Why were white southerners angry about Spain holding most of Florida?

White southerners were angry about Spain holding most of Florida because they viewed it as a barrier to their expansion and economic opportunities. Florida was seen as a potential territory for agricultural development and a buffer against potential threats from Indigenous tribes and rival nations. Additionally, the presence of Spain fostered concerns about the safety of southern states from slave uprisings and incursions by escaped slaves seeking refuge in Florida. This frustration contributed to growing calls for the annexation of Florida into the United States.