When Florida visitors get tired of swimming, diving, canoeing, kayaking, boating, skiing, fishing, or other participation sports, they can settle down to spectator sports. Horse racing is especially popular, as is jai-alai, the fast-paced ball game imported from the Basque country. There are also many professional sports teams.

Major League Baseball

The Florida Marlins, based in Miami, and the Tampa Bay Devil Rays are the state's two professional baseball teams. Those who cannot attend a game during the regular season may be able to catch other teams when they come to Florida for Spring Training.

Professional Football

The Miami Dolphins are a perennial contender in the National Football League. The Jacksonville Jaguars are said to be the most successful expansion team in NFL history. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are central Florida's team

Professional Basketball

The Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic joined the NBA in the late 1980s. The competition is always exciting.

National Hockey League

Perhaps it is not surprising that Florida has two NHL teams. After all, a large portion of the state's population migrated to Florida from the colder climates. The Florida Panthers are based in Sunrise, near Fort Lauderdale. The crowds attending Tampa Bay Lightning games have set league records for attendance