During the American Civil War, the Union went to extensive efforts to blockade Florida's ports and harbors for several reasons. Firstly, Florida was a major supplier of beef, salt, and other goods to the Confederate army, and the Union wanted to cut off these supplies to weaken the Confederate war effort. Secondly, Florida's coastline was a key location for blockade runners, who smuggled goods in and out of the Confederacy. By blockading Florida's ports and harbors, the Union hoped to prevent these blockade runners from operating effectively. Finally, the Union wanted to prevent Florida from exporting cotton, which was a major source of income for the Confederacy. By blockading Florida's ports and harbors, the Union hoped to cripple the Confederate economy and hasten the end of the war.
