Search Page - Florida Department of State

History of the Division

/historical/about/history-of-the-division/

In 1969, the Florida Legislature created the Florida Division of Archives, History and Records Management and assigned it to the Florida Department of State. Learn more about the history of Historic Preservation in Florida and the Division of…

Employment

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The Division actively recruits passionate, energetic and positive professionals desiring to make a difference.

Seminole History

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The Seminoles of Florida call themselves the "Unconquered People," descendants of just 300 Indians who managed to elude capture by the U.S. army in the 19th century.

Great Floridians Program

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The Great Floridian designation is presented annually in recognition of the outstanding achievements of men and women who have made significant contributions to the progress and welfare of this state.

Voting

/elections/for-voters/voting/

This section contains information on how to vote, including early voting, vote-by-mail, and voting at the polls on election day

Visit

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Maps, directions, contact information and how to prepare for your visit.

Advisory Opinions

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Legal opinions issued by the Division of Elections from March 1987 through present in answer to queries regarding the applicability of election laws

Florida Artists Hall of Fame

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The Florida Artists Hall of Fame, the state's highest cultural honor, was established by the Florida Legislature in 1986 to recognize persons, living or deceased, who have made significant contributions to the arts in Florida either as performing…

Poetry Out Loud

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Poetry Out Loud National Recitation Contest is a literature program for high school students in every state in the country. Poetry Out Loud participants master public speaking skills, build self-confidence, and learn about their literary heritage…

Statehood

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Florida became the twenty-seventh state in the United States on March 3, 1845.

Civil War and Reconstruction

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During the Civil War, Florida was not ravaged as several other southern states were. Indeed, no decisive battles were fought on Florida soil. While Union forces occupied many coastal towns and forts, the interior of the state remained in…

World War II and Post-War Boom

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World War II spurred economic development in Florida. Because of its year-round mild climate, the state became a major training center for soldiers, sailors, and aviators of the United States and its allies.

Florida's Historic Flags

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Many flags have flown over Florida since European explorers first landed here in the early sixteenth century. Among these have been the flags of five nations: Spain, France, Great Britain, the United States, and the Confederate States of America.…

Research

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Folklife programs are grounded in knowledge about Florida's traditional culture. In order to maintain and expand our information base, the Florida Folklife Program undertakes annual surveys on selected topics to identify and document folklife.

A. E. "Bean " Backus

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Largely self-taught artist A.E. "Beanie" Backus painted and sold realistic scenes of his native state for 54 years. Considered the "dean" of Florida landscape art, Backus exhibited a style that inspired—and was emulated by— hundreds of artists. His…