All over Florida, abandoned properties sit like giant time capsules, slowly creeping back into the earth. Though some of these may send a shiver down your spine, there is something strangely fascinating about each one.

In honor of Earth Day, here are 15 battles Mother Nature is definitely winning... also known as 15 abandoned places in Florida that are absolutely haunting:

Auto Repair Shop in Panama City, FL

Photographer Kim Hill travels the Gulf Coast capturing the places civilization has left behind. You can check out more at her site: www.abandonedgulfcoast.com

Unknown in Gainesville, FL

This structure is so obscured by leafy vines, it's difficult to even guess what it once was.

Abandoned House near Osowaw Junction, FL

Photographer Dan Tantrum has traveled all over Florida exploring the places most people never give a second glance. He finds beauty in them and through his work allows others to find it as well. His work appears several times on this list.

Victorian Treehouse (Honky Ranch in Brooksville, FL)

This huge three-story treehouse was built for the very lucky grandchildren of James Walker but abandoned along with his home after his death.

Long Farms Warehouse in Apopka, FL

Not only houses get left behind, urban explorers can find everything from warehouses like this one to hotels that were once top of the line.

Interior of Abandoned House near LaCrosse, FL

Glimpsing inside these abandoned homes can give you a feeling of fascination with a twinge of guilt, almost like reading someone's diary.

Abandoned House near Melbourne, FL

Ringling Winter Quarters in Venice, FL

The famous circus's winter quarters were the major attraction for the city of Venice from 1960 to 1992, when it closed because the Seminole Gulf Railroad decided to stop going through the town.

Abandoned House near Crescent City, FL

This photograph shows how abandoned structures can really grow more beautiful the longer they're forgotten.

Hawthorne Nursery in Ocoee, FL

For some reason this one seems especially spooky.

Belleview Biltmore Hotel in Belleair, FL

There have long been talks of demolishing this 820,000-square-foot grand hotel for years, despite its iconic status and the beautiful hand-crafted woodwork and Tiffany glass decorating its lavish interior. I haven't been able to find out any information since 2012, so if anyone knows whether it has been demolished, please let me know.

Abandoned House in Gainesville, FL

The colorful tiles decorating the outside could be later additions. As these structures age, nature isn't the only thing that leaves its mark. Destruction, graffiti and other artifacts are often left by visitors.

Hotel in Tampa, FL

Another hotel, this one stripped of its name.

Stoller Motel near Bunnell, FL

Abandoned Flagler Railroad Bridge, West Summerland Key, FL

Another photo that shows there can be beauty in the decay.

I hope this will inspire you to look at forgotten buildings in a new way, not just as eyesores. Go out and start urban exploring, but remember most of these are private property, and it's always best to ask for permission.