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Open-range ranching persisted in peninsular Florida from the 1830s until after World War II because of a separate cattle market in Cuba, the virtual absence of competition from other forms of land use, and forces intrinsic within the industry, including a distinctive type of cow, endemic cattle tick fever, and a fire-conditioned range. The decline of the Cuban market in the 1920s forced the ranchers to seek a place in the domestic market, but the “Florida cow” did not produce acceptable beef. Introduction of modern beef breeds required antecedent eradication of cattle tick fever, parcelling of the range and acquisition of land titles, fencing, and replacement of parts of the native range with improved forages. Florida's open range officially ended in 1949, and the introduction of modem beef breeds has been rapid; since 1950 growing numbers of Florida cattle of progressively better quality have moved into the national market. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]