What requirements did Florida need to meet before it became a state?

- Population: The territory had to have at least 60,000 residents according to the census of 1845. Florida, at the time, had a population of approximately 59,268 people.

- Constitution: The territory had to adopt a constitution that reflected the principles of the U.S. Constitution, including provisions for individual rights and the separation of powers. Florida adopted its first constitution in 1838.

- Government: The territory had to establish a functioning government with three branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. Florida had already established a territorial government by this time.

- Approval of Congress: The territory's application for statehood had to be approved by a majority vote of both houses of the U.S. Congress. Florida's application was approved by Congress on March 3, 1845.