You read it right. Florida is the only state with an embassy in our Nation’s Capital.

Appropriately named Florida House, it’s a beautifully restored historic 1891 row house, located across from the Supreme Court with picture-perfect views of the Capitol, just one block away. I knew about Florida House but had been unable to visit during the pandemic years. I finally got there a few months ago and couldn’t help feeling pleased to see my home state show off a bit.

Florida House serves as a meeting place, gallery, museum, and ambassador for the Sunshine State. Everyone who crosses the threshold is offered a free glass of cold Florida orange juice.

The beautiful work of iconic Florida environmental photographer Clyde Butcher is currently on display at the house. You can also enjoy old Florida maps, sports memorabilia from state championship teams, classic Florida furnishings, discover fun Florida facts, explore state-wide travel information, and visit the small gift shop.

Owned by the people of Florida, no state or federal tax dollars support Florida House. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, it is supported by donations from generous Floridians and Floridians-at-Heart. Funds collected from rental fees for meetings and events held onsite bolsters the annual budget to staff and maintain facilities.

During the 1960s Rhea Chiles and her family were on vacation in DC and found themselves lost on Embassy Row. One of her young children suggested going to the Florida embassy for directions. The kids had a lesson about only countries having embassies, but a seed was planted in Rheas’s mind. During her husband Lawton’s first term as a US Senator, that seed sprang to life when she walked past what was then a crumbling derelict – with a for sale sign in front.

Rhea (who eventually was First Lady of Florida), had the vision to purchase the site in 1973 and launched a volunteer army of supporters, and along with $5,000 of her own money, raised the necessary $125,000.

When originally constructed by Edwin C. Manning, an architect working on the nearby Library of Congress, the Supreme Court had yet to be built. There was an unobstructed view straight to the Capitol.

Industry groups, associations, and elected officials book facilities for meetings, school groups visit for tours, families on vacation stop by, and art lovers come to see the latest exhibit by Florida artists. A non-partisan venue, all visitors are welcome free of charge, Monday-Friday from 9 AM until 5 PM. The site is closed during Federal holidays.

I’ll be back with my family sometime soon. The next time you’re in DC, join the 10,000 annual guests and check out our Florida hospitality. www.floridahousedc.org