37 Best Songs About Florida

“Pensacola” by Joan Osborne

Song Year: 1995

This is one of the few songs about Florida’s panhandle—but it’s one of the best songs about Florida as a whole.

The song chronicles a young woman’s journey searching for her father in Pensacola. She meets him with a picture of him in her hand, reflecting on the themes of legacy and heritage.

The haunting and beautiful song details one young woman’s search for meaning.

Joan Osborne is a multi-genre artist known for her musical ability and hit song “One of Us.” She wrote this song about her search for her father.

“Orange Blossom Special” by Johnny Cash

Song Year: 1965

Johnny Cash was primarily known for his gruff vocals and bluesy sound, but he plays the fiddle in the song “Orange Blossom Special.”

This song was first written and recorded in 1938, but Cash’s version is most famous for its ‘50s rock influence.

The song is about a train that once ran the length of the East Coast, delivering Northerners to the sunny shores of Florida. The Orange Blossom Special began on November 21st, 1925, and only lasted several years before it was eventually terminated.

“Florida Room” by Donald Fagen

Song Year: 1993

A Florida Room, also known as a sunroom, is a residential space added onto a home’s backside. Such rooms are popular in Florida, and this song is a play on words that touches on the contrast between a sunny Florida and a gloomy Florida room.

In the song, a young woman with depression cannot leave her Florida room, dreaming of brighter shores.

The song reflects the metaphor of weather and how prevalent it is in popular music, and it’s the perfect addition to any Florida playlist.

“Everglades” by Kingston Trio

Song Year: 1960

The song is about a young man from Jacksonville who gets involved in a jealous fight over a woman. He runs away and escapes to the Everglades, attempting to survive independently.

Although the song’s lyrics are dark, the tune is playful and acoustic, setting up a sharp contrast between the two.

Kingston Trio is a pop-folk group known for contributing to the late 1950s and 1960s folk revival. Although the group is from California, they frequently sang of the Everglades.

“Keys in the Conch Shell” by Kenny Chesney

Song Year: 2008

Kenny Chesney is a known American country music artist who has released over 20 albums, many of which have ended up on the Billboard charts.

His song, “Keys in the Conch Shell,” is one of his lesser-known tunes—but it is no less attention-worthy than others.

This song is about a young man who meets a woman in Florida and invites her into his home. He tells her to pick up the keys in the conch shell by the door and enter his house, and he asks her to get comfortable.

The song is a cutesy, down-home vibe, and it’s the perfect love song for a romantic trip to the sunny South.

“The State of Florida” by Less Than Jake

Song Year: 2008

Although the ska genre gets a bad name, this song is among the best on this list.

This song is about Florida’s eventual demise as it steadily sinks into the ocean. The singer laments how much Florida has changed since the economic boom of the 1990s. It’s about resistance to change and adherence to tradition—a theme everyone can relate to.

Less Than Jake is a ska-punk band from Gainesville, Florida. The band comprises Matt Yonker, Chris DeMakes, Buddy Schaub, Roger Lima, and Peter Wasilewski.

“Gulf Coast Highway” by Emmylou Harris and Willie Nelson

Song Year: 1990

This song is about the daily stresses of a young couple trying to make ends meet. They live along Gulf Coast Highway, the highway that runs alongside the Gulf through Florida, Louisiana, and Texas.

The song touched the hearts of millions with its relatable message and soulful sound—and with Willie Nelson and Emmylou Harris on vocals, it was born to be a hit.

Emmylou Harris is a songstress with a whopping 14 Grammys behind her name, and Willie Nelson boasts similarly impressive credentials. Together, they form the power duo of the century.

“Margaritaville” by Jimmy Buffett

Song Year: 1977

Although Margaritaville was originally a small, locally owned restaurant in Sandusky, Ohio, the singer Jimmy Buffet began opening his restaurants under the same name. The rest is a legend.

Today, there are Margaritaville locations around the world, the most famous of which is in Key West, in Florida.

Buffet’s song, “Margaritaville,” touches on the magic of the place. It describes a place where people eat nothing but cake and cocktails and watch the sunset over gorgeous Florida beaches.

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

Song Year: 2013

With Patty Griffin’s timeless guitar solos and her stripped-down songwriting style, this song was set up for success.

It’s a bluesy folk song that details the singer’s profound hatred of Florida. Although it isn’t exactly a ballad to the Sunshine State, it’s a beautiful song nonetheless.

The song is told from the perspective of a World War II veteran who returns to the United States. The lyrics explain the protagonist's distaste for Florida and his wish to die elsewhere in the South.

“Move to Miami” by Enrique Iglesias

Song Year: 2018

This song represents the 12th collaboration between Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull—one of the most famous and productive relationships in music history.

The song is about a young woman who makes men fall in love with her and move to Miami. The music video features both artists in fancy cars and, shockingly, scantily clad models.

It’s a classic, upbeat, pop and hip-hop tune that will remain Miami’s anthem for a long time.

“Florida Man” by Blue Oyster Cult

Song Year: 2020

Thanks to the infamous Sunshine Laws, it’s hard to scroll through a news site without seeing some story about the Florida Man.

This song draws on the headlines for inspiration, citing such classics as the cat lady, the drug addict, and the notorious boa constrictors and ball pythons living in the Everglades.

The song also references Florida’s early history, chronicling the arrival of the conquistadors. It’s a reflection on the state’s complicated history and nuanced past.

Blue Oyster Cult is a rock and roll band from Stony Brook, New York. They have sold over 25 million records worldwide and are known for their grungy sound.

Top Songs About Florida, Final Thoughts

Florida is a complicated place. It is gritty and sunny, Southern and Northern, historic and modern. The songs on this list capture that nuance to the best of their ability.

From Elvis Presley to Owl City, the many artists on this list are among music history’s most famous.

Use this guide to make a playlist or listen to each song individually. No matter your choice, you’ll find yourself wishing to be in Florida forever.