Florida may seem like an idyllic tropical paradise, but paranormal enthusiasts love exploring its darker side. Due to centuries of war, pirates, and shipwrecks that occurred within its borders, Florida boasts many haunted sites which attract paranormal researchers.
Florida is full of mysterious activity. From St. Augustine’s grandest hotel to a theater where its stage manager was found dead, Florida offers plenty of unsettling tales.
1. East Martello Fort
Florida may be best known for its idyllic beaches and world-class attractions, but its history of war, pirates and shipwrecks also leaves behind several haunted spots that give paranormal enthusiasts chills.
Robert the Doll can be found at Key West’s East Martello Fort Museum and has become notorious for causing many unexplained events. Robert belonged to local artist Robert Eugene Otto when he was younger, who gave it as a child present. Visitors have reported witnessing his chest move, experiencing hand contact to their knee and seeing orbs appear in photos taken of Robert.
Fort Lauderdale’s oldest house is said to be haunted by members of the Stranahan family, including Frank Stranahan’s spirit who oversees the home along with Ivy and Augustus Stranahan – visitors report hearing children’s voices, seeing orbs in photos and feeling cold spots during visits.
2. The Old Jail
St. Augustine’s Old Jail may seem daunting at first, but now serves as a popular tourist attraction. Once upon a time it was used as an instrument of capital punishment and acts of cruelty towards prisoners; its history includes eight hangings. As one of America’s most haunted places it has earned itself the reputation as one of America’s scariest locations.
This haunted location has gained widespread renown, being featured on The Travel Channel’s Kindred Spirits show as well as local ghost tours. Tour guides frequently report that even during normal daylight hours it can be very creepy; at night things seem even creepier, with door slamming, banging noises and voices reported all around – as well as reported paranormal activity such as laughing and whistling heard within its walls.
The Island Hotel in charming Cedar Key, Florida is another supposedly haunted location said to house multiple ghosts who vie for room space. According to legend, among these are a Bahamian woman hanged for gambling irregularities and a gangster who committed suicide on the 13th floor who can still be spotted around this haunted hotel.
3. The Florida Theatre
The Florida Theatre in Jacksonville is said to be one of Florida’s most haunted places! Visitors have reported witnessing a ghost of an older gentleman roaming through its balcony and giving out friendly waves whenever he spots someone nearby – most often found sitting in seat E2, section 500.
Before being transformed into a theater, this building served as both a downtown police station and hotel and billiard hall – so it should come as no surprise that its history includes both events! Needless to say, ghostly spirits lurk here!
Oak Hammock Park is another alleged haunted location. This area surrounds “The Devil’s Tree,” believed to be where serial killers tied their victims up for murder and has seen several failed attempts to cut it down! People have reported hearing voices, screaming and mysterious lights during visits here.
4. Ashley’s
Florida may be best known for its idyllic beaches and iconic attractions, but it also hides a dark secret: paranormal activity lurks behind every shadow after dark in this sunshine state. From ghostly sightings to creepy happenings, Florida remains full of supernatural presence even after dark falls.
Ashley’s Place is one of the most haunted locations in Florida. This home for children with disabilities is said to be haunted by multiple spirits, including Maggie (who was murdered there) and “Snake”, an evil entity believed to be lurking nearby.
At Key West Cemetery you’ll find graves belonging to prominent Key West families, yellow fever victims and even Navy soldiers who died here during the Revolution. But perhaps most haunted is Robert; an historic doll owned by one local artist who blamed it for causing various strange happenings and often spoke directly with it.
