The Welcome To Florida Sign Has Tons Of History

Most of us know that Florida is known as The Sunshine State due to the seemingly endless sunny days. But, we think this nickname has a few more associations that maybe you wouldn’t normally consider. For instance, the warmth you feel every time you drive into the state and see the Welcome to Florida sign. Not only for many does this sign represent the end of a usually long and tiresome road trip, but it also means welcome to paradise – you’ve finally arrived. What sight could be better than that?

For many, the Welcome to Florida sign offers a sense of reprieve after a long road trip to the South.

Flickr DonkeyHotey

Located in Hamilton County, the Official Florida Visitor Center gives road trippers a chance to pull off, enjoy some history, and take a break.

Google Matt Heidet

Anyone who has been through Florida before likely already is familiar with this sign, which is filled with warmth and welcoming.

Flickr Florian Golchert

However, in 2015, Florida erected a new, more eye-catching sign with 30-foot-high twin towers connected to a 40-foot-wide mock-cable suspension bridge. Now the sign reads - Florida Welcomes you.

Google Christopher Mewscha

The sign was a way for Florida to welcome visitors to the number one destination for travelers by car in the U.S. with a bit of fanfare.

Google Lohit Sarangi

Also, make sure while you’re traveling through the state to check out the other welcome signs for cities and counties - the Pensacola Beach sign and the Key West signs are sure to delight.

Flickr aj-clicks

When you look at the Welcome to Florida sign, what feelings or emotions are evoked for you? For many it’s a childhood memory, for others, it’s a feeling of coming back home.

Flickr Stephen Weppler

Have you ever seen the Welcome to Florida sign before? Share with us your experience in the comments section! Or if you have some more fascinating facts about this sign, make sure to let your fellow Floridians know.