Seasonality of Florida Tourism
Abstract
Florida began attracting tourists even before it became part of the United States, but it wasn't until this century, most particularly after World War II that tourism became of great importance to the state's economy. Until the 1950s most visitors came to the state during the winter. Not only did they find the heat and humidity of Florida summers insufferable, but many feared the occasional outbreaks of tropical diseases such as malaria and yellow fever. As May approached tourist hotels simply closed, not to reopen until October or November. There are still many residents of Miami Beach who remember shuttered hotels along Ocean and Collins Avenue.