Once Florida’s Largest City
Launch Map of the Area
There was a time when Floral City was the largest community in Florida. Larger, even, than Miami. But that time was around 1883, when phosphate mining was the most important local industry and countless men were brought in to work the mines. It all came to a full stop when World War I shifted manpower needs to other industries.
Floral City had another surge of economic activity when the value of Spanish Moss was recognized. Spanish Moss grows on large trees in Florida and can be pulled down with a rake. Once it is put through a bath of boiling water and dried, it can be processed as the stuffing in upholstery or mattresses. At one time, many automobile seats were stuffed with Spanish Moss from the Floral City area.
Located some seven miles east of Inverness, today’s Floral City is technically not a city, but “a census designated place.” Floral City was named for the wild flowers that grew, and still grow, all over the area. This picturesque community hosts an annual Strawberry Festival. The event features live entertainment, family activities and dozens of booths and offering their unique items for sale. Many open air “cafes” spring up to serve a variety of food and drink.
Even the most insensitive motorist, intent on getting past Floral City on the way to Interstate 75 to the east or the City of Inverness to the west, cannot ignore the length of road that goes through a spectacular archway of old oak trees. It is the crowning glory of Floral City.
