There are major meccas Destin, Panama City, Pensacola, Tallahassee and other major towns. The panhandle has been growing like mad for years now.
Much of the beach road from Mexico Beach all the way to pensacola had been filled in.But, go North and its a different ball game. Some homes in certain areas,few in others, lots of farming.
Panama City is about 160 miles South of me. I go to Tyndall AFB often as it has its own beautiful and very quiet beach.
Having said that, the road takes some time and puts me through the beautiful Alabama countryside. How far does it go? Well, when you get to Florida state line, culturally, you’re still in Alabama for many more miles.
Probably when you get about 10 miles from the shore does it even become somewhat Florida, but never like Tampa, Orlando or Miami!!!