Florida Construction Unearths Ancestral Remains for Return
Published Date: 4/2/2026
Notice
Summary
The Florida Department of State has finished checking and identifying Native American human remains and related items found during a construction project in Tallahassee. These remains and objects are linked to local Native tribes and can be returned starting May 4, 2026. If you want to request repatriation, now’s the time to reach out—no money changes hands, just respect and care for history.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Remains Linked to Specific Tribes
The Florida Department of State determined that human remains (at least two individuals) and 175 associated funerary objects are culturally affiliated with the following groups: Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas; Alabama-Quassarte Tribal Town; Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana; Kialegee Tribal Town; Miccosukee Tribe of Indians; Poarch Band of Creek Indians; Seminole Tribe of Florida; The Muscogee (Creek) Nation; The Seminole Nation of Oklahoma; and the Thlopthlocco Tribal Town. The remains were disturbed during archaeological testing at 39 Magnolia Avenue and have been accessioned by FDOS for NAGPRA repatriation.
Who May Request Repatriation
Repatriation requests may be submitted by any one or more of the Indian Tribes or Native Hawaiian organizations identified in this notice. A lineal descendant, or an Indian Tribe or Native Hawaiian organization not identified here, may also request repatriation if they show by a preponderance of the evidence that they are a lineal descendant or have cultural affiliation.
Repatriation Effective Date
Repatriation of the human remains and associated funerary objects may occur on or after May 4, 2026. Requests for repatriation should be sent to the Florida Department of State representative identified in this notice.
Inventory Details and Location
FDOS inventoried human remains representing at least two individuals and 175 associated funerary objects (including 53 unmodified faunal bones, 15 shells, and 107 St. Johns ceramic sherds) recovered during archaeological testing preceding development at 39 Magnolia Avenue in Tallahassee. The disturbed remains were accessioned by FDOS for NAGPRA determinations and potential repatriation.
Competing Requests and Joint Repatriation Rules
If competing requests for repatriation are received, the Florida Department of State must determine the most appropriate requestor before repatriation. Requests for joint repatriation are treated as a single request and are not considered competing requests.
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