Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has driven a statewide initiative to install 18 bronze statues of American presidents, founding fathers, and historical figures at a total cost approaching $2 million.

The project, part of Florida's America 250 celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, draws from state records analyzed by multiple outlets. Statues depict figures including George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, James Monroe, Abraham Lincoln, Ronald Reagan, Frederick Douglass, Christopher Columbus, and Juan Ponce de Leon. A forthcoming piece will feature baseball legends Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth.

Many statues stand in counties named after the honored individuals, such as Jefferson County and Madison County. DeSantis has personally attended several unveilings, including those for Franklin in Apalachicola and Jackson in Marianna. The governor has noted the effort teaches young people about the nation's founding principles and history.

Nearly all sculptures come from an artist in Loveland, Colorado. State funding covers the installations, with the most expensive single piece reaching $268,500. Additional statues of Lady Columbia and a replica Liberty Bell round out the collection.

DeSantis has contrasted the project with trends elsewhere of removing historical monuments. The initiative aligns with broader America 250FL events leading into July 2026.