The Florida Keys are a 240 km (150 miles) long chain of coral and limestone islands and reefs that extends from Virginia Key, south of Miami Beach, to Key West and form the southern extremity of Florida. Between the Keys and the mainland lies Florida Bay, while the islands are separated from Cuba by the Straits of Florida.

Many of the islands have resort developments, of which Key Largo and Key West are the best known. There are numerous commercial fisheries and diving zones around the islands, while the Keys boast subtropical vegetation and a variety of wildlife.

During the 1990's, concern over population growth, increased traffic and degradation of the reefs and local water grew. These concerns resulted in the establishment of the first U.S. undersea park, at Key Largo. The park has noted coral formations. Most of the Florida Keys islands are linked to the mainland by the Overseas Highway, which was completed in 1938. The road is 216 km (135 miles) long and includes 42 bridges.