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>http://www.pbchistoryonline.org/middle-school-lessons/013-Britain in Florida/013-Transfer-Brits.htm
Florida Real Estate, Colonial Style - Florida Became a British Colony
The London Board of Trade advertised 20,000 acre lots to any group willing to enter Florida. The land, however, had to be settled within ten years with one resident per 100 acres. While the Privy Council in London granted land titles, pioneer families could gain land grants at the two colonial capitals. Former British soldiers were eligible for special grants. Each pioneer settler was given 100 acres of land and 50 acres per family member. To recruit Southerners, slavery was allowed.
The British did not rule Florida for long. The colonies north of Florida were tired of Britain's rule and decided to fight for their independence. During this time, colonists who fought for independence were known as Patriots. Those who sided with Britain were called Loyalists.
Most of the war took place far north of Florida, but Florida suffered occasional raids. In 1779, Spain took advantage of Britain's preoccupation with the colonies and invaded West Florida. By 1781, Britain had lost West Florida to Spain. At the end of the American Revolution, Spain regained the rest of Florida.
On September 3, 1783, another Treaty of Paris was signed ending the American Revolution. England left Florida.
Spain regained Florida, but its rule was short lived. The United States now wanted control of Florida. Spain's attempt to bring settlers to Florida failed, and by 1800 Spain's control of Florida had weakened. Gaining control of Florida for the United States would mean gaining control of the Mississippi River. That was an important route for trade.
At the same time, Britain also wanted to regain control of Florida.
Finally in 1821, the United States was successful in purchasing Florida from Spain. Florida became a territory of the United States.