Why do parts of Florida smell so strongly of mold and mildew?

Florida has the highest average humidity in the United States with no point in the state more than 60 miles from salt water, and no more than 345 feet above sea level. It often isn't noticed because of the sea breeze. All that humidity creates a ripe environment for mold and mildew. Because many homes are used as vacation homes, this allows the spores to grow for longer periods of time before being removed. Mold and mildew both create a musty, stale smell as it consumes the surface it grows on.