The Calusa

The smallest in population but perhaps the most fierce, these hunter- gatherers were the natives of south Florida. There were at least 30 chiefdomships where over 24 different languages (not dialects) were spoken. The head chief was referred to as Calos or Carlos. Principal chiefdoms under this leader were: Tequesta, Jeaga, Hobe, Santalucies, and the Matecumbe of the Florida Keys.