December 29 , 2021

FLORIDA STATE CAPITOL

400 S Monroe St., Tallahassee, FL 32399

“The Capitol Complex, located in downtown Tallahassee, provides a dignified and serviceable headquarters for state government. The Capitol, the twenty-two story building, is home to Florida's Executive and Legislative branches. Other buildings at the Capitol Complex include the Historic Capitol and Knott Building as well as two five-story office buildings for the House of Representatives and Senate.” The Florida Capitol Website

The Florida State Capitol was first built on this site in 1845. In 1902 a major renovation took place and added a dome and wings to make the building look more like a “traditional” capitol building. Through the years there were other additions made to the building. In 1972 the Florida Legislature appropriated money to build a new capitol building. According to the brochure provided at the Capitol, “A design reflective of modern Florida was chsoen, rather than a traditional brick-and-white-columns design. Construction of the new Capitol began in late 1973 and was completed in 1977. Originally the plan was to demolish the old building, but citizens rallied and the building was restored back to the 1902 appearance and was opened as a museum.

The “new” Capitol consists of a twenty-two story building, which houses the Executive Offices, the two legislative chambers, and other governmental offices. A brochure allows people to tour the building on their own. The Governor’s Office is on the first floor as you enter the building. Elevators take you to the fifth floor for the visitor galleries to the House and Senate Chambers. The Senate Chamber was lit and visible through the glass behind the visitors gallery. The House Chamber was lit only by a Christmas Tree in the front and a huge video screen showing a fireplace all decked out for Christmas. The elevator then takes visitors to the 22nd floor where there is an observation deck and small art gallery.

The displays in the “old” Capitol tell the story of state government in Florida. Restored areas include the Governor’s Office, Supreme Court Chamber, and both the House and Senate Chambers. Side rooms in each area tell stories of significant people andevents in the state’s history. I learned that Florida was admitted to the union as a slave state at the same time Iowa was admitted as a free state. There were many interesting displays, and not all of them from long ago, one room told the story of the 2000 election and how Florida became the center of attention in the outcome. One of the voting booths used in that election was on display.