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List of people from Florida facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Florida in United States
Location of Florida in the U.S. map

This is a list of notable people who were born, raised, or spent significant time in the U.S. state of Florida.

Business

Name Notability Connection to Florida
Sara Blakely (1971–) Businesswoman; founder and owner of SpanxFlorida State University
James J. Greco (1958–) Businessman; chief executive officer and president of Sbarro Lives in Boynton Beach
Wayne Huizenga (1937–2018) Businessman; founder of Blockbuster Video, AutoNation, Waste Management, Inc. and was the owner or co-owner of the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League, the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League, and the Florida Marlins of Major League Baseball Graduated from Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale in 1956; Founded Waste Management, Inc. in Fort Lauderdale in 1971
Robert James (1909–1983) Businessman; founder of Raymond James Financial, an S&P 500-listed financial services company headquartered in St. Petersburg Founded Raymond James Financial in St. Petersburg in 1962
Thomas James (1942/43–) Businessman; chairman of Raymond James Financial, an S&P 500-listed financial services company headquartered in St. Petersburg Resides in St. Petersburg; Graduated from Stetson College of Law in St. Petersburg
George W. Jenkins (1907–1996) Businessman; founder of Publix Founded Publix in Winter Haven in 1930 and resided in Lakeland until his death in 1996
Jeffrey Rosen President of Rose Art Industries, owner of Maccabi Haifa, and owner of the Miami Midnites Owner of Miami Midnites
Chip Skowron Hedge fund manager Born in Cocoa.

Politics and government

Name Notability Connection to Florida
Jeb Bush (1953–) former governor of Florida (1999–2007); brother of former president George W. Bush Lived in Miami
Ron DeSantis (1978-) 46th Governor of Florida (2019-) Born in Jacksonville
J. Dudley Goodlette (born 1948) Florida State Representative (1999-2007) Lived in Naples
Bill Nelson (1942–) former U.S. senator from Florida (2001-2019), former U.S. congressman from Florida (1979–1991), NASA Administrator (2021-) Born in Miami
Janet Reno (1938–2016) U.S. attorney general, 1993–2001; first woman to serve as attorney general Born in Miami
Marco Rubio (1971–) U.S. senator from Florida since 2011; unsuccessful candidate for president in 2016 Born in Miami
Donald Trump (1946-) former president of USA (2017-2021), businessman Lives in Palm Beach

