Thomas Jefferson statue unveiled in Monticello, FL to launch Florida’s America250 Celebration

MONTICELLO, Florida —On Wednesday morning, July 2, 2025, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis was in Monticello, Florida to announce the official launch of Florida’s America250FL campaign to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. As part of the celebration, the governor unveiled a new statue of Thomas Jefferson, honoring the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and one of America’s most influential founding fathers.

“While others are tearing statues of our founding fathers down, Florida is putting them up,” said Governor DeSantis. “Thomas Jefferson was a critical figure in the formation of our country, especially in drafting the Declaration of Independence. In Florida, we celebrate the Founding Fathers.”

The event marked the second in a series of statue unveilings planned across Florida counties named for America’s founders. Statues will also be installed in Washington, Franklin, Hamilton, Madison, and Monroe counties during the next year. Many other events and celebrations are planned and during the upcoming year, all across Florida, in celebration of next year's semiquincentennial.

As the “Father of the Declaration of Independence,” Thomas Jefferson’s words provided moral clarity and philosophical weight to America’s pursuit of liberty, and his commitment to religious freedom, civic virtue, and education continues to shape Florida’s approach to civic instruction.

In 2021, legislation in Florida established the Civics Literacy Excellence Initiative, a $129 million program that has supported the expansion of civics curriculum at all grade levels and created the Civics Seal of Excellence Endorsement for Florida teachers. To date, more than 21,000 teachers have participated in the program, with over 3,700 more on the waitlist. The state has awarded over $59 million in teacher stipends to recognize their commitment to fostering civic literacy.

Earlier this week, Florida’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 budget was signed, which includes an additional $7.4 million to further expand civic literacy and debate programs across the state.

The governor also announced the launch of America250FL.com, Florida’s official hub for the yearlong commemoration. The site offers Floridians opportunities to:
• Learn about Florida’s role in American history;
• Plan visits to historic sites across the state; and
• Share their own family’s contributions to Florida’s and America’s history.

For more information about Florida’s America250 celebration, visit America250FL.com.