Gov. Ron DeSantis unveiled a statue of Benjamin Franklin on the 238th anniversary of the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Franklin County this week. Franklin was one of the founding fathers of the United States and a signer of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence.
“Benjamin Franklin was an American original,” DeSantis said in a statement. “We as Americans are fortunate to have had a man like Franklin playing such a big role in the founding of our nation." "As we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary next July, we must remember the vision, courage, and unyielding quest for liberty that inspired our founders. Statues like this symbolize our firm resolve to uphold the Constitution, to honor the legacy of our founders, and to embody the values of our nation’s founding.”
Governor DeSantis Unveils Benjamin Franklin Statue in Apalachicola https://t.co/tQSxRwxRjt
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) September 17, 2025
Notably, Franklin was one of six men to sign both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. The others were George Clymer, Robert Morris, George Read, Roger Sherman, and James Wilson.
Lt. Gov. Jay Collins also celebrated the unveiling.
"It is a privilege to stand in Franklin County on Constitution Day as we honor Benjamin Franklin—a man whose wisdom, courage, and vision still shape America nearly 250 years after our founding," Collins said. "Here in Florida, we take pride in our constitutional legacy, rooted in independence and self-determination. Franklin’s life reminds us that freedom is not inherited by chance but secured through civic responsibility and service. While some may seek to erase history, Florida chooses to honor it, ensuring future generations know both their rights and their duty to preserve our republic."
The governor's office said other statues will be installed to honor America's founding fathers in Washington, Hamilton, Madison, and Monroe Counties before the end of the year.
In July, DeSantis unveiled a statue of Thomas Jefferson in Jefferson County. Jefferson also signed the Declaration of Independence and served as the third president of the United States.
