Florianópolis, formerly Desterro, city in southeastern Brazil, capital of Santa Catarina State, a seaport on Santa Catarina Island. A suspension bridge connects the island with the mainland. Situated in a rich farming region, the city is a commercial and cultural center. The Federal University of Santa Catarina (1960) and the University for the Development of Santa Catarina State (1966) are here. Founded about 1700, the city received its present name in 1893. Population (1996) 271,281.
