1. In 1539, Hernando de Soto landed in Florida on May 13th. De Soto was a Spanish explorer and conquistador who led the first European expedition deep into the territory that would become the United States. He arrived on the west coast of Florida and eventually explored much of the southeastern United States.

2. In 1865, Union soldiers and Confederate supporters clashed in Tallahassee on May 13th. The battle was part of the American Civil War and resulted in the Union Army taking control of the state capital.

3. On May 13th, 1917, the first commercial flight in Florida took place. A two-seater biplane took off from St. Petersburg and flew to Tampa, marking the beginning of commercial aviation in the state.

4. In 1954, the first Burger King restaurant in the world opened in Miami on May 13th. The fast-food chain would go on to become one of the largest in the world.

5. On May 13th, 1980, a major flood struck Gainesville, causing significant damage and displacement of residents. The flood was caused by heavy rains and resulted in several deaths and millions of dollars in property damage.