What Florida 4-H Legislature Is
Florida 4-H Legislature is a summer "learn by doing" experience in state government for teen 4-H members. Participants run a mock legislative session at the Florida State Capitol, taking roles as senators, representatives, lobbyists, media correspondents, Lieutenant Governor or Governor. The next Legislature is June 21-25, 2027 in Tallahassee, with participants lodged in Florida State University dorms.
Who Can Attend
Senior 4-H members aged 14-18 as of September 1 of the membership year.
Cost
$430.00 per participant. Registration is through 4-H Online.
Key Dates and Deadlines
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| February 1, 2027 | Registration opens |
| April 15, 2027, 7:00 p.m. ET | "Ask 4-H About" live session on Facebook Live (no account needed) |
| June 1, 2027 | Registration closes |
| June 15, 2027, 7:00 p.m. ET | "Know Before You Go" session on Zoom; registered participants receive the link automatically |
| Monday, June 21, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Check-in |
| Friday, June 25, 8:00-10:00 a.m. | Check-out |
How It Works
Teens prepare before they arrive. The Legislature provides a Key Documents manual (Manual 1) and a second manual with the Bill Book and Lobby Pro/Con Charts (Manual II). Families are encouraged to print the manuals and to work with their county Extension office to offset printing costs. Online preparation pages cover planning for success, preparing for your role and how to engage in sessions and procedures. A general schedule, a dress code and a packing list are available as PDFs on the event page.
During the week, programming takes place at the Florida State Capitol while delegates sleep in FSU dorms.
Who Plans It
The Legislature is planned by a committee of a youth chair from the State Council officer team, youth members from around the state and an adult steering committee, as part of the Florida 4-H Executive Board. About 25 youth members from counties across Florida serve on the planning team alongside 4-H professionals and volunteers.
Where to Go
Check-in and housing are at the FSU DeGraff Hall East Building Lobby, 810 W Tennessee St, Tallahassee, FL 32304. Programming takes place at the Florida State Capitol.
Questions
How old do I have to be?
14-18 as of September 1 of the membership year.
Where do participants stay?
In Florida State University dorms.
When do I register?
Registration runs February 1 to June 1, 2027, in 4-H Online.
What do I need to read before I go?
Manual 1 (Key Documents) and Manual II (Bill Book and Lobby Pro/Con Charts), plus the dress code and packing list PDFs.
Who do I call?
Florida 4-H headquarters: (352) 846-4444. Mailing address: Building 1603, 2140 NE Waldo Rd, Room 107, Gainesville, FL 32609.
Official Links
UF/IFAS Extension in Florida: The Essentials
UF/IFAS Extension has offices in all 67 Florida counties, according to the statewide office finder, serving farmers, growers, homeowners, youth and families.
What it offers
County offices describe programs in 4-H youth development, agriculture, gardening, natural resources, nutrition and sustainability, per the Sarasota County office. Services differ by county.
Farm help
Soil, plant and nematode testing are available for a fee, per the Small Farms diagnostic page, through your Extension office, a research center or by shipping samples.
Master Gardeners
The Master Gardener program runs through participating county offices, often led by the horticulture agent.
Next steps
Pick your county on the office finder and call before you visit. Hours and services change.
Other Upcoming Events Nearby
- North Florida Fair
Tallahassee regional fair where Madison County and other area 4-H members enter crafts and projects. Held each year; the most recent dates were Nov 5-15, 2026.
Tallahassee, FL Official event details - 4-H Day at the North Florida Fair
Madison County 4-H members, parents and volunteers get half-price $20 arm bands for this Saturday at the Tallahassee fair. Held each year; the most recent date was Nov 14, 2026.
Tallahassee, FL | (850) 973-4138 | Organizer: Madison County 4-H Official event details - Florida Cattlemen's Legislative Quarterly Meeting
Cattlemen's winter meeting held in Tallahassee while the legislature is in session. The 2027 meeting runs March 15-17.
2003 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32301 | Organizer: Florida Cattlemen's Association Official event details - Florida 4-H Day at the Capitol
Young 4-H members meet legislators or aides, tour the Capitol and watch lawmakers at work. The next Day at the Capitol is March 24, 2027.
- Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair
The 71st Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair moved to a new fairgrounds with an Agriculture Barn and competitions in agriculture, horticulture and culinary arts. Held each year; the most recent dates were November 5-15, 2026.
13601 Normandy Boulevard, Jacksonville, FL 32221 | Organizer: Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Official event details
Listing checked Nov. 11, 2026 against this source. Details can change; confirm with the organizer.