Film and television

Name Notability Connection to Florida
Elizabeth Ashley (1939–) Film and television actress Born in Ocala
Angela Bassett (1958–) Film and television actress Lived in St. Petersburg
Matt Battaglia (1965–) Film and television actor, producer, philanthropist Born in Tallahassee
Steven Bauer (1956–) Film and television actor Grew up in Miami
Amanda Bearse (1958–) Film and television actress Born in Winter Park
Shannon Bream (1971–) Reporter and anchor for Fox News Grew up in Tallahassee
Delta Burke (1956–) Television actress Born in Orlando
Tom Byrd (1960–) Television actor (NBC's Boone) Born in Philippine Islands; raised in Florida
Maria Canals-Barrera (1966–) Film and television actress Born in Miami
Diana Canova (1953–) Actress Born in West Palm Beach
David Caruso (1956–) Film and television actor Lives in Miami Beach
Jonathan Chase (1979–) Film and television actor Born in Plantation
Merian C. Cooper (1893–1973) Film director, screenwriter, and producer Born in Jacksonville
Matt Damon (1970–) Film actor Lived in Miami
Brittany Daniel (1976–) Television and film actress Born in Gainesville
Brad Davis (1949–1991) Film actor Born in Tallahassee
Johnny Depp (1963–) Film actor Raised in Miramar
Creagen Dow (1991–) Film and television actor Born in Sebring
Faye Dunaway (1941–) Academy Award-winning actress Born in Bascom
Gail Edwards (1952–) Film and television actress Born and raised in Coral Gables
Raúl Esparza (1970–) Film, television, and stage actor Born in Miami
Stepin Fetchit (1902–1985) Film actor and comedian Born in Key West
Megan Fox (1986–) Film and television actress Partly raised in St. Petersburg
Josh Gad (1981–) Film actor, comedian, and singer best known for voicing Olaf from Frozen Born in Hollywood
Robert Gant (1968–) Television actor Born in Tampa
Andy Garcia (1956–) Film actor Born in Cuba; raised in Miami
Joanna García (1979–) Film and television actress Born in Tampa
Matt Gerald (1970–) Film and television actor Born in Miami
Malcolm Gets (1963–) Actor Born in Gainesville
Skyler Gisondo (1996–) Film and television actor Born in Palm Beach County
Julie Gonzalo (1981–) Film and television actress Raised in Miami
Mel Gorham (1959–) Film and television actress Born in Coral Gables
Ashley Greene (1987–) Film and television actress Born in Jacksonville
Carla Gugino (1973–) Film and television actress Born in Sarasota
Tony Hale (1970–) Film and television actor Born in Tallahassee
Darrell Hammond (1955–) Comedian from Saturday Night Live; actor Born in Melbourne
Gina Hecht (1953–) Television and film actress Born in Winter Park
Wanda Hendrix (1928–1981) Film actress Born in Jacksonville
Catherine Hickland (1956–) Soap opera actress Born in Fort Lauderdale
Cheryl Hines (1965–) Actress Born in Miami Beach
Crystal Hunt (1985–) Soap opera actress Born in Clearwater
Jonathan Jackson (1982–) Actor Born in Orlando
Victoria Jackson (1959–) Film and television actress Born in Miami
Carter Jenkins (1991–) Film and television actor Born in Tampa
Sarah Jones (1983–) Film and television actress Born in Winter Springs
Victoria Justice (1993–) Actress, singer Born in Hollywood
Lawrence Kasdan (1949–) Film director and screenwriter Born in Miami
Arielle Kebbel (1985–) Film and televistion actress Born in Winter Park
Catherine Keener (1960–) Actress Born in Miami
David Labrava (1962–) Writer and actor Born in Miami
Jennifer Lopez (1969–) Singer and actress Lived in Miami
Beth Littleford (1968–) Film and television actress Grew up in Winter Park
Josie Loren (1987–) Television actress Born in Miami
Vinicius Machado (1982–) Film and television actor Raised in Orlando
William H. Macy (1950–) Film actor Born in Miami
Chris Marquette (1984–) Film and television actor Born in Stuart
Natalie Martinez (1984–) Model and actress Born in Miami
Velia Martínez (1920–1993) Actress and singer Born in Tampa
DeLane Matthews (1961–) Television actress Born in Rockledge
Butterfly McQueen (1911–1995) Film and television actress Born in Tampa
Julio Oscar Mechoso (1955–) Film and television actor Born in Miami
Leighton Meester (1986–) Film and television actress Born in Marco Island
Katy Mixon (1981–) Film and television actress Born in Pensacola
Eva Mendes (1974) Film actress Born in Miami
Mandy Moore (1984–) Actress and singer-songwriter Grew up in Longwood
Jessica Morris (1980–) Soap opera actress Born in Jacksonville
Enrique Murciano (1973–) Film and television actor Born in Miami
Chris Núñez (1973–) Tattoo artist and subject of TLC's Miami Ink Born in Miami Beach
Victor Nuñez (1945–) Film director Born in DeLand
Sarah Paulson (1974–) Film, stage and television actress Born in Tampa
Kimberly Peirce (1967–) Film director Born in Miami
Carlos Pena Jr. (1989–) Television actor and singer Born in Weston
Gina Philips (1975–) Film and television actress Born in Miami Beach
Summer Phoenix (1978–) Actress and model Born in Winter Park
Danny Pino (1974–) Film and television actor Born and raised in Miami
Sidney Poitier (1927–) Academy Award-winning actor Born in Miami
Brett Ratner (1969–) Film and music video director Born and raised in Miami Beach
Monica Raymund (1986–) Television actress Born in St. Petersburg
Ashley Rickards (1992–) Television actress Born in Sarasota
Genesis Rodriguez (1987–) Television actress Born in Miami
Maggie Rodriguez (1969–) Co-anchor of CBS's The Early Show Born in Miami
Stephen Root (1951–) Film and television actor Born in Sarasota
Bob Ross (1942–1995) Television presenter and artist Born in Daytona Beach
Mickey Rourke (1952–) Film actor Raised in Miami
Maya Rudolph (1972–) Film and television actress Born in Gainesville
Rick Sanchez (1958–) Host of CNN's Rick's List Grew up in Hialeah
Pat Skipper (1958–) Film and television actor Born in Lakeland
Wesley Snipes (1962–) Actor and film producer Born in Orlando
Rachel Specter (1980–) Film and television actress Born in Tampa
Kirsten Storms (1984–) Television actress Born in Orlando
Bella Thorne (1997–) Television actress Born in Hollywood, Florida
Daniel Tosh (1975–) Television comedian Born in Germany; raised in Titusville
Wilmer Valderrama (1980–) Film and television actor Born in Miami
Alexa Vega (1988–) Film and television actress Born in Miami
Ben Vereen (1946–) Actor, dancer and singer Born in Miami
Sofía Vergara (1972–) Film and television actress Lives in Miami
Bob Vila (1946–) Television home improvement personality Born in Miami
Aidan Gallagher (1969–) Film and television actor Born in Tallahassee
Dave Williamson Stand-up comedian Born in Miami
Hugh Wilson (1943–2018) Film director Born in Miami
Jorja Fox Television Actress Lived in Melbourne, Beach, FL
Noah Centineo (1996–) Actor and model Born in Miami

Literature

Name Notability Connection to Florida
T.D. Allman (1944–) Exposed CIA secret involvement with the war in Laos and interviews with world figures; historian author of Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State and Miami: City of the Future Born in Tampa
Kristen Arnett (1980–) Fiction author and essayist. Her debut novel, Mostly Dead Things, was a New York Times bestseller. Born, raised, and resides in Orlando
Dave Barry (1947–) Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist and best-selling author Lives in Miami
Shmuley Boteach (1966–) Best-selling author of 31 books including Kosher Jesus, Orthodox rabbi, radio and television host Lived in Miami
Pat Frank (1907–1964) Author of Alas, Babylon Lived in Tangerine
Carl Hiaasen (1953–) Journalist and novelist Born in Plantation
Zora Neale Hurston (1891–1960) Author and folklorist during the Harlem Renaissance Raised in Eatonville
James Weldon Johnson (1871–1938) Author, poet, and civil rights activist Born in Jacksonville
Stetson Kennedy (1916–2011) Author of Palmetto Country and civil rights activist Lived in Jacksonville and St. Augustine
David Nolan (1946–) Author of Fifty Feet in Paradise: The Booming of Florida Lives in St. Augustine
Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings (1896–1953) Novelist and short story writer Lived in Cross Creek, the setting for most of her work
Lillian Smith (1897–1966) Author and social critic Born in Jasper
Florence Duval West (1840–1881) Poet Born in Tallahassee, Florida

