Top 25 Haunted Hot Spots in Florida
Located in the southeastern United States, Florida has seen it all. It has a rich history that dates back to the 16th century when Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León first landed on its shores in 1513. Over the following centuries, Florida was a site of conflict between the Spanish, French, and British as each nation attempted to establish control over the region. In 1821, Florida became a U.S. territory, and in 1845, it was admitted as the 27th state.
Florida is considered haunted by many because it has a rich chronology and many historical sites, such as old plantations and ghost towns, Forts, and serial killer hunting grounds, that are said to be haunted by spirits. Additionally, the state is known for its high number of ghostly occurrences, and its unique geography and climate conditions can create an atmosphere that is conducive to ghost sightings.
If you want to see some of Florida’s most haunted sites in person, check out Tampa Terrors or any of our Florida ghost tours near you!
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp
Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp is a historic community in Cassadaga, Florida, known for its association with spiritualism and the otherworldly. Cassadaga was founded in 1875 by a group of spiritualists who believed in the ability to communicate with the dead and the power of spiritual healing. Today, Cassadaga is home to a community of spiritualists who live and work in the area, and it is considered one of the most important spiritualist communities in the United States.
The town was built by George P. Colby after a Native American spirit commanded him to—and that was just the tip of the iceberg. The place is full of bizarre stuff and crazy shenanigans, including haunted houses and a cemetery filled with ghosts. The oddest thing? A chair found at the local cemetery—a chair said to be haunted by Old Scratch himself. The lore says people can actually commune with Satan on this spot.
Gilbert’s Bar-House of Refuge in Stuart
Gilbert’s Bar-House of Refuge is a Florida landmark that has existed since the late 19th century. It was built as a refuge for shipwreck survivors and has served as a beacon of hope and safety ever since. Gilbert’s Bar-House of Refuge’s history is filled with stories of tragedy, courage, and resilience. From the original building to its present-day incarnation, the House of Refuge has been an important part of Florida’s history and culture for over 100 years.
Today, the building operates as a museum, showcasing the rich history of the Treasure Coast and the House of Refuge’s important role in helping rescue and assist shipwrecked sailors. There have been reports of ghostly activity at Gilbert’s Bar-House of Refuge, including ghost sightings and unexplained events.
Coral Castle in Miami
Coral Castle, located in Miami, Florida, is considered to be haunted by some because of its unique history and the mysterious circumstances surrounding its creation. The castle was built by Edward Leedskalnin, a Latvian immigrant, using massive blocks of coral rock, and it is said that he built it as a tribute to his lost love. Some visitors to the site have reported strange noises and feelings of unease, and there are legends about Leedskalnin being able to levitate the massive blocks of rock into place using otherworldly means — even demonic help.
Over the years, the place has become the equivalent of the region’s Stonehenge. It is a massive construct of unearthly meaning and eldritch design that became an anachronistic local character folk slowly fell in love with. Visitors have seen all manner of creatures, goblins, and even cosmic horrors prowling the area, from wraiths and specters to fairies and skunk-apes. The place has even drawn the attention of the UFO community due to how many sightings of “flying saucers” it seems to attract.
Biltmore Hotel in Miami
The hotel was built in the 1920s and has a reputation for being one of the most luxurious and elegant hotels of its time. However, during World War II, it was used as a military hospital, and it is said that the ghosts of soldiers who died there still haunt the premises. There have also been reports of ghostly apparitions and strange noises in the hotel, and some guests have claimed to have had unearthly experiences while staying there.
Nevertheless, the biggest boogeyman the hotel seems to house is Thomas “Fatty” Walsh — a gangster from the 20s who was murdered at the hotel courtesy of a rival gang of mafiosos. Fatty is a legendary ectoplasmic entity that was even kind enough to spook the likes of President Clinton during his stay in the hotel.
