Straits of Florida

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The Straits of Florida
The Straits of Florida

The Straits of Florida, Florida Straits, or Florida Strait is a strait located south-southeast of the North American mainland, generally accepted to be between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean, and between the Florida Keys and Cuba. The strait carries the Florida Current, the beginning of the Gulf Stream, from the Gulf of Mexico.

Florida Straits from Space
Florida Straits from Space

Rights to oil and natural gas in the Florida Straits were divided between the United States and Cuba by a 1977 treaty. Cuba is actively leasing tracts in its sector for exploration while the United States due to environmental and tourist concerns is not. Geological studies project substantial reserves.

[edit] See also

  • Florida Straits, a movie starring Fred Ward.

Coordinates: 23°56′03″N, 80°55′33″W