Robert Butler was an American military officer and acting governor of East Florida between 10 July 1821 and 11 July 1821, after Florida was ceded to the United States by Spain.

[1] In his youth, he joined the U.S. Army, attaining the ranks of colonel and commander.

[2] Later, José María Coppinger delivered East Florida to Butler, who served as the representative of Jackson.

[3] He was named acting Governor of East Florida on 10 July 1821; but he was in charge for only two days, until the arrival of John R. Bell.

He was later appointed as the first surveyor general of the territory of Florida and settled on a plantation near Lake Jackson located to the north of Tallahassee.