Military

Name Notability Connection to Florida
Chester R. Bender (1914–1996) Superintendent, United States Coast Guard Academy: Commandant, US Coast Guard Born in Burnsville, West Virginia; lived in Plant City
Alan Stephenson Boyd (1922–2020) First United States Secretary of Transportation Born in Jacksonville
Roy Geiger (1885–1947) Marine Corps 4-star general during World War II Born in Middleburg
Joseph Kittinger (1928–) Aviation and space flight pioneer Born in Tampa
John Young (1930–2018) Navy fighter pilot and NASA Gemini, Apollo, and Space Shuttle astronaut Raised in Orlando

Music

Name Notability Connection to Florida
9lokkNine Rapper Born in Orlando
Ethel Cain (1998–) singer-songwriter Born in Tallahassee, raised in Perry
Denzel Curry (1995-) Rapper Born in Miami
SpaceGhostPurrp (1991-) Rapper Born in Miami
Wifisfuneral (1997-) Rapper Raised in Palm Beach
YNW Melly Rapper Born in Gifford
Adassa Reggaetón artist Born in Miami
DJ Uncle Al (1969–2001) DJ rap artist Born in Miami
Steve Aoki (1977–) DJ Born in Miami
Birdman (1969–) Rap artist Lived in Miami Beach
Kodak Black (1997–) Musician Born in Pompano Beach
Gary U.S. Bonds (1939–) Singer and songwriter Born in Jacksonville
Pat Boone (1934–) 1950s rock and roll singer Born in Jacksonville
Danielle Bregoli (2003–) Rapper Born in West Palm Beach
Brisco (1982–) Rap artist Born in Opa-locka
Jo Ann Campbell (1938–) Pop singer Born in Jacksonville
Luther Campbell (1960–) R&B singer Born in Miami
Aaron Carter (1987–2022) Singer Born in Tampa
Nick Carter Backstreet Boys singer Resides in Tampa
Desmond Child (1953–) Songwriter; singer; Songwriter's Hall of Fame Born in Gainesville
Cool & Dre Rap record producers and songwriters Born or raised in Miami
Easton Corbin Country music singer Born in Trenton
Carter Cornelius (1948–1991) R&B artist; lead singer of Cornelius Brothers and Sister Rose Born in Dania
Christian Cuevas (1995–) Pop rock singer-songwriter and contestant from NBC's The Voice season 11 Born in Orlando
Christian Daniel (1984–) Singer-songwriter and actor Resides in Miami
Billy Daniels (1915–1988) Big band singer and actor Born in Jacksonville
Clint Daniels (1974–) Country singer and writer Born in Panama City
Jason Derülo (1989–) Pop and R&B singer Born in Miami
Diplo (1978–) DJ and producer; co-creator and lead member of Major Lazer Born in Mississippi; attended University of Central Florida, as well as residing in Florida for years
Fred Durst (1970–) Lead singer of Limp Bizkit Born in Jacksonville
Greg Eklund (1970–) Drummer for Everclear Born in Jacksonville
Flo Rida (Tramar Dillard) (1979–) Rapper and actor Born in Opa-Locka
Gloria Estefan (1957–) Singer Born in Cuba; raised in Miami
Willa Ford (1981–) Pop singer Born/raised in Ruskin
Ariana Grande (1993–) Singer, songwriter, and actress Born and raised in Boca Raton
Gunplay (1979–) Rap artist Moved to Carol City at age 10
Debbie Harry (1945–) Vocalist, musician, actress, and lead singer of the new wave band Blondie Born in Miami
Bertie Higgins (1944–) Singer and songwriter Born in Tarpon Springs
Brooke Hogan (1988–) Singer and rapper Born/Raised in Tampa
Ace Hood (1988–) Rapper Born in Port St. Lucie, raised in Deerfield Beach
Island Boys (2001–) Brothers Kodiyakredd (Franky Venegas) and Flyysoulja (Alex Venegas), a hip hop duo who gained notoriety via the video sharing platform TikTok Based in South Florida.
Jacki-O (198?–) Rap artist Born in Miami
Lauren Jauregui Singer of Fifth Harmony Born and raised in Miami
J. Rosamond Johnson (1873–1954) Composer and singer during the Harlem Renaissance Born in Jacksonville
Georgette Jones (1970–) Country music singer Born in Lakeland
Josh Kaufman (1976–) Indianapolis-based Soul singer-songwriter and winner of NBC's The Voice season 6 Born and raised in Sarasota until age 13
DJ Khaled (1975–) DJ rap artist Raised in Miami
Khia (1970–) Rap artist Born in Tampa
Sean Kingston (1990–) Reggae fusion singer and rapper Born in Miami
Frances Langford Big Band singer and movie actress Born in Lakeland
DJ Laz (Lazaro Mendez) Rapper Born in Miami
Lil Pump (Gazzy Garcia) (2000–) Rap artist Born in Miami
Lil Wayne (1982–) Rap artist Lived in Miami Beach
James MacDonough (1970–) Bass guitarist Born in Jacksonville
Raul Malo (1965–) Country music singer-songwriter Born in Miami
Ricky Martin (1971–) Latin pop singer Lived in Miami Beach
Mase (Mason Betha) (1977–) Rap artist Born in Jacksonville
AJ McLean (1978–) Singer Born in West Palm Beach
Thurston Moore (1958–) Singer and guitarist of Sonic Youth Born in Coral Gables
Jim Morrison (1943–1971) Singer, songwriter, and poet Born in Melbourne
Jake Owen (1981–) Country music artist Born in Vero Beach
Pleasure P (1984–) Singer Raised in Broward
Jaco Pastorius (1951–1987) Jazz bassist, former member of Weather Report Raised in Fort Lauderdale until his death
Tom Petty (1950–2017) Musician Born in Gainesville
Pitbull (1981–) Rap artist and actor Born in Miami
Plies (1976–) Rap artist Born in Fort Myers
Rick Ross (1977–) Rap artist Born in Carol City
Santaye Singer-songwriter Resides in Miami
Markus Schulz DJ Resides in Miami
Shakira (1977–) Singer Resides in Miami
Smitty (1982–) Rap artist Born in Miami
Smokepurpp (1997–) Rap artist Moved to Miami at age 3
Kyle Sokol (1974–) Bass player for Rude Squad and Trust for Liars Born and resides in Saint Petersburg
Scott Stapp (1973–) Singer and songwriter Born in Orlando
Ski Mask The Slump God (1996–) Rapper Born in Fort Lauderdale
Stitches (Phillip Nickolas Katsabanis) (1995–) Rap artist Born in Miami
T-Pain (1985–) Rap artist Born in Tallahassee
Tiësto (1969–) DJ Lived in Miami
Mel Tillis (1932–2017) Country music singer and songwriter Born in Dover
Pam Tillis (1957–) Country music singer and songwriter Born in Plant City
Johnny Tillotson (1939–) Singer and songwriter Born in Jacksonville
Trick Daddy (Maurice Young) (1975–) Rap artist Born in Sarasota
Trina (1974–) Rap artist Born in Miami
Claude "Butch" Trucks (1947–2017) Drummer of the Allman Brothers Band Born in Jacksonville
Donnie Van Zant (1952–) Lead singer of .38 Special Born in Jacksonville
Johnny Van Zant (1960–) Lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd after his brother Born in Jacksonville
Ronnie Van Zant (1948–1977) Lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd Born in Jacksonville
Vanilla Ice (Robert Van Winkle) Rap artist Moved to Miami at 16; resides in Wellington
Scooter Ward (1970–) Lead singer of Cold Born in Jacksonville
Danielle White (1992–) Singer Born in Bradenton
Pharrell Williams (1973–) Singer Lived in Miami
XXXTENTACION (1998–2018) Rapper, singer, and songwriter Born in Plantation
Nardo Wick (2001–) Rapper Born in Jacksonville
SpotemGottem (2001–) Rapper Born in Jacksonville

