The Florida Pavilion at the Great American State Fair
The State of Florida will proudly join all 50 states and 6 U.S. territories at the Great American State Fair , hosted by Freedom 250, from June 25 through July 10, 2026, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., with an immersive pavilion celebrating the people, places, history, and industries that have made Florida the greatest state in the nation.
Guests entering the pavilion will begin their journey in St. Augustine, America’s oldest continuously inhabited European-established city, where exhibits will explore Florida’s storied history beginning with the arrival of Juan Ponce de León in 1513 and continuing through the generations of Floridians who helped build the state and the nation.
The pavilion will then guide visitors through five signature experiences:
Florida Pavilion Exhibits
Florida’s History & Heritage
Presented in partnership with Florida Power & Light, this exhibit explores Florida’s role in powering America’s future through innovation and ingenuity. Visitors will discover the Florida connections of visionaries like Thomas Edison and Benjamin Franklin while learning about the state’s long history of technological advancement and energy development through interactive displays, historical imagery, and educational resources.
The Manatee: Florida’s Iconic Marine Mammal
Sponsored by Tampa Electric Company. Florida’s Marine Mammal, the Manatee, may be the best known of its symbols. Manatees are one of Florida’s most beloved and recognizable species. Often called “gentle giants,” these slow-moving marine mammals inhabit the state’s rivers, springs, and coastal waters. Thanks to continued conservation efforts, the once endangered species continues to outpace expectations and make a comeback. These conservation efforts are a direct result of partnerships with Florida’s businesses and communities, like the Tampa Electric Company. The TECO Manatee Viewing Center in Tampa Bay is a state and federally designated manatee sanctuary. Manatees love warm water. And by a stroke of POWERful luck, Tampa Electric can provide it to them! The TECO Big Bend Power Station in Apollo Beach circulates water from Tampa Bay for cooling, then sends the water flowing clean and warm back into the bay. In the winter months the manatees leave colder waters to return to this warm and welcoming refuge.
Florida’s Natural Resources
Sponsored by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Florida was one of our nation’s last frontiers. As recently as the early 1900s, the southern interior of the state was a vast and foreboding swampland, largely inaccessible. Efforts to tame the watery landscape took many twists and turns, guided by the needs and capabilities of the day. As the state has grown, efforts to both conserve and restore the “Real Florida” are underway to leave the state to God better than we found it. With more than 7,500 lakes, 12,000 miles of rivers and thousands of miles of tidal shoreline, there is no doubt why fishing in Florida is one of the top activities for locals and visitors. Recognizing the popularity of the sport, Floridians overwhelmingly voted to enshrine the God-given right to fish and hunt in the state’s constitution, along with sweeping protections to ensure the resource is managed in a way that future generations can enjoy the multi-generation tradition. Ready to make your way to the Fishing Capital of the World?
Fresh From Florida: Florida’s Agricultural Heritage
Presented by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and Fresh From Florida, this section celebrates the farmers, ranchers, growers, and producers who help feed the nation while preserving Florida’s agricultural traditions. Visitors will explore the state’s diverse commodities and learn why agriculture remains one of Florida’s most important industries.
Live More Floridays
A Florida vacation doesn’t take you away from life – it brings you back to it. From historic landmarks, theme parks, and attractions to world-renowned restaurants and wildlife, there is no ordinary day in Florida. Visitors can explore beaches, cities, parks, and waterways, a space station, and theme parks—all within a single state. We call it living more Floridays. Ready to plan your trip to Florida? Check out our recommendations.
The Great American State Fair is expected to welcome millions of visitors during the nation’s Semiquincentennial celebration and will feature state pavilions, industry exhibits, family attractions, military performances, concerts, movie screenings, spectacular flyovers, and an iconic Ferris wheel on the National Mall. For more information on all the fair has to offer, please visit Freedom 250’s website here.
About America 250 Florida
America 250 Florida marks the state’s official observance of America’s semiquincentennial and will host and help sponsor special events throughout the year for Floridians from all corners of the state to enjoy. Floridians can find information on events, exhibits, heritage sites, and participation opportunities at America250FL.com, the state’s official hub for the Semiquincentennial celebration.