Florida Orders Removal of Rainbow Crosswalks Across Multiple Cities

Florida has ordered the removal of all rainbow crosswalks by September 3, 2025, following a directive from U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasizing road safety and prohibiting political or ideological messages on state-funded roadways. The directive has sparked significant backlash from local officials and communities, who view the rainbow crosswalks as important symbols of LGBTQ support, inclusion, and safety. Cities like Miami-Dade, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Tampa, and others have either begun removing these colorful murals or are preparing protests against the state mandate, arguing the move is an anti-LGBTQ action disguised as a safety measure. Tampa officials are also removing other street art, including murals supporting police and social justice causes, despite previous state recognition for programs that combined public art with traffic safety improvements. Data from studies suggest such pavement art may reduce or not increase crash rates, raising questions about the safety rationale cited by Florida transportation authorities. The controversy highlights tensions between state government policies under Governor Ron DeSantis and local efforts to express community values and diversity through public art.