It is a historical name that refers to the region encompassing the southeastern United States, including the modern-day states of Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and parts of Texas and South Carolina.
The name was given by Spanish explorers in the 16th century, who were drawn to the area's abundance of flora, fauna, and potential for riches. The name "Florida" itself comes from the Spanish word "florido," meaning "blooming" or "flowery."
It's important to note that "La Florida" doesn't refer to the present-day state of Florida exclusively. It was a much broader geographical region that encompassed a significant portion of the southeastern United States.