11 Fun Facts About the Florida Keys You Probably Didn’t Know

The Florida Keys are like that one friend who always has a surprising story to tell—full of charm, a little quirky, and ready for adventure. These islands have been turning heads since 1513 when Juan Ponce de León first charted them and, in a moment of dramatic flair, named them Los Martires (“The Martyrs”) because from a distance, they looked like suffering men. Originally inhabited by the Calusa and Tequesta tribes, the Keys later got their more relaxed name from the Spanish word cayo, meaning small island. Whether you’re dreaming of those turquoise waters or planning your next trip, here are 11 fun facts about the Florida Keys that’ll make you want to pack your bags—or at least impress everyone at trivia night!

 

1. The Tropical Climate of the Florida Keys

The Florida Keys are much closer to the Bahamas than to the rest of Florida, and that shows in their climate. While most of Florida deals with seasonal shifts, the Keys stay tropical year-round, with warm winters and hot summers. The Keys’ weather is ideal for palm trees, vibrant flora, and exotic fauna—think iguanas, Key deer, and a stunning variety of birds. The region’s tropical climate and crystal-clear waters give it that Caribbean feel, without having to leave the U.S. Just remember: if you’re heading there, pack your sunscreen and flip-flops because it’s sunny almost every day!

 

2. A Highway Over the Ocean

Ever driven on a road that feels like it’s floating? The Overseas Highway is exactly that—a 113-mile stretch of road that hops from island to island across 42 bridges. The most famous is the Seven Mile Bridge, where you can literally have the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Gulf of Mexico on the other. But this engineering marvel wasn’t built from scratch—its foundations are thanks to the old railroad built by Henry Flagler in the early 1900s. After the railroad was destroyed by a hurricane in 1935, the bridges were repurposed to support cars, and voilà! The Overseas Highway was born, connecting the islands in a way that’s as stunning as it is practical. It’s like driving through a postcard—on a piece of history!

 

3. Key West: Florida’s Former Big Shot

Believe it or not, Key West was once the largest city in Florida. Back in the 1800s, it was a bustling hub for shipwreck salvagers—yes, those were real jobs! These “wreckers” would race out to salvage cargo from shipwrecks, making Key West one of the richest cities per capita in the U.S. Its strategic location made it a key player in trade with Cuba, the Bahamas, and beyond. However, as steamships became more reliable and shipwrecks less frequent, the salvage economy dwindled. By the early 1900s, other cities in Florida had taken the spotlight, and Key West’s days as the state’s economic powerhouse were over. Today, it may be smaller in size, but its quirky charm and rich history still make it one of the most fascinating places in the Sunshine State!

 

4. The Conch Republic’s Rebellion

But Key West isn’t just about treasure; it’s also fiercely independent. In 1982, the city declared itself the “Conch Republic” in a cheeky protest against a U.S. Border Patrol roadblock that was seriously inconveniencing residents and tourists alike. To make their point, they “declared war” on the United States by breaking a loaf of stale Cuban bread over the head of someone dressed in a naval uniform. Just one minute later, they surrendered to the same person and demanded a billion dollars in foreign aid and war reparations. Today, the Conch Republic even has its own consulate in Key West, issues passports, and boasts its own Army, Navy, Air Force, and even a CIA. Talk about making a point with style!

5. Ernest Hemingway’s Hideaway

Ernest Hemingway lived like a true local legend during his time in Key West. After moving to the island in the 1930s with his second wife, Pauline Pfeiffer, their home became one of Key West’s most famous landmarks. A unique feature of the house is its nearly 60 six-toed cats, descendants of a polydactyl cat Hemingway received as a gift, which have become an attraction themselves. Pauline also managed the installation of Key West’s first in-ground swimming pool, which cost a staggering $20,000 and nearly wiped out Hemingway’s funds. Frustrated, he famously threw a penny into the cement and quipped, “Pauline, you’ve spent all but my last penny, so you might as well have that!” Whether the story is true or not, a penny remains embedded in the pool deck today, a playful nod to Hemingway’s larger-than-life personality.

 

6. Pirates of the Keys

Back in the day, pirates had a pretty sweet gig in these parts—Spanish ships full of gold and jewels sailing by, just waiting to be plundered. Pirates like Black Caesar, a former slave turned pirate, ruled the waters, using the Keys as their hideout. Even legends like Blackbeard and Calico Jack couldn’t resist hanging around for some easy pickings after a storm. By 1823, things had gotten so chaotic that the U.S. government sent Commodore David Porter to clear out the pirate problem. Though the pirates are long gone, their legendary tales of buried treasure and high-seas hijinks still add a splash of adventure to the Keys’ sun-soaked charm.

