The Florida Maritime Museum is a function of the Historical Resources Department of the Manatee County Clerk of Circuit Courts and Comptroller’s Office of Ms. Angelina Colonneso with support from the Manatee County Board of County Commission. The museum is situated on almost 4 acres of land in the historic fishing village of Cortez. This land is a Florida Communities Trust Property, known as the Cortez Nature Preserve.

Cortez Villagers have survived hurricanes, economic depressions and threats to their livelihood from a reduction in fishing grounds and regulations on the fishing industry. The residents of this community are passionate about preserving the past and ensuring that current and future residents and visitors to Manatee County understand the significance of Cortez Village and the broader maritime history of the area.

Founded on the importance of this regional, commercial fishing industry, FMM tells a number of stories pertaining to all aspects of Florida’s maritime history. Exhibits include historic photographs, boat models, tools, instruments, and other historically significant material relevant to Florida’s maritime culture and history. The museum is also home to a folk school that teaches traditional Florida skills and a research library that includes a variety of books, plans, logs, diaries, periodicals, letters, records and related archival material whose content is relevant to research concerning maritime subjects with special emphases on Florida’s Gulf Coast.