The state of Florida, known as “The Sunshine State,” has long been a source of inspiration for artists of all genres. From the shimmering beaches and emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico to the lush swamps and verdant forests of the Everglades, Florida’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage have been the subject of countless songs and works of art. In this list, we’ve compiled some of the best songs about Florida, from classic rock anthems to soulful ballads and everything in between. Each of these songs captures a different aspect of Florida life, from the raucous energy of Miami nightlife to the serene tranquility of a Gulf Coast sunset. Whether you’re a Florida native, a snowbird, or simply a fan of great music, these songs are sure to transport you to the sun-soaked streets and sandy beaches of the Sunshine State. So sit back, relax, and let these 15 great songs about Florida take you on a musical journey through the heart and soul of this unique and vibrant state.
1.The Florida Song – Ricky Sylvia
“The Florida Song” by Ricky Sylvia is an upbeat and catchy country song that celebrates the joys of life in the Sunshine State. The song’s infectious melody is driven by a foot-stomping rhythm and twangy guitars, while Sylvia’s smooth vocals deliver the lyrics with just the right amount of twang and charm. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of Florida’s many delights, from its sandy beaches and warm weather to its lively nightlife and friendly locals. With its feel-good energy and relatable lyrics, “The Florida Song” is sure to put a smile on the face of anyone who’s ever fallen in love with the state’s unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture.
2.Kokomo – The Beach Boys
“Kokomo” by The Beach Boys is a classic pop song that captures the carefree spirit of a tropical paradise. The song’s catchy melody and upbeat tempo are driven by a bouncy rhythm section and a lively steel drum riff, while the vocal harmonies of the Beach Boys add a touch of nostalgia and longing. The song’s lyrics paint a picture of a dreamy getaway on the island of Kokomo, where the sun is shining, the drinks are flowing, and the worries of the world are left behind. With its irresistible melody and sunny vibes, “Kokomo” is a perfect escape for anyone who wants to imagine themselves in a tropical paradise.
3.Mainline Florida – Eric Clapton
“Mainline Florida” by Eric Clapton is a blues-rock classic that showcases the legendary guitarist’s virtuosity and versatility. The song’s driving rhythm and catchy guitar riffs create a sense of urgency and excitement, while Clapton’s raw and soulful vocals express the pain and passion of a man struggling to survive in a hard and unforgiving world. The lyrics of the song are a powerful and vivid depiction of life on the streets of Florida, where the hustle and bustle of everyday life can be both exhilarating and exhausting. With its gritty realism and explosive energy, “Mainline Florida” is a standout track in Clapton’s impressive catalog of blues and rock hits.
4.Florida Time – Bob Seger
“Florida Time” by Bob Seger is a wistful and reflective ballad that muses on the fleeting nature of time and the joys of life in the Sunshine State. The song’s gentle acoustic guitar and mournful harmonica create a melancholic atmosphere, while Seger’s tender vocals evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The lyrics of the song paint a picture of an aging man reflecting on his life and his memories of Florida, where he found love and freedom in his youth. With its heartfelt lyrics and understated instrumentation, “Florida Time” is a poignant and evocative tribute to the passing of time and the enduring power of memory.
5.Move to Miami – Enrique Iglesias ft. Pitbull
“Move to Miami” by Enrique Iglesias featuring Pitbull is a high-energy dance-pop anthem that celebrates the vibrant culture and nightlife of Miami, Florida. The song’s infectious beat and catchy hooks are driven by pulsing synths and Latin-inspired rhythms, while Iglesias and Pitbull’s playful and charismatic vocals add a touch of glamour and fun. The lyrics of the song encourage listeners to take a chance and move to Miami, where the party never stops and the sun always shines. With its upbeat energy and irresistible beats, “Move to Miami” is a perfect dance-floor filler that will get anyone in the mood for a night out in the city.
6.Florida Kilos – Lana Del Rey
“Florida Kilos” by Lana Del Rey is a moody and atmospheric ballad that delves into the dark side of life in Florida. The song’s haunting melody and languid pace are driven by a brooding bassline and atmospheric synths, while Del Rey’s sultry vocals add a sense of mystery and intrigue. The lyrics of the song paint a picture of a woman caught up in a dangerous and illicit world of drug dealing and shady characters, where the sun-drenched beaches and glamorous parties are merely a facade for a darker reality. With its evocative soundscapes and powerful storytelling, “Florida Kilos” is a standout track in Del Rey’s impressive body of work.
7.Floridays – Jimmy Buffett
“Floridays” by Jimmy Buffett is a laid-back and breezy song that captures the carefree spirit and natural beauty of the Sunshine State. The song’s sunny melody and gentle tempo are driven by a strumming acoustic guitar and a smooth vocal delivery that radiates warmth and positivity. The lyrics of the song celebrate the simple pleasures of life in Florida, from lazy afternoons on the beach to watching the dolphins play in the bay. With its relaxed and uplifting vibe, “Floridays” is a perfect anthem for anyone who wants to escape to a world of sunshine, relaxation, and good times.
