Florida timeline By Miguel Echaide 12,000 BCE The first groups of hunters and gatherers arrive in Florida. Period: 1000 to 1500 Development of indigenous cultures such as the Calusa, Timucua, and Apalachee. Period: 1501 to 1600 Florida becomes a point of conflict between Spain, France, and the United Kingdom. 1513 Juan Ponce de León reaches the Florida peninsula and claims it for Spain. 1565 Foundation of St. Augustine, the oldest city in the United States, by the Spanish. Period: 1701 to 1800 Florida changes hands several times between Spain and the United Kingdom. Period: 1801 to 1900 Agriculture, including citrus production, becomes a significant industry. 1819 The Adams-Onís Treaty cedes Florida to the United States. 1845 Florida becomes the 27th state of the United States. Period: 1861 to 1865 U.S. Civil War: Florida joins the Confederate states. Period: 1901 to 2000 Tourism begins to take off in Florida due to its warm climate and beaches. 1960 The tourism industry in Florida booms, with the development of theme parks like Disney World and Universal Studios. 1980 Florida's population experiences rapid growth. 2000 Controversial elections in Florida determine the U.S. presidency. 2010 Florida is impacted by the effects of Hurricane Katrina. 2020 The COVID-19 pandemic affects Florida and its tourism-driven economy.