Science and technology

Name Notability Connection to Florida
Anthony J. Arduengo, III (1952–) Chemist and material scientist; discoverer of persistent carbene Born in Tampa
Wendy Chung Molecular and clinical geneticist Born and raised in southern Florida
Philip Don Estridge (1937–1985) Led the development of the IBM Personal Computer Born in Jacksonville; lived and worked in Boca Raton
John Gorrie (1803–1855) Inventor of mechanical cooling Lived and worked in Apalachicola from 1833–onward
George Smoot (1945–) Astrophysicist and cosmologist; recipient, 2006 Nobel Prize in Physics Born in Yukon
John Archibald Wheeler (1911–2008) Theoretical physicist Born in Jacksonville

Sports

Name Notability Connection to Florida
Gary Alexander (1969–) Professional basketball player Born in Jacksonville
Nate Allen (1987–) Professional football safety Born in Fort Myers
Ray Allen (1975–) Professional basketball player Lived in Miami
Aric Almirola (1984–) NASCAR driver Born in Tampa
Robert Andino (1984–) Professional baseball shortstop Born in Miami
Leati Joseph Anoaʻi (1985–) Professional wrestler Born in Pensacola
Gilbert Arenas (1982–) Professional basketball player Born in Tampa
J. P. Arencibia (1986–) Professional baseball catcher Born in Miami
Devin Aromashodu (1984–) Professional football wide receiver Born in Miami
Bronson Arroyo (1977–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Key West
Chucky Atkins (1974–) Professional basketball player Born in Orlando
Alex Avila (1987–) Professional baseball catcher Born in Hialeah
Zach Banks (1997–) Racing driver Born in Miami
Antwan Barnes (1984–) Professional football defensive end Born in Miami
Daniel Berger (1993–) Professional golfer Born in Plantation
Jay Berger (1966–) Professional tennis player; highest world ranking # 7 Lived in Key Biscayne and Jupiter
Sheila Bleck (1974–) IFBB professional bodybuilder Lives in Tampa
Chaim Bloom (1983–) Senior VP of the Tampa Bay Rays Lives in St. Petersburg
Wade Boggs (1958–) Professional baseball player Lives in Tampa
Boof Bonser (1981–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in St. Petersburg
Blake Bortles (1992–) Professional football quarterback Born in Altamonte Springs, played at UCF and for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Chris Bosh (1984–) Professional basketball player Lived in Miami
Sébastien Bourdais (1979-) Racing driver Resides in St. Petersburg
Dwayne Bowe (1984–) Professional football wide receiver Born in Miami
Antonio Brown (1988–) Professional football wide receiver Born in Miami
Daniel Bukantz (1917–2008) Four-time Olympic fencer Lived in Sarasota
Brodrick Bunkley (1983–) Professional football defensive tackle Born in Tampa
Billy Butler (1986–) Professional baseball player Born in Orange Park
Rashad Butler (1983–) Professional football offensive tackle Born in Palm Beach Gardens
Dayana Cadeau (1966–) Professional bodybuilder Lives in Wilton Manors
Jose Canseco (1964–) Major League Baseball outfielder Raised in Miami
Steve Carlton (1944–) Major League Baseball pitcher Born in Miami
Ryan Carpenter (1991–) Professional ice hockey forward Born in Oviedo
Vince Carter (1977–) Professional basketball player Born in Daytona Beach
Kevin Cash (1977–) Professional baseball catcher Born in Tampa
Jamar Chaney (1986–) Professional football linebacker Born in Fort Pierce
John Chaney (1932–2021) College basketball coach Born in Jacksonville
Ross Chastain (1992–) NASCAR driver Born in Alva
Jakob Chychrun (1998–) Professional ice hockey defenceman Born in Boca Raton
Desmond Clark (1977–) Professional football tight end Born in Bartow
Audra Cohen (1986–) Professional tennis player Born in Plantation
Laveranues Coles (1977–) Professional football player Born in Jacksonville
Jim Courier (1970–) Professional American tennis player Born in Sanford
Lisa Cross (1978–) IFBB professional bodybuilder Lived in Miami
Daunte Culpepper (1977–) Professional football quarterback Born in Ocala
Jeff Cunningham (1976–) Professional soccer player Lived in Crystal River
Johnny Damon (1974–) Major League Baseball All-Star outfielder Grew up in Orlando
Wade Davis (1985–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Lake Wales
Ian Desmond (1985–) Professional baseball shortstop Born in Sarasota
Antonio Dixon (1985–) Professional football defensive tackle Born in Miami
Keyon Dooling (1980–) Professional basketball player Born in Fort Lauderdale
Caeleb Dressel (1996–) Competitive swimmer; 2016 and 2020 Olympian Born in Green Cove Springs
Amy Dumas (1975–) Professional wrestler Born in Fort Lauderdale
Elvis Dumervil (1984–) Professional football linebacker Born in Miami
David Duval (1971–) Professional golfer Born in Jacksonville
Dallas Eakins (1967–) Professional ice hockey defenceman and head coach Born in Dade City
Dave Eiland (1966–) Professional pitching coach Born in Dade City
Layla El (1977–) Professional wrestler Lived in Miami
Chris Evert (1954–) Professional tennis player Born in Fort Lauderdale
Solofa F. Fatu Jr. (1965–) Professional wrestler Lives in Central Osceola/Polk County
Brian Ferlin (1992–) Professional ice hockey forward Born in Jacksonville
Tonga 'Uli'uli Fifita (1959–) Professional wrestler Lives in Kissimmee
Bruce Fleisher (1948–2021) Professional golfer Lives in the Palm Beach Gardens area
