In a move aligning with President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14172, Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson announced today that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) will begin renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the “Gulf of America” in all department administrative rules, forms, maps, and resources.
The directive aims to reflect the Gulf’s historical and economic significance to the United States, particularly Florida. Simpson emphasized the Gulf’s role in shaping the state’s economy, culture, and way of life.
“The Gulf of America has helped shape our state and nation’s economy, history, and culture for generations,” Simpson said in a statement. “It is a vital resource that has fed our families, powered our economy, and provided unrivaled opportunities for recreation and tourism. President Trump’s action rightfully recognizes the Gulf of America’s significance to our nation, and I am proud to help support this effort and ensure that Florida honors this historic change.”
The name change will impact several FDACS divisions and programs that interact directly with the Gulf, including:
- Division of Aquaculture: Oversees commercial aquaculture operations, shellfish harvesting, and the leasing of state submerged lands for aquaculture purposes.
- Division of Marketing: Promotes Florida’s commercial fishing industry and retail seafood markets.
- Division of Food Safety: Enforces regulations to prevent the mislabeling of foreign-caught seafood as Florida-caught products.
Simpson’s directive calls for the name change to be implemented “as quickly as possible,” ensuring that all official documents, maps, and resources reflect the new designation.
The renaming effort stems from President Trump’s Executive Order 14172, which seeks to emphasize the Gulf’s importance to the United States.
While the move has been praised by supporters as a patriotic acknowledgment of the Gulf’s role in American history and commerce, it has also sparked debate. Critics argue that the change is unnecessary and could create confusion in international waters, where the Gulf of Mexico has been the recognized name for centuries.
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The Gulf of Mexico—now to be referred to as the Gulf of America in Florida’s official capacity—has long been a cornerstone of the state’s economy. It supports a thriving seafood industry, provides critical habitats for marine life, and serves as a hub for tourism and recreation.
Florida’s commercial fishing industry alone generates billions of dollars annually, with the Gulf playing a central role in this success.
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