Photo: Getty Images
The Florida Senate has given final approval to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America, following an executive order from President Donald Trump. The Senate passed two bills, HB 549 and HB 575, which aim to implement the name change across state laws, educational materials, and government documents. The House had already passed the bills, and they now await Governor Ron DeSantis' signature, which is expected.
The decision to rename the Gulf reflects a directive from President Trump, who emphasized the importance of the body of water to the United States. The Senate vote was 28-9, with all Republicans supporting the change. Senate Minority Leader Jason Pizzo and two other Democrats also voted in favor.
Supporters, like Sen. Nick DiCeglie, argue that the renaming is a patriotic gesture that underscores American exceptionalism. He stated, "Genuinely, to me, this is about patriotism." However, opponents, such as Sen. Lori Berman, criticize the move as a symbolic gesture with no tangible benefits. She suggested lawmakers should focus on more pressing issues like property insurance and education.
The bills require state agencies and schools to update all references to the Gulf of Mexico to reflect the new name. The change is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, if signed by Governor DeSantis.
While the name change is expected to be implemented within Florida, its adoption outside the state remains uncertain. Critics question whether the renaming will have any impact on local communities, businesses, or tourism that rely on the Gulf's identity.