20 Songs About Florida

There’s something about the Sunshine State that inspires musicians to write songs about it. Whether it’s the balmy weather, the beautiful beaches, or the quirky culture, this beautiful state seems to bring out the best in songwriters. Here are some of our favorite songs about Florida.

1. “Florida Man” by Blue Oyster Cult

Florida ManFlorida Man

First on the list is this ode to the Sunshine State’s most infamous resident, the Florida Man. This character has become something of an internet legend, thanks to the crazy (and often hilarious) stories that seem to crop up about him on a daily basis. The song itself is a bit of a mystery, as it’s never been clear exactly who the Florida Man is.

2. “Gainesville” by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Gainesville (Official Music Video)Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers – Gainesville (Official Music Video)

The next song is a bit of a sad one, but it’s still a great tune. “Gainesville” is about a man who is struggling to make ends meet and ends up losing everything.

The song is set in the city of Gainesville, which is located in north-central Florida. It was released in 2018 as part of the Gainesville (Outtake, 1998) album.

3. “Don’t Let Me Die in Florida” by Patty Griffin

Patty Griffin - "Don't Let Me Die in Florida"Patty Griffin – “Don’t Let Me Die in Florida”

“Don’t Let Me Die in Florida” is a song about a woman who is facing her own mortality. She reflects on her life and all the things she’s done, both good and bad. The song has a bit of a dark tone, but it’s ultimately hopeful. You can find it on the American Kid album released in 2013.

4. “Miami, My Amy” by Keith Whitley

Keith Whitley - Miami, My Amy (Official Audio)Keith Whitley – Miami, My Amy (Official Audio)

Next on the list is “Miami, My Amy,” a song about a man who is far away from the woman he loves. He’s missing her so much that he can’t help but sing her name. The song was released in 1985 as part of the L.A. to Miami album.

5. “The State of Florida”” by Less Than Jake

Less Than Jake - State of FloridaLess Than Jake – State of Florida

This next song is a bit of a different take on Florida. “The State of Florida” is about a man who is trying to leave the state behind. He’s had enough of the heat, the humidity, and the changing vibe of the state. The song was released in 2008 as part of the  GNV FLA album.

6. “Seminole Wind” by John Anderson

John Anderson Seminole WindJohn Anderson Seminole Wind

John Anderson is a country music legend, and “Seminole Wind” is one of his most iconic songs. The song is about a man who is longing for the days when he used to roam the Florida swamps with the Seminole Indians. The song was released in 1992 as part of the album of the same title.

7. “Celebration, Florida” by Chumbawamba

Chumbawamba - Celebration, FloridaChumbawamba – Celebration, Florida

Chumbawamba is a band known for their political commentary, and “Celebration, Florida” is no exception. The song is about the planned community of Celebration, which was developed by the Walt Disney Company.

The song is critical of the forced happiness that seems to be a part of life in Celebration. You can find it on the WYSIWYG album.

8. “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys

The Beach Boys - Kokomo (1988)The Beach Boys – Kokomo (1988)

This next song is by The Beach Boys, and it’s about a place that doesn’t actually exist. Kokomo is a made-up island that is supposedly located off the coast of Florida.

The song was released in 1988 as part of two of the band’s albums Cocktail and Still Cruisin’ which can be streamed on all music platforms out there.

9. “The Florida Song” by Ricky Sylvia

THE FLORIDA SONG - Ricky Sylvia  / The Buzzcatz aka The Tropicatz Orlando, FLTHE FLORIDA SONG – Ricky Sylvia / The Buzzcatz aka The Tropicatz Orlando, FL

Ricky Sylvia’s “The Florida Song” is a bit of an ode to the state. He talks about all the things he loves about Florida, from the orange trees to the white sand beaches.

The song was released in 2017 as part of the album of the same name. This now has over 100k views on Youtube so go check it out.

10. “Ocean Avenue” by Yellowcard

Yellowcard - Ocean Avenue (Official Music Video)Yellowcard – Ocean Avenue (Official Music Video)

Yellowcard is a pop-punk band from Florida, and “Ocean Avenue” is one of their most popular songs. The song is about the band’s hometown of Jacksonville Beach.