Jared Frayer (1978–) Freestyle wrestler at 2012 Summer Olympics Born in Miami, grew up in Clearwater
Eric Foster (1985–) Professional defensive tackle Born in Homestead
Jeff Fulchino (1979–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Titusville
William Gay (1985–) Professional football cornerback Born in Tallahassee
Alonzo Gee (1987–) Professional basketball player Born in Riviera Beach
Blake Geoffrion (1988–) Professional ice hockey forward Born in Plantation
Brian Ginsberg (1966–) Gymnast
Logan Gilbert (1997–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Winter Park
Margie Goldstein-Engle (1958–) Equestrian Born in Wellington
Gio González (1985–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Hialeah
Luis Gonzalez (1967–) Professional baseball outfielder Born in Tampa
Dwight Gooden (1964–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Tampa
Richard Goodman (1987–) Professional football wide receiver Born in Fort Lauderdale
Tom Gordon (1967–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Avon Park
Frank Gore (1983–) Professional football player Born in Miami, Florida
Shayne Gostisbehere (1993–) Professional ice hockey defenceman Born in Pembroke Pines
Brian Gottfried (1952–) World No. 3-ranked singles and No. 2-ranked doubles tennis player Lives in Ponte Vedra
Nick Green (1978–) Professional baseball player Born in Pensacola
Zack Greinke (1983–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Orlando
Colette Guimond (1961–) IFBB professional bodybuilder Lives in New Port Richey
Al Harris (1974–) Professional football cornerback Born in Pompano Beach
Udonis Haslem (1980–) Professional basketball player Born in Miami
Garnet Hathaway (1991–) Professional ice hockey forward Born in Naples
Bob Hayes (1942–2002) Track and field athlete and professional football player Born in Jacksonville
Geno Hayes (1987–) Professional football linebacker Born and raised in Greenville
Mario Henderson (1984–) Professional football offensive tackle Born in Lehigh Acres
Derrick Henry (1994–) Professional football running back Born in Yulee
Devin Hester (1982–) Professional football wide receiver and punt returner Born and raised in Riviera Beach
Dan Hinote (1977–) Professional ice hockey forward and assistant coach Born in Leesburg
Hulk Hogan (1953–) Professional wrestler and television star Raised in Tampa
Eric Hosmer (1989–) Professional baseball first baseman Born in South Miami
Jack Hughes (2001–) Professional hockey player Born in Orlando
Quinn Hughes (1999–) Professional hockey player Born in Orlando
Eric Hurley (1985–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Jacksonville
Michael Irvin (1966–) Professional football player Born in Fort Lauderdale
Lamar Jackson (1997–) Professional football quarterback Born in Pompano Beach
Jamaal Jackson (1980–) Professional football center Born in Miami
Andrew Jacobson (1985–) Major League Soccer player
LeBron James (1984–) Professional basketball player Lived in Miami
Val James (1957–) Professional ice hockey forward Born in Ocala
Max Jean-Gilles (1983–) Professional football guard Born in Miami
Mike Jenkins (1985–) Professional football player Grew up in Bradenton
Andre Johnson (1981–) Professional football wide receiver Born in Miami
Ashleigh Johnson (1994–) Professional water polo goalie; 2016 and 2020 Olympian Born in Miami
Bruce Johnson (1987–) Professional football cornerback Born in Live Oak
Chris Johnson (1985–) Professional football running back Born in Orlando
Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson (1972–) Professional wrestler and actor Lives in Miami
Gartrell Johnson (1986–) Professional football running back Born in Miami
Howard Johnson (1960–) Professional baseball player Born in Clearwater
Chipper Jones (1972–) Professional baseball player Born in DeLand
Hunter Jones (1984–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Palm Beach Gardens
James Jones (1980–) Professional basketball player Born in Miami
Roy Jones Jr. (1969–) Former boxing champion Born in Pensacola
Solomon Jones (1984–) Professional basketball player Born in Eustis
Matt Joyce (1984–) Professional baseball outfielder Born in Tampa
Kelly Kelly (1987–) Professional wrestler Born in Jacksonville
Skip Kendall (1964–) Professional golfer Lives in Windermere
Howard Kendrick (1983–) Professional baseball second baseman Born in Jacksonville
Jeff Keppinger (1980–) Professional baseball player Born in Miami
Casey Kotchman (1983–) Professional baseball first baseman Born in St. Petersburg
Byron Krieger (1920–2015) Fencer, NCAA champion; two-time Pan Am gold medalist; two-time Olympian; two-time Maccabiah Games gold medalist
Tony La Russa (1944–) Professional baseball manager Born and raised in Tampa
Sean Labanowski (1992–) Professional basketball player
Matt LaPorta (1985–) Professional baseball first baseman Born in Port Charlotte
Debi Laszewski (1969–) IFBB professional bodybuilder Lives in Jupiter
Jesse Levine (1987–) Professional tennis player Lives in Boca Raton
Ray Lewis (1975–) Professional football player Born in Bartow; lived in Lakeland
Danell Leyva (1991–) Gymnast; 2012 Olympic silver medalist, men's all-around Raised in Miami
Jesse Litsch (1985–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Pinellas Park
