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In 1513, Ponce de León
discovered and named Florida while seeking the Fountain
of Youth. He claimed it for Spain but because of Indian
attacks, he never establish a colony. More than 150 years
later, the first permanent European settlement of St. Augustine
was established. Spain sold Florida to the U.S. With the
addition of NASA and Disney, Florida became a Mecca for
tourism and for flights of fancy.
Each year the population swells during the winter with an
influx of "Snow Birds" from other areas of the
country looking to escape the harshness of winter in the
tropical climes of South Florida. This has created an odd
situation of many properties that are occupied during only
certain portions of the year and that are rented out seasonally
to those temporary residents.
Florida remains one of the fastest growing states in the
US.
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South Florida has become
a center of commerce between the US and South America, as
well as Africa. The Port
of Miami is one of the busiest ports in terms of cruise
ship traffic, as well as serving as a shipping gateway from
Latin America.
Thousands of Cubans fleeing Fidel Castro have called South
Florida home, creating a culture rich in ethnic heritage.
Further cultures have joined in South Florida bringing wave
after wave of unique immigration. Each successive wave has
helped to increase the value of homes in the area and continue
to increase demand for properties from single-family homes
to high-rise condominiums.
In addition, South Florida has earned a reputation of being
a place to retire. Often being seen as a reward for a well-spent
life. More and more, people are coming to South Florida
earlier in life.
Another excellent source for information on South Florida
history is the South
Florida Historical Museum.
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