The Florida Department of State is the go-to agency for managing our state’s elections, corporations, historical resources and libraries. Spanning 12,000 years of history, Prehistoric Florida is a captivating topic to explore, revealing the early human inhabitants who first settled here.
The animal population in Prehistoric Florida included a variety of mammals that we still recognize today, such as saber-tooth tigers, mastodons, giant armadillos and camels that have since become extinct. The Florida coastline was also much different then, with sea levels that were much lower than they are now meaning the peninsula was twice its current size.
These first Floridians were hunters and gatherers, with a diet that was based on small animals, plants, nuts and shellfish. Through centuries, they developed complex cultures, cultivating agriculture and trading with other groups in the southeastern United States. During this period, social organization increased and it was reflected in the large temple mounds and village complexes.
Researchers believe that the Prehistoric Florida settlers chose areas for settlement where there was a steady water supply, stone resources for tool making and firewood available. As such, these factors were integral to the success and survival of the native population.
The Florida Department of State remains committed to safeguarding and preserving the state’s honored history, including the sometimes forgotten Prehistoric Florida. Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records so if you want to contact this office do not send an email but rather use either the phone number or physical address to get in touch.
At the Florida Department of State, we understand the importance of honoring the state’s rich prehistoric past, which provides us with insightful information about Early Human Inhabitants and their culture. As such, we play a fundamental role in preserving the vibrant stories of Prehistoric Florida and ensuring its lasting legacy.
To this end, the Florida Department of State helps to promote historical awareness by providing educational resources on Early Human Inhabitants and Prehistoric Florida. Through its educational materials, the Department shares the story of the first Floridians and their contributions to the state’s history and culture.
In addition to its commitment to preserving the state’s past, the Florida Department of State also focuses on uncovering fresh archaeological finds from Prehistoric Florida. The Agency employs archaeologists, who use sophisticated technology like ground penetrating radar to identify potential archaeological sites throughout the state.
Public outreach is another important element of the Department’s Prehistoric Florida program. Its staff makes presentations and offers guided tours to schools and other organizations, introducing younger generations to the fascinating history of the region.
One example of how the Department puts these public outreach efforts into practice is through the Don Pedro Island Prehistoric Tour. This media-rich tour provides a glimpse into the prehistory of the Florida Gulf Coast, exploring the ancient island middens that were left by Prehistoric Florida’s first settlers.
The Department also works to protect Florida’s archaeological and historical sites by supporting legislation that safeguards these precious resources. For example, the Department backed the passage of the 2016 Preservation Act, which established an interagency historic preservation review board to protect artifacts and archaeological sites from damage or destruction.
The Department also strives to ensure that its efforts in preserving Prehistoric Florida have tangible outcomes. As part of this mission, the Agency has partnered with local and international universities to provide hands-on educational opportunities for students and faculty.
Through these initiatives, the Department helps to foster an appreciation of Prehistoric Florida’s past and the role it played in the state’s history. By engaging in public outreach, protecting archaeological sites, and promoting historical education, the Florida Department of State is devoted to ensuring that our state’s ancient heritage remains well preserved.
In response to the growing demand for information on Prehistoric Florida, the Department has also made several of its records available online. Those accessing the agency’s website can view important documents related to state history, such as archaeological assessments, excavation reports, and archaeological studies.
The Department’s commitment to preserving Prehistoric Florida isn’t limited to the past. It continues to play an important role in protecting and restoring the prehistoric sites that remain throughout the state today.
The Agency works in cooperation with various partners to preserve Florida’s cultural heritage, including conservation efforts to restore ancient shoreline structures and preserve significant artifacts. By collaborating with these partners, the Department is able to ensure that Prehistoric Florida’s legacy lives on for future generations.