The Conch Republic - Office of The Secretary of State

The Conch Republic - Office of The Secretary of State Welcome to the NEW Official Goverment Page of the Conch Republic -Were all Here because we’re not all There! During the intervening years the U.S.

The Conch Republic was born on April 23rd of 1982 in response to a United States Border blockade of the Florida Keys. Since the United States Government insisted on treating the Keys like a foreign country; Key West Mayor Dennis Wardlow seceded from the Union, declared war, surrendered, and demanded foreign aid. never reacted to the secession, thereby establishing sovereignty for the Conch Republi

c under International Law Governing "adverse possession between sovereign nations". The Conch Republic has it's own Passports, and has had citizens and Diplomats received by thirteen Caribbean countries, Mexico, Sweden, Russia, France, Spain, Ireland and Germany. The Conch Republic has Conch-sulates in Switzerland, Havana, Maine and New Orleans. The Conch Republic has as its stated Foreign Policy, "The Mitigation of World Tension through the Exercise of Humor". As the world's first "Fifth World" country, we exist as a "State of Mind", and aspire only to bring more Warmth, Humor and Respect to a planet we find in sore need of all three. The Conch Republic has conch-ceived several World Firsts. We are the first country in the world to require its citizens to obey local customs as well as laws. The Conch Republic is the world's first functioning Meritocracy whereby anyone that sees a job that needs doing can do it, and be recognized in that position. We are the first country to recognize the conch-cept of the "World Principle of Human Rights and Ambitions", because what are rights without the ability to realize ambitions? We celebrate our Independence annually in a "public and notorious manner" during a ten day Conch Republic Independence Celebration which is held in April of every year.

04/24/2026
02/20/2026

In late December 2024, Key West lost one of its most colorful and legendary characters: Captain Finbar Gittelman, who will never be forgotten on the island that was his home port for some 50 years.

The quintessential seafarer, called simply “Finbar” by practically everyone who knew him, grew up on Miami Beach. He first came to Key West as a child with his parents to board the then-operating ferry to Havana, Cuba to visit relatives. He made the island his permanent home in 1973.

“When I sailed into Key West Harbor anchorage, dropped anchor and looked around, I knew I was home,” he said

In Finbar’s stead Capt Seth Salzmann has been promoted to the rank of Admiral of the Conch Republic Navy, a role he has been destined for since he started sailing with Finbar as a teen.

A new chapter has begun for the Conch Republic Navy, keeping our proud history alive.

Joining us in giving our new admiral a proper left-handed salute when you see him next!

Long live the Conch Republic!

02/20/2026

The 2026 Conch Republic Independence Celebration is happening April 17–26! 🌴🎉

Ten days of full-on island vibes, quirky Key West traditions, and unapologetic Conch pride. Think parades, parties, pirates, and plenty of “we seceded where others failed” energy. It’s the kind of fun only Key West can pull off. 🏝️⚓️

Check out the full schedule online and grab your official Conch Republic passport at www.conchrepublic.com — you’ll want it in hand for all the festivities! 💙

Great pizza and super nice people at White Street Pizza
02/19/2026

Great pizza and super nice people at White Street Pizza

Our friends from The Conch Republic stopped by today for lunch! 🍽

We can't wait for their annual event, Conch Republic Days, to kick off in Key West in April! 💙

01/06/2026

What? We could have said 100%! 😉 😂

We’re so grateful for the incredible support we get from individuals, organizations, and businesses. But we often hear the question: “How can I help even if I’m not local?”

Our favorite answer: Sponsor a cleanup trip!

Each marine debris removal trip costs around $1,200, and we run multiple trips every week. Your sponsorship directly funds these volunteer cleanups, helping us protect the waters and mangroves of the Keys.

In return, you’ll get:
• Shoutouts on social media
• Features in our newsletter and local newspaper
• And the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing you made a real difference for the Keys 🙌

Ready to make a difference? Learn more and sponsor a trip today at conchrepublicmarinearmy.org!

01/06/2026

Daniel Castaño Piedrahita, who is based in Key West, has been awarded Junior Sailor of the Year 2025 (JSOY) by the U.S. Navy.

12/30/2025

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news - our incredible partners at received a Gold Adrian Award from the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) for their partnership with the Conch Republic Marine Army!!! 🏆🙌

HSMAI is the hospitality industry’s leading advocate for smart, sustainable hotel revenue growth, and for nearly 70 years, the Adrian Awards have recognized excellence in travel marketing. Out of more than 800 entries submitted this year, the Isla Bella and CRMA partnership stood out as exceptional and was awarded Gold by a panel of experts in hospitality, travel, tourism, and media.

We’re incredibly grateful for Isla Bella’s continued partnership and shared commitment to protecting the Florida Keys’ marine environment. The mangroves - and the countless species that depend on them - are better for it!

12/29/2025

Alive at the reef in The Conch Republic

Address

724 Duval Street
Key West, FL
33040

Telephone

(800) 474-4319

Website

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