


13, 14 However, Florida uses less energy per capita than all but six other states, in part because of its large population, moderate winter weather, and relatively low industrial sector energy use. 11, 12 Florida is the third-most populous state and the fourth-largest energy-consuming state in the nation. Until the 20th century, Florida was largely rural and sparsely populated, but it has been one of the fastest growing states during the past century, in part because air conditioning became widely available and because of the state's popularity as a tourist and retirement destination. As a result, Florida has taken more direct hits from tropical storms and hurricanes than any other state. 7, 8 The Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean make the state one of the most humid in the nation, with frequent summer thunderstorms and occasional devastating hurricanes. 3, 4, 5, 6 The warm waters of the Gulf Stream wrap around much of the state's marine coastline and moderate Florida's climate, which ranges from tropical to subtropical. 2 Known as the Sunshine State, Florida has significant solar energy potential as well as substantial biomass resources and small amounts of oil and natural gas production. 1 The state's northern boundary stretches about 360 miles from the Atlantic Ocean across the Florida Panhandle to the Perdido River, the state's western boundary with Alabama. The Florida peninsula extends almost 450 miles south from the Georgia border to the Florida Keys in the Gulf of Mexico and includes the southernmost point in the continental United States. A hurricane watch is issued 48 hours in advance of the anticipated onset of tropical storm-force winds.Īn announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are expected somewhere within the specified coastal area.Florida is the fourth-largest energy-consuming state, but it uses less energy per capita than all but six other states.

An announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are possible within the specified coastal area within 48 hours.Īn announcement that tropical storm conditions (sustained winds of 39 to 73 mph) are expected within the specified coastal area within 36 hours.Īn announcement that hurricane conditions (sustained winds of 74 mph or higher) are possible somewhere within the specified coastal area.
