Most people believe that the cattle industry and “cowboy culture” were first established in the American West, and over the years popular movies and media have supported this idea.  However, history dictates differently!

In 1521, Spanish Explorer Juan Ponce De Leon landed on the southwest coast of Florida and off-loaded the first cattle and horses in what was later to become the United States of America.

Juan Ponce De Leon was the first recorded European to land in North America, coming ashore in Florida in 1513. Upon his second voyage to Florida in 1521 he brought cattle, horses, citrus, and fellow pioneers to settle the new land. Soon after, they were forced to make a rapid retreat from Florida when he was mortally wounded in a battle with the fierce Calusa Indians.

The Andalusian-bred livestock that arrived on that voyage and the voyages to follow ran wild, reproducing and roaming throughout Florida for hundreds of years.  More Spanish explorers followed and as the area became settled, the Florida cattle industry began to develop.

Later, the Seminole Indians rounded up herds of the wild cattle and horses that were descended from the original Spanish stock and became the first American cattlemen. Some of those Seminole descendants still maintain cattle in Florida to this day.

In the 19th century, settlers who were mainly of Celtic and British descent came down to Florida from Georgia and the Carolinas. Some brought their own cattle with them and some rounded up the wild Spanish-descended cattle. Some of these settlers even purchased cattle from the Seminoles in order to begin their ranches.

Those pioneering Celtic and British families were a major influence in settling the state of Florida. Many of these families’ descendants still own and run the ranches in the cattle heartland of South/Central Florida today.

The term “Cracker” has been historically used to refer to these early settlers and it is a somewhat controversial term. Some claim that it comes from the rifle-like “crack” of the Florida cowman’s whip; however, the term has been tracked all the way back to Shakespeare. Although the term has historically been used to disparage, most modern Florida cattlemen are proud to be called “Florida Crackers”, as it symbolizes being part of a unique and little-known culture.

Unbeknownst to most of the world, the Florida Cattle industry has always been one of the major producers of beef cattle in America.

It is a story full of rich history that is a major part of America's foundation, the main focus of which is an amazing and endearing "pioneer cowboy culture" that still exists today.

We are "showcasing" this unique culture in a revolutionary new documentary film – a film that, in many ways, will rewrite American history as most people know it.

It also includes beautiful (and rare) Florida wildlife and nature shot in stunning high-definition format.

We believe that you will be as fascinated and impacted by this upcoming film as we have been while making it. more

"Florida Crackers" is currently in post-production.