NewsNBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – Local NewsJune 30, 2026United States
Why Florida is sometimes called the '14th Colony'
This article explains the historical context behind the nickname '14th colony' used by Florida officials, clarifying that it refers to Florida's status as a British territory during the American Revolution rather than its order of entry into the United States.
Read the full story at NBC 6 South Florida (WTVJ) – Local NewsWhy It Matters
The term clarifies Florida's historical role as a British territory during the American Revolution, distinguishing it from the original 13 colonies that sought independence.
Key Facts
- Florida became the 27th U.S. state on March 3, 1845.
- Great Britain acquired Florida from Spain in 1763 following the Seven Years' War.
- Britain divided Florida into two separate territories: East Florida and West Florida.
- Both East and West Florida remained loyal to the British Crown during the American Revolutionary War.
- East and West Florida rejected invitations from the Continental Congress to join the rebellion in 1774 and 1775.
- St. Augustine served as the capital of East Florida; Pensacola served as the capital of West Florida.
- Britain ceded both Florida territories back to Spain in 1783 via the Treaty of Paris.
- Spain ceded Florida to the U.S. in 1819.
- Florida residents voted for statehood in 1838 and approved a constitution in 1839.
- The '14th colony' nickname has been used by various historians for decades to describe British territories outside the original 13 colonies.
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.”