Most Famous Songs About Florida: Celebrating the Sunshine State through Music

There are plenty of songs about Florida that celebrate the state’s unique culture, landscape, and lifestyle. From classic rock hits to modern pop anthems, the best songs about Florida capture the spirit of the Sunshine State in all its glory.

One of the most iconic songs about Florida is “Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett. This classic tune is all about kicking back and enjoying life in the tropics, with lyrics that reference everything from flip-flops to frozen concoctions. “Margaritaville” has become a beloved anthem for Parrotheads (Jimmy Buffett fans) all over the world, and it’s often played at beach bars and pool parties throughout the state.

Another song that perfectly captures the essence of Florida is “The Boys of Summer” by Don Henley. Although the song is technically about California, its themes of nostalgia, longing, and lost love are universal. “The Boys of Summer” is a timeless classic that has been covered by countless artists over the years, and it’s still a staple of radio playlists and road trip soundtracks to this day.

Most Famous Songs About Florida

Florida has been a popular destination for musicians for decades, and it’s no surprise that many songs have been written about the state. From the beaches of Miami to the swamps of the Everglades, Florida has been a source of inspiration for many artists. Here are some of the most notable songs about Florida:

Florida Kilos by Lana Del Rey:
Lana Del Rey’s “Florida Kilos” is a dreamy and nostalgic ode to the allure of the Florida lifestyle. Released in 2014 as part of her album “Ultraviolence,” the song captures the mystique of the Sunshine State, referencing drug culture and the hedonistic atmosphere associated with coastal living. Del Rey’s sultry vocals and the atmospheric production evoke a sense of both glamour and decay.

• Artist/Band: Lana Del Rey
• Release Year: 2014
• Genre: Dream pop, psychedelic pop
• Album: Ultraviolence

Florida by Modest Mouse:
Modest Mouse’s “Florida” is a track from their 2007 album “We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank.” The song explores themes of existentialism and the transient nature of life. While not explicitly about the state of Florida, the title may symbolize a state of mind or a journey, aligning with Modest Mouse’s introspective and often abstract lyrical style.

• Artist/Band: Modest Mouse
• Release Year: 2007
• Genre: Indie rock, alternative rock
• Album: We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank

Seminole Wind by John Anderson:
“Seminole Wind” by John Anderson is a country song released in 1992. The song pays homage to the Seminole tribe and addresses environmental concerns, reflecting on the impact of development on the natural landscape of Florida. Anderson’s soulful delivery adds emotional depth to this ode to the state’s cultural and environmental heritage.

• Artist/Band: John Anderson
• Release Year: 1992
• Genre: Country
• Album: Seminole Wind

Doo Wop (That Thing) by Lauryn Hill:
Lauryn Hill’s “Doo Wop (That Thing)” is a hip-hop classic released in 1998 as part of her debut album “The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill.” While not explicitly about Florida, the song emphasizes self-respect and warns against negative influences. Lauryn Hill’s powerful lyrics and social commentary make this track a timeless anthem.

• Artist/Band: Lauryn Hill
• Release Year: 1998
• Genre: Hip-hop, R&B
• Album: The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill

All the Girls Love Alice by Elton John:
Elton John’s “All the Girls Love Alice” is a rock song from his 1973 album “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” The song’s lyrics, written by Bernie Taupin, tell a narrative about a young woman named Alice living in Florida and navigating a world of hedonism and excess.

• Artist/Band: Elton John
• Release Year: 1973
• Genre: Rock
• Album: Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Southern Cross by Crosby, Stills & Nash:
“Southern Cross” by Crosby, Stills & Nash is a classic rock song released in 1982. While not exclusively about Florida, the lyrics mention sailing through the southern regions, possibly referencing the Florida Keys. The song’s soothing melody and harmonies evoke a sense of longing and adventure.

