Seminole Tribe of Florida
 |
|
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (4,000 enrolled members in 2015)) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
 Florida ( United States) |
|
| Languages | |
| English, Miccosukee, Creek | |
| Religion | |
| Christianity, traditional Seminole religion | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, Miccosukee, Muscogee people (Creek) |
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a federally recognized Seminole tribe based in the U.S. state of Florida. Together with the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, it is one of three federally recognized Seminole entities. It received that status in 1957; today it has six Indian reservations in Florida.
In 1975, the Tribe established tax-free smoke shops and a high-stakes bingo operation that became the first tribal gaming endeavor in the United States. These ventures, particularly the gaming operation, have generated significant revenues for education, welfare and economic development. A 2005 tribal audit said it took in $1.1 billion in revenues that year. The tribe requires members to have at least one-quarter Seminole blood quantum.
The Seminole emerged in a process of ethnogenesis from various Native American groups who settled in Florida in the 18th century, most significantly Creeks from what is now Georgia and Alabama. These settlers distanced themselves increasingly from other Creek groups, and expanded and prospered owing to their thriving trade network during Florida's British and second Spanish periods (c. 1767–1821). During this period, they developed alliances with African-American maroons, mostly fugitive slaves from the South's Low Country and some free blacks from the Spanish period of rule. These people became known as Black Seminoles, establishing towns near Indian settlements.
During the Seminole Wars against the United States in the 19th century, however, particularly after the second war, most Seminole and Black Seminole were forced by the US to relocate west of the Mississippi River to Indian Territory. A smaller group – possibly fewer than 200 – refused to leave Florida and moved deep into the Everglades, where they resisted US forces and were never defeated. They fostered a culture of staunch independence. The modern Florida Seminole, Miccosukee and Traditionals descend from these survivors.
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