Allman's first book on Florida, "Miami: City of the Future" is considered the definitive work in its field. His history of Florida, "Finding Florida: The True History of the Sunshine State", was a finalist for the National Book Award, and named one of the best works of history and non-fiction by Kirkus Reviews. The Florida Association of Authors and Publishers honored it as both the best overall book on Florida, 2013-2014, and the best book in the non-fiction for adults category.