Total population | |
---|---|
4,244 enrolled citizens[1] (in 2019) | |
Regions with significant populations | |
![]() ![]() | |
Languages | |
English, Spanish, Mikasuki, Mvskoke | |
Religion | |
Indigenous religion, Christianity | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Seminole Nation of Oklahoma, Miccosukee, Muscogee people |
The Seminole Tribe of Florida is a federally recognized Seminole tribe based in the U.S. state of Florida. Together with the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida, it is one of three federally recognized Seminole entities. It received that status in 1957. Today, it has six Indian reservations in Florida.
The Florida Seminole, along with the Miccosukee, speak the Mikasuki language, also spelled Miccosukee. The language has been referred to as a descendant of Hitchiti[a], a dialect of Hitchiti, and another term for Hitchiti.[2][3][4][5] Additionally, some Florida Seminole communities speak a dialect of the Mvskoke language called Florida Seminole Creek.[6][7]
In 1975, the Tribe established tax-free smoke shops and a high-stakes bingo operation that became one of the first tribal gaming endeavors in the United States. These ventures, particularly the gaming operation, have generated significant revenues for education, welfare and economic development. A 2005 tribal audit said it took in $1.1 billion in revenues that year.[8] The Seminole Tribe is also known widely for owning the Hard Rock Cafe as well as nearly all Hard Rock-branded properties including casinos, hotels, and resorts since 2006. The tribe requires members to have at least one-quarter Seminole blood quantum. As of 2016, the estimated wealth of the tribe is near $12 billion USD.[9]
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