Victory Florida 80
Victory Florida 80 is the Florida Department of State’s initiative to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Allied victory and the end of World War II by highlighting Florida’s significant contributions to the war effort.
From the outset of U.S. engagement in the global conflict, Florida served as a critical military hub with over 170 installations across the state. Millions of service members trained in Florida who went on to fight in the European or Pacific theaters. Florida’s coastline became a battleground when German U-boats fired on targets, while its shipyards, manufacturing facilities, and agricultural production supported the war effort.
The War permanently transformed Florida’s landscape, economy, and population, as many service members who trained in the state returned after the war, contributing to Florida’s dramatic post-war boom and development.
Through Victory Florida 80, the Department of State encourages Floridians and Florida’s visitors to learn more about this historic period and to visit a site, memorial, or museum dedicated to the memory of this life changing event.
Important Dates
May 8: World War II ended in Europe
May 26: Memorial Day
August 7: Purple Heart Day
September 2: Official ending of World War II
September 19: POW/MIA Recognition Day
November 11: Veterans Day
December 7: Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
WWII Sites, Memorials and Museums in Florida
Additional Resources
Florida Historical Marker Interactive Map
Find World War II historic sites throughout Florida’s communities.
"Florida Remembers World War II" is an exhibit by the Museum of Florida History that documents the state's response to the war, including patriotic activities on the home front and the establishment of military training bases throughout the state. According to official statistics, approximately 248,000 Floridians served in World War II, including women and Black-Americans.
Florida World War II Heritage Trail
The Florida World War II Heritage Trail, a 72-page guidebook, includes color and archival photographs of Florida sites related to World War II, and biographical sketches of many men and women who played a significant role during the war.
Florida Panhandle Shipwreck Trail
Explore sunken World War II era ships off Florida’s gulf coast.
Learn about the role women played in the military and on the home front during the war.
This exhibit from the State Library and Archives of Florida highlights the experience of Florida and Floridians during World War II using photographs, documents and film.
Documenting the Troops: Military Records on Florida Memory and at the State Archives of Florida
A video tutorial explaining how to use a variety of records to trace the military service of a Florida ancestor.
A review of the kinds of documentation available for researching home front activities during World War II in Florida.
Guide to Military Records and the Wartime Experience
A guide to government records and manuscript collections at the State Archives of Florida relating to service members and the wartime experience.
Explore lesson plans and primary sources sets from the State Archives of Florida that contain letters, telegrams, advertisements and brochures depicting life during World War II.
Florida Veterans’ History Program
The Major John Leroy Haynes Florida Veterans’ History Program collects, preserves, and shares the stories of Florida’s veterans and the State of Florida’s military contributions throughout the nation’s history.
State Library of Florida’s WWII Bibliography
This guide from the State Library of Florida explores Florida’s wartime history and heritage.
Many of Florida’s 67 county Supervisors of Elections have a program to honor Florida’s veterans by reminding us of the men and women who served and sacrificed to protect our right to vote. Contact your Supervisor of Elections' office to find out how you can participate.
