Courtesy: Evan El-Amin- Shutterstock – President Donald Trump with a serious look as he delivers a speech at a rally
Florida is on the verge of becoming the first state to enact legislation that would follow the Trump administration’s plan to rename the Gulf of America.
Republicans want to take the lead in complying with the federal designation, which some Democrats have argued makes Florida look like a “laughingstock.” This issue has become a GOP point of pride in the state. A bill that requires Florida agencies and local schools to change their geography materials to rename the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America was advanced by state senators on Monday. In the state House, similar proposals are about to be passed.
“Apps we use on a daily basis have already switched to Gulf of America, as you’ve probably already noticed,” stated state senator Alexis Calatayud (R-Miami). “It’s critical to update educational and geographic resources for Floridians going forward.”
Bridging the gap: SB 1058, the bill supported Monday by the Senate’s education budget committee, requires state agencies, school boards, and charter schools to update textbooks and other resources to take into account the changes in the Gulf of America. Schools would not be required to update all currently used books right away because this policy would apply to any materials purchased on or after July 1.
The Gulf of America would have to be covered in the new social studies textbooks that Florida plans to use for the 2027–2028 academic year.
This action is comparable to Louisiana officials’ plan to incorporate the new terminology into state social studies requirements beginning the next year. The Gulf of Mexico name should be replaced in documents, maps, and other materials released by state agencies, according to an executive order signed earlier this month by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry.
A House version of the bill, HB 549, is now prepared for consideration on the chamber floor, while the Florida Senate bill is set for one more committee hearing. Despite criticism from Democrats who say the GOP-dominated Legislature’s Gulf of America laws are “arbitrary” and may eventually need to be changed under a different party president, the House bill passed its final committee last week. One state House Democrat made fun of the concept by proposing an amendment to change the names of Florida roadways and other sites that have Star Wars references in state legislation. In one case, the name was changed from “Washington, D.C.” to the “Galactic Senate.”
Even though it’s hot in the Gulf of America right now, I think we need to prioritize our students being able to function in a world academic market,” said state Rep. Ashley Gantt (D-Miami), who opposed the House legislation.
Republican lawmakers, nevertheless, think the ideas will “make the Gulf great again.” They downplayed the changes by mentioning countries that had swapped names in the past, with one recalling a remark from the TV sitcom “Seinfeld”: “You’ll most likely know it as Myanmar, but it will always be Burma to me.”
State Representative Wyman Duggan (R-Jacksonville) stated that this is not unusual in history. “The executive order is in accordance with federal law.” It will change once more if it does in the future. I don’t comprehend all of the anxiety.
Another obstacle to overcome: 52 Florida statutes would rename the body of water under a different planned Gulf of America bill.
This proposal, SB 608, is awaiting a final committee hearing in the Senate, while a related bill, HB 575, is set to be taken up on the House floor.
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Born and raised in South Florida, Krystal is a recent graduate from the University of Miami with professional writing experience at the collegiate and national news outlet levels. She’s a foodie who loves all things travel, the beach, & visiting new places throughout Florida.