Florida Enshrines 'Gulf of America' in State Law

Florida has officially renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, becoming the first state to enact this change following an executive order from President Donald Trump. Governor Ron DeSantis signed two bills, which will modify state laws and educational materials to reflect the new name, effective July 1, 2025. The legislation aims to ensure that all state documents, maps, and school resources refer to the Gulf as the Gulf of America, promoting a narrative of 'American exceptionalism.' Proponents, including Republican lawmakers, express pride in aligning with Trump's vision, while some media outlets continue to use the original name. The name change has received mixed reactions, with compliance from certain government entities but resistance from others, such as the Associated Press. Additionally, efforts to formalize the name change at the federal level are underway, led by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.