• Artist/Band: Crosby, Stills & Nash
• Release Year: 1982
• Genre: Classic rock
• Album: Daylight Again

Floridada by Animal Collective:
Animal Collective’s “Floridada” is a vibrant and experimental track released in 2015 as part of their album “Painting With.” The song’s lyrics celebrate the colorful and eclectic nature of Florida, capturing the band’s signature psychedelic and electronic sound.

• Artist/Band: Animal Collective
• Release Year: 2015
• Genre: Psychedelic pop, experimental pop
• Album: Painting With

Miami by Will Smith:
Will Smith’s “Miami” is a hip-hop and dance-pop song released in 1998. The track pays homage to the vibrant culture of Miami, Florida. With its catchy beat and energetic lyrics, “Miami” became a commercial success and remains a nostalgic anthem for the city.

• Artist/Band: Will Smith
• Release Year: 1998
• Genre: Hip-hop, dance-pop
• Album: Big Willie Style

Pensacola by Joan Osborne:
Joan Osborne’s “Pensacola” is a country-rock song from her 1995 album “Relish.” The song tells the story of a woman leaving Pensacola, Florida, searching for a new life. Osborne’s soulful vocals and storytelling prowess add depth to this reflective track.

• Artist/Band: Joan Osborne
• Release Year: 1995
• Genre: Rock, country-rock
• Album: Relish

It Never Rains in Southern California by Albert Hammond:
“It Never Rains in Southern California” by Albert Hammond is a soft rock classic released in 1972. While the song primarily references California, its title and theme of longing for a better life can resonate with the aspirational spirit often associated with the Sunshine State.

• Artist/Band: Albert Hammond
• Release Year: 1972
• Genre: Soft rock
• Album: It Never Rains in Southern California

Key Largo by Bertie Higgins:
Bertie Higgins’ “Key Largo” is a soft rock ballad released in 1981. The song romanticizes the Florida Keys, particularly the island of Key Largo, as a place of love and escape. The tropical vibes and Higgins’ soulful vocals make it a nostalgic ode to the beauty of the Florida coastline.

• Artist/Band: Bertie Higgins
• Release Year: 1981
• Genre: Soft rock
• Album: Just Another Day in Paradise

St. Augustine by Band of Horses:
“St. Augustine” by Band of Horses is an indie rock song from their 2006 album “Everything All the Time.” While the lyrics don’t specifically focus on St. Augustine, Florida, the title and the atmospheric sound contribute to the band’s dreamy and introspective style.

• Artist/Band: Band of Horses
• Release Year: 2006
• Genre: Indie rock
• Album: Everything All the Time

Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway) by Billy Joel:
Billy Joel’s “Miami 2017 (Seen the Lights Go Out on Broadway)” is a song from his 1976 album “Turnstiles.” The song envisions a post-apocalyptic New York City, with a reference to Miami. It explores themes of urban decay and renewal, and its unique narrative structure adds depth to Joel’s storytelling.

• Artist/Band: Billy Joel
• Release Year: 1976
• Genre: Rock
• Album: Turnstiles

Waking Up in Vegas by Katy Perry:
“Waking Up in Vegas” by Katy Perry is a pop-rock anthem from her 2008 album “One of the Boys.” While the song mainly revolves around the consequences of a wild night in Las Vegas, the mention of waking up in a different state adds a playful element to the lyrics.

• Artist/Band: Katy Perry
• Release Year: 2008
• Genre: Pop-rock
• Album: One of the Boys

Down in the Boondocks by Billy Joe Royal:
Billy Joe Royal’s “Down in the Boondocks” is a pop and soul-infused song from 1965. Though not explicitly about Florida, the song’s lyrics tell a story of social class divides, reflecting on the challenges faced by those living in less affluent areas.

• Artist/Band: Billy Joe Royal
• Release Year: 1965
• Genre: Pop, soul
• Album: Down in the Boondocks

Miami Beach Rhumba by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra:
“Miami Beach Rhumba” by Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra is a classic instrumental piece with Latin and tropical influences. Released in the 1940s, the song captures the lively spirit of Miami Beach, showcasing Cugat’s expertise in Latin music.

