Florida is known as The Sunshine State, but that sweeping term is broken down into six general coastal regions and two dominant climates.

The majority of the state, North and Central Florida, is considered subtropical, while the southern region is tropical. But how are these two climates different? And where do we geographically draw the line between Central and South Florida regions?

If you're from Florida or live here, you might know how territorial Floridians can be about the Sunshine State... And how territorial they can be about the differences between North Florida and South Florida cultures, and where their geographical boundaries begin and end.

"So Florida" embraces all the multitudes of the state, with the cultural and geographical vibes varying greatly from region to region.

Since there's not one specific set of official dividing lines that separate the state into three perfect regions, there are often disagreements about which counties or cities are considered North, Central or South. And many skip over Central Florida altogether. (The university names don't help either.)

State pride runs deep. City pride does, too. But deciding which region of Florida you're in? That's a little tougher. If you live here, you likely know how much it matters, as North Florida culture is drastically different from South Florida culture. As the saying goes, "The more North you go, the more South you get."

Here's a quick breakdown on what part of Florida is considered tropical and which counties are considered to be a part of South Florida, versus what popular opinion considers to be South Florida. We also have a poll below, so you can vote on where you think South Florida begins.

How is Florida divided up? A guide to Florida regions

According to the U.S. Department of Interior's Geological Survey (USGS), Florida and its coasts are split into six geographic regions.

"The FCMaP approach divides Florida into six regions that are geologically and physiographically distinct in terms of coastal characteristic (e.g. dominant type of shoreline, width of continental shelf, composition and structure of seabed), have variable stakeholder-driven needs, and will develop separate prioritization strategies," the USGS said.

If you don't know, FCMaP stands for the Florida Coastal Mapping Program, an initiative between federal and state agencies that aims to coordinate and facilitate the collection and accessibility of Florida coastal seafloor data.

Although this regional breakup primarily relies on the coastal waters around Florida, it can also serve as a litmus test for the regions of Florida itself.

Here are the six coastal regions that Florida is divided into, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (northwest to northeast):

* Panhandle

* Big Bend

* West Florida Peninsula

* Florida Keys

* Southeast Coast

* Northeast Coast

What part of Florida is the tropics?

According to Florida Smart, the Sunshine State has two dominant climates: Humid Subtropical in North and Central Florida and Tropical Savanna in South Florida and the Florida Keys.

"In North and Central Florida, it is a Humid Subtropical climate with mild winters and long, hot, rainy summers," Florida Smart says. "In South Florida and the Keys, it is more of a Tropical Savanna with warm weather year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons."

This is consistent with data from the Florida Climate Center, which is housed by Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee.

"Most of the State lies within the extreme southern portion of the Northern Hemisphere's Humid Subtropical climate zone, noted for its long, hot and humid summers and mild and wet winters," The Florida Climate Center said.

"The southernmost portion of the State is generally designated as belonging to the Tropical Savanna region, a climate that it shares with most of the Caribbean islands. Sometimes also called the wet and dry tropics, Tropical Savanna precipitation is highly concentrated in the warmer months."

Where does South Florida start and end? What counties are in South Florida?

As mentioned above for other Florida regions, there is no official line that divides South Florida from the rest of the state.

The Treasure Coast -- which includes Indian River County, St. Lucie County and Martin County -- is considered by many to mark the beginning of South Florida on the East Coast. Others consider Palm Beach County, which is further south on the same coast, to be the start of South Florida.

For example, Florida Smart includes Treasure Coast counties in its list of Central Florida counties. On the West Coast, the Tampa Bay area is generally considered the southernmost point of Central Florida on the Gulf side.

According to Florida Smart, South Florida counties include:

East Coast:

* Miami-Dade County

* Broward County

* Palm Beach County

West Coast:

* Monroe County

* Collier County

* Hendry County

* Lee County

* Glades County

The Florida Keys are the southernmost point of Florida, and are widely considered their own region, separate from the southern portion of Florida's peninsula. Some people also consider "South Florida" to exclude Florida's Southwest counties on the Gulf Coast.

Where is 'South Florida'? Here's what Florida Redditors say

The answer to what is and isn't considered South Florida doesn't become clearer when you factor in Floridian opinions. On the Reddit channel R/Florida, there are the same arguments about whether or not the Treasure Coast is included in South Florida.

"Many of us in the treasure coast are also considered south Florida or southeast Florida.. many from the three lower counties moved up here for less people and cheaper homes.." one Redditor posted.

"No you're not. South Florida is Palm Beach, Broward and Dade counties. Its been that way forever," another Redditor responded.

Others consider Southwest Florida to be its own thing entirely, not including southern Gulf Coast counties in the blanket term "South Florida."

"The Keys are part of South Florida but also a separate thing. The west coast is Southwest Florida. Anything north of Jupiter is central Florida. I have no evidence for any of this, but it feels true to me," one Redditor said.

"This is correct- SoFlo does not include the Keys or the Gulf," another Redditor responded.

If you also have a strong opinion about how South Florida is broken up and whether or not the Gulf Coast is included in that blanket term, vote in our polls below!

Where does South Florida begin on the East Coast? Vote in our poll

If you can't see the poll above, click this link to cast your vote.

What counties are considered South Florida? Does the Gulf Coast count?

If you can't see the poll above, click this link to cast your vote.