The Florida-France Connection

You know,

As a long time resident and denizen of Central Florida, I've suspected for a while now there's some kind of historical, cultural, or social connection between Florida and France.

There's a connection there that I can't entirely explain. I don't know a lot of current people in either location, but Florida has French cafes, Florida TV got that "Cinemoi" channel. And then there is AirFrance, which is somewhat local. There's some kind of connection there culturally and socially,  but for the average Joe (pardon my French) it is hard to define.