Explore the elevation of Orlando—one of the most visited cities in the world, sitting just 82 feet above sea level in central Florida’s low-lying terrain, where iconic theme parks, tropical weather, and rich history converge in the heart of the Sunshine State.

Table of Contents

Where is Orlando?

  • Location: Orlando is located in central Florida, within the Sun Belt region of the United States.

City Profile

  • Nickname: Known as The Theme Park Capital of the World.
  • Fame: Famous for Disney World, Universal Studios, and other major theme parks.
  • Population: Around 280,000 residents in the city and over 2.3 million in the metro area.
  • Size rank: County seat of Orange County and one of Florida’s largest metro regions.

Elevation Basics

  • City elevation: Orlando sits at 82 feet (25 m) above sea level.
  • State comparison: Florida’s mean elevation is 100 feet (30 m), making Orlando relatively typical for the state.
  • Highest point in city: Orlando’s terrain is generally flat, with no major elevation changes across the city.
  • Founding name: Originally called Fort Gatlin during the Second Seminole War in 1838.
  • Early settlers: Settled by Isaac and Aaron Jernigan, giving rise to the town of Jernigan.
  • Name origin: Possibly named after a soldier, Orlando, who died during the Second Seminole War.
  • Growth story: Exploded in growth after Disney World was announced in 1965.
  • Modern evolution: Now filled with hotels, shops, restaurants, and international attractions.

Must-Know Elevation Facts

  • Elevation meaning: Indicates a location’s height above sea level.
  • City comparison: Orlando is higher than:
    • Miami – 6 feet (2 m)
    • Jacksonville – 16 feet (5 m)
    • Tampa – 48 feet (14.6 m)
    but lower than:
    • Tallahassee – 203 feet (62 m)
  • State comparison: Only Delaware and Louisiana have lower average elevations than Florida.
  • Highest point in Florida: Britton Hill at 345 feet (105 m).
  • Lowest point in Florida: Sea level along the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
  • Geography impact: Florida’s wetlands, marshes, and flat terrain contribute to its overall low elevation.
  • Orlando’s elevation rank in Florida: One of the higher large cities in the state, despite its low national profile.

Climate and Tourism

  • Climate type: Orlando has a humid subtropical climate.
  • Temperature range: Summers average 90°F (32°C); winters average around 70°F (23°C).
  • Weather influence: Orlando’s low elevation and proximity to the Tropic of Cancer affect its warm, sunny weather.
  • Storm risk: Located inland but still at risk for hurricanes and tropical storms.
  • Main attractions: Home to Disney World, Universal Studios, and SeaWorld.
  • Outdoor options: Offers nature trails, camping, kayaking, and fishing in addition to theme parks.
  • Shopping and dining: Packed with restaurants, entertainment venues, and shopping centers for all budgets.

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