8.The State of Florida – Less Than Jake
“The State of Florida” by Less Than Jake is an energetic and anthemic punk rock song that celebrates the band’s home state of Florida. The song’s fast-paced rhythms, crunchy guitars, and shout-along choruses are typical of Less Than Jake’s signature sound, while the lyrics pay homage to the band’s roots and the vibrant music scene of their hometown. The song’s lyrics also touch on themes of identity, community, and rebellion, expressing a sense of pride and defiance that is characteristic of punk rock culture. With its raw energy and infectious hooks, “The State of Florida” is a standout track in Less Than Jake’s impressive discography.
9.Florida Blues – Ricky Skaggs
“Florida Blues” by Ricky Skaggs is a classic bluegrass song that tells a story of heartbreak and longing in the Sunshine State. The song’s intricate guitar and mandolin riffs, driving banjo lines, and soaring fiddle melodies create a lively and upbeat sound that belies the song’s somber lyrics. Skaggs’ plaintive vocals express the pain and sadness of a man whose love has left him for Florida, while the song’s lively instrumentation provides a sense of energy and momentum. With its intricate musicianship and emotional storytelling, “Florida Blues” is a standout track in Skaggs’ impressive catalog of traditional bluegrass and country hits.
10.Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season – Kenny Chesney ft. Jimmy Buffett
“Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season” by Kenny Chesney featuring Jimmy Buffett is a poignant and introspective song that reflects on the destructive power of hurricanes and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The song’s gentle acoustic guitar, soothing piano, and understated vocals create a sense of contemplation and reflection, while the lyrics explore the emotional toll of living through a storm and the search for meaning and hope in its aftermath. With its heartfelt lyrics and gentle instrumentation, “Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season” is a powerful and moving tribute to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.
11.Miami 2017 – Billy Joel (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)
“Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)” by Billy Joel is a haunting and prophetic ballad that imagines a future New York City devastated by a catastrophic event and the subsequent exodus of its inhabitants to Miami. The song’s grand and cinematic sound, with sweeping strings and driving piano, create a sense of epic drama and urgency, while Joel’s powerful vocals convey a mix of despair, hope, and defiance. The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of a city in crisis, and the people who must adapt and survive in a new and unfamiliar world. With its sweeping soundscape and poetic storytelling, “Miami 2017” is a powerful and thought-provoking work of art.
12.The Everglades – Waylon Jennings
“The Everglades” by Waylon Jennings is a classic country song that pays tribute to the natural beauty and rugged character of the Florida Everglades. The song’s twangy guitar riffs, driving rhythm section, and Jennings’ distinctive vocals create a lively and upbeat sound that captures the spirit of the region. The lyrics of the song describe the diverse wildlife and the challenges faced by those who make their living in the Everglades, from the alligators in the swamps to the “swamp rats” who hunt and fish in its waters. With its lively instrumentation and evocative lyrics, “The Everglades” is a standout track in Jennings’ impressive body of work.
13.Florida Man – Blue Öyster Cult
“Florida Man” by Blue Öyster Cult is a hard-rocking, tongue-in-cheek tribute to the notorious antics of the Sunshine State’s most eccentric and infamous residents. The song’s driving guitars, pounding drums, and snarling vocals create a sense of rebellious energy and dark humor, while the lyrics describe the outrageous and often bizarre exploits of the titular “Florida Man.” From alligator-wrestling to meth-fueled mayhem, the song gleefully revels in the wild and outrageous stories that have made Florida Man a cultural phenomenon. With its irreverent lyrics and fierce instrumentation, “Florida Man” is a fun and entertaining tribute to the weirder side of Florida life.
14.Florida – Modest Mouse
“Florida” by Modest Mouse is a haunting and introspective indie rock ballad that explores themes of loss, regret, and longing. The song’s sparse instrumentation, with gently strummed guitars and delicate piano melodies, creates a sense of intimacy and vulnerability, while Isaac Brock’s plaintive vocals express a sense of emotional pain and regret. The lyrics of the song describe a restless search for meaning and purpose in life, with the narrator longing for something more while feeling trapped by the confines of their own existence. With its introspective lyrics and haunting melodies, “Florida” is a standout track in Modest Mouse’s impressive discography.
15.Deep Down in Florida – Muddy Waters
“Deep Down in Florida” by Muddy Waters is a classic blues song that celebrates the raw, unbridled energy and soulful spirit of the Sunshine State. The song’s driving rhythm section, gritty guitar riffs, and Waters’ powerful vocals create a sense of restless energy and passion, while the lyrics describe the joys and sorrows of life in Florida. From the swamps and backwoods to the juke joints and honky-tonks, the song celebrates the diverse and vibrant culture of the state, while acknowledging the hardships and struggles faced by its people. With its raw and authentic sound, “Deep Down in Florida” is a timeless classic of the blues genre.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
