Florida Moves Closer To Replacing ‘Gulf of Mexico’ With Patriotic ‘Gulf of America’
In a sweeping symbolic move that’s sparking passionate debate, Florida lawmakers have passed legislation to erase the historic 'Gulf of Mexico' moniker from state law and classrooms, replacing it instead with the 'Gulf of America.' The decision pushes forward a controversial initiative originally promoted by former President Donald Trump, who framed it as an act of patriotic rebranding. Now, the bills are headed straight to the governor's desk for likely approval—despite polling that shows most Floridians oppose the rename.
Both the Florida House and Senate have embraced related measures. The Senate approved a requirement mandating that public schools and charter schools buy instructional materials referencing the Gulf of America in future editions, aligning with the recent federal order. A second bill updates more than 50 segments of state law to reflect the new designation in official documents, maps, and codes.
Republican supporters frame this as far more than cosmetic. "It is a declaration that the United States is a global leader in the vanguard of democracy," said Miami Representative Juan Carlos Porras, who sponsored the school materials update bill. Co-sponsor Rep. Meg Weinberger called it a "powerful step that puts America first" and a gesture of respect for "our favorite president." Their viewpoint links the renaming effort to patriotic pride and American exceptionalism.
Yet critics on both sides of the aisle—and across Florida’s diverse communities—have raised concerns ranging from historical accuracy to political grandstanding. Representative Felicia Robinson condemned the move as prioritizing partisan messaging over education. "It should not be allowed for one person, president or not, to change history with just a few spoken words," she warned, echoing anxiety that the effort risks politicizing public instruction.
Opposition extends well beyond the Statehouse. A University of North Florida survey found 58% of Floridians somewhat or strongly oppose the change. A Fox News poll of nearly 1,000 voters nationwide showed 67% disapproval—a significant bipartisan rejection. Nonetheless, Republican lawmakers defend the move as aligning Florida with Trump’s January executive order titled "Restoring names that honor American greatness." According to that directive, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior is ordered to update all federal documents and materials.
The Gulf has borne the 'Gulf of Mexico' name since at least the 1550s, anchoring centuries of North American history, trade, and cultural exchange. Critics such as Democratic representative Mike Gottlieb emphasized the name's deep historical resonance: "Place names hold historical context. History must be taught with accuracy and integrity." Democratic Senator Lori Berman argued the change wastes taxpayer dollars and legislative bandwidth on a "superficial display of nationalism" rather than addressing real challenges facing Floridians.
The debate carries echoes of recent U.S. culture wars and questions about national identity, memory, and political power. It also highlights the deep partisan divides over issues far beyond a map label. While supporters hail the rename as a reaffirmation of sovereignty, detractors see it as hollow optics that threaten educational integrity and bureaucratic efficiency. Meanwhile, state agencies and commissions, such as Florida's Fish and Wildlife Commission, are already updating official resources—a costly and complex undertaking.
As the bills await Governor Ron DeSantis's signature, a broader conversation intensifies: Is this a meaningful patriotic gesture or distraction from urgent needs? Can altering a historic name inspire pride or does it risk erasing an important chapter in shared history? Let us know what you think—comment below and join a debate sure to continue well beyond Florida’s shores.