Sid Luckman (1916–1998) NFL Hall of Fame football player Lived in Aventura
Zac MacMath (born 1991) Soccer player Born in St. Petersburg
Elliott Maddox (1947–) Professional baseball outfielder Lives in Coral Springs
Dave Magadan (1962–) Professional baseball player Born in Tampa
Olindo Mare (1973–) Professional football placekicker Born in Hollywood
Melanie Margalis (1991–) Competitive swimmer; 2016 Olympian Born in Clearwater
Caroline Marks (2002–) Professional surfer; Olympian Raised in Melbourne Beach
Tino Martinez (1967–) Professional baseball player Born in Tampa
Denise Masino (1968–) IFBB professional bodybuilder Lives in Fort Myers
Ricardo Mathews (1987–) Professional football defensive tackle Born in Jacksonville
Jeff Mathis (1983–) Professional baseball catcher Born in Marianna
Michelle McCool (1980–) Former WWE wrestler Born and lives in Palatka
Mark McCumber (1951–) Professional golfer Born in Jacksonville
Bryant McFadden (1981–) Professional football cornerback Born in Hollywood
Willis McGahee (1981–) Professional football player Born in Miami
Tracy McGrady (1979–) Professional basketball player Born in Bartow
B. J. McLeod (1983–) NASCAR driver Born in Wauchula
Jaycob Megna (1992–) Professional ice hockey defenceman Born in Plantation
Jayson Megna (1990–) Professional ice hockey forward Born in Fort Lauderdale
Jason Michaels (1976–) Professional baseball outfielder Born in Tampa
Joshua Moore (1988–) Professional football cornerback Born in Fort Lauderdale
DaJuan Morgan (1985–) Professional football safety Born in Riviera Beach
Santana Moss (1979–) Professional football player Born in Miami
Sinorice Moss (1983–) Professional football wide receiver Born in Miami
Alonzo Mourning (1970–) Professional basketball player Lived in Miami
John Ryan Murphy (1991–) Professional baseball catcher Born in Bradenton
Louis Murphy (1987–) Professional football wide receiver Born in St. Petersburg
Ryan Murphy (1995–) Competitive swimmer; 2016 and 2020 Olympian Grew up in Jacksonville
Brett Myers (1980–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Jacksonville
Chris Myers (1981–) Professional football lineman Born in Miami
Naomi (1987–) Professional wrestler Born in Sanford
Mike Napoli (1981–) Professional baseball catcher Born in Hollywood
Joe Nemechek (1963–) NASCAR driver Born in Naples
Harry Newman (1909–2000) Professional NFL All-Pro football quarterback Lived in South Florida
Stephen Nicholas (1983–) Professional football linebacker Born in Jacksonville
Chad Ochocinco (1978–) Professional football player Born in Miami
Darren O'Day (1982–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Jacksonville
Shaquille O'Neal (1972–) Professional basketball player Lived in Orlando
Rob Oppenheim (1980–) Professional golfer Lives near Orlando
Donna Orender (née Geils) (1957–) College basketball player and Women's Pro Basketball League All-Star; WNBA president Lives in Jacksonville Beach
Yaxeni Oriquen-Garcia (1966–) IFBB professional bodybuilder Lives in Miami Beach
Akwasi Owusu-Ansah (1988–) Professional football safety Born in Gainesville
Jonathan Papelbon (1980–) Professional baseball pitcher Grew up in Jacksonville
Dimitri Patterson (1983–) Professional football cornerback Born in Orlando
Eric Patterson (1983–) Professional baseball outfielder Born in Tallahassee
Kenny Phillips (1986–) Professional football safety Born in Miami
Ryan Pickett (1979–) Professional football nose tackle Born and raised in Zephyrhills
Jason Pierre-Paul (1989–) Professional football defensive end Born in Deerfield Beach
A. J. Pierzynski (1976–) Professional baseball catcher Raised in Orlando
Jim Presley (1961–) Professional baseball third baseman Born in Pensacola
Ryan Raburn (1981–) Professional baseball player Born in Tampa
Tim Raines (1959–) Professional baseball player Born in Sanford
Jay Ratliff (1981–) Professional football nose tackle Born in St. Petersburg
Chris Ray (1982–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Tampa
David Reutimann (1970–) NASCAR driver Born in Zephyrhills
Alex Rodriguez (1975–) Professional baseball player Partly raised in Miami
Sean Rodriguez (1985–) Professional baseball second baseman Born in Miami
Antrel Rolle (1982–) Professional football free safety Born in Homestead
Al Rosen (1924–2015) Professional baseball player; MLB four-time All-Star; MVP; two-time home run champion Lived in Miami
Yoav Saffar (1975–) Professional basketball player
Chris Sale (1989–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Lakeland
Jarrod Saltalamacchia (1985–) Professional baseball catcher Born in West Palm Beach
Asante Samuel (1981–) Professional football cornerback Born in Fort Lauderdale
Deion Sanders (1967–) Professional football cornerback Born in Fort Myers
Warren Sapp (1972–) Professional football player Born in Orlando
Ossie Schectman (1919–2013) Basketball player who scored the first basket in NBA history Lived in Florida
Luke Scott (1978–) Professional baseball player Born in DeLand
Clint Session (1984–) Professional football linebacker Born in Pompano Beach
Maria Sharapova (1987–) Professional tennis player Lives in Bradenton
Derrick Sharp (1971–) Professional basketball player Born in Orlando
Darryl Sharpton (1988–) Professional football linebacker Born in Coral Gables
