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America250FL

Florida’s Celebration

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.

NEWS & UPDATES

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Secretary Byrd Announces “The Road to Liberty” Exhibit

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.

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Secretary of State Cord Byrd Reflects on Accomplishments

“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…

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America250FL and NASCAR Announce “Duel at Daytona” Partnership

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…

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FDOT Spotlights Major Infrastructure Projects

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…

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DOS Unveils Commemorative Prints Celebrating Florida’s Unique Role in Nation’s History

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. …

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FLHSMV Launches America 250 License Plate

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.

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Secretary Byrd Announces Florida’s America’s Field trip Awardees

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…

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Department of State Opens Art Exhibit to celebrate America250FL

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.

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Governor Ron DeSantis Announces First-Ever Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday

During this sales tax holiday, Florida will further commemorate our constitutional rights as we approach the 250th Anniversary of our Nation’s founding.

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Governor DeSantis Unveils Jefferson Statue

Governor Ron DeSantis announced the official launch of Florida’s America250FL campaign with Thomas Jefferson statue in Jefferson County.

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Governor DeSantis Unveils Benjamin Franklin Statue in Franklin 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.

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George Washington at the Florida Capitol

Governor DeSantis unveils statue of George Washington in Florida’s Capitol to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

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State Commission Prepares to Mark America’s 250th Anniversary

The Semiquincentennial Advisory Commission held its first meeting to make plans to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary next year.

Upcoming Events

Saturday , July 4th

City of Vero Beach – USA All Day!

8 AM – 10 PM

City of Vero Beach

Friday , February 13th

Olustee Reenactment

8 AM – 4 PM

Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park

Sunday , February 1st

Florida A&M University Meek-Eaton Research Center and Museum Celebrates America 250

2 PM – 12 AM

Meek-Eaton Research Center and Museum/Florida A&M University

Wednesday , February 25th

One-by-Land, Two-by-Sea Tours, a Lambda Alpha International SemiQ Tour

6 PM – 5 PM

Lambda Alpha International FL Suncoast Chapter

Wednesday , March 25th

National Medal Of Honor Day

10 AM – 12 PM

Florida Medal Of Honor Memorial

Tuesday , February 10th

Drunk History, SNL and American Revolution – p.m. Screening

7 PM – 8 PM

Florida Atlantic Culture and Society Building (CU) MovieTheatre

Wednesday , February 11th

Drunk History, SNL and American Revolution with Dr. Richard Bell

4 PM – 6 PM

Florida Atlantic Libraries

Friday , January 23rd

Remember the First Ladies at America250

4 PM – 7 PM

Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation

Saturday , January 24th

Remembering the Boss – Bess Truman at America’s 250

4 PM – 6 PM

Key West Harry S. Truman Foundation

Thursday , January 29th

The Great Society: A New History

6 PM – 7 PM

FSU Student Union

Tuesday , February 17th

America 250 Debate

11 AM – 12 PM

FSU College of Law

Friday , March 6th

Constitutions & Federalism: Institutions Conference 2026

8 AM – 5 PM

Beth Moor Lounge, Longmire Building at Florida State University

Saturday , June 13th

Jax Beach Country Fest

2 PM – 9 PM

City of Jacksonville Beach

Saturday , August 1st

“CONQUISTADORS FOR KIDS!”

2 PM – 4 PM

Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum

Thursday , July 2nd

SUMMER SIPS & SOUNDS: A PATRIOTIC CONCERT

6 PM – 9 PM

Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum

Wednesday , July 22nd

TOWN HALL TALKS: AMERICA 250 LECTURE SERIES

6 PM – 8 PM

Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum

Wednesday , June 17th

TOWN HALL TALKS: AMERICA 250 LECTURE SERIES

6 PM – 8 PM

Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum

Wednesday , April 8th

TOWN HALL TALKS: AMERICA 250 LECTURE SERIES

6 PM – 8 PM

Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum

Wednesday , February 18th

TOWN HALL TALKS: AMERICA 250 LECTURE SERIES

6 PM – 8 PM

Schmidt Boca Raton History Museum

Thursday , February 5th

Florida State Fair

11 AM – 9 PM

Florida State Fairgrounds

Saturday , July 4th

America 250 Commemoration – Pensacola Time Capsule Dedication

8 AM – 6 PM

Sons of the American Revolution, FL Society, Pensacola Chapter; City of Pensacola; D.A.R. Pensacola

