Florida is often seen as a land of sunshine and beaches, but its history is deeply marked by centuries of Spanish colonization, piracy, and violent conflicts. This rich, dramatic past has created numerous intense paranormal hotspots. If you’re seeking genuine spectral encounters, exploring the most famous haunted places in Florida is a must. This guide covers six locations where the spirits of soldiers, pirates, and tragic figures are rumored to linger.

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The St. Augustine Lighthouse stands as one of the oldest and most documented haunted places in Florida, particularly within the paranormal community. Built on a site with a long history of maritime tragedy and unfortunate accidents, the lighthouse is an epicenter of activity.

Paranormal Activity: The most famous ghosts are those of two young girls, Eliza and Mary, daughters of a former lighthouse keeper, who drowned in a tragic accident during the construction of the tower. Visitors and investigators frequently report hearing children’s giggles, seeing the apparitions of the girls on the winding staircase, and sensing a strong protective presence near the lantern room.

Located near the historic district, the Old Jail in St. Augustine operated from 1891 to 1953 and was notorious for its inhumane conditions and high mortality rate. This dark history makes it one of the most chilling haunted places in Florida.

Paranormal Activity: Given the suffering endured within its walls, the jail is heavily impacted by residual energy. Tours often report feeling extreme cold spots, unexplained pressure on the chest, and hearing disembodied growls or footsteps echoing from the cellblocks. The spirit of the former Sheriff, often seen in his office, is also frequently sighted.

The Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables is a luxurious landmark with a tumultuous past. During the 1920s, it was a social hub for the wealthy, but it later served as a military hospital during WWII. Its most infamous incident was the murder of gangster Thomas “Fatty” Walsh, who was shot during a gambling dispute in 1929.

Paranormal Activity: The Biltmore is famed for its 13th floor, where Walsh was killed. Staff and guests report seeing the gangster’s spirit, hearing phantom party music from the prohibition era, and experiencing elevators that stop inexplicably at the 13th floor. It is considered one of the most elegant of the haunted places in Florida.

The Cuban Club is a massive, historic structure in Tampa’s Ybor City district, founded in 1917. The building was a center for Cuban immigrant culture but also hosted a variety of tragedies, including a shooting in the theater and a drowning in the pool.

Paranormal Activity: This club is reportedly haunted by several spirits, including a musician who committed suicide on the main stage and a former union leader who was shot in the cantina. Investigators often capture EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) on the main stage and report strange noises emanating from the empty pool area.

Key West, known for its quirky history and pirate lore, is home to The Oldest House, a wooden structure dating back to the 1820s. The house belonged to Captain Francis B. Watlington, and its long history involves illness, death, and isolation.

Paranormal Activity: The spirit most often encountered is a former servant girl. Visitors have reported seeing her shadow moving quickly through the rooms and hearing objects being shuffled around. The atmosphere inside the house is often described as oppressive, making it a favorite among visitors seeking haunted places in Florida with a true sense of history.

Another St. Augustine gem, the Casa Monica Resort was built in 1888 and initially operated as the Hotel Alcazar, a Gilded Age luxury spot. It later served as the city hall and county courthouse before returning to its luxurious hotel status.

Paranormal Activity: Due to its history as a courthouse and a place of grand parties, the resort sees a mixture of spirits. Guests have frequently reported seeing a woman in white on the grand staircase, and the former jail cells (now storage) are associated with cold spots and the feeling of being touched or pushed.

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Florida offers some of the most historically significant and active paranormal locations in the U.S., particularly in its older coastal cities.

Ready to prepare for your paranormal adventure? Before you travel to these thrilling spots, be sure to read our essential guide on the equipment you’ll need. Happy hunting in the Sunshine State!