Melting Ron DeSantis Statue Protest Highlights Florida Climate Policy

On October 13, 2026, environmental advocacy group 350 Action unveiled a life-sized statue of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in Tallahassee, which promptly began to melt, symbolizing his perceived inaction on the climate crisis[4][10][11]. The statue, constructed from solid gallium, a metal with a melting point of 85.6°F (29.8°C), began dissolving at Prime Meridian Plaza[7][9][10]. As the statue melted, DeSantis's face dissolved to reveal a skull underneath, a visual intended to criticize his eight-year tenure regarding climate issues[4][7][9].

This protest aims to highlight Governor DeSantis's stance on climate change and encourage voters to support candidates who prioritize climate action in the upcoming midterm elections[10][11]. The demonstration sought to connect DeSantis's policy decisions with the tangible effects of a warming climate in Florida[11].

What the Records Show

The protest art, titled "DENIAL," was a collaboration between 350 Action, creative studio Uncommon, and production company M ss ng P eces[9][13]. Gallium's melting point is often exceeded in Tallahassee's summer heat, making the material a symbolic choice for the protest[4][7][11]. A plaque accompanying the statue quoted DeSantis's 2018 statement, "I am not a global warming person," and referenced his signing of House Bill 1645 (HB 1645)[12][13]. Candice Fortin, campaign manager for 350 Action, stated, "That's why it's more important than ever to deny them back at the ballot box"[9][11].

The Timeline

Governor Ron DeSantis stated in 2018, "I am not a global warming person" during a campaign stop[3][8][12]. On May 15, 2024, Governor DeSantis signed House Bill 1645 into law[1][2][9][14]. This legislation became effective on July 1, 2024[2][14]. The melting statue was unveiled on October 13, 2026[10][12]. Governor DeSantis's term is scheduled to conclude in January 2027[6][8].

What Changed and For Whom

House Bill 1645 made significant changes to Florida's energy policy. The legislation removed most references to "climate change" from state statutes and eliminated emissions reductions as a priority for energy policy[1][14][16]. It also banned offshore wind turbines and near-shore wind projects within one mile of the coast, while promoting fossil fuels and easing regulations on natural gas pipelines[1][2][7][14]. The bill further repealed renewable energy grant programs and removed requirements for state agencies to consider fuel efficiency for vehicles or to use "climate-friendly" products and "green lodging"[15][16][17]. These changes shift Florida's energy focus away from climate mitigation efforts[17].

What the Subject Has Said Publicly

Upon signing HB 1645 in May 2024, Governor DeSantis publicly stated on X (formerly Twitter), "We're restoring sanity in our approach to energy and rejecting the agenda of the radical green zealots"[1][2][8][9]. His administration has consistently opposed legislation aimed at curbing planet-heating emissions, often referring to such efforts as a "radical climate agenda"[4][6][8].

What We Could Not Confirm

PrimaryBrief could not confirm any official statement or response from Governor Ron DeSantis or his office regarding the melting statue protest. The precise number of attendees at the statue's unveiling on October 13, 2026, also could not be confirmed.