Florida is a small rural town of around 12,600 inhabitants (2000 census). Florida was spun off from Barceloneta in 1978. Is is located on State Road 140 (PR 140),about fifteen minutes south of State Road 2 between Manati and Arecibo.
Florida is essentially agricultural. There are some important pineapple plantations in the area. An annual festival celebrates the pineapple's importance to the town's economy. Dairy cattle and minor crops are also fairly active. A few industrial concerns, established under Puerto Rico's industrial incentives programs, provide employment opportunities for some of the town's work force.
Residents of Florida commute to nearby Manatí and Arecibo for most of their shopping, entertainment and services. Many are employed by the pharmaceutical companies located at nearby Barceloneta.
Florida is called el pueblo del río encantado, the town of the enchanted river, in reference to an underground river which is said to flow underneath the town. It is said that there are some limestone caverns in the area that compare favorably to the most famous cavern on the island, Las Cavernas de Camuy.
The patron saint for Florida is "Nuestra Senora de la Merced", celebrated on September 8.
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