:48 hours:minutes
Fastest paddleboard crossing of the Florida Straits (female)
Victoria Burgess paddleboarded from Havana to Key West in 27 hr 48 min, June 27, 2018
Source: Guinness World Records — www.guinnessworldrecords.com
41 escape rooms
Most escape rooms attended in 24 hours
Five Central Florida friends (team 'The Florida Keys') completed 41 escape rooms in Orlando in 24 hours
Source: Guinness World Records news — www.guinnessworldrecords.com
Record or rumor?
“Jacksonville is the largest city in America.â€
Rumor, as stated. It is Florida’s largest city by area and among the largest in the contiguous U.S. Census lists Greeley County, Kan., as larger by land, and several Alaska cities are larger still.
“The 1,280-lb hammerhead is Florida’s state record.â€
Rumor. That fish holds a Guinness title. FWC’s state record is a different, lighter fish: 1,063.75 lb (2009).
“Florida’s longest alligator was also its heaviest.â€
Rumor. The 14-ft 3½-in record holder weighed 654 lb. The 1,043-lb record holder was 13 ft 10½ in.
“Florida has the world-record tarpon.â€
Rumor. Florida holds the state record (243 lb) and, per FWC, 29 line- and tippet-class world records. The all-tackle world record came from Guinea-Bissau.
“Lake Okeechobee is the biggest lake in the lower 48.â€
Rumor. The water district says “the largest lake in the southeastern United Statesâ€: 730 square miles.
“Florida is the lightning capital of the world.â€
Unproven as worded. The National Weather Service says Florida led all states in lightning deaths from 1959 to 2007 (449).
How we verify a record
- The record-keeper comes first: FWC for wildlife and state fishing records; IGFA and Guinness for world records; NOAA, NHC and NWS for weather; NPS and USGS for places; the Census for cities; NASA and the Space Force for launches.
- Every record carries a scope: world, U.S., continental U.S., Florida or county. Titles that change from year to year carry their year.
- Cards marked Reported rely on press or one-off reports and have not been confirmed by an official record-keeper.
- Invasive species are listed as removal records, not trophies.
Know a Florida record we missed? This Is Florida is an independent statewide directory and open fact library. Soft $8 passport listing comes after the substance — you keep your prices; this is not a coupon site.
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This Is Florida is independent and is not affiliated with FWC, IGFA, Guinness World Records, NOAA, NASA, the U.S. Space Force, the National Park Service, or any port, airport, park, attraction or record-holder named here. Checked 2026-10-28. Page packed 2026-10-29.
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