1. On February 13, 1821, Spain ceded Florida to the United States after over 300 years of colonial rule. The transfer of power was celebrated with parades, speeches, and cannon firings throughout the state.

2. In 1906, the first self-propelled vehicle in Florida was demonstrated on February 13 in Jacksonville. The automobile was a gasoline-powered Stanley Steamer car and its demonstration was met with great excitement from the public.

3. On February 13, 1958, a U.S. Navy aircraft crashed into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Pensacola. The crash killed all six crew members on board and started a search and recovery effort that lasted for several days.

4. In 1980, on February 13, the South Florida Water Management District was established to manage water resources in 16 counties across the southern part of the state. The agency is responsible for flood control, water supply, and environmental restoration efforts.

5. On February 13, 1990, a tornado tore through the town of Mount Dora in central Florida. The tornado damaged buildings, uprooted trees, and caused power outages, but no fatalities were reported. The tornado occurred during a rare outbreak of severe weather in Florida during the winter months.