Governor Ron DeSantis Unveils Thomas Jefferson Statue in Jefferson County as Part of Florida's America250 Celebration

MONTICELLO, FL - On July 2, 2025, Governor Ron DeSantis announced 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 in Jefferson County-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 Ron 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 over the next year. Many other events and celebrations are planned and will ramp up across Florida all year in celebration of next year's semiquincentennial. 

Governor DeSantis underscored Thomas Jefferson’s legacy as the “Father of the Declaration of Independence,” whose words provided moral clarity and philosophical weight to America’s pursuit of liberty. The Governor also emphasized Jefferson’s commitment to religious freedom, civic virtue, and education-principles that continue to shape Florida’s approach to civic instruction.

Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, Florida has made historic investments in civic education to ensure students understand and appreciate the nation’s founding principles.

In 2021, the Governor signed legislation establishing 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, Governor DeSantis signed Florida’s Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget, 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.