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