Why were the slaves attempting to escape to Spanish Florida during the Stono rebellion?

During the Stono Rebellion in 1739, enslaved people attempted to escape to Spanish Florida because the Spanish offered freedom to enslaved individuals who reached their territory. The promise of liberty and the hope of a better life motivated many to flee from oppressive conditions in South Carolina. Additionally, the rebellion was fueled by a desire for autonomy and resistance against the brutal treatment they faced under slavery. The journey to Florida represented a chance for both freedom and safety from retribution.