Florida has become the first state to legally recognize the Gulf of America after Governor Ron DeSantis (R) signed two bills establishing the recognition.
One bill, HB 575, officially changes the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on official documents. The second bill, HB 549, requires state agencies to update “geographic materials” to reflect the name change and “requires instructional materials & library media center collections adopted or acquired by certain entities on or after specified date to reflect new federal designation of ‘Gulf of Mexico’ as ‘Gulf of America.'”
Both laws take effect on July 1.
Republican State Senator Nick DiCeglie said in a statement that the state is “proud to follow the leadership of President Trump as the first state to officially recognize the Gulf of America. American exceptionalism isn’t an abstract idea. It is an absolute fact that we must recognize and celebrate. In Florida, we will always put America first.”
Fellow Republican State Senator Joe Gruters agreed, stating that it is “our responsibility to ensure our children understand American greatness.”
“Ever since President Trump entered the Oval Office, he has fought for America first policies that honor our country’s greatness,” Senate President Ben Albritton (R) similarly stated. “Mr. President, I’m proud to say the Florida Senate stands with you in the fight to recognize the Gulf of America and celebrate American exceptionalism. Thank you Governor DeSantis for signing these bills into law.”
“The naming of our national treasures, including breathtaking natural wonders and historic works of art, should honor the contributions of visionary and patriotic Americans in our Nation’s rich past,” Trump’s January executive order says. “The Gulf will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping America’s future and the global economy, and in recognition of this flourishing economic resource and its critical importance to our Nation’s economy and its people, I am directing that it officially be renamed the Gulf of America,” the order adds.