Lito Sheppard (1981–) Professional football player Born in Jacksonville
Scot Shields (1975–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Fort Lauderdale
Tom Shields (1991–) Competitive swimmer; 2016 and 2020 Olympian Born in Panama City
Buck Showalter (1956–) Professional baseball manager Born in DeFuniak Springs
Brandon Siler (1985–) Professional football linebacker Born in Daytona Beach
Ernie Sims (1984–) Professional football linebacker Born in Tallahassee
Mike Sims-Walker (1984–) Professional football wide receiver Born in Orlando
Kelly Slater (1972–) Professional surfer Born in Cocoa Beach
Emmitt Smith (1969–) Professional football player Born in Pensacola
Geno Smith (1990–) Professional football quarterback Born in Miami
Kevin Smith (1986–) Professional football running back Born in Miami
Mike Smith (1959–) Professional football head coach Born in Daytona Beach
Rusty Smith (1987–) Professional football quarterback Born in Jacksonville
Chris Snelling (1981–) Professional baseball player Born in North Miami
Harold Solomon (1952–) Professional tennis player, ranked No. 5 in the world Lives in Fort Lauderdale
Mose Solomon (1900–1966) Professional baseball player Lived in Miami
Denard Span (1984–) Professional baseball player Born in Tampa
Frank Spellman (1922–2017) Olympic weightlifter; 1948 gold medal, 75 kg Lived in Gulf Breeze
Steve Spurrier (1945–) Football player and coach Born in Miami Beach
Matthew Stafford (1988–) Professional football quarterback Born in Tampa
Amar'e Stoudemire (1982–) Professional basketball player Born in Lake Wales
Steve Tannen (1948–) Professional NFL football player Born in Miami
Antonio Tarver (1968–) Professional boxer Born in Tampa
Din Thomas (1976–) UFC fighter Lives and trains in Port St. Lucie
Joanna Thomas (1976–) IFBB professional bodybuilder Lives in Fort Lauderdale
Willie Thornton (1986–) Professional CFL football player Born in Belle Glade
Danny Valencia (1984–) Professional baseball player Born in Miami
Jason Varitek (1972–) Professional baseball player Grew up in Longwood
Alan Veingrad (1963–) Professional NFL football player Raised in part in Miami
Betty Viana-Adkins (1971–) IFBB professional bodybuilder Lives in Miami Beach
Jonathan Vilma (1982–) Professional football player Born in Coral Gables
Dwyane Wade (1982–) Professional basketball player Lived in Miami
Tim Wakefield (1966–) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Melbourne
Neal Walk (1948–2015) Professional NBA basketball player Raised in Florida
Leon Washington (1982–) Professional football running back Born in Jacksonville
Leonard Weaver (1982–) Professional football fullback Born in Melbourne
Eric Weems (1985–) Professional football wide receiver Born in Daytona Beach
Dan Wheldon (1978–2011) Racing driver Born in England; lived in St. Petersburg
Paul Wight (1972–) Professional wrestler Lives in Tampa
Bobby Wilson (1983–) Professional baseball catcher Born in Dunedin
Major Wright (1988–) Professional football safety Born in Miramar
LeeRoy Yarbrough (1938–1984) NASCAR driver Born in Jacksonville
Sam Young (1987–) Professional football quarterback Born in Coral Springs
Kerry Blackshear Jr. (1997–) Professional basketball player
Rakeem Buckles (1990–) Professional basketball player
Norris Coleman (1961–) Professional basketball player
Ed Elisma (1975–) Professional basketball player
Eric Griffin (1990–) Professional basketball player
Ángel Hernández (1961–) Baseball umpire
Chris Johnson (1990–) Professional basketball player
Glen Rice Jr. Professional basketball player
Corey Walden Professional basketball player
Scottie Wilbekin (1993–) Professional basketball player
  • Eli Abaev (born 1998), American-Israeli basketball player for Hapoel Be'er Sheva in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
  • Jodi Appelbaum-Steinbauer (born 1956), professional tennis player
  • Richard Bleier (born 1987), Major League Baseball pitcher for the Boston Red Sox
  • Angela Buxton (1934–2020), English tennis player
  • Joe Chealey, basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
  • Paul DeJong (born 1993), Major League Baseball infielder for the San Francisco Giants
  • Toney Douglas (born 1986), basketball player for Hapoel Eilat of the Israeli Basketball Premier League
  • David Efianayi (born 1995), basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League, raised in Orlando
  • Colton Gordon (born 1998), baseball pitcher
  • Ronald Green (1944–2012), American-Israeli basketball player, born in Miami Beach
  • Dalton Guthrie (born 1995), MLB player for the San Francisco Giants
  • Shawn Jones (born 1992), basketball player for Hapoel Haifa of the Israeli Basketball Premier League
  • Maurice Kemp (born 1991), basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
  • Jack Langer (born 1948/49), basketball player and investment banker
  • Cameron Long (born 1988), basketball player
  • Dov Markus (born 1946), Israeli-American soccer player, lives in Boynton Beach
  • Ed Rubinoff (born 1935), tennis player
  • David Schneider (born 1955), South African-Israeli tennis player
  • Andrew Smith (born 1992), American-Latvian basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
  • Speedy Smith (born 1993), basketball player for Hapoel Jerusalem of the Israeli Basketball Premier League

