The Sunshine State

A History of Florida

A sweeping history of the great state of Florida.

From the ancient Calusa kingdoms to the modern Marvel of Disney World, Florida has always been a land of transformation. In The Sunshine State, acclaimed historian Daniel Hardy takes readers on an unforgettable journey through America's most captivating peninsula—a place where Spanish conquistadors searched for fountains of youth, where Seminole warriors made their final stand, and where dreamers and schemers have been reinventing paradise for over five centuries.

Hardy masterfully weaves together Florida's epic story: the rise and fall of boom towns, the environmental battles that shaped the Everglades, the railroad barons who carved civilization from swampland, and the waves of settlers—from Cuban exiles to Midwestern retirees—who made Florida their promised land. With vivid storytelling and meticulous research, he reveals how this seemingly sun-soaked playground became a crucible for some of America's most defining moments, from the space race to the 2000 election that changed a nation.

Part adventure tale, part ecological thriller, part political drama, The Sunshine State shows how Florida's unique geography and restless spirit have made it both America's playground and its laboratory for the future. Whether you're a longtime Floridian, a curious visitor, or simply fascinated by American history, Hardy's compelling narrative will change how you see the state that has always dared to be different.

The latest installment in Daniel Hardy's acclaimed "Hardy Histories of the States of America" series delivers the same engaging blend of scholarly insight and page-turning storytelling that has made these books essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the real America.