What was the extent of spanish control and development in Florida at time french arrival?

The Spanish presence in Florida predated the arrival of the French by more than a century, beginning withJuan Ponce de Leon's expedition in 1513, which led to the discovery and naming of the region. Over the next few decades, Spanish explorers continued to visit and map Florida, and in 1565, Pedro Menendez de Aviles founded the city of St. Augustine, the first permanent European settlement in the present-day United States.

Under Spanish control, Florida became a base for further exploration and colonization in the Americas. Spanish conquistadors used Florida as a staging ground for expeditions to other parts of the New World, including Mexico and Peru. The Spanish also established missions in Florida to convert the native population to Catholicism.

Despite these early efforts, Spain's control over Florida was limited. The region was sparsely populated, and the Spanish settlements were often vulnerable to attacks from native tribes. Additionally, the Spanish were challenged by the French and English, who also had claims to the region.

In 1562, the French established Fort Caroline in present-day Jacksonville, Florida. The French colony was short-lived, however, as the Spanish destroyed it in 1565. In 1607, the English founded Jamestown in Virginia. The English colony was more successful than the French colony, and it eventually grew into a major power in the region.

By the end of the 17th century, Spain's control over Florida was largely confined to the coastal areas around St. Augustine. In 1763, Spain ceded Florida to Great Britain in exchange for Cuba, which had been captured by the British during the Seven Years' War.