Governor Ron DeSantis celebrates the launch of Florida’s showcase at the Great American State Fair highlighting history, agriculture, tourism, and innovation

Tallahassee, Florida – Florida stepped onto a national stage this week as Governor Ron DeSantis joined state leaders and agency partners to celebrate the opening of the Florida Pavilion at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., a large-scale exhibition tied to America’s 250th anniversary celebrations.

The pavilion, located on the National Mall, is part of a wider event hosted by Freedom 250 that brings together all 50 states and six U.S. territories. Running from June 25 through July 10, 2026, the fair is expected to draw millions of visitors during the country’s Semiquincentennial year, offering a blend of history, entertainment, education, and cultural displays.

Florida’s installation is designed as more than a traditional exhibit. It is structured as an immersive journey through time, guiding visitors across centuries of Florida history while also showcasing the state’s modern identity. From early exploration to space exploration, the pavilion aims to connect Florida’s past, present, and future in one continuous narrative.

“As our nation celebrates 250 years of independence, Florida is proud to showcase the culture and history that has helped shape America and continues to define our state’s success,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “From our unmatched natural beauty to our thriving agriculture and world-class attractions, Florida’s pavilion will give visitors from across the country a taste of everything that makes the Free State of Florida exceptional.”

The governor’s remarks set the tone for an exhibit that blends storytelling with interactive experiences. State officials describe the pavilion as a “walkthrough Florida,” beginning with early settlement history and expanding into industries, ecosystems, and innovation that define the state today.

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Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson emphasized agriculture as a central theme of the display, highlighting its long-standing role in both state and national development.

“America’s 250th birthday is a special opportunity to celebrate the people, industries, and values that have built the greatest nation in the history of the world,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. “Since our founding, agriculture has been at the heart of the American story, and through Fresh From Florida’s partnership with the Florida Pavilion, we are proud to celebrate the men and women who carry that legacy forward. Visitors to the Florida Pavilion will see how Florida farmers, ranchers, growers, and fishermen feed our families, fuel our economy, and preserve our nation’s freedom, prosperity, and independence.”

The pavilion itself is organized into five major themed experiences, each focusing on a different part of Florida’s identity. Together, they are designed to move visitors through a layered story of heritage, environment, innovation, tourism, and future exploration.

Florida Secretary of State and America250FL Chair Cord Byrd described the event as a rare national moment.

“The Great American State Fair is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Americans to celebrate together and honor our nation’s rich history,” said America250FL Chair and Secretary of State Cord Byrd. “Florida’s pavilion represents the best of our state from its breathtaking natural beauty to the boundless ingenuity of our people.”

VISIT FLORIDA also plays a major role in shaping the visitor experience. Its exhibit invites guests to explore the state through landmarks, storytelling, and interactive visuals that highlight Florida’s cultural and historical depth.

“VISIT FLORIDA is proud to contribute to the Florida Pavilion at the Great American State Fair to celebrate America and share Florida’s incredible story,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “Visitors to the Florida Pavilion will be able to explore Florida’s long history, natural treasures, and current landmarks as they walk through the exhibit, and experience the important role our state has played in America’s story. We will showcase the people, places, innovation, and courage that made our state—and even offer a few fun Florida giveaways.”

Wildlife and environmental conservation are also central to the pavilion’s message. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) created an interactive exhibit highlighting the state’s ecosystems, fisheries, and wildlife populations.

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“The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is proud to participate in the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., as our nation celebrates America’s 250th birthday,” said FWC Executive Director Roger Young. “Through an interactive exhibit showcasing Florida’s iconic wildlife, world-renowned fisheries, and breathtaking natural landscapes, we invite visitors to experience the incredible resources that make the Sunshine State unique. Stop by our booth and discover why Florida is recognized as the Fishing and Boating Capital of the World.”

The journey inside the pavilion begins in St. Augustine, recognized as the oldest continuously inhabited European-established city in the United States. From there, visitors are guided through early historical moments, starting with Juan Ponce de León’s arrival in 1513 and continuing through generations of Floridians who shaped both state and nation-building.

The first major exhibit, Florida’s History & Heritage, highlights innovation and progress through partnerships such as Florida Power & Light. It explores how Florida’s historical figures and inventors influenced broader American development, including connections to figures like Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin.

Next, visitors encounter The Manatee: Florida’s Iconic Marine Mammal, an exhibit sponsored by Tampa Electric Company. It focuses on conservation efforts and the relationship between industry and wildlife, including the well-known TECO Manatee Viewing Center where warm-water habitats provide refuge for hundreds of manatees each year.

Florida’s Natural Resources exhibit, supported by FWC, expands the focus to ecosystems across the state. From the Everglades to coastal waters, lakes, and rivers, the display emphasizes both recreation and environmental preservation.

The Fresh From Florida section, presented by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, highlights the state’s agricultural industry, showcasing farmers and producers who supply food nationwide while maintaining long-standing traditions.
The final stop, Live More Floridays, sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA, focuses on tourism and lifestyle. It showcases beaches, theme parks, historic landmarks, outdoor adventure, dining, and cultural destinations, encouraging visitors to explore the state firsthand.

The pavilion concludes with a forward-looking message centered on Florida’s role in space exploration. From Apollo-era missions to the current Artemis program, the exhibit underscores Florida’s continuing importance as a launch point for humanity’s reach into space.

Organizers say the Florida Pavilion is meant not only to entertain but to connect visitors with a broader story of growth, resilience, and innovation. As part of the Great American State Fair, it stands among dozens of state showcases, military demonstrations, concerts, and cultural events designed to celebrate 250 years of American independence.

For Florida, officials say, the pavilion is both a reflection of its past and a statement about its future — a blend of history, identity, and ambition presented on one of the nation’s most symbolic stages.