PLANTERS EXCHANGE INC.

By  Mike Miller July 4, 2025

OVERVIEW

Planters Exchange, Inc. is a historic site in Havana, Florida. It houses a 14,000-square-foot antique mall with over 30 vendor shops.

Havana Florida Planters ExchangeThe Planters Exchange Original Building

Visitors browse antiques, collectibles, and home decor. The building also contains the Shade Tobacco Museum. The museum highlights Havana’s tobacco history.

The site draws shoppers and history enthusiasts to this small town.  

Planters Exchange Inc. Havana FLPlanters Exchange Inc. in Havana, Florida

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Built in 1928, Planters Exchange was originally a tobacco warehouse. Havana was a major producer of shade tobacco, used for cigar wrappers.

The town was known as the “Shade Tobacco Capital of the World.” The industry thrived for over 80 years. The warehouse stored tobacco for processing and shipping.

The railroad, arriving in 1902, boosted the trade. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. The museum opened to preserve this history. 

VISITING DETAILS

Planters Exchange is at 204 NW 2nd Street, Havana, Florida. From US 27, head west on 9th Avenue, then right on 2nd Street.

It’s open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 AM to 5 PM, and Sunday, 12 PM to 5 PM. Call 850-539-6343 to confirm hours.

The museum is free to visit, but donations are appreciated. Allow 1-2 hours for browsing and museum exhibits. Parking is available on-site.

Pets are not allowed inside. Check for local events like Pumpkinfest, which may affect crowds. 

INTERESTING FACTS

  • The museum shows the “seed to cigar” process with videos and exhibits.  

  • Havana’s shade tobacco was grown under cheesecloth to control sunlight.  
     
  • The building’s 1928 structure retains original warehouse features. 
     
  • The town’s name, pronounced “HAY-vana,” reflects its cigar industry ties.

  • The museum displays tools used in tobacco farming from the 1800s.
  • Havana supplied 95% of U.S. shade tobacco with Connecticut by the 1950s. 

  • The antique mall includes items from local estates and farms. 
  • The site hosts occasional community events, like vintage car shows. 

PLANTERS EXCHANGE INC. FACEBOOK PAGE


HAVANA LOCATION MAP



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