 

7. Sunken Ships Turned Reefs

The waters around the Florida Keys are a diver’s dream, and not just because of the coral reef. Over the years, several ships have been deliberately sunk to create artificial reefs, transforming shipwrecks into underwater havens for marine life. The most famous of these is the USS Spiegel Grove, a 510-foot Navy ship sunk in 2002 off the coast of Key Largo, now one of the largest shipwrecks in the world for divers to explore. But that’s just the beginning—other notable wrecks include the USNS Vandenberg, a former Air Force ship sunk near Key West in 2009, and the Thunderbolt, a 189-foot cable-laying ship resting off Marathon since 1986. These wrecks not only provide incredible dive experiences but also serve as thriving ecosystems for coral and fish, making the Florida Keys a top destination for underwater exploration.

 

8. Key Lime Pie: The Official Dessert

No one knows exactly when Key lime pie first graced tables in the Keys, but by the early 1900s, it had already secured its place as a local favorite. This tangy, sweet treat quickly became a must-try for anyone visiting the area, perfectly capturing the tropical flavors of the islands. Fast forward to July 2006, when the Florida Legislature made it official—Florida statute 15.052 declared Key lime pie “the official Florida state pie.” So, whether you prefer it with meringue or whipped cream, one thing’s for sure: no trip to the Keys is complete without a slice (or two).

 

9. The Southernmost Point in the Continental U.S.

Want to be closer to Havana than to Miami? Head to Key West’s Southernmost Point Buoy, the iconic photo op that marks the southernmost point in the continental United States. It’s only 90 miles from Cuba—so close you can almost smell the cigars. But before the famous concrete buoy was installed, there was a simple wooden sign marking the spot. Back in the 1970s, it read, “The Southernmost Point, of Southernmost City, Key West Fla.” By 1982, it had evolved to say, “The Southernmost Point, In USA, Key West Fla.” Nearby, a separate sign on a fence pointed south with the message “90 Miles to Cuba.” The buoy may be newer, but it carries forward this long tradition of celebrating Key West’s unique location at the edge of America.

 

10. Home to the Tiny Key Deer

The Florida Keys are the only place in the world where you’ll find the adorable Key deer, a pint-sized subspecies of the white-tailed deer. These tiny critters, about the size of a large dog, are skilled swimmers and can easily hop between islands. Living so close to humans, they’ve developed a unique trait: they show very little of the natural fear their larger mainland relatives do. You might even spot one wandering close by, unbothered by people. Most commonly found on Big Pine Key, these gentle creatures are protected, so be sure to drive slowly and keep an eye out for them crossing the road.

 

11. Dry Tortugas National Park

If you think the Florida Keys are just about beaches, think again! Dry Tortugas National Park, located 70 miles west of Key West, is home to Fort Jefferson, the largest brick masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. Built between 1846 and 1872, this massive fort is composed of more than 16 million bricks—talk about laying the groundwork! But getting to Dry Tortugas is an adventure in itself. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, it’s one of the most isolated—and exciting—spots in the Keys. Once there, you can explore the fort, snorkel in pristine waters, or birdwatch, with over 300 species calling the park home. It’s a slice of history and natural beauty that’s well worth the journey.

 

Embrace the Spirit of Adventure in the Florida Keys

Why settle for an ordinary getaway when the Florida Keys offer so much more? From its vibrant history to its breathtaking natural beauty, this tropical paradise invites you to experience adventure at every turn.

At Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages, you can fully embrace the adventurous spirit of the Florida Keys. From sailing one of our sailboats to exploring on a kayak, you’ll experience the magic of the islands just like a local. Our quirky, charming cottages capture the essence of Old Florida, offering a unique and cozy stay. Qualified sailors can take out a free 22′ sailboat, and we provide complimentary kayaks, snorkel gear, fishing gear, bicycles, Hobie Cats, and a Sunfish, to make sure your time is full of exploration and fun. Our friendly (and kinda eccentric) staff will guide you on sunset cruises, kayak tours, and snorkel adventures, ensuring you get the best out of the Keys. At Key Lime Sailing Club and Cottages, the freedom to explore the islands is yours—let the adventure begin!