The Sunshine State is home to more than beautiful beaches and amazing year-round weather. Florida is also one of the top places in the country to eat amazing seafood. From the northern tip of the state in Panama City down to its southernmost point in Key West, Florida has numerous seafood eateries where visitors can enjoy the fresh catch of the day. The only thing more abundant than the number of seafood restaurants is the wide variety of fish, shellfish, and crustacean cuisines.

The state of Florida spans two time zones. However, its large size is one of the reasons that so many of its cities and towns have amazing seafood restaurants.

1. Fort Lauderdale

Located on the state's east coast, Fort Lauderdale is a fantastic beach and seafood destination. With its proximity to ports and an international airport, Fort Lauderdale has easy access to fish from the Gulf of Mexico as well as the colder waters of the Atlantic. Many of the city's seafood restaurants feature fresh sushi and a local catch of the day. However, if you are looking to enjoy some of the freshest seafood and want to try delicious crab from a restaurant's personal stock, then you should look no further than Truluck's. The restaurant is famous for preparing fresh catch seafood that can be paired with a delicious glass of wine. By owning its own fisheries, Truluck's guests are able to enjoy fresh crabs that are caught each morning in the Gulf of Mexico.

2. Panama City

Located in the northwest corner of the state, Panama City is the place to go for oysters on the half shell. It is also the place to enjoy fresh shrimp caught daily in the Gulf of Mexico. For the past 45 years, one of the most popular locations has been Hunt's Oyster Bar. This no-frills seafood venue features a fresh selection of oysters during the cold months of the year. Throughout the warmer spring and summer months, visitors can enjoy classic fried seafood baskets that are sourced from local daily catches.

3. Palm Beach

Palm Beach might have some of the most lavish homes in the state of Florida, but it is also a city that knows its seafood. Practically every restaurant in Palm Beach will have seafood on its menu. The only way to find the best seafood restaurant in the area is to try them all, but perhaps the best starting point is The Seafood Bar at the Breakers. The restaurant's decor and menu were recently revamped. However, the new menu still focuses on fresh seafood. The only thing better than the cuisine at The Seafood Bar is its ideal location right next to the ocean.

4. Miami

Miami is certainly a hotspot destination for all seafood lovers. The cuisine varies from avant-garde to traditional on-the-grill menus -- you might even find your new favorite sushi spot somewhere in downtown Miami. From Biscayne Bay to the Atlantic Ocean, Miami is perfectly situated to serve up fresh seafood throughout the year. Each year, the city has a "hot new seafood spot" and one of this year's top contenders is Casablanca Seafood Bar and Grille. Part restaurant, part fish market, when you eat at Casablanca you know that you are going to enjoy the freshest cuisine. In fact, their slogan states as much: Fresh from our boats to your table.

5. Key West

If you travel to the southernmost part of the state, you will reach Key West, a fisherman's paradise. Some of the fresh, local fish that you can enjoy in Key West include hogfish, yellowtail snapper, grouper, wahoo, and cobia. During the right seasons, you can also enjoy shrimp, stone crab, and lobster. Whether you are looking for a Hemingway-style bar and restaurant or prefer something more elegant, you are sure to find exactly what you want in Key West. One of the top restaurants is Mangoes, which features local food and, of course, a wide variety of freshly caught fish. Even if you are not a self-described foodie, Mangoes is a must-visit restaurant in Key West.