Florida launches America250FL campaign: state holiday, county statues, free park days and student scholarships

Governor DeSantis used a public appearance in Vero Beach to roll out Florida’s America250FL program and related promotions, saying the state will recognize George Washington’s birthday as a state holiday and host a slate of events and commemorations.

DeSantis said the state obtained a statue of George Washington from Mount Vernon for the Florida Capitol and that the administration is arranging statues for counties named after founding-era figures, singling out Thomas Jefferson in Jefferson County and Benjamin Franklin in Franklin County and saying additional figures (including Hamilton and Madison) are planned. "We are going to, this year for America's 250, recognize Washington's birthday, not just federally, but as a state holiday," the governor said.

The governor announced partnerships and programming to accompany the commemoration, including a NASCAR partnership for an "America250 Florida Duel at Daytona," a "Fresh From Florida 250" event and waiving admission fees for state-owned public lands during the February observance. "All fees are waived for admission to state owned public lands, including our state parks, state parks [sic], wildlife management areas, water management lands, and department of state historic property," DeSantis said.

The program includes a student essay contest tied to america250fl.com; DeSantis said foundations associated with the state will sponsor 14 Florida Prepaid scholarships for contest winners to use at state colleges and universities, with further details to be announced. He also highlighted education initiatives tied to the celebration: expanded civics requirements, a statewide speech-and-debate program and a civic seal for teachers. DeSantis described scholarship awards for speech-and-debate champions, saying the championship offers a $50,000 scholarship for the winner, $25,000 for second place, $15,000 for semifinalists and $10,000 for quarterfinalists.

Cord Bird, identified in the remarks as Florida's secretary of state, described Department of State activities supporting America250FL, including heritage-site promotions, a veterans-history program and online content at america250fl.com. Brian Griffin, president and CEO of VISIT Florida, said the agency is coordinating marketing and event listings for the initiative and encouraged communities to partner on cooperative campaigns. "At the direction of Governor DeSantis, state entities are working together to make opportunities available for residents to experience American and Florida history," Griffin said.

Organizers framed the program as both celebratory and educational, emphasizing civic education and tourism. Griffin cited tourism figures in his remarks, noting Visit Florida's view that tourism is an economic driver for the state.

The administration said additional operational details and timelines for the essay contest, heritage exhibits and statue installations will be posted at america250fl.com.