Florida State Senator Nick DiCeglie (R-Indian Rocks Beach) filed a 70-page bill on Tuesday to replace all references to the “Gulf of Mexico” in Florida statutes with “Gulf of America.” The legislation comes in response to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, directing the Secretary of the Interior to rename the body of water to “honor American greatness.”
Senate Bill 608 (SB 608) amends dozens of sections of Florida law, updating references to the Gulf of Mexico in statutes related to coastal management, environmental protection, tourism, and more. The bill’s preamble cites the Gulf’s significance to the United States, noting that approximately 1,700 miles of its coastline lie within U.S. borders, including 770 miles along Florida’s shores.
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“The Legislature intends to reflect this name change in the Florida Statutes,” the bill states, aligning state law with President Trump’s executive order, titled “Restoring Names that Honor American Greatness.”
President Trump’s executive order, issued earlier this year, called for the renaming of geographic features and landmarks to better reflect American heritage and values. The Gulf of Mexico, a body of water shared by the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, was specifically targeted for its economic and strategic importance to the U.S.
“The Gulf of America spans approximately 1,700 miles along the United States coastline, of which 770 miles are located along the Florida coast,” the bill reads. “President Donald J. Trump issued Executive Order Number 14172… directing the Secretary of the Interior to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the ‘Gulf of America’ in order to recognize the importance of the body of water to the United States.”
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The proposed name change has drawn mixed reactions from lawmakers, environmental groups, and the public. Supporters argue that the renaming emphasizes the Gulf’s importance to the United States and aligns with broader efforts to celebrate American identity.
“This is about recognizing the Gulf’s critical role in our nation’s economy, security, and culture,” said Senator DiCeglie. “Florida’s coastline is a vital part of the Gulf, and this change reflects its significance to our state and country.”
Critics, however, have questioned the necessity and implications of the change. Some argue that the move could strain diplomatic relations with Mexico, which shares the Gulf and has historically referred to it as the “Gulf of Mexico.” Others see it as a symbolic gesture with little practical benefit.
SB 608 will be considered during the upcoming legislative session, which begins on March 4. If passed, the bill would take effect on July 1, 2025.
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