• Artist/Band: Xavier Cugat and His Orchestra
• Release Year: 1947
• Genre: Latin, tropical

One Particular Harbor by Jimmy Buffett:
“One Particular Harbor” by Jimmy Buffett is a laid-back and tropical song from his 1983 album of the same name. The lyrics transport listeners to a serene and idyllic harbor, embodying Buffett’s signature “island escapism” style.

• Artist/Band: Jimmy Buffett
• Release Year: 1983
• Genre: Trop rock
• Album: One Particular Harbor

Dixie Chicken by Little Feat:
Little Feat’s “Dixie Chicken” is a southern rock and funk-infused track from their 1973 album of the same name. While the song’s lyrics primarily reference the South, the mention of Florida and its vibrant musical style adds to the overall southern atmosphere.

• Artist/Band: Little Feat
• Release Year: 1973
• Genre: Southern rock, funk
• Album: Dixie Chicken

St. Petersburg by Super Furry Animals:
“St. Petersburg” by Super Furry Animals is an indie rock song from their 2001 album “Rings Around the World.” The lyrics explore themes of distance and communication, with St. Petersburg serving as a symbolic location in the narrative.

• Artist/Band: Super Furry Animals
• Release Year: 2001
• Genre: Indie rock
• Album: Rings Around the World

Rednecks by Randy Newman:
“Rednecks” by Randy Newman is a satirical song from his 1974 album “Good Old Boys.” The lyrics, written from the perspective of a southern “redneck,” touch on social and political issues. While the song’s focus is broader, it addresses stereotypes associated with the South, including Florida.

• Artist/Band: Randy Newman
• Release Year: 1974
• Genre: Singer-songwriter, satire
• Album: Good Old Boys

Florida Man by Bouncing Souls:
Bouncing Souls’ “Florida Man” is a punk rock song released in 2020. The song humorously references the infamous “Florida Man” internet meme, highlighting bizarre news stories associated with Florida residents.

• Artist/Band: Bouncing Souls
• Release Year: 2020
• Genre: Punk rock

Florida Room by Iggy Pop:
“Florida Room” by Iggy Pop is a track from his 1990 album “Brick by Brick.” The song reflects on the notion of a “Florida Room,” a space often associated with leisure and relaxation in Florida homes. Iggy Pop’s unique style and reflective lyrics add depth to the track.

• Artist/Band: Iggy Pop
• Release Year: 1990
• Genre: Rock
• Album: Brick by Brick

Jacksonville by Brandon Flowers:
“Jacksonville” by Brandon Flowers is a track from his 2015 album “The Desired Effect.” The song’s lyrics touch on themes of longing and searching for a place called Jacksonville. Flowers’ emotive vocals contribute to the atmospheric and introspective nature of the song.

• Artist/Band: Brandon Flowers
• Release Year: 2015
• Genre: Indie rock, new wave
• Album: The Desired Effect

Everglades by The Kingston Trio:
“Everglades” by The Kingston Trio is a folk song from the 1960s that pays tribute to the unique ecosystem of the Florida Everglades. The song highlights the natural beauty of this region and the need for environmental preservation.

• Artist/Band: The Kingston Trio
• Release Year: 1961
• Genre: Folk

Gulf Coast Highway by Nanci Griffith featuring Mac McAnally:
“Gulf Coast Highway” by Nanci Griffith featuring Mac McAnally is a country-folk song from the 1980s. While the song primarily focuses on the Gulf Coast, the mention of Florida adds to its regional storytelling. The collaboration between Griffith and McAnally creates a heartfelt and melodic piece.

• Artist/Band: Nanci Griffith featuring Mac McAnally
• Release Year: 1988
• Genre: Country, folk