Tallahassee
| Official name | City of Tallahassee |
| Type | Capital city |
| Downtown Tallahassee and Florida State Capitol | |
| State | Florida |
| Country | United States |
| Established | 1824 |
| Population | 200,000 |
| Area (km²) | 267 |
| Time zone | Eastern (EST/EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) | 32301–32399 |
| Area code(s) | 850 |
Tallahassee is the capital of Florida and the county seat of Leon County. Located in the Florida Panhandle, it is a regional hub for education, law, and government and offers a unique blend of Southern charm, academic energy, and natural beauty.
Overview
- Chosen as the capital in 1824 due to its central location between Pensacola and St. Augustine
- One of the few state capitals in the Deep South with a significant hilltop elevation
- Home to two major universities and Florida’s legislative and judicial branches
Landmarks and Attractions
- Florida State Capitol Complex – includes both the Historic Capitol and the modern high-rise
- Cascades Park – scenic urban park with trails, amphitheater, and water features
- Mission San Luis – a reconstructed 17th-century Spanish mission
- Florida Museum of History and Tallahassee Automobile Museum
- Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park
Economy
Tallahassee’s economy is driven by:
- State government and public administration
- Higher education (FSU and FAMU)
- Legal services, lobbying, and research
- Healthcare, insurance, and tech startups
Education
- Florida State University (FSU) – a major public research university
- Florida A&M University (FAMU) – one of the nation’s top HBCUs
- Tallahassee Community College (TCC) and numerous public schools
Culture and Lifestyle
- Known for live oak trees, Spanish moss, and rolling hills — a rarity in Florida
- Hosts events like Springtime Tallahassee, Word of South Festival, and FAMU Homecoming
- Strong college sports culture, especially football
- Offers quick access to the Gulf Coast and rural North Florida
Transportation
- Tallahassee International Airport (TLH)
- StarMetro provides city bus service
- U.S. Routes 27, 90, and Interstate 10 pass through the city
Fun Facts
- “Tallahassee” comes from a Muskogean word meaning “old town”
- It’s the only U.S. state capital bordering two time zones
- The Capitol building is the third-tallest in the U.S. at 345 feet