Sunday , March 22nd

7th Annual INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL Fort Walton Beach

11 AM – 7 PM

Conexion Media Group

Wednesday , May 6th

St. Augustine History Festival

12 AM – 12 AM

University of Florida Historic St. Augustine, Inc. / St. Augustine

Thursday , February 19th

Inheriting the Revolution: The Modern Legacy of 1776

4 PM – 5 PM

Barry and Florence Friedberg Lifelong Learning Center

Wednesday , June 3rd

Salute To Independence Parade

12 PM – 2 PM

Second Time Arounders Marching Band

Friday , July 3rd

City of Cocoa Beach – America’s 250th

5 PM – 9 PM

City of Cocoa Beach

Saturday , January 31st

American Made: Paintings and Sculpture from the DeMell Jacobsen Collection

10 AM – 10 AM

Vero Beach Museum of Art

Saturday , February 21st

History of Fort Mose & Musket Shooting Demonstration

10 AM – 12 PM

Flagler County Public Library

Saturday , February 7th

The Life of Zora Neale Hurston Presented by Diane Johnson

1 PM – 2 PM

Flagler County Public Library

Wednesday , May 27th

Pier 60 Sugar Sand Festival

10 AM – 9 PM

Clearwater Beach, Florida

Thursday , February 5th

Unknown Faces, Facts & Features of Florida in the Revolution

6 PM – 8 PM

Ximenez-Fatio House Museum

NASA’s Day of Remembrance

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Saturday , May 16th

U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony

10 AM – 12 PM

Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex

Tuesday , January 20th

Exhibition: Maitland’s Attic: A Journey Through A Small City’s Past

11 AM – 4 PM

The Art and History Museums of Maitland

Saturday , June 20th

KidsFest 250

5 PM – 9 PM

Main Street Zephyrhills

Sunday , June 14th

Special Flag Day Celebration

1 PM – 3 PM

VFW Post 2391, St. Augustine, FL

Saturday , July 4th

MelBOOM – City of Melbourne’s July 4th Celebration

4 PM – 12 AM

Claude Edge Front St. Park

Thursday , February 26th

Florida Strawberry Festival®

10 AM – 11 PM

Florida Strawberry Festival, Plant City

Wednesday , November 5th

The Enduring Declaration

5 PM – 6 PM

The ELKS Lodge 1291

Saturday , January 24th

HonorAmerica250 2026 Kickoff Party

11 AM

Melbourne Liberty Bell Museum

Saturday , February 28th

Putnam County Liberty Tree Dedication

1 PM – 1 PM

5221 Basco Court Elkton, FL 32033

Saturday , May 9th

Battle of Pensacola- Galvez Day Commemoration

8 AM – 5 PM

Fort George Pensacola, FL

Saturday , March 14th

First Amphibious Assault Memorial Dedication

10 AM – 2 PM

222 North Pompano Beach Blvd., Pompano Beach, Florida

Monday , February 16th

America 250 Patriot Marker Dedication

10 AM – 11 AM

Veterans Park Punta Gorda, FL

Saturday , September 13th

Sami’s Star-Spangled Celebration

10 AM – 1 PM

Veterans Park St. Cloud, FL

Saturday , November 8th

Annual De Leon Dash 5k Run

6 AM – 9 AM

De Leon Springs State Park

Saturday , October 11th

1800’s Era Fearless Florida Frontier Women Program

10 AM

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

Saturday , August 23rd

Early American Pie-making Class

1 PM – 3 PM

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

Sunday , July 6th

Patriotic Family Fun Day

10 AM – 11 AM

Camp Helen State Park

Saturday , July 12th

Living Historian Led Guided Walk Program

10 AM – 12 PM

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

Saturday , August 2nd

History Tour

3 PM – 7 PM

Dade Battlefield Historic State Park

Florida History & Heritage Timeline

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.

Early Human Inhabitants

Early Human Inhabitants

Many tribes of native Americans lived in the land now known as Florida for thousands of years.

European Exploration and Colonization

Written records about life in Florida began with the arrival of the Spanish explorer and adventurer Juan Ponce de León in 1513.

Territorial Period

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.

Statehood

Florida became the twenty-seventh state in the United States on March 3, 1845.

Civil War and Reconstruction

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.

Florida Development

During the final quarter of the nineteenth century, large-scale commercial agriculture in Florida, especially cattle-raising, grew in importance.

The Great Depression in Florida

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 and Post-War Boom

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.

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