37,000 Handprints Flood the Florida Capitol—Here’s the Heartwarming Reason Why

Walk into the Florida State Capitol this week, and you’ll immediately be greeted by a sky of color—more than 37,000 vibrant handprints suspended from the ceiling, each one crafted by a child in Florida. This breathtaking display, known as Celebration of the Hands, marks the official kickoff of Children’s Week Florida™, a statewide tribute to the voices, dreams, and needs of Florida’s youngest residents.

What began as a grassroots initiative has become one of the largest child advocacy events in the state, drawing thousands of families, educators, students, lawmakers, and advocates to the Capitol each year. The handprints—created in classrooms, homes, and community centers—are more than just artwork. They are symbols of hope, reminders of responsibility, and visual petitions calling on lawmakers to prioritize children in every policy discussion.

According to WTXL Tallahassee, the Capitol was filled Sunday with legislators, volunteers, and students who gathered to reflect on the importance of this moment and what it represents. State Representative Jennifer Canady, who chairs the House Education Committee, was among those in attendance. She shared what drives her work:

“I think what you can be confident of is that your Florida Legislature is focused on doing the important work of making sure that kids have opportunity that is open to them and that the future is secure for them,” Canady told WTXL.

Canady, who remains active in the classroom herself, emphasized the importance of staying connected to families and educators on the ground. That real-world insight, she said, helps shape education policy that reflects the true needs of students and teachers across the state.

The 2025 display was made possible with support from Humana Healthy Horizons in Florida, Inc., the event’s featured partner. Organizers say participation this year exceeded expectations, with more than 37,000 handprint artworks submitted—well over the 21,000 received in 2024. Each piece was submitted by the March 28 deadline and carefully hung to transform the Capitol into a colorful celebration of potential and possibility.

The Celebration of the Hands kicks off a full week of child-focused advocacy and programming, spotlighting issues like early learning, child welfare, and family support services. Events throughout the week will include interactive activities, policy discussions, and statewide outreach designed to ensure children remain a top priority during the legislative session.

Children’s Week Florida™ is organized by a coalition of partners committed to amplifying the needs of youth and families across the state. From policymakers to preschoolers, the message is clear: when we honor our children, we build a stronger Florida for everyone.

The display is open to the public daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. through April 18, 2025, at the Florida State Capitol, located at 400 S Monroe St, Tallahassee.