Ma Barker’s House in Ocklawaha
Ma Barker’s house has long been the subject of local legend and speculation, with tales of strange noises and sightings of ghostly figures. For years, the mysterious happenings at Ma Barker’s house have been a source of fascination for paranormal enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Ma Baker was a notorious American criminal who gained notoriety in the 1920s and 1930s for her involvement in various crimes, including robbery, kidnapping, and murder.
She was part of a criminal gang that operated across several states and was known for her brutal methods and her cunning ability to evade law enforcement. She was killed at this spot in a shootout with law enforcement in the 1930s, ending her reign of crime — her along with all her kids.
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge in St. Petersburg
The Sunshine Skyway Bridge connects St. Petersburg to Bradenton and has gained a reputation as a haunted location due to a series of tragic events that have occurred there over the years. In 1980, a ship collided with a support pier of the bridge, causing a section of the bridge to collapse and killing 35 people.
Since then, there have been reports of ghostly apparitions, unexplained lights, and other strange phenomena near the bridge. Some people believe that the spirits of those who died in the bridge’s collapse still haunt the area — and to add insult to injury, it has also become a popular suicide spot.
The Stranahan House in Fort Lauderdale
The Stranahan House is a historic house located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Built in 1901, it was originally owned by Frank and Ivy Stranahan, two of the most influential pioneers of early Fort Lauderdale. Today, the house stands as a testament to its legacy and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. Through its guided tours, exhibits, and educational programs, the Stranahan House offers visitors a unique glimpse into life in early Fort Lauderdale.
The home was used as a trading post and served as a key stop on the New River. It is believed to be haunted by various spirits, including Frank Stranahan himself. The house has been featured on several paranormal television shows and is considered one of the most haunted locations in South Florida. Visitors have reported hearing strange noises, seeing apparitions, and feeling an eerie presence in certain areas of the house.
Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine
Castillo de San Marcos is a fortification located in St. Augustine, Florida. It was built in the late 1600s by the Spanish to protect the city from attack by pirates and other enemies. The fort has been used as a military stronghold for centuries and an important symbol of Spanish power in North America.
The place traded flags once every weekend — and each historic passing of the baton was preceded with a dose of ultra-violence. We’re talking pirate raids, yellow fever pandemics, Indian war parties, soldiers storming the ramparts, etc. And each left a mark on the Fort’s soul, one that every so often acts up and likes to sneak up to a tourist and whisper something ugly in their ear.
East Martello Fort in Key West
The East Martello Tower is a historic fortification in Key West, Florida. It was built in the mid-1800s as part of a series of fortifications to protect the United States’ southern coast during the Civil War. The fort was never engaged in battle, but it was used as a storage facility for military equipment. In the 20th century, the East Martello Tower was converted into a museum that showcases the history of Key West and the Florida Keys.
The museum features a collection of artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Key West’s unique history and cultural heritage. The East Martello Tower is also known for its association with the alleged ghost of Robert the Doll, which is said to be one of the most haunted objects in America.
Betsy Hotel in Miami
The hotel was built in the 1940s and has been renovated several times to maintain its historical charm and elegance. The Betsy Hotel is known for its stylish decor, luxurious amenities, and its location in the heart of South Beach. Here’s the kicker, less than a couple of years after the hotel opened its doors, the US decided to kick some Nazi butt and join the war effort in Europe.
South Beach became a staging ground for troops deployed to the western front — and all hotels in the area were converted into hospitals, barracks, and bivouac training grounds. Hundreds of soldiers perished before deployment, either due to an accident, a fight, or by taking their own life. The Betsy was one of those places rife with the unquiet dead.
Haunted Florida
Whether you’re here for the beaches or to witness some of these hauntings for yourself, Florida doesn’t disappoint. Check out our blog to learn more about Florida’s most haunted locations, and to see Tampa’s creepiest hotspots, book a ghost tour with Tampa Terrors!
Sources:
https://laltoday.6amcity.com/cassadaga-florida
https://www.floridahauntedhouses.com/real-haunt/house-of-refuge-at-gilberts-bar.html
https://miamihaunts.com/9-haunted-coral-castle/
