According to WPLG Local 10, a man was hospitalized after a possible lightning strike Thursday afternoon in southwest Miami-Dade, authorities said.

Florida is know as the sunshine states.  However Florida ranks highest for lightning fatalities in the United States. In Florida, lightning strikes have more fatalities, even more than hurricanes.

Is Lightning Bad in Florida?

Florida is the lightning capitol of the 50 United States. The geography of Florida is important, especially in the summer. Sunshine and the water, two factors that contribute to Florida’s outstanding quality of life, are crucial to the formation of thunderstorms.

The “Lightning Alley” region, which runs from Tampa Bay, Florida, to Titusville, Florida, experiences the most lightning on a yearly basis.

Here is the data from NWS Melborne Lightning Stats

Top 10 States with most fatalities

Rank
State
1
Florida
2
Texas
 3
North Carolina
 4
Ohio
 5
Tennessee
 6
New York
 7
Louisiana
 8
Colorado
 9
Pennsylvania
10
Maryland

Do you need Lightning Protection System in Florida?

In Florida, public schools, hospitals and nursing facilities are required by Florida Building Code to have lightning protection systems that can protect them against the destructive force of a lightning strike.