Florida has long been a hotspot for UFO sightings, with numerous reports of unexplained aerial phenomena across the state. According to the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC), as of July 28, 2023, Florida had 8,068 reported UFO sightings, ranking it among the top states for such activity. (ClickOrlando)

Several Florida cities stand out for their particularly high numbers of reported sightings. A November 2024 analysis by Stacker, using NUFORC data, identified the top 10 Florida cities for UFO activity:

1. Orlando: 395 sightings
2. Miami: 360 sightings
3. Jacksonville: 281 sightings
4. Tampa: 239 sightings
5. Sarasota: 140 sightings
6. Naples: 124 sightings
7. St. Petersburg: 123 sightings
8. Cape Coral: 106 sightings
9. Pensacola: 103 sightings
10. Fort Lauderdale: 100 sightings

(Stacker)

Among these cities, Miami stands out as a national leader in UFO activity. Between 2013 and 2023, Miami was ranked 21st out of 251 U.S. cities for UFO sightings, with 130 reported incidents. (Miami New Times)

So, why does Florida see so many UFO reports? The reasons might be as diverse as the state itself. Florida's large population, favorable weather for sky observation, and proximity to military installations and aerospace activity all contribute to the volume of sightings. Additionally, the state’s extensive coastline and thriving tourism industry mean more people are outdoors at night, increasing the chances of spotting—and reporting—something unusual.

While many UFO sightings in Florida can be attributed to natural phenomena or human-made objects, the fascination with unidentified aerial phenomena continues to intrigue residents and visitors alike. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, there's no denying that the Sunshine State has earned its reputation as a prime location for out-of-this-world encounters.