Which explorer is credited as the first European to see Florida?

The first European credited with seeing Florida is Juan Ponce de León, who arrived on its shores in 1513 during an expedition while searching for the Fountain of Youth. This significant event marked Spain's early exploration and subsequent claim over Florida. Ponce de León's observations and encounters with the indigenous people are foundational in understanding European exploration in North America.

The other explorers listed, while influential in their own rights, did not explore Florida first. John Cabot reached North America in 1497, primarily exploring regions of Canada. Amerigo Vespucci undertook voyages to the New World in the late 15th and early 16th centuries but did not specifically explore Florida. Christopher Columbus made several voyages to the Caribbean, landing on various islands, but he did not reach the Florida peninsula during his explorations. Thus, identifying Ponce de León as the first European to see Florida is historically accurate and emphasizes his role in early American exploration.