José María Callava was the final governor of Spanish West Florida, serving from February 1819 to the time of Spain's transfer of the territory to the United States on 17 July 1821.

[3][4] James Parton's Life of Andrew Jackson describes Callava thus: He was a Castilian ... of light complexion, a handsome, well-grown man, of dignified presence and refined manners.

[4] After the transfer of Florida to the United States as part of the Adams–Onís Treaty, Callava remained for a time in Pensacola acting as a representative of Spain and overseeing the embarkation of artillery and other unfinished business.

[4] Following his release, Callava headed to Washington to lodge a formal complaint against Jackson through the Spanish minister.

[6] Callava also published in Havana a manifesto outlining the "outrages and vexations" (tropelías y vejaciones) committed against him by Jackson.