A wonderful trip to Pensacola in May of 2011 lead us to stop in Tallahassee to tour the Florida State Capitol. It is an architecturally and historically significant building, having been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. What we found interesting is that there are actually two buildings. We eagerly decided to tour both, if we could. When we arrived, we found out that they do have guided tours, but we missed the last one for the day, but were able to pick up a self-guided tour brochure and found our way around this amazing capitol building.
Florida State Capitol Visitor Information
Address:
400 South Monroe Street
Tallahassee, Florida 32399
Phone:
850-488-6167
Hours:
Mon-Fir 8 am – 5 pm
Price:
Free
Tours:
Self guided tours are free during normal open hours
Weekday guided tours are available for large groups by contacting the Florida Welcome Center. Bookings for guided tours during Legislative Session should be made several months in advance.
Directions:
From Tallahassee Regional Airport
- Exit the airport parking lot and turn left. This is Capital Circle Southwest.
- Travel about six miles on Capital Circle past several traffic lights where you’ll see a Shell Oil gas station on the right. Immediately past the Shell station turn right onto Interstate 10 eastbound.
- On I-10 travel east about six miles to the second exit, Tallahassee/Thomasville, US 319, Exit #203. Exit I-10 here and turn left (north) at the traffic light.
- For remaining directions from this point see “From Interstate 10” below.
From Interstate 10
- Exit I-10 at the Tallahassee/Thomasville exit. (U.S. Highway 319, Exit #203). Travel north on US Highway 319 (also called Thomasville Road) about 3/4 mile through several traffic lights, passing a Publix and Walgreen’s Drug store on your right.
- At the light just past the Walgreen’ turn right. This is Killarney Way. You’re heading east.
- Head east 1.4 miles on Killarney Way to the Circle K/Shell gas station at the roundabout traffic circle, where you will turn right. You’re now on Shamrock South.
- Travel 1.3 miles on Shamrock South. FAIA’s office is on your right opposite Fellowship Presbyterian Church and Celebration Baptist Church.
From U.S. Highway 90 (Mahan Drive)
- Where U.S. 90 intersects U.S. 319 (Capital Circle) head north on U.S. 319 for 1.4 miles past a few traffic lights to the light at Centerville Road, also called County Road 151. Turn right on Centerville Road, heading northeast.
- About 100 yards later, turn left at the traffic light, still on Centerville Road.
- Head northeast on Centerville road for 3.7 miles until you reach Shamrock Drive South. Turn left (west) on Shamrock Drive South.
- FAIA will be on your left in about 200 yards.
Parking:
Visitor parking in the Capitol area is limited to either metered street spaces or designated lots. The City of Tallahassee manages two parking garages (Kleman Plaza and Eastside Parking Garage) and one surface lot (near Duval and Gaines). The Department of Management Services (DMS) manages two lots (Lot E and Lot 4). Spaces for visitors with disabilities are located on the west side of the House Office Building in the north side loading zone. There are more spaces located in the parking lot south of the Knott Building. If you’re parking outside these lots in a non-metered spot, please ensure that the spot is marked for visitor parking. Cars parked in employee spaces will be towed.
Visiting during Session Rules
The Florida Legislature normally convenes its annual regular session on the first Monday after the first Tuesday in March. In even-numbered years, the Legislature can move this date forward. Regular session lasts for 60 consecutive days. Special sessions can last up to 20 days and are convened at the request of the Governor or Joint Proclamation by the Speaker of the House and the Senate President.
If you or your group wishes to observe the Legislature after the completion of the tour, please refer to the following guidelines:
- Gallery seating is limited, and availability is dependent upon the length of the daily session and the number of visitors seeking admittance.
- Teachers who wish to visit the viewing gallery of the House or Senate chambers should inform the staff outside the galleries and notify them of the number of students in their group. It may be necessary to wait before entering.
- Once inside, most groups have 15 minutes to observe the lawmakers in action.
- Students should be reminded that important state business is being conducted in each chamber.
- All visitors to the galleries must remain seated and quiet and may not applaud.
- All phones, pagers and other electronic devices must be turned off before entering the gallery.
- No one is allowed to lean over the gallery railing from the first row.
- Flash photography is not allowed in the gallery.
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