Filming Florida: Images of the Sunshine State

Search this collection |  View Sample Video Clips

Welcome to the State Archives of Florida film and video collection. The films and video tapes listed in this guide were donated to the State Archives of Florida by a variety of individuals and organizations. They date from 1917 to the 1980s, and have been described by other film archives as "unique in the nation."

The majority of the films were produced by the Florida Development Commission, which later became the Florida Department of Commerce. The Florida Development Commission films were intended to help develop Florida, to boost the economy, to gain attention in the national and global marketplaces, and in the long run, to improve the quality of life for us all. They show us Florida as it was and sometimes, admittedly, as the promoters wanted us to see it. These moving images became a shining dream that motivated millions to work toward the faraway goal of one day visiting, or even retiring in, Florida. Through the monumental distribution efforts of the Florida Development Commission, people everywhere saw Florida as a place of unlimited fishing, ample free parking, zany attractions, glorious beaches and economic opportunities that flowed like orange juice.

In addition to the films produced by the Florida Development Commission, there are films produced by WFSU Television, the Florida Highway Patrol, Florida Department of Natural Resources and a number of individual donations and home movies. Unlike the Development Commission films, the majority of this footage is not promotional in nature and presents a more candid portrayal of the state. It is diverse film footage covering a variety of topics including education, environment, family life, industry, integration, politics and World War II.

Use the search function provided by your Web browser to search the film catalog for specific dates, film titles, locations, personal names, subject headings, V (video) numbers, etc. Copies of the films can be provided to researchers in ¾"SP, ½"VHS or Beta formats. Roll 'em!

Search this collection

This program has been funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Florida Department of State, Division of Library and Information Services.