It’s a nostalgic tune about childhood love and how you wish turned out differently. You can find it on the Ocean Avenue album released in 2003.

11. “Floridays” by Jimmy Buffett

Jimmy Buffett - FloridaysJimmy Buffett – Floridays

Next on the list is “Floridays” by Jimmy Buffett. The song is about how Floridians are always in vacation mode.

They’re always looking for the next chance to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can find it on the album of the same name which was released in 1986.

12. “Florida” by Modest Mouse

Modest Mouse - FloridaModest Mouse – Florida

“Florida” by Modest Mouse is a bit of an odd song. It’s about working so hard that you never get to enjoy the things you love. The song was released in 2007 as part of the We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank album. You can stream this on all music platforms out there.

13. “Mainline Florida” by Eric Clapton

Eric Clapton - Mainline FloridaEric Clapton – Mainline Florida

Released in 1974, “Mainline Florida” is a bluesy tune by Eric Clapton. The song is about a man who is trying to get away from his problems by heading down to Florida.

Unfortunately, he finds that the Sunshine State isn’t quite what he was hoping for. You can find it on the 461 Ocean Boulevard album.

14. “Florida” by Patty Griffin

Florida -Patty GriffinFlorida -Patty Griffin

The next song on the list is “Florida” by Patty Griffin. The song is about a woman who is trying to find her way back to Florida after she’s been away for a while. The song was released in 2004 as part of the album Impossible Dream. It now has over 150k views on Youtube.

15. “Florida Time” by Bob Seger

Florida TimeFlorida Time

Bob Seger is a rock legend, and “Florida Time” is one of his most popular songs. The song is about a man who is trying to find his way back to Florida.

He’s been away for too long, and he’s starting to miss the Sunshine State. You can find it on the album Heavy Music: The Complete Cameo Recordings 1966-1967 which was released in 1966.

16. “Key Largo” by Bertie Higgins

Bertie Higgins - "Key Largo" (Official Music Video)Bertie Higgins – “Key Largo” (Official Music Video)

“Key Largo” is a song by Bertie Higgins. The song is about a man who is stranded in Key Largo after a hurricane.

He’s stuck there with the love of his life, and he’s not sure how they’re going to make it out alive. The song was released in 1981 as part of the album Just Another Day in Paradise.

17. “The Perfect Florida Song” by Don Grooms

Don Grooms - The Perfect Florida SongDon Grooms – The Perfect Florida Song

Up next is “The Perfect Florida Song” by Don Grooms. The song is about how there’s no place like Florida. It’s the perfect place to relax and escape the stresses of everyday life.

If you’re looking for a song to help you appreciate the Sunshine State, then this is the one for you. This can be found on all music platforms.

18. “Florida Kilos” by Lana Del Rey

Florida KilosFlorida Kilos

Lana Del Rey’s “Florida Kilos” is a bit of an odd song. It’s about a woman who loves to have fun and be carefree. The song was released in 2014 as part of the album Ultraviolence. This will make a great addition to any Florida-inspired playlist.

19. “Florida Rain” by Matt Bauer

Matt Bauer - Florida RainMatt Bauer – Florida Rain

The next song on the list is “Florida Rain” by Matt Bauer. The song is about rising from the ashes after everything he’s been through.

The lyrics talk about how the protagonist’s life was turned upside down, but he eventually found the strength to move on. You can find it on the album The Island Moved in the Storm which was released in 2008.

20. “Deep Down in Florida” by Muddy Waters

Deep Down In FloridaDeep Down In Florida

Wrapping up the list is “Deep Down in Florida” by Muddy Waters. The song is a classic blues tune that talks about how the Sunshine State has everything you could ever want.

Whether you’re looking for love or just wanting to have some fun, Waters assures listeners that they’ll find what they’re looking for deep down in Florida.

Final Thoughts

There are so many songs about Florida, and each one captures a different aspect of the state. Whether it’s the beaches, the sunshine, or the people, there’s something for everyone in these tunes.

So whether you’re from Florida or just visiting, be sure to check out some of these songs and get a taste of what the state has to offer!