Sen. Danny Burgess (R-Zephyrhills) and Rep. John Snyder (R-Stuart) are looking to bring two of America's most well-known presidents into public school classrooms across the state.
The bill, SB 420/HB 371, would require portraits of Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln to be displayed in K–5 classrooms and in social studies classrooms for grades 6–12, an initiative they say would restore the tradition of the nation's history, its principles, and vision both presidents set.
"For years, Florida schools proudly displayed portraits of United States Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln," Burgess wrote. "However, over time and as classroom designs and curricula evolved, these historic figures were slowly removed from classrooms."
Sen. Burgess indicated he was inspired to file the bill after visiting historic landmarks across the country during family trips.
"During a recent trip, I found myself in awe, standing in a historic classroom where portraits of Presidents Washington and Lincoln still hung on the wall,” Burgess explained. “I couldn’t help but ask myself, why did we ever stop having these two historic figures displayed in Florida classrooms?”
Under the bill, all portraits must be approved for use by the Florida Department of Education.
The legislation comes on the heels of the 250th anniversary of the United States' founding on July 4, 2026. Gov. Ron DeSantis has already celebrated the commemoration as part of America 250 in Florida this year.
George Washington was the United States' 1st president from 1789 to 1797. He was also the commander of the Continental Army against the British Empire during the Revolutionary War, which led to America's independence.
Abraham Lincoln was America's 16th president from 1861 to 1865. During his time in office, Lincoln led the country through the American Civil War and was a leading figure in the abolition of slavery.
If passed, SB 420/HB 371 would take effect on July 1. Neither bill currently has any co-sponsors.
The Florida Legislative Session begins on January 13.
