A Republican-led effort to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” is moving forward in Florida’s Legislature, following a party-line vote in the House State Affairs Committee on Thursday.
The two measures, aimed at implementing President Donald Trump’s executive order to rename the Gulf, would require the name change in state laws, official geographic materials, and public school instructional content. The bills now head to the House floor for further debate.
What the Bills Would Do
- House Bill 549 (HB 549), sponsored by Rep. Juan Carlos Porras (R-Miami), would mandate that state agencies update geographic materials to reflect the new name, “Gulf of America.”
- The bill also requires county school boards and charter schools to begin acquiring instructional and library materials that use the updated name as new materials are purchased.
- House Bill 575 (HB 575) would replace “Gulf of Mexico” with “Gulf of America” in 52 sections of Florida state law.
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If the measures clear the Legislature and receive Governor Ron DeSantis’ signature, the name change would take effect July 1, 2025.
The effort stems from Trump’s broader initiative to rebrand geographic locations across the U.S. that he argues should reflect American sovereignty.
Supporters of the renaming argue that “Gulf of America” reinforces national pride and strengthens Florida’s identity.
With strong Republican backing, Florida could be the first state to officially recognize the “Gulf of America” in its laws and educational materials. The debate now moves to the full House and Senate, where the final decision will determine whether Florida leads the charge in rewriting geographic history.
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