Governor Ron DeSantis has officially sanctioned a name change for the body of water historically known as the “Gulf of Mexico.” Two bills, HB 575 and HB 549, were signed by the governor, mandating that the name be altered to the “Gulf of America.” The signing took place on Monday, and the changes are set to take effect on July 1, 2025.
The newly signed HB 575 mandates that all references to the “Gulf of Mexico” within the state of Florida be updated to “Gulf of America.” Additionally, HB 549 directs state agencies to amend all geographic materials to align with the new federal designation. This includes updating instructional materials and library collections to reflect the change.
In alignment with these legislative moves, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) announced its intention to incorporate the “Gulf of America” designation into all Commission materials. This decision supports President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14172, which initiated the renaming process. Consequently, all FWC documents, maps, forms, and resources will adopt the new name.
The FWC specified that the changes will impact various offices and programs closely associated with the Gulf of America. These include the Division of Marine Fisheries Management, the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute, and multiple sections within the Division of Law Enforcement statewide.
Additionally, in February, Google Maps updated its platform to reflect the change from the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, showing the widespread acceptance of this new designation.
The Tangible Impact
This name change may affect more than just maps and official documents. For many Florida residents, especially those in industries related to marine life, tourism, and education, the rebranding of a well-known geographic entity may require adjustments in marketing, educational curricula, and public relations strategies. Businesses reliant on the Gulf’s identity might need to re-evaluate their branding to align with the new nomenclature.
The educational sector will also be adapting to these changes, as textbooks and teaching materials will require updates. This could present both a logistical challenge and an opportunity for educators to engage students in discussions about regional identity and federal decision-making processes.
Overall, the renaming initiative reflects a larger pattern of regional rebranding and identity shifts, which might influence local pride, cultural expression, and community engagement across Florida and beyond.