Why would an earthquake most likely happen in California but not in Florida?

Because of the tectonic plates

Explanation:

California has a relatively high number of earthquakes due to its position on both the Pacific and North American Plates. These plates are in constant motion, and earthquakes occur when their sides slip against one another suddenly. Florida, on the other hand, is not on the boundary of a tectonic plate, so it does not experience earthquakes as often.