The dietary habits of the Tequesta, an indigenous people inhabiting the southeastern coast of Florida, were dictated by the subtropical environment and its resources. Their sustenance primarily derived from the marine and estuarine ecosystems surrounding Biscayne Bay and the Everglades.
The availability of fish, shellfish, and sea mammals significantly shaped their food procurement strategies. Archaeological evidence and historical accounts point to a reliance on species such as mullet, drum, and various shellfish. Hunting land animals like deer and small game supplemented their diet, as did gathering wild plants and fruits when seasonally available. This demonstrates adaptation to local ecology, using resources effectively.
