NewsNBC 6 South FloridaJune 30, 2026United States
Why Florida is sometimes called the '14th Colony'
As the U.S. celebrates its 250th anniversary, Florida officials have used the term '14th colony' to describe the state's historical status. Historians clarify that this nickname refers to Florida's position as a British territory that remained loyal to the crown during the American Revolution, rather than being part of the original 13 colonies.
Read the full story at NBC 6 South FloridaWhy It Matters
The term provides historical context for Florida's unique role during the American Revolution, where it served as a British stronghold rather than a participant in the independence movement.
Key Facts
- Florida became the 27th U.S. state on March 3, 1845.
- Great Britain divided Florida into two separate territories, East Florida and West Florida, after acquiring them in 1763.
- East Florida and West Florida remained loyal to the British crown during the American Revolutionary War.
- Florida served as a refuge for British loyalists fleeing the northern colonies during the war.
- East Florida and West Florida rejected invitations from the Continental Congress to join the rebellion in 1774 and 1775.
- Britain ceded both Florida territories back to Spain in 1783 following the Treaty of Paris.
- Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. in 1819.
- Florida residents voted for statehood in 1838 and approved a state constitution in 1839.
- Britain controlled between 25 and 35 colonies in the Americas during the colonial era.
Who's Mentioned
personMike Bunn“Historian and author of 'Fourteenth Colony'.”personRoger Smith“Historian and University of Florida adjunct professor.”personRon DeSantis“Governor of Florida who has used the '14th colony' term.”locationWest Florida“British territory during the Revolutionary era.”locationEast Florida“British territory during the Revolutionary era.”