FL H9137

House Resolution celebrating Franco-Floridian relationships and recognizing Florida's rich French heritage

Marks the 450th anniversary of French presence in Florida, beginning with Jean Ribault's 1562 expedition and continuing through 2015 to commemorate the founding of Fort Caroline near Jacksonville on June 30, 1564

Documents 15 sister-city relationships between Florida and French communities, including Nice-Miami partnership since 1963 and a new Cognac-Pinecrest agreement focused on educational initiatives

Notes public schools in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties offer bilingual French-English curriculum allowing K-12 students to earn diplomas from both American and French programs

Recognizes approximately 30,000 French citizens residing in Florida who provide 18,000 jobs and contribute significantly to the state's economic well-being, and acknowledges the France Florida Foundation for the Arts' promotion of French culture through exhibitions, performances, and educational exchanges