America250FL is an invitation to every Floridian to celebrate the 250th (semiquincentennial) anniversary of our nation’s founding. As we journey toward July 4, 2026, we hope you’ll reflect on the unique and influential role that Florida played in the establishment of our country. Together, let’s celebrate the nation of freedom and opportunity that our Founders set into motion with the Declaration of Independence. Through inspiring events, educational programs, and civic engagement, we seek to spark pride in our shared American values, honor the courage and service of our veterans, revere our republic, and encourage neighbors to come together in the spirit of patriotism. America’s semiquincentennial is Florida’s opportunity to shape our nation’s next chapter.
In honor of the American Semiquincentennial in 2026, “The Founders Museum, The Road to Liberty,” is open in the lower level of the State Capitol.
“Looking back on 2025, I am encouraged by the many accomplishments the Florida Department of State was able to achieve for Floridians,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “From preparing for the America250FL celebration to maintaining our gold standard in election administration to supporting Florida businesses, our dedicated team has worked…
Daytona International Speedway announced today that the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) will be proudly sponsoring the America 250 Florida Duel at DAYTONA, an exciting race at the start of Speedweeks that celebrates Florida’s rich history in racing as part of the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. This partnership will highlight…
The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) highlighted its major accomplishments across Florida’s transportation system throughout 2025. These projects and initiatives are keeping people and goods moving efficiently, improving safety, and strengthening Florida’s economy and workforce. FDOT also continues to embrace emerging technologies, celebrate Florida’s natural beauty, and enhance the quality of…
As part of America250FL, Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd announces that Florida’s History Shop is offering commemorative prints from the Department of State’s Division of Library and Information Services showcasing the state’s history and founding. “Through these products, we are making history tangible,” said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. …
In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary on July 4th, 2026, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles is proud to announce the release of the new America 250 license plate.
Florida’s Semiquincentennial Advisory Commission, together with America250, the official national organization charged by Congress with commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, announced the 2025 “America’s Field Trip” awardees. America’s Field Trip is a nationwide contest inviting students in grades 3–12 to reflect on the question: “What does America…
Secretary of State Cord Byrd announces the opening of “250 Years of Florida Art” on display at the State Capitol in Tallahassee in the 22nd Floor Capitol Gallery. The exhibit is open until September 26, 2025.
During this sales tax holiday, Florida will further commemorate our constitutional rights as we approach the 250th Anniversary of our Nation’s founding.
Governor Ron DeSantis announced the official launch of Florida’s America250FL campaign with Thomas Jefferson statue in Jefferson County.
Governor DeSantis celebrated the 238th anniversary of the signing of the US Constitution by unveiling a statue of Benjamin Franklin in Franklin County, Florida.
Governor DeSantis unveils statue of George Washington in Florida’s Capitol to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
The Semiquincentennial Advisory Commission held its first meeting to make plans to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary next year.
2 PM – 12 AM
Meek-Eaton Research Center and Museum/Florida A&M University
6 PM – 5 PM
Lambda Alpha International FL Suncoast Chapter
7 PM – 8 PM
Florida Atlantic Culture and Society Building (CU) MovieTheatre
4 PM – 6 PM
Florida Atlantic Libraries
3 PM – 5 PM
Florida Atlantic Libraries
4 PM – 7 PM
Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation
4 PM – 6 PM
Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation
8 AM – 5 PM
Beth Moor Lounge, Longmire Building at Florida State University
6 PM – 9 PM
Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum
6 PM – 8 PM
Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum
6 PM – 8 PM
Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum
6 PM – 8 PM
Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum
6 PM – 8 PM
Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum
8 AM – 6 PM
Sons of the American Revolution, FL Society, Pensacola Chapter; City of Pensacola; D.A.R. Pensacola
11 AM – 7 PM
Conexion Media Group
12 AM – 12 AM
University of Florida Historic St. Augustine, Inc. / St. Augustine
4 PM – 6 PM
Florida Atlantic Libraries
4 PM – 6 PM
Florida Atlantic Libraries
4 PM – 6 PM
Florida Atlantic Libraries
4 PM – 6 PM
Florida Atlantic Libraries
4 PM – 5 PM
Barry and Florence Friedberg Lifelong Learning Center
10 AM – 10 AM
Vero Beach Museum of Art
10 AM – 12 PM
Flagler County Public Library
1 PM – 2 PM
Flagler County Public Library
6 PM – 8 PM
Ximenez-Fatio House Museum
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
10 AM – 12 PM
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex
11 AM – 4 PM
The Art and History Museums of Maitland
4 PM – 12 AM
Claude Edge Front St. Park
10 AM – 11 PM
Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City
8 AM – 1 PM
Seaton Creek Preserve
1 PM – 1 PM
5221 Basco Court Elkton, FL 32033
8 AM – 5 PM
Fort George Pensacola, FL
10 AM – 2 PM
222 North Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach, Florida
10 AM – 11 AM
Veterans Park Punta Gorda, FL
10 AM
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
1 PM – 3 PM
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
10 AM – 12 PM
Dade Battlefield Historic State Park
Want to explore more of Florida’s past? Dive into a detailed timeline that traces the milestones, movements, and moments that shaped the Free State of Florida at Florida Memory.
Many tribes of native Americans lived in the land now known as Florida for thousands of years.
Written records about life in Florida began with the arrival of the Spanish explorer and adventurer Juan Ponce de León in 1513.
As a territory of the United States, Florida was particularly attractive to people from the older Southern plantation areas of Virginia, the Carolinas, and Georgia, who arrived in considerable numbers.
During the Civil War, while Union Forces occupied many coastal towns and forts, the interior of the state remained in Confederate hands. Floridians were troops in both the Union and Confederate armies. Tallahassee was the only southern capital east of the Mississippi River that was not captured during the war.
During the final quarter of the nineteenth century, large-scale commercial agriculture in Florida, especially cattle-raising, grew in importance.
Florida’s economic bubble burst in 1926, when money and credit ran out, and banks and investors abruptly stopped trusting the “paper” millionaires.
World War II spurred economic development in Florida. Because of its year-round mild climate, the state became a major training center for soldiers, sailors, and aviators of the United States and its allies.