Florida Bill Proposes Mandatory Washington and Lincoln Portraits in Classrooms

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TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — There’s a new legislative proposal that could soon mandate the display of portraits of former U.S. Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in Florida’s public school classrooms.

Introduced as “an act relating to patriotic displays in classrooms,” this bill was filed on Thursday by Republican State Senator Danny Burgess, who represents sections of Pasco and Hillsborough counties.

Should it be approved, the legislation would obligate schools to prominently showcase images of the nation’s first and sixteenth presidents in classrooms from kindergarten through fifth grade, as well as in rooms primarily used for teaching social studies.

In a post on X, Burgess explained why he and Rep. John Snyder filed the twin bills ahead of the America’s 250th anniversary.

“For years, Florida schools proudly displayed portraits of United States Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln,” Burgess said. “However, over time and as classroom designs and curricula evolved, these historic figures were slowly removed from classrooms.”

Burgess said the inspiration came during one of his family’s annual trips across the country.

“I found myself in awe, standing in a historic classroom where portraits of presidents Washington and Lincoln still hung on the wall,” Burgess said. “I couldn’t help but ask myself, ‘Why did we ever stop having these two historic figures in Florida classrooms.”

The bill would take effect July 1, 2026 if approved by the legislature.

“By reinstating the portraits, we’re giving students the opportunity to reflect on the vision, courage and character that shaped our nation – and to be inspired by two of our greatest leaders,” Burgess said.