Introduction
Antique maps of Florida have become very popular in the last 15-20 years because of acquisitions by museums and libraries that have put on public exhibitions. Online auctions and web sites have also made more information and items available to the average person. The number of private collectors has increased since the Miami International Map Fair held its first gathering in February in 1993. It has been held every year since at the HistoryMiami museum.

Most maps that show Florida – before and after it was named by Ponce de Leon in 1513 – are maps of the Caribbean and West Indies or the North American continent and the United States. The peninsula called Florida has always been just as much a part of the Caribbean as it is a part of the United States. Therefore, it would be relatively difficult to show all the maps that include Florida. Consequently, we will start with regional maps and become more specific in our presentation as the individually designated area becomes better defined.

For more information on this subject, you can also visit a special online exhibit on Florida maps put on by the University of Miami Libraries by clicking here.

We hope that those who are interested will feel free to offer comments and suggestions. Click here to contact us.