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Florida's governors don't just occupy a seat in Tallahassee—they've fundamentally shaped how the state developed from a sparsely populated territory into one of America's most influential states. When you study these leaders, you're really studying the major themes of Florida history: territorial expansion, infrastructure development, civil rights struggles, environmental management, and economic transformation. Each governor on this list represents a turning point or defining approach to one of these challenges.
You're being tested on more than names and dates here. Exam questions will ask you to connect governors to broader movements—Progressive Era reform, the Civil Rights Movement, the environmental conservation debate, or shifts in economic policy. Don't just memorize who served when—know what problems they faced, what philosophy guided their decisions, and how their choices still affect Florida today. That's what separates a passing answer from an excellent one.
These governors established Florida's basic governmental structure and set precedents for how the state would grow. Their challenge was transforming a frontier territory into a functioning state with infrastructure and institutions.
Compare: Jackson vs. Moseley—both faced the challenge of building government from scratch, but Jackson operated under military authority in a territory while Moseley worked within a democratic framework as an elected state leader. If asked about Florida's transition to statehood, Moseley is your key figure.
These governors embraced activist government to modernize Florida during a period of rapid national change. The Progressive movement emphasized using government power to solve social problems and promote economic development.
Compare: Broward's Everglades drainage vs. later governors' restoration efforts—this reversal illustrates how Florida's relationship with its environment shifted dramatically over the 20th century. Broward saw wetlands as obstacles; modern governors see them as assets.
These governors navigated Florida through the turbulent decades of desegregation and social change. Their responses ranged from cautious moderation to active advocacy, shaping Florida's reputation relative to other Southern states.
Compare: Collins vs. Askew—both represented progressive Southern leadership, but Collins operated during the crisis years of early desegregation while Askew governed during implementation. Collins' courage was in resisting segregationist pressure; Askew's was in institutionalizing reform.
These governors grappled with Florida's central tension: how to accommodate explosive population growth while protecting the natural resources that make the state attractive. Their policies reflect evolving understanding of environmental science and sustainable development.
Compare: Graham vs. Chiles—both Democrats who prioritized environment and education, but Graham focused on creating regulatory frameworks while Chiles emphasized large-scale restoration partnerships. Together they represent Florida's environmental policy maturation.
These governors emphasized reducing government's role in the economy while promoting business-friendly policies. Their approach reflects a philosophical shift toward market-based solutions and limited regulation.
Compare: Bush vs. Scott vs. DeSantis—all three Republicans who emphasized economic growth and limited government, but with different signature issues. Bush focused on education accountability, Scott on job creation, and DeSantis on cultural policy. This progression shows how conservative priorities evolved over two decades.
| Concept | Best Examples |
|---|---|
| Territorial/Early Statehood | Jackson, Moseley |
| Progressive Era Reform | Broward |
| Civil Rights Leadership | Collins, Askew |
| Environmental Protection | Graham, Chiles, Askew |
| Everglades Policy (Drainage) | Broward |
| Everglades Policy (Restoration) | Graham, Chiles, DeSantis |
| Education Reform | Collins, Bush, DeSantis |
| Conservative Economic Policy | Bush, Scott, DeSantis |
| Government Transparency/Reform | Askew |
Compare and contrast Napoleon Bonaparte Broward's approach to the Everglades with that of Bob Graham and Lawton Chiles. What changed in Florida's environmental philosophy between these administrations?
Which two governors are most associated with moderate or progressive racial policies during periods of social tension, and what distinguished their approaches from other Southern leaders?
If an FRQ asked you to trace the evolution of conservative governance in Florida, which three governors would you discuss and what was each one's signature policy focus?
How did LeRoy Collins' response to desegregation differ from that of governors in other Deep South states, and why does this matter for understanding Florida's regional identity?
Which governors would you cite as evidence that environmental protection has been a bipartisan concern in Florida history, and what specific policies support your argument?