The regiment fielded twelve companies in total, two more than were typically authorized for an infantry regiment.The unit elected George T. Ward as its commander.

About 7% were Foreign-born; fourteen from Ireland, seven from Germany or Prussia, three from England, and one each from Canada, Cuba, Italy, Norway, and Russia.

After arriving in Richmond on July 21, 1861, the 2nd Florida spent the next few weeks drilling and guarding Union soldiers captured after the First Battle of Manassas.

Lewis Powell, one of John Wilkes Booth's co-conspirators, lied and stated that he was 19 years old (rather than his true age of 17) in order to enlist with the Jasper Blues, Company I of the regiment.

Gen. Perry fell ill with typhoid and command of the Florida Brigade devolved to Colonel David Lang of the 8th.

[5] The remainder of 1864 saw the 2nd Florida fight at the Battle of Cold Harbor in June and settle into static defenses at the Siege of Petersburg.

Following the fall of Petersburg and Richmond the following spring, the Florida Brigade retreated with the Army of Northern Virginia and surrendered at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865.