The Florida House of Representatives has introduced House Resolution HR 8023, which designates May 15, 2025, as "Josiah T. Walls Day" in the state of Florida. This resolution honors the life and contributions of Josiah T. Walls, who was born enslaved in Virginia in 1842 and later became a significant figure in Florida's history. After serving in the Union Army during the Civil War, Walls settled in Florida, where he became a farmer and a prominent political leader. He played a crucial role in the state's constitutional convention in 1868 and was elected to both the Florida House of Representatives and Senate. Notably, he was the first Black Floridian elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1870.

Throughout his political career, Walls was an advocate for Florida's development, introducing numerous bills that benefited the state, including those related to transportation and education. Despite facing challenges due to his race and the tumultuous political climate of the Reconstruction era, he was reelected to Congress multiple times and continued to serve in various capacities after his congressional tenure. Walls' legacy is commemorated through this resolution, which marks the 120th anniversary of his death on May 15, 1905, recognizing his enduring impact on Florida's history and governance.