<p>Florida was home to several Native tribes beginning almost 10,000 years ago, including the Choctaw, Creek, Apalachee, Miccosukee, Timucua, Ais, Jeaga, Tequesta, and Calusa tribes. Tribes that lived in northern and central Florida, like the Timucua and Creek, relied heavily on agriculture for sustenance. For example, tribes grew corn, squash, beans, vegetables, and tobacco, frequently practicing crop rotation to keep the soil healthy. Timucua Natives lived in large groups (around 200-300 people). They had several sacred cultural practices, including rituals, ceremonies, and games like the “Apalachee ball game.” Native tribes in the southern part of the state, like the Calusa, took advantage of the waterways and coastline for food, tools, and more. The Calusa were the first shell collectors and frequently traveled along the Florida coast to salvage goods from shipwrecks. Today, Florida has two federally recognized tribes. </p>