Other

Name Notability Connection to Florida
G. Harold Alexander (1900–1987) Florida Republican Party state chairman (c. 1952–1964) Resided in Fort Myers
Carrot Top (1965–) Prop comedian Born in Cocoa Beach
Fabiano Caruana (1992–) Youngest chess grandmaster in United States history Born in Miami
Rick Dees (1950–) Radio personality Born in Jacksonville
Janice Dickinson (1955–) Early supermodel Born in Hollywood
Abraham Lincoln Lewis (1865–1947) Businessman and Florida's first African-American millionaire Born in Madison
Adam Lovell (1977–) Founder of WriteAPrisoner.com Lives and works in Edgewater
Charles E. Merrill (1885–1956) Founder of Merrill Lynch Born in Green Cove Springs
Carolyn Murphy (1973–) Supermodel Born in Fort Walton Beach
Chris Myers (1959–) Sportscaster Born in Miami
Kathleen Parker (1952–) Syndicated columnist Grew up in Winter Haven
A. Philip Randolph (1889–1979) Civil rights activist Born in Crescent City
Jason Schappert Aviator, flight instructor Lives in Ocala
Krissy Taylor (1978–1995) Model Born in Miami
Niki Taylor (1975–) Model Born in Miami
Norman Thagard (1943–) NASA astronaut Lives and works in Tallahassee
Hugo Vihlen (1931–) Record-breaking solo sailor Born in Florida; lived in Homestead
Jimmy Wales (1966–) Founding member of the Wikimedia Foundation Resided in St. Petersburg
Roger L. Worsley (1937–) Higher education administrator, president of Laredo Community College and chancellor of Southern Arkansas University Tech Resident of The Villages in Sumter County since 2011
Adin Ross (2000–) Twitch streamer Born in Boca Raton

Foreign-born Floridians

Name Notability Connection to Florida
Alia Atkinson (1988–) Competitive swimmer; 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 Olympian Born in Jamaica, partly raised in and resides in Pembroke Pines
Camila Cabello (1997–) Singer and former member of Fifth Harmony Born in Cuba and raised in Miami
Mark Consuelos (1970–) Television actor and husband of Kelly Ripa Born in Spain and lived in Tampa
Gloria Estefan (1957–) Grammy Award-winning singer Born in Cuba and raised in Miami
José Fernandez (1992–2016) Professional baseball pitcher Born in Cuba and later moved to Tampa
Don Francisco (1940–) Popular television personality from Telemundo Born in Chile and lives in Miami
Enrique Iglesias (1975–) Pop singer-songwriter and son of Spanish music legend Julio Iglesias Born in Spain and raised in Miami
Mark Meadows (1959–) U.S. representative from North Carolina (2013-2020) and White House Chief of Staff (2020-2021) Born in France and raised in Brandon
Tim Tebow (1987–) Professional baseball outfielder and former football quarterback Born in the Philippines and raised in Jacksonville
Carlos Valdés (1989–) actor and singer known for his role as Cisco Ramon in the television series The Flash Born in Colombia and raised in Miami
Malu Trevejo (2002–) Singer Born in Cuba and moved to Miami at age 13

See also

  • List of people from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • List of people from Jacksonville, Florida
  • List of people from Miami
  • List of people from Orlando, Florida
  • List of people from Pensacola, Florida
  • List of people from St. Petersburg
  • List of people from Tampa, Florida
  • List of people from Tallahassee, Florida
  • List of University of Miami alumni
  • List of Florida International University people
  • List of Florida suffragists
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