Capital punishment has a long and complex history in Florida. From its early days under local control to the current era of legal challenges, the death penalty has been a topic of constant debate. Florida’s first documented execution occurred in 1827, with hanging being the sole method until 1923. During this period, executions were carried out by county governments, leading to inconsistencies in application. In 1923, the Florida Legislature centralized control of executions and replaced hanging with the electric chair. This marked a shift towards a more standardized death penalty process. Rea…