The Florida Digital Newspaper Library (FDNL) exists to provide access to the news and history of Florida Newspapers are a state treasure, the historian's and genealogist's best friend, and the community's collective memory. In the world of newspapers, today's news is already history, from the moment the stories are printed.

The FDNL built upon a collection and preservation effort begun in 1944 for acquisition of at least one newspaper from each of Florida's 67 counties on an ongoing basis. The library began to produce in-house microfilm copies of its Florida newspapers in 1947 and continued through 2005. Microfilming efforts ceased when large scale digitization efforts became possible and born digital becoming the standard for current publications.

While a majority of newspapers found in FDNL are from the P.K. Yonge Library of Florida History at the George A. Smathers Libraries, collection content has been generously contributed by libraries, historical societies, and other organizations throughout the State of Florida.  All of the historic through current Florida newspapers in the FDNL are openly and freely available with zoomable page images and searchable text.

Foundational funding for the Florida Digital Newspaper Library came from the Florida’s Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Grants Program, from the National Endowment for the Humanities' National Digital Newspaper Program, and from the Institute for Museum and Library Services. It has also been funded by the University of Florida, with the assistance of digital library endowment from the Estate of the late Governor and Mrs. C. Farris Bryant, and by Florida Heritage Project funds from the University of North Florida and the University of South Florida. The Florida Digital Newspaper Library is indexed by the Florida Electronic Library. We are greatly indebted to Florida's independent newspaper publishers, including members of the Florida Press Association. Without their contributions to the Library, current content would not be available. Your support of these contributing newspapers is encouraged.