TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida legislators are moving forward with a proposal to officially change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, consistent with a previous executive order issued during Donald Trump’s presidency.
Lawmakers in Florida have made preliminary progress toward amending state laws and educational resources to reflect the proposed name change. Several panels from both the Republican-led House and Senate have endorsed the bill, which corresponds with Trump’s executive order entitled “Restoring Names That Honor American Greatness.”
If passed, this legislation would amend references to the Gulf of Mexico across 52 sections of state law. Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed support for the initiative and has already utilized the new nomenclature in official communications.
There are still questions regarding potential legal or public opposition to this renaming before it becomes effective. The response from federal agencies, international organizations, and adjacent states remains unclear. Additionally, it is unknown what financial implications may arise from updating state documents, maps, and educational materials.
The name Gulf of Mexico has been recorded since the mid-1500s, originating from Spanish explorers who charted the area. The current push to rename it the Gulf of America stems from Trump’s directive aimed at reinforcing American identity through geographic nomenclature. While some advocate for this change as a patriotic act, others criticize it as unnecessary and a distraction from critical legislative matters.
This debate underscores significant political divisions within Florida’s legislature, particularly in relation to Republican lawmakers’ ongoing alignment with Trump’s agenda. Critics assert that prioritizing the renaming effort detracts attention from urgent issues such as affordable housing and insurance reform. If successful, this initiative could pave the way for further geographic renamings for political or symbolic purposes.
The Senate Community Affairs Committee voted 4-2 in favor of bill SB 608, while the House Government Operations Subcommittee approved its counterpart HB 575 with a vote of 13-4. If both chambers of the Florida Legislature endorse the legislation and it is signed by DeSantis, the name change will take effect on July 1.
Proponents assert that this renaming reflects patriotism:
“This simply involves changing the name Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America in Florida statutes, in accordance with federal directives,” stated Senator Nick DiCeglie, R-Indian Rocks Beach, who sponsors the bill. “It is as straightforward as that.”
“This change is courageous and proclaims America’s greatness,” remarked Representative Judson Sapp, R-Green Cove Springs.
Conversely, opponents argue against the necessity of this action:
“The name Gulf of Mexico has historical significance,” stated Representative Dotie Joseph, D-North Miami.
“Presidential authority should not extend to unilaterally altering names of natural bodies,” asserted Senator Tina Polsky, D-Boca Raton.
