In January 1861, Florida's leaders gathered in Tallahassee for a convention to decide the state's future in light of rising tensions between the North and South. In the wake of South Carolina and Mississippi's secessions, Florida's delegates debated the implications of remaining part of the Union versus joining the emerging Confederacy. The backdrop to this monumental decision was the election of Abraham Lincoln, who many Southern states perceived as a threat to their way of life, particularly regarding the institution of slavery, which was deeply entrenched in Florida's economy and social structure.

On January 10, the Florida secession convention convened, and after vigorous discussion, delegates voted overwhelmingly, 62 to 7, in favor of secession. The resolution declared Florida's intention to withdraw from the United States, primarily to protect the institution of slavery and the state's autonomy from federal overreach. This action positioned Florida as the third state to leave the Union, setting a significant precedent in the escalating conflict that would soon erupt into the Civil War.

The secession had immediate implications, as it led to Florida's alignment with the Confederate States of America. In the following months, military preparations began, and various battles would soon unfold within its borders. The state's geography provided strategic advantages for the Confederacy, leading to several key confrontations. Additionally, Florida’s decision influenced neighboring Southern states, further solidifying a regional commitment to secession that would define American politics and